Hound Group
Dachshund
Champion Pedigree
Spirited
Bold
Scent Hound
Bred in Germany to hunt badgers by tunneling into their dens, the Dachshund’s long body and short legs are purpose-built for digging and tight spaces. Despite its comically small stature, it carries a bold, tenacious hound temperament in miniature form.
Lifespan
12–16 years.
Did You Know?
The Dachshund’s name translates literally from German as "badger dog," a direct reference to its original hunting purpose.
Breed Traits
Size
Standard: 8–9 in. tall, 16–32 lbs; Miniature: 5–6 in. tall, under 11 lbs.
Energy Level
Moderate — enjoys walks and digging opportunities.
Coat & Grooming
Smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired varieties; grooming needs vary by coat type.
Good With Families
Loyal and playful, though can be territorial and is not always ideal with very young children.
Registry Record
Also Known As
Wiener Dog, Doxie, Teckel
Origin
Germany, developed for badger hunting.
Typical Litter Size
3 to 6 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK), CKC
Disposition
Bold, curious, and stubborn; a big personality in a small frame, often more confident with strangers and other dogs than its size suggests.
Coat Colors
Red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, and dapple, among others.
Working Roles
Historically a badger and small-game hunting hound; today primarily a companion.
Health & Wellness
Its long back and short legs make intervertebral disc disease the breed’s single most important health consideration.
Notable Dachshunds
Registry Champions
Consistently one of the most popular small breeds in national registries.
Cultural Icon
Widely recognized worldwide by its "wiener dog" nickname and silhouette.
Miniature Variant
Bred down in size specifically for hunting smaller game like rabbits.
Related Reading
Dachshund Gifts
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