The Dachshund Puppy: What You Need to Know

Dachshund Puppy: Everything You Need to Know!

As a puppy, the dachshund is a little dog eager for affection and cuddles.

Naturally curious, dachshund puppies are ready to test your boundaries and explore their new home with you.

The dachshund goes by many names, but it is always a memorable and famous dog!

Whether called a "doxie" or a "sausage dog," these long-bodied canines have been popular for decades. These hunting dogs, which have evolved into family pets over time, are lively and high-spirited, with a very assertive bark. 🐶

Historical profile of the dachshund

The word "dachshund" (or "Dackel" in German) means "badger dog," and for 600 years, this small dog has excelled at underground hunting.

Indeed, their human hunting partners could easily locate their dachshund in underground tunnels and burrows thanks to its powerful bark while it was hunting 😊

Nowadays, dachshunds are not always bred to hunt wild boar, badgers, or other game, but they have retained the intelligent attributes that have made this dog a national symbol of Germany.

They have also captured the hearts of many world-renowned artists. Picasso cherished his dachshund - Lump - while Andy Warhol depicted - Amos and Archie - in his pop art works.

Dachshund Puppy Characteristics

With their long bodies and inquisitive faces, dachshunds are quite iconic.

Raising them when they are babies requires a lot of attention, but once you have a dachshund puppy in your arms, there is no turning back 🥰 

Let us recall that according to the FCI (World Canine Organization), the dachshund breed comes in 3 sizes, from smallest to largest:

- Kaninchen (or rabbit) dachshund

- Miniature dachshund

- Standard dachshund

Small size

The kaninchen size reaches about 13-18cm at the withers, weighing 3.5kg maximum.

For the miniature (the intermediate size), it measures 20-30cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 6kg.

Finally, the standard dachshund measures 20-35cm at the withers and weighs 7 to 14kg.

Breed characteristics

The dachshund is a sturdy little dog well-known for its long body and short, muscular legs, ideal for digging and moving forward or backward in burrows.

Although small in size, it moves with great confidence and vivacity.

This magnificent breed comes in 3 recognized coat types:

- Smooth-haired (short)

- Wire-haired

- Long-haired

The most common colors are brown, black with tan markings, and wild boar.

Note: Its stubborn trait can vary and become more pronounced depending on its coat type.

Indeed, the wire-haired comes (unsurprisingly) first, followed by the calmer smooth-haired, and finally the slightly more docile long-haired dachshund.

The dachshund is powerful

Remember... Dachshunds may be small, but they are as physically and mentally powerful as they are: they (really) think they are big dogs 😜 and will rarely back down from prey or an obstacle.

Due to their low-to-the-ground stature, they keep their noses on the ground and are true little hunters that won't let go of their prey. They are indeed very brave and possess extraordinary endurance to run for hours!

As you have understood, Doxies make amazing, brave guard dogs, so don't be surprised if your dachshund puppy or adult starts barking to warn you of a presence on its territory.

Grooming and health

As young dogs, dachshunds need only a minimum of bathing and brushing.

Depending on their coat type (smooth, long, wire), they will have different grooming needs as they get older 😊

Smooth-haired dachshunds require little maintenance and can be kept looking great with a simple brush from time to time, while long-haired dachshunds need regular brushing with a detangling brush.

Wire-haired dachshunds may need hand-stripping or trimming several times a year, interspersed with beard and eyebrow trimming.

For all of them, if physical activity is not sufficient, their nails should be trimmed.

The dachshund is a sturdy breed, generally in good health, but it can have spinal disc issues due to its long body.

To avoid this, you must:

1) Avoid excess weight by monitoring their diet. Your veterinarian can tell you exactly what your pet's daily needs are.

2) Learn how to properly carry them from their young puppy age to relieve and care for their back for life.

3) Monitor them so they don't jump up or down from furniture or stairs too often. A dog ramp is recommended to help them get on the sofa or bed. 😉

 Dachshund collars

Physical activities

If you want a dog with personality, these little pups are fiercely independent with a very assertive character, which can mean they don't always agree with you.

Dachshund puppies with their adorable faces and floppy ears will often want to do what they want, so don't let them get away with it at a young age and be assertive in their training. It is essential that they know who is in charge, gently but firmly (an iron fist in a velvet glove).

However, they really love affection, and positive reinforcement styles of training are the best for this canine breed.

Energy level

Take them out often, play often, and exercise them often! Your dachshund will be the happiest in the world 😊

Although small, dachshunds need regular exercise inside and outside the house. Keeping a dachshund in shape is useful for building muscles to protect their long back from any potential injury.

However, they are not made to walk long distances, nor to swim much due to their short legs.

Who is the Best Human for a Dachshund?

The dachshund can be a bit stubborn, but remains an excellent companion dog if you are a first-time dog owner.

As long as you are patient with them, they can be patient with you. Dachshunds thrive as well in apartments as in large houses, and will be very happy in households with young children, due to their protective nature.

Doxies are wonderful sofa companions, provided you take proper care of them to avoid straining their back. They are not necessarily built for speed or distance, but they need at least 3 walks a day to burn off their energy.

Adopting a Dachshund Puppy

Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new dachshund puppy is a personal choice that requires research.

Fortunately, there are many resources to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy and ethically sourced dachshund puppies.

Knowing what to expect when buying a dachshund puppy is an important step in becoming a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or consider adopting, it is up to you to prepare for the arrival of an energetic and friendly companion in your home.

Finding a dachshund breeder

The first step is to do your research. Unfortunately, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders, as well as many online scams.

Be vigilant by reading our blog post explaining dachshund breeding, and participate in various online forums to discuss acquiring your future ball of fur.

Remember to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the dogs or the mother, and follow your instincts. If during a visit to the kennel something doesn't feel right about the breeder, or if you see things that displease you regarding the dachshund puppies or their parents, if the sales pitch sounds too good to be true, or if your questions are not answered, do not insist and contact a serious breeder.

🐶 -> You can find our article that lists dachshund breeders in France. 🇫🇷

Final Paw

We saved the best for last... dachshunds love to chew. 😜

Especially during the first few years of the puppy's life, it is important to provide safe chewing toys to avoid them starting to chew on your shoes or furniture to satisfy this urge.

Try to select some toys with varied textures or "special chewing" products, and tell us in the comments what size and coat of dachshund you want or already have in your family.

The Teckelshop Team 💚 Last modified 07/10/26

 Dachshund bags