Why is the Dachshund long?

Why Do Dachshunds Have Long Bodies?

Dachshunds have long bodies because they were selectively bred to be that way.

The hot dog on legs (or sausage dog) body shape is certainly very different from that of many other dog breeds 🐶

To understand the elongated shape of the affectionate and sociable dachshund, you have to go back in time.

It turns out that this breed was selected for this shape because it helped it perform an important task it was bred for... guess which one 😜?

Let us also remember that with this lively and dynamic dog breed, its varieties function by 3 types of coats for each of the 3 sizes:

- Coat: wire-haired, long-haired, smooth-haired.

- Sizes (from smallest to largest): the kaninchen (or rabbit) dachshund, the miniature dachshund, the standard dachshund.

A Look at the Dachshund's Physiognomy

The dachshund (in group 4 according to the Centrale Canine) is a breed of dog considered "chondrodysplastic".

This word might sound a bit complicated, but if we break it down into several parts, we will see that it is not that difficult to understand.

• "Chondro" means cartilage.
• "Dysplasia" means abnormal growth.

Also known as dwarfism, chondrodysplasia refers to abnormal cartilage development on the long bones, which results in limbs that are shorter than average.

Although being chondrodystrophic might sound like a bad thing, this characteristic is required in certain breeds like the dachshund and it is ultimately a feature that makes them so cherished by their fans 😊.

It is because of its short legs that the dachshund is long and low. The breed standard of the Federation Cynologique Internationale for the dachshund describes, in fact, a dog "close to the ground with short limbs" and a muscular body, ideal for hunting above and below ground.

As for dog breeds like the corgi, the basset, and the Pekingese, they are also known to be chondrodysplastic.

However, in other dog breeds, chondrodysplasia is synonymous with problems, as it indicates a halt in cartilage development, which can have disabling consequences.

The Doxie, an Ideal Length for Burrows

As you already know, badgers live in burrows.

To hunt this game, foresters needed a hunting dog with the right build to track them down.

Short, sturdy, paddle-shaped legs capable of digging into the earth, and a long body that allowed the dog to enter the badger's burrow, were sought-after characteristics.

Being a small, short-legged dog also gave it an additional advantage: it was better able to follow scents easily because it can easily position its muzzle close to the ground while running!

With a body low to the ground, developed senses, and a courageous temperament, the dachshund proved its worth in badger hunting, and not just that. These little dogs were also used to hunt other game like rabbits, foxes, and even wild boars or deer.

A glimpse of the past

The dachshund's silhouette is not the only thing that reminds us of its past as a badger hunter. These dogs still exhibit behaviors today that call back to their past.

Doxies are avid diggers who love to burrow when the opportunity arises. Keep an eye on the holes they dig in your vegetable garden or flowerbeds.

And when it's time to sleep, be careful where you lie down with your pet dog: dachshunds love to dig "tunnels" in their blankets and beds to snuggle into 😊

Furthermore, dachshunds are lively, tenacious, and brave, to the point of being reckless, a quality that helped them become prized hunters.

Their deep barks (find our blog post) harken back to their hunting days and allow their owners to locate them when they are deep in a hole.

Sometimes, they can even be feisty towards strange dogs, even those ten times their size! This can be dangerous, and steps should be taken to prevent this little "wild animal" from getting into trouble.

Watch Out for the Dachshund's Back

-> Above: A 3D illustration of a degenerated intervertebral disc in a dog's spine.

While the length of the back is a sought-after trait in this breed of dog, this characteristic also constitutes its main weakness.

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the cushioning discs located between the vertebrae of the neck or back bulge and rupture, leading to pressure on the nerves, pain, and even paralysis.

Indeed, dachshunds are 10 to 12 times more likely to suffer from intervertebral disc disease than other pet dogs, so provide them with a ramp from their puppyhood to get up onto your furniture and stairs, and also learn how to carry them properly. 😊

Conclusion

As we have seen, dachshunds have a long body for good reasons.

Their long back helps them squeeze into burrows to hunt badgers. However, their greatest strength happens to also be their greatest weakness.

But first of all, let's debunk a common myth: the dachshund does not have extra vertebrae. Like other dogs, it has the same number of vertebrae.

You now know everything about the special and cute back of your favorite pet, and for more technical questions, your veterinarian is a qualified expert to enlighten you perfectly 😊

The Teckelshop Team 💚 - Last updated 01/10/26

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