If you are looking for a dog that will easily fit into apartment living conditions, get along well with kids, and be able to follow you on long strolls, then Dachshund is the right dog for you. Dachshund or Doxie is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. Their sausage-like bodies, big, sad-looking eyes, and flopped ears are one of the reasons why these dwellers often find places in homes all over the world.
Why are Dachshunds so popular?
Who can resist those sad-looking puppy eyes and sausage-shaped bodies? These pooches currently take 10th place on the AKC’s list of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
People love them not only because of their iconic appearance but also because of their affectionate and playful natures.
Otherwise known as Doxies, these dogs always seem like they’re ready to cuddle. Their elongated backs and bellies are the spots you can’t stop rubbing, while their innocent faces always put them at the center of attention.

The kings of goofy personalities
Besides they’re recognizable for their iconic body build, Doxies are also famous for their witty and playful temperament. If you are planning to buy a Dachshund, then you have to be ready to have a lot of fun.
Bright, agile, and cuddly
The ancient Egyptians described Dachshunds as fierce and fiery. Thanks to the Germans, this breed got the distinctive look it has today. Created through cross-breeding a Hound and a Pinscher, Dachshunds inherited the best genes from both breeds. Dachshunds have a hunting temperament, a very pronounced “Me and only me” personality, and hearts that beat for their dearest humans.
When we talk about the history of Dachshunds, their roots go back to ancient Egypt where drawings of small dogs with elongated bodies have been found on frescoes. They are depicted in frescoes found in the tombs of Pharaohs Thutmose III and Amenhotep.
There are also hieroglyphic inscriptions that Egyptologists have translated as “Tekel,” so in some countries, it represents the name of this dog breed, especially in Germany – the country responsible for the complete formation of this breed.
Dachshund – a favorite pharaoh’s dog
The origin of the breed name “Teckel” or “tekkel” is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt, which described the breed as fierce, fiery, and brave. These characteristics are still present in today’s Dachshunds. In ancient Egypt, these small dogs were also used as hunters, chasing the game from low and dense undergrowth.
The history of Dachshunds is also linked to Greece and Rome, as sculptures from these civilizations depict dogs that resemble today’s Greyhounds, Dachshunds, Hounds, and Spaniels. While it is impossible to prove or disprove that these ancient dogs were the prototypes of today’s Dachshunds, it is clear that the breed has a rich history. Modern research suggests that Germany is responsible for the development of the breed and that the oldest ancestor of the Dachshund is the old German hunting dog Bibarhound.

Doxies hunt underground
Before the invention of firearms, hounds played a crucial role in hunting. However, the arrival of firearms brought significant changes to the way hunting was conducted, which also changed the role of dogs in hunting.
As the focus of hunting shifted to underground prey, hunters needed a dog with short legs and an elongated body that could fulfill this task. In the 16th century, German breeders achieved this by crossing a low-legged Swiss Hound of the Jurassic type with a Pinscher. It is believed that the unique physical characteristics of Dachshunds are a result of this crossbreeding and the creation of the breed.
Wilhelm Daake played a major role in the development and improvement of the Dachshund breed, starting his breeding efforts in 1868. As the Dachshund population grew rapidly, the need for a clearly defined breed standard arose in 1879. This led to the formation of the Dachshund club in Germany in 1888.
Historically, Dachshunds were used to hunt beavers, rabbits, badgers, and otters. Their courage and relentless fighting spirit were well-known among hunters, whether they were hunting above or below ground.
The prey, which was often much larger than the Dachshund, would not have been intimidated by the small dog’s appearance. But thanks to its cleverness and the hunter’s help, the Dachshund would have been able to defeat it.
Doxies have well-developed senses
Dachshunds are a unique breed that combines the small size and qualities of their much larger counterparts. Their appearance might seem comical, but it gives them a great advantage. Their elongated muzzle, inherited from the hound, ends in a point inherited from the Pinscher. These two combinations give a Dachshund a flat shape of the upper part of the head, making their stop hardly noticeable. This is similar to the greyhounds, which is known to be one of the reasons why greyhounds have such good vision.
The position of the eyes on this type of head shape provides a wide field of vision, giving Dachshunds very good eyesight. They inherited great agility and speed from Pinschers, so their short legs are not a hindrance when it comes to sudden movements. They also inherited a very good sense of smell and hearing from hounds.
Their elongated body allows a Dachshund to slip through narrow pits easily. They have a very loud bark, like big dogs, so hunters can hear them perfectly regardless of whether they are underground or above ground.
Small but vigorous
The mindset of Dachshunds is quite different from other breeds. As they were bred for a demanding and dangerous type of hunting, it is logical that they have highly developed natural intelligence and very good reflexes. They can make independent decisions about when and how to attack their prey.
Dachshunds are calm-tempered but also energetic, and they expect their owner to treat them with respect after completing a task. This characteristic is not limited to hunting but applies to all aspects of their behavior.
The reason for this is that its intelligence does not reduce to blind obedience to commands because it is a dog with a very strong character. It would be ideal for its owner to have a similar way of thinking to fully understand it.
Although it possesses indescribable courage, sharpness, and caution, at the same time, it is very affectionate, gentle, playful, and loyal.

Are Dachshunds cuddly?
A Doxie’s tenderness and sensitivity should not allow us to spoil him. This dog has a pronounced “myself” and in case of being spoiled, it will put itself as a leader.
Training with physical force is not an option, as it can lead to great aggression, especially considering that, according to recent research, Dachshunds are among the most aggressive breeds. He must be shown in a stable, serious, but also calm way who is the leader.
They prefer older children because, unlike, for example, boxers, they do not allow everything, so small children should be taught boundaries. He has a very pronounced rule of “a dog is not a toy”!
Is a Doxie a good guard dog?
The Dachshund is a small but powerful guard dog, known for its bravery and willingness to defend its home and family. With proper training, this dog can become a loving and loyal companion, while also being an effective watchdog. They tend to get along well with other pets and are highly attached to their owners. This breed is not suitable for those who keep their dog mostly outdoors.
What types of Dachshunds exist?
When it comes to Doxies, there is a wide variety of sizes, coat types, and colors to choose from. These dogs are classified by their chest girth rather than their height, and there are three main types:
- Standard
- Dwarf
- Miniature
The Standard Dachshund can reach up to 35cm in height and weigh up to 9kg. The Dwarf Dachshunds are typically 30-35cm in height and weigh around 5kg, while the Miniature Dachshunds are smaller than 30cm and weigh less than 5kg.
In terms of coat type, there are three main categories:
- Short-haired
- Long-haired
- Wire-haired Dachshunds.
The original Dachshund was short-haired and over time, the long-haired and wire-haired variations were created through breeding with other breeds. The Long-haired Dachshunds are a result of crossing short-haired Dachshunds with Cocker Spaniels, while Wire-haired Dachshunds were created by crossing the original breed with Schnauzers and Terriers.
When it comes to color, the most common are reddish-brown or black with some yellow-brown markings, but Dachshunds can come in a wide range of color combinations and patterns.

What are the negative traits of Dachshunds?
When considering a Dachshund as a pet, there are some negative traits to keep in mind.
Excessive barking: Dachshunds are known for being highly alert and easily triggered by new sounds. They can bark excessively if not trained to control their barking.
Stubbornness: These dogs have a strong will and can be stubborn, making training difficult. They may not respond well to traditional training methods and require a consistent, firm approach.
Manipulative behavior: Dachshunds can be manipulative, which can make them challenging to train. It’s important to establish yourself as a leader and be consistent in your training.
Keep in mind that, these are common traits of the breed, but it does not mean that every Dachshund will have these problems, with the right training and socialization, Dachshunds can be well-behaved and loving pets.
What are the potential health issues in Dachshunds?
Many Dachshunds live long lives, but unfortunately, 1 out of every 4 Dachshunds will become disabled or paralyzed in middle age. Their long backs are actually a deformation – the vertebrae are stretched to the point of fracture and are genetically very weak. Your Dachshund may seem happy and playful one moment, and unable to move the next. Without immediate (within a few hours) surgical interventions, it may be permanently paralyzed. Dachshunds should never be allowed to stand on their hind legs, climb stairs, or jump on/off furniture. When choosing a dog that can develop a deformity, you should be especially careful to protect its health.
Dachshunds can also suffer from epilepsy, urinary tract problems, heart disease, skin dermatitis, and much more.
How to take care of a Doxie?
To maintain the appearance of a long-haired Dachshund, regular brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting of their coat. Occasionally, trimming may also be required. On the other hand, wire-haired Dachshunds require regular clipping. All types of Dachshunds shed. However, wire-haired Dachshunds shed less compared to other types. It may also not be suitable for people with allergies. On the other hand, smooth-haired Dachshunds have minimal shedding and have less of a strong dog odor.

How do Doxies get along with other pets?
Doxies are usually good with other household pets, although they can be jealous. When they want attention, they can be possessive of their toys. It’s important to nip any signs of jealousy or possessiveness before they turn into bad habits.
These pooches also require daily walks and lots of interaction. It’s important to always walk them on a leash as they are hunting dogs and will chase after anything they find interesting.
Being left alone can lead to excessive barking. Overall, miniature dachshunds are more active than larger standard dachshunds.
Comparing the three coat types:
Wirehaired dachshunds tend to be the most energetic, mischievous, and stubborn (likely due to their strong terrier heritage).
Longhaired dachshunds tend to be the quietest and sweetest-natured (likely due to their spaniel heritage).
Smooth-haired dachshunds tend to bond with one person and keep their distance from strangers.
How much do Dachshunds cost?
Dachshunds can come at a variety of price ranges, depending on where you look. On the American Kennel Club’s marketplace, you can expect to pay around $1,600 for a Dachshund from a reputable breeder.
However, prices can range from $500 to $1,300. If you’re on a budget, consider adopting a Dachshund from websites for pet adoptions, where prices can range from $100 to $300. You may even find one at a local shelter for an even lower price. Keep in mind that there are many factors that can affect the cost of a Dachshund, so it’s important to do your research and find the right fit for you and your budget.