Exploring needs an outlet.
Offer sniffing walks, searching games and supervised exploring. Hunting interests can remain strong, so use secure boundaries and sensible management around wildlife and other animals.
The Grumpy Old Max breed guide
Dachshund.
Short legs.
Big opinions.
Thinking of getting one? Already negotiating with one? Get to know the curious, determined companion behind that unmistakable silhouette.
- Understand the personality behind the sausage-dog looks
- Check whether your daily routine is a good fit
- Plan for care, clear teaching and a suitable home setup
Free PDF • No email required • Save or print
Is a Dachshund right for me? →
People-loving
Shared time is part of the commitment
Hunting heritage
Sniffing and exploring need an outlet
Two sizes
Miniature and Standard
Three coat types
Smooth, long-haired and wire-haired
Meet the dog behind the smile
A little hound.
A very full personality.
Developed in Germany for hunting work, Dachshunds bring curiosity and determination to a compact frame. Many form close bonds with their people and enjoy sniffing, play and shared activities. Choose for the individual dog’s temperament and needs, rather than assuming short legs mean an effortless companion.
Make learning worthwhile.
Use short, rewarding sessions and clear cues. Practise recall and giving things back before distractions become difficult, rather than relying on louder instructions.
Company comes with a plan.
Make time together part of everyday life and teach comfortable independence gradually. Understand barking or distress rather than dismissing it as simply a strong personality.
Max’s take
Keep the character.
Set the ground rules.
“A Dachshund may be close to the ground, but their opinion of themselves is sky-high. Keep your rules clear and your rewards worth listening to.”
Kind, consistent teaching works better than a battle of wills. Reward useful choices, offer suitable outlets for curiosity and keep the daily routine manageable.
Life with a Dachshund
Love the little hound.
Plan for the everyday.
Activity & enrichment
Plan comfortable walks, sniffing and short learning games suited to age, health and fitness. Provide rewarding mental activity alongside movement and rest. Ask your vet about a suitable exercise routine for your dog.
Home setup & handling
Think through furniture access, stairs and how your dog is lifted and carried. Ask your vet for advice about back care and a practical setup for the individual. Keep handling gentle and supervise interactions with children.
Training & toilet routines
Offer predictable toilet opportunities, supervise closely and reward in the right place. Practise calm greetings, recall and settling with short sessions. Consistency matters more than scolding after something has gone wrong.
Coat & everyday grooming
Smooth, long-haired and wire-haired coats need different maintenance. Brush regularly and ask a groomer about appropriate care for the coat. Introduce comfortable handling for paws, teeth, ears and nail care.
Company, food & routine
Build comfortable alone time gradually and arrange help for long absences. Choose complete food suited to life stage, measure portions and include training rewards. Discuss body condition and preventive care with your vet.
Choosing a puppy or rescue
Ask about temperament, early experiences, family health history and documented screening relevant to the breed. Discuss back-health concerns with an independent vet. Meet suitable individual dogs and consider an adult rescue.
A breed guide cannot guarantee health or temperament. Discuss your dog’s activity, preventive care and any changes in comfort or behaviour with your vet.
A quick reality check
Love the dog.
Make room for the life.
A Dachshund may suit a household with time for company, patient teaching and a practical home setup. Think about access, handling, toilet routines and other animals alongside the appeal of a small dog.
Tick what you can realistically provide. This is a planning tool, not a guarantee of compatibility.
Can you say yes to these?
Your household check: 0 of 4
Tick the needs you can meet to see Max’s take.
A practical place to begin
Your free Dachshund care sheet.
Keep the existing breed care sheet handy as you plan your dog’s everyday routine.
GET MY FREE DACHSHUND CARE SHEET ↓
Opens the existing PDF in a new tab. Save or print it from your browser.
Already living with a Dachshund?
Choose one habit.
Start making progress.
Find a useful next step for the behaviour you’re seeing today.
Build a clearer routine.
Start with predictable toilet opportunities, close supervision and rewards in the right place.
Explore toilet training →Give yourself a clearer plan.
Explore Max’s Barking Off-Switch programme for a structured starting point. Lasting habits take repetition and individual results vary.
Explore the Barking Off-Switch →Understand the distress.
Alone-time distress needs a different approach from ordinary alert barking. Learn when individual support matters.
Explore separation anxiety →Before you fall for the short legs
Dachshund questions, answered.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs?
Some enjoy family life when temperament and household needs fit. Supervise children, teach gentle handling and provide undisturbed rest. A small dog still needs respect and space.
Are Dachshunds difficult to train?
Many are bright and motivated by worthwhile rewards. Keep practice clear and manageable, and build distractions gradually. An independent streak is a reason to improve teaching, not apply more pressure.
Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
Some are vocal when alert, excited, worried or seeking attention. Work out what starts the barking and choose a suitable alternative. Breed alone does not predict how quiet a dog will be.
Can a Dachshund live in an apartment?
Possibly, with practical toilet access, daily outings, enrichment and company. Consider stairs, household noise and neighbours as well as floor space.
What coat types do Dachshunds have?
Smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Grooming needs differ, so ask for advice suited to your dog’s coat rather than using one schedule for every variety.
Should I think about back care before choosing a Dachshund?
Yes. Discuss breed-related back-health concerns, handling and an appropriate home setup with your vet before committing. A care routine cannot guarantee freedom from health problems.
Can I leave a Dachshund alone while I work?
That depends on age, experience and comfort with separation. Build alone time gradually and plan support for long absences. Persistent distress needs individual help.
Can Dachshunds live with cats or other small pets?
Compatibility varies and hunting interests can remain strong. Use careful assessment, controlled introductions and secure separation where needed. Do not rely on training alone to guarantee safety.
Max’s final word
Big character.
Thoughtful care.
Give your Dachshund company, clear teaching and a routine that suits the individual. Start with the essentials and build one useful habit at a time.
GET MY FREE DACHSHUND CARE SHEET ↓“They bring the personality. You bring the sensible plan.” — Max