Overview: A very popular breed, you may be familiar with the Dachshund breed by the endearing name “wiener dog”. They have acquired that name quite obviously through their appearance that features a long body with short legs, giving them the appearance of a weiner/sausage. Both the standard Dachshund and the Miniature Dachshund are very popular breeds, as their small size and unique look make them a favorite of many dog enthusiasts. Miniature Dachshunds should weigh no more than eleven pounds, with standard Dachshunds reaching an adult weight of no more than twenty eight pounds. Like many small dog breeds, Dachshunds enjoy long lifespans which can reach up to fifteen years.

Exercise Requirements: The Dachshund has low to moderate exercise needs and will do well in a apartment as long as it is provided a daily walk and off leash outdoor opportunities. As a hound, the Dachshund will especially appreciate opportunities to sniff and follow outdoor trails whenever safely possible.

Grooming: The amount of grooming required for the Dachshund breed largely depends on whether you have a Short haired, long haired, or wire haired dog. While short haired Dachshund can do with only an occasional brushing, the long and wired hairs should be brushed twice weekly and bathed whenever an odor is present.

Training: The Dachshund is a hound that was bred to track small game, and like others from these roots can be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature. Firm consistency and positive reinforcement is a must when training any hound, including the clever but independently minded Dachshund breed. Furthermore, this breed is notoriously difficult to house break and may not be best suited for those without previous dog training experience.

Health Concerns: Like many popular dog breeds, the Dachshund has been subjected to a large amount of inbreeding to fulfill public demands for this breed. It’s of the utmost importance to purchase your Dachshund from a reputable breeder or rescue, and to avoid places like pet store that almost certainly have poor quality breeding stock. Dachshunds are prone to obesity and should have their food intake closely monitored, with free feeding (leaving food out all the time) avoided if possible. Obesity is very dangerous in dogs and raises the chances of health issues developing.

Dachshunds are prone to epilepsy, luxating patellas, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and back issues due to their build. While it is important not to allow any dog to become obese, it is particularly important in the Dachshund due to problems extra weight can cause for their spine (again due to their build).