Dachshund characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | High | 22% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Dachshund right for you?
The Dachshund is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home. Day to day, the Dachshund wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Dachshund wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Dachshund to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Dachshund needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Dachshund trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Dachshund
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Dachshund genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Athleticism: Low — the Dachshund is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Dachshund is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Dachshund actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Dachshund fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | High protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Guides the Dachshund is ranked in
The Dachshund earns a place on 1 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Apartment living
- Small dog lovers
- Families
- Senior owners
Things to consider
- Back problems common
- Can be stubborn
- May bark excessively
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Dachshund good with children?
- Yes — the Dachshund is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Dachshund shed a lot?
- The Dachshund has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Dachshund need?
- With medium energy, the Dachshund needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Dachshund live?
- The Dachshund typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Dachshund live in an apartment?
- The Dachshund can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Dachshund easy to train?
- The Dachshund trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Dachshund be left alone during the day?
- The Dachshund handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.