Dachshunds might be small, but their personalities are larger than life – a unique mix of charm, courage, and playfulness wrapped up in a compact package. 

Whether you’re already lucky enough to share your life with a Dachshund or thinking about bringing one into your home, this go-to guide has everything you need to know about parenting these pups. 

Our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of your pup’s health, from choosing the best food for Dachshunds to supporting their physical and mental health. 

Top breed takeaways

• Dachshunds, often called "Doxies" or affectionately nicknamed "sausage dogs," are as charming as they are unique. With their unmistakable long bodies and bold personalities, it’s no wonder they’ve become a favourite for dog lovers everywhere.

• Originally bred in Germany, the Dachshund was designed for determination. Their name translates to "badger dog," which reflects their early purpose: fearless hunters tasked with burrowing into dens to chase out badgers. Dachshunds have a compact but sturdy build, giving them the agility and strength needed for underground pursuits, while their keen sense of smell makes them exceptional trackers. Today, they're loved for their spirited personalities and loving nature. They seamlessly blend fearlessness with a lovable streak of mischief.

• Dachshund is pronounced "Dacks-hund". Its trickiness sometimes leads to misspellings like "daschund", "dashhound" or "dashund" (understandably so!).

Dachshund personality and temperament

Clever, curious, and full of charm, Dachshunds are small dogs with a huge heart and a personality to match. 

They’re big on determination, making them fantastic companions for those ready to match their energy. They love a good chase and have a knack for exploring, but their independence and strong prey instinct mean consistent training is key to helping them focus. 

Known for their loyalty and love of their families, Dachshunds are happiest when they’re part of the action. These pups love spending time with their humans, whether it’s cozying up for a lazy Sunday afternoon or joining you on a lively outing. Their sensitive side means they thrive in environments with plenty of affection and patience. 

Real insights from a Dachshund parent

For a real-world glimpse into life with a Dachshund and the quirks that make them so special, hear from Alex about her experience parenting Charlie — a mini Dachshund and Lyka pup. 

"My Mini Dachshund Charlie is my inseparable companion (literally), bringing me endless laughs with his larger-than-life personality and velvety charm. 
 
He does have a streak of stubbornness (like when he refuses to budge on a walk because he’s decided it’s time for a treat) but his little attitude is what makes him so loveable. He’s fiercely independent yet always finds a way to curl up beside me when it’s time to relax.  
 
Life with Charlie is never dull. He keeps me on my toes and fills my days with joy and surprises." 

How long do Dachshunds live?

Dachshunds have an expected lifespan of 12–16 years, with Miniature Dachshunds often living longer than Standard Dachshunds. 

As dog parents, we want to see our pups live their happiest, healthiest lives for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing. 

A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.  

Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →

"Proper nutrition is essential for Dachshunds to manage a healthy weight and their joint health. Lyka’s meals contain complete and balanced nutrition and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for keeping Dachshunds healthy, mobile, and active."

— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.

What does a Dachshund eat?

These bold little pups have sharp minds and curious personalities that deserve to be fuelled with the right nutrition. 

The best diet for a Dachshund is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health. 

Lyka’s human-grade, real food meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and are irresistibly tasty – perfect for even the fussiest eaters. 

Dachshunds can gain weight easily, which puts extra strain on their back and joints —  maintaining a healthy weight is key. Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest. 

"Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can be managed with the right diet. Lyka’s custom portioned, high protein and low GI meals provide the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy weight."   

— Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM   

Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and her veterinary experience.

Do Dachshund puppies need special food? 

Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food. Dachshund puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy. 

Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →

Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →

Dachshund health issues

Dachshunds from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy. But like any breed, they can inherit health conditions. 

Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their sires and dams to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.  

1. Musculoskeletal issues 

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)   

IVDD (Type 1) is a common back problem in Dachshunds. This is where the outer layer of intervertebral discs hardens, making them more susceptible to breaking or being pushed out of alignment. 

Patellar luxation   

Patellar luxation is a dislocated kneecap, usually caused by abnormalities in tendon and muscle alignment or joint development. There are different degrees of severity from temporary to permanent dislocation, the latter requiring surgery to fix the problem.    
 
Maintain your Dachshund’s healthy joints with a high-quality diet.  
 
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:  

🐟 Sardines: A powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents to support strong and supple joints.  
🌾 Quinoa: Contains manganese for bone development.  
🌱 Fennel Seeds: Rich in antioxidants to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.  

Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like luxating patellas, cruciate ligament ruptures and osteochondritis.  

2. Obesity   

Dachshunds are prone to unnecessary weight gain which puts additional strain on their backs and joints. Careful portion control and regular exercise are vital for sausage dogs, so they stay in top shape. 
 
Maintain your Dachshund's optimal weight with a portion-controlled, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape. 
 
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:  

🍠 Purple sweet potato: A low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.  
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: Low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.  
🥬 Kale: Fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.  

 Pair this with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and healthy, along with regular veterinary check-ups.  

3. Skin issues   

Skin conditions are the most common reason to visit the vet. From skin allergies to dermatitis and dandruff, Dachshunds are no strangers to these problems.  

Soothe your Dachshund's skin inflammation, itchiness and scratching with a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. 

A real food diet helps reduce sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants. 

Look for real ingredients full of skin-soothing properties, like: 

🌱 Hemp seeds: contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 to calm skin irritations. 
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin. 
🐟 Fish oil: has potent omega-3 to reduce inflamed and dry skin. 

4. Behavioural problems   

These feisty pups are known for behavioural issues like excessive barking and can sometimes be aggressive. Bred to alert hunters to prey or threats, some of these behaviours are part of their genetics. However, if they become problematic, they may require support from a vet or a qualified and experienced dog behaviourist.

Did you know that many of the brain’s neurotransmitters affecting mood and behaviour are created in the gut?  

Support your pup’s gut-brain axis with a real food diet that includes ingredients like:  

🍄 Mushrooms: contain beta-glucan to improve your Dachshund’s microbiome and metabolism.  
🥬 Spinach: rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that creates serotonin, and folate that produces dopamine — the good mood hormone.  
🧡 Turmeric: curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, acts as a mood stabiliser.  

Read more: Understanding your Dachshund's health issues: how real food can help →

Dachshund grooming, coat and hygiene tips

Coat types and shedding 

Dachshunds’ three coat types – smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired – each bring their own charm and care considerations.  

• Smooth-haired Dachshund: the most common type, often seen in black and tan or red. Their sleek, single-layer coat sheds lightly, making them the easiest of the three types to maintain. Their short fur offers little insulation, so they may feel the chill during colder months. 

• Wire-haired Dachshund: originally bred for hunting in thorny terrain, wire-haired Dachshunds have a hardy double coat. While their coarse, textured fur sheds moderately, particularly during seasonal changes, regular grooming helps keep their coat looking its best.  

• Long-haired Dachshund: with their flowing double coat, long-haired Dachshunds were bred for colder climates. While their face has shorter fur, their long, soft coat sheds more noticeably and require consistent brushing to prevent tangles and mats.  

Grooming 

Wire-haired and long-haired Dachshunds need regular brushing to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy, while smooth-haired types benefit from occasional grooming with a rubber brush. Long-haired Dachshunds may also need a haircut every 4–8 weeks. 

Hygiene 

A healthy Dachshund has a mild natural scent, but unpleasant odours can result from irregular grooming, ear infections, dental issues, skin infections, or digestive problems. 
 
Long-haired and wire-haired types are prone to matting, while ear infections may produce a waxy discharge. Bad breath can signal dental problems, and untreated skin conditions can lead to odour. Digestive issues caused by certain diets may also contribute.  

Dachshund exercise requirements

Dachshunds are energetic and require 30–60 minutes of low-intensity exercise daily, paired with mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.  

Walks are essential, but variety helps. Try swimming (gentle on their joints), "sniffaris", or short-distance off-leash exploration. For puppies, limit exercise to five minutes per month of age to protect developing joints. 

Mental enrichment like scent games, puzzle feeders, and training sessions keep their curious minds busy and prevent boredom-related behaviours like digging or barking. 

A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, such as Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.  

Training a Dachshund

Dachshunds are intelligent but can be stubborn, showing selective hearing when distracted by enticing smells. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent training, making patience key to success. 

Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them engaged. For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence. 

Mental stimulation, such as puzzle feeders and scent games, prevents boredom and supports learning and enrichment.

Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development. 

Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →

Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know →

Cost of owning a Dachshund 

Welcoming a dog into your home is a special experience and your shared bond is like no other. But it’s also a lifelong commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

How much a Dachshund puppy costs varies between breeders, but you should expect to pay up to $6,000. Along with the initial costs of buying or adopting a Dachshund, there’s the ongoing cost of ownership like healthcare, food, grooming, exercise, and equipment.  

Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected. Along with insurance, consider preventative healthcare through nutrition.  

Dachshund breed FAQs 

Still have unanswered questions? Check out our FAQs below: 

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic? 
If you’re wondering, do Dachshunds shed? The short answer is yes, they do. Smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired Dachshunds all shed their fur moderately, so they’re not considered hypoallergenic. 

Do Dachshunds get along with cats and other pets? 
With careful introductions, training, and patience, dachshunds can be good with other dogs, cats and pets. But Dachshunds can be territorial and jealous of other animals that get your attention. It’s often easier to introduce a Dachshund into a home with a cat, rather than introduce a cat into a home with a Dachshund. 

Is a Dachshund a good family dog? 
This breed is lively, affectionate and loyal, which makes Dachshunds good pets. They can be good with children but may need careful supervision during play to minimise sudden jolts or strains that may cause back injuries. 

When should I desex my Dachshund? 
Most Dachshunds are desexed once they stop growing. Consult your veterinarian about the best time to desex your dog. They’ll consider your pup’s age, size and overall health before providing personalised advice. 

Which type of Dachshund has the best temperament? 
Anecdotally, pet parents and breeders consider the wire-haired sausage dog to be more energetic due to the Terrier genetics in their lineage. Long-haired Dachshunds are often regarded as being the calmest because of their Spaniel genes, while the smooth-haired breed is said to have a temperament in the middle of the other two. Although, all dogs are different! 

For how long is a Dachshund pregnant? 
A Dachshund can be pregnant for around 63 days or nine weeks from conception. 

Where should my Dachshund sleep? 
Your Dachshund should sleep on a warm and comfortable bed away from cold draughts. Whether they sleep on their dog bed, in a crate, or your bed, is up to you. Just make sure that it’s easy for them to access with their short legs and long back, and that you’re being consistent in where you train them to sleep. 

Lyka: fuelling your Dachshund with real food

Parenting a Dachshund comes with many decisions. Lyka makes mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We nourish Dachshunds across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years.

Join our pack of proud Dachshund parents today.