The Entire Dachshund Breed Guide

The dachshund is a breed that many humans see as adorable. Doxies, as they are commonly called, have sausage shaped bodies resting on top of strong little legs. We can’t begin to count how many times we saw strangers in street smiling at our short and sassy sausage. Their proud Roman heads and velvet ears make them stand out despite their small stature.

Now throw in some deep, soulful almond shaped eyes that get us every time and you’ve got a good description of a doxie. This also could be a cuteness factor for the breed as many wieners know how to melt hearts with just one look. This breed was one of the first eight original breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, Dachshunds are a much older breed. 

What Are The Origins Of The Dachshund?

Dachshunds are said to be dating back to medieval Germany but the origin of the breed is uncertain. The breed standard was developed in 1879 in Germany. That’s why dachshund sounds so German (it is!).

Are Dachshunds Hounds?

This breed is a bit of a mystery because wiener dogs are considered to be hounds but with some uniquely terrier traits thrown into the mix. Some theories postulate that the breed evolved from basset hounds in Germany mixed with terrier dogs. Others think that dachshunds are 100% all terrier and took on some hound characteristics. Most doxie lovers do not bother with such classifications. Dachshund lovers don’t bother with such classifications.

What dachshund were bred for?

The dachshund was bred for its skill as a badger hunter hence their name. They are not small lap dogs but dogs bred to hunt badgers and rabbits depending on their size.  

Are Dachshund Still Used as Hunting Dogs?

Yes they are! You can see some pictures all over the internet of folks hunting with their doxies. I have seen and heard of dachshunds still hunting rabbits. I am not too comfortable with hunting. I have nothing against it but I can definitely say that I am not the best person to give pointers on how to train a dachshund to hunt. So, off you go to find that information on another website!

Why Do Dachshund Have Short Legs, a Long Torso (and the Rest)?

They have sausage shaped body and short legs allow them to go after animals who dwell underground. They can slither around using their short powerful legs. These days, their pointed muzzles and flexible little spines are helping their burrow through blankets more than anything. I guess it works out for everybody!  

What Does Dachshund Mean?

Ever wonder why dachshund is pronounced doxin (or doxie or other similar sounding things?). 

Well, the proper question is what does dachshund mean in German?

Dachs means badger and hund means dog. Dachshund are named after the dog’s original purposes. 

Dachshund sizes: Standard & Miniature

The first thing that dachshund lovers learn is that the breed comes in two sizes. Despite their different sizes, standard and miniature doxies are both agile hunters. Miniature dachshunds were bred to combat a rapid rise in the rabbit population in Germany in the 1800s while the bigger variety was used to hunt badgers. To this day, doxies are tough little dogs with strong hunting instincts.

Dachshund Coats and Colors

The breed has a big variety of coats and colors combinations. The three types of coats are: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. It’s pretty much the same body type but many combinations of looks. This wide range of coats and colors make the Dachshund one of the most unique breeds. No two doxies are alike: from smooth wire haired and long-haired to red black cream-colored chocolate or gray to dappled striped and sable patterns.

Are Dachshund Hypoallergenic?

Quick answer is: no, dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.

Which Dachshund Sheds the least?

All dachshunds shed, no matter what the coat. However, the long-haired variety sheds the most.The short-haired variety also sheds a bit more than the wire-haired one. We noticed that our short-haired miniature dachshund sheds but it’s easily manageable in terms of cleaning.

Dachshund Morphology

The journalist HL Mencken famously said a dachshund is a half dog high and a dog and a half long dog. These dogs have an elongated ribcage that makes them very recognizable. So much so that they were used as a logo for the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Owning a Dachshund

People have owned dachshunds since Egyptian times according to some mummies found. They were also very popular across European courts. Queen Victoria loved them very much which could explain why they still remain very popular in Great Britain.

Dachshund owners say that they’re fearless strong-willed dogs. They are often referred to as big dogs on little legs. Since they have a great instinct for burrowing underground, your doxie may have the lovable (but incredibly weird) habit of tunneling under blankets. Dachshunds also love to dig and retain many of their hunting instincts. 

What Are Dachshund Dogs Like?

The dog is very much as it was originally and tried very hard to keep it that way it’s basically a hunting dog it also has a very stubborn streak to it which makes it a challenge. They bark a lot and can be a bit impatient.

Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?

Dachshunds were bred to go deep underground and chase rabbits and badgers. They are most likely stubborn because of their independent nature. With no human around to back up their decisions when in burrows, these smart little dogs developed a second nature for decision making. 

Is it Hard to Train a Dachshund?

Since dachshund are notoriously stubborn, you have to learn to get the dog interested in something. Dachshunds are the most versatile breeds when it comes to types of training they enjoy. However, the breed does have a very stubborn streak. Training is something that you have to be very patient and consistent on. As they say: the dachshund trains you, not the other way around.

Dachshunds and Food : Common Questions Answered

Dachshunds are driven by two things: their nose and their tummy. As a quick reminder, doxies can range from 11 pounds all the way to 32 pounds depending on their size. It’s important to check how much food your dog should be getting depending on its weight and activity levels. 

How Much Food Should You Give a Dachshund?

Dachshunds love to eat. Overeating can cause weight gain which has serious repercussions on the health of the dogs. Sausage dogs have very long backs. They are fragile and any excess body weight can put a strain. Any repeated strain to the back will cause serious health problems. Each type of dog food comes with its own set of guidelines. We weigh every portion of our wiener dog’s food with a digital scale to avoid over feeding her. 

What Can Dachshund Eat Safely?

Did your doxie manage to steal human food? Are you worried about whether or not they should have eaten that? You are not alone. These are the most common food related questions we find ourselves asking:

Can My Dachshund Eat Bananas?

Yes, dachshunds, just like any other dogs, can eat bananas. Bananas are safe to eat for dogs and they have plenty of benefits as far as doggie treats go. These fruits are filled with potassium, vitamins B and C, fiber, copper, biotin and manganese. Bananas are also low in sodium and cholesterol. 

Bananas should be eaten in moderation though as they contain sugar. They shouldn’t be a regular part of a dog’s diet. Instead, use them as a healthy treat: they contain less sugar than apples so that’s a plus! 

You can watch a long haired miniature dachshund eating an entire banana for a whole minute. 

Can My Mini-doxie Eat Eggs?

Eggs are great for dogs! They are a source of easily digestible protein for your pup. Some dogs with fragile digestive systems can benefit from the little protein boost eggs provide for a dog. Eggs are a healthy addition to a dog’s diet. Make sure you give your dog cooked eggs as raw egg whites can cause a biotin deficiency in some pets. 

You can see a dachshund puppy enjoying scrambled eggs for the first time.

My Dachshund Loves to Eat Apples, is That OK?

Apple slices are safe to eat for dachshunds. A huge plus: chewing on apples helps freshen doggie breath. They can help clean residue off your pet’s teeth, that’s why they help your dog keep a fresh breath! Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C. Only warning: make sure there are no seeds and that the core of the apple doesn’t remain as these are potential choking hazards for your pup. 

Can a Dachshund Eat Watermelon?

Yes, dachshunds can enjoy watermelon this summer, just like the rest of the family! Everybody loves watermelon. Thank goodness, it’s safe for dogs to eat if the watermelon seeds are removed as they can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. 

We really like watermelon because it’s a great way to make sure your pup stays hydrated in summer. It’s easy to forget how hot it gets for a furry friend in summer. YouTube is great for dachshund videos. This time, we dug up a video of doxies wearing pink dresses gearing to attack a watermelon.

Is it Safe for a Dachshund to Eat Avocado?

Yes and no. According to multiple sources, while technically not toxic, you may want to keep your pooch away from avocado plant material. The pit is the number one problem. We read a great investigation of dog food containing avocado and it appears to be safe. Check out the complete breakdown over at I heart dogs.

Can a Dachshund Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is a favorite treat of dogs all around the world. It’s a great source of protein, contains healthy fats and vitamins B and E. If you stuff peanut butter into a Kong toy, you can keep your pet happy for hours. Careful though: choose raw, unsalted peanut butter. Early this year, we had a bit of a local scandal, here in Québec because some human-grade peanut butter contained an additive that was killing dogs. 

Can My Dachshund Eat Cheese?

Yes, your dachshund can eat cheese. This list of doxie approved cheese (so far) in our household:

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Cottage cheese
• Himalayan cheese

Cheese is as fattening as it is tasty. As such, it should always remain a treat given in moderation. If your pet is lactose intolerant, cheese is out of the question or you may have to deal with gas, diarrhea and other unpleasant side effects to your pup’s dietary tract.  moderation is key. Cheese is great to hide medications in except antibiotics (look it up, I’m not kidding). 

Can a Dachshund Have Blueberries?

Blueberries are great for humans and they’re also good for dachshunds and other dogs. Blueberries are rich in various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and more. Dogs don’t have stomach issues eating blueberries. This means that they are a healthy dog treat that can be eaten fresh or frozen. Try frozen blueberries, our dog loves them! Other berries that dogs can safely eat are strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Can a Dachshund Eat Papaya?

Papayas are another healthy treat for your wiener dog! Keep the seeds away from your pet as they contain trace amounts of cyanide. Cut papaya into larger chunks and serve it to your pooch to give them a treat. 

Can Dachshund Eat Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a vet approved treat for doxies. Beefsteak tomato or beef steak: you wiener dog will be equally eager to help you eat it! Dog owners should understand a few things about tomatoes before feeding them to their pets. Tomatoes contain solanine, found in the stem and leaves of the tomato plant. That substance is harmful to dogs in large quantities. Luckily, solanine is mostly concentrated in the green bits. Dogs should avoid the leaves, stems and young green tomatoes. Want to know more about this? The AKC has an awesome article about tomato consumption by dogs.

Can Dachshunds Eat Potatoes?

It is safe for dachshunds to eat plain baked potatoes. However, don’t let your pet eat any raw potatoes. Do not let your dog consume potato plants from the garden. That’s not good for them!

Should I list more foods that are safe for dachshund to eat?

Let me know and I’ll include them in this article!