If you’ve brought a dachshund into your home, or you’re thinking about it, you already know these little dogs are full of personality. But that long back and short legs that make them so recognizable also mean they need a bit of special attention when it comes to care. Here’s what every dachshund owner should know to keep their dog healthy, happy, and by their side for years to come.
Protecting Their Back
This is probably the single most important thing to understand about dachshund care. Because of their long spine, dachshunds are much more prone to disc problems than most other breeds, a condition called IVDD (intervertebral disc disease). It can happen at any age, and in bad cases it can lead to pain, paralysis, or even surgery.
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to lower the risk. Try to keep your dog from jumping on and off furniture, beds, or stairs. A lot of owners use small ramps or steps so their dog can get up on the couch without leaping. Be careful when picking them up too. Support the front and back of their body at the same time instead of just grabbing under the arms, which puts strain on their spine.
Keeping your dachshund at a healthy weight matters just as much. Extra pounds put more pressure on their back, so it’s worth paying close attention to portion sizes and treats.
Feeding and Weight Management
Dachshunds are small dogs, and it doesn’t take much extra food to tip them into being overweight. A measuring cup instead of eyeballing portions can make a real difference. Stick to a quality dog food appropriate for their age and size, and go easy on the table scraps and treats, even though those big brown eyes make it hard to say no.
If you’re ever unsure how much to feed your dog, your vet can help you figure out the right amount based on their weight, age, and activity level. Regular weigh-ins at home or during vet visits are a simple way to catch weight gain early before it becomes a bigger problem.
Exercise Without Overdoing It
Dachshunds don’t need marathon workouts, but they do need regular movement to stay fit and mentally satisfied. A couple of short walks a day plus some playtime is usually enough for most dachshunds. What you want to avoid is anything with a lot of jumping, twisting, or rough impact, since that’s hard on their back.
Stairs can also be tricky. Some owners choose to limit how often their dog goes up and down stairs, especially as they get older, though this really depends on the individual dog and your vet’s advice.
Mental exercise matters too. These dogs were originally bred to hunt, so they’ve got sharp minds and strong instincts. Puzzle toys, sniffing games, and basic training exercises can tire them out mentally in a way that’s just as valuable as physical activity, and it helps cut down on problem behaviors like excessive digging or chewing out of boredom.
Grooming Depends on Coat Type
One thing people don’t always realize is that dachshunds come in three coat types, smooth, long haired, and wire haired, and each one needs a slightly different grooming routine.
Smooth coated dachshunds are the easiest to maintain. A quick brush now and then and an occasional bath is usually all they need. Long haired dachshunds have a softer, flowing coat that tends to tangle, so regular brushing a few times a week helps keep it from matting. Wire haired dachshunds have a coarse, dense coat and often need hand stripping or trips to a groomer a few times a year to keep their coat healthy and looking right.
No matter the coat type, don’t forget the basics: regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Their long ears can trap moisture and dirt, so checking them regularly helps prevent infections.
Training and Socialization
Dachshunds are smart, but they can also be stubborn, which sometimes makes training a bit of a challenge. Positive reinforcement works far better than harsh corrections. Short training sessions with treats and praise tend to hold their attention better than long drawn out ones.
House training in particular can take patience. Dachshunds aren’t always the quickest to pick this up, so consistency is key. A regular schedule, frequent trips outside, and lots of praise when they get it right will get you there eventually.
Socializing your dachshund early, meaning exposing them to different people, places, and other animals while they’re young, helps them grow into a confident, well adjusted adult dog. Dachshunds can be a little wary of strangers or other dogs if they don’t get enough exposure early on, so this step really pays off later.
Watching for Health Issues
Beyond back problems, dachshunds can be prone to a few other health issues worth keeping an eye on. Dental problems are fairly common in the breed, so regular teeth brushing and dental checkups matter more than people sometimes expect. They can also be prone to obesity related issues, eye problems, and in some cases patellar luxation, which affects the kneecap.
Regular vet visits help catch these things early. It’s also worth asking your vet about any breed specific screenings when you first get your puppy, since a good vet will know what to watch for in dachshunds specifically.
Creating a Dachshund Friendly Home
A few small changes around the house can make a big difference for your dog’s comfort and safety. Ramps or steps near furniture and beds help protect their back from jumping. Non slip mats or rugs on slippery floors give them better footing, which also helps prevent injury. And since they love to burrow, having a cozy blanket or den style bed will make them very happy, it’s a natural instinct for the breed and something most dachshunds genuinely enjoy.
Keep small chewable objects out of reach too, since their curious nature means they’ll investigate just about anything within reach.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a dachshund isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of extra thought because of their unique body shape. Protecting their back, keeping them at a healthy weight, giving them the right amount of exercise, and staying on top of grooming and vet visits will go a long way toward a long, happy life together.
In return for that care, you get a loyal, funny, and endlessly entertaining companion who will probably try to convince you they run the household. Most dachshund owners will tell you it’s a trade they’d make again in a heartbeat.
