Dachshunds are a paradox: a dog so small you can carry one in a tote bag, possessed of a personality so large it fills whatever room they enter. They are stubborn, dramatic, fiercely brave (they were bred to go into badger burrows and fight the occupant), intensely loyal, and absolutely convinced of their own superiority. They also have a spine that requires rather more care than they themselves believe necessary, because Dachshunds do not accept physical limitation as a concept that applies to them.
3 Things Nobody Tells You About Dachshunds
- The stubbornness is structural. Dachshunds were bred to work independently underground, making their own decisions without human guidance. That independent streak means they will ignore commands they disagree with, selective-hear recall, and perform an elaborate display of considering whether the requested behaviour serves their interests. Patience, consistency, and high-value treats are your only real tools.
- They can have strong prey drive. Badger dogs, remember. Given the opportunity, a Dachshund will pursue small animals, dig under fences, and follow a scent with impressive tenacity. Secure fencing and lead control near wildlife are essential — and they mean it about the digging.
- They choose their person. Dachshunds often attach most strongly to one person in the household and can be territorial about that relationship. This is endearing until it's not. Socialising Dachshunds broadly as puppies prevents excessive guarding behaviour.
Health Things to Actually Watch For
- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): This is the Dachshund's defining health challenge. Their long spine and short legs put them at very high risk — 25% of Dachshunds will experience significant spinal disc disease in their lifetime. Signs: yelping when touched on the back, reluctance to jump, abnormal gait, hind-limb weakness. This is always urgent. Do not wait for it to resolve on its own.
- Obesity worsens IVDD dramatically: Extra weight on a Dachshund's spine is not a minor concern — it's a direct predictor of disc problems. Keep your Dachshund lean. Every time.
- Dental disease: Small mouths, teeth too big for the space. Dachshunds accumulate tartar rapidly and dental disease causes pain that goes unnoticed. Brush teeth from puppyhood.
- Eye conditions: Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts occur in Dachshunds. Annual eye checks from middle age.
Your Dachshund Care Cheat Sheet
- No jumping on and off furniture — use ramps and steps to protect the spine.
- Keep weight strictly controlled. Even 500g over ideal weight stresses a Dachshund's back disproportionately.
- Regular but not excessive exercise — good walks, yes; forced long runs on hard surfaces, no.
- Learn the signs of IVDD and have the nearest emergency vet's number saved. Speed of treatment for IVDD significantly affects outcome.
- Brush teeth 3× weekly — start as a puppy so it becomes routine.
Get your Dachshund's personalised care plan and vaccine schedule on the Woofio Dachshund care page.