Dachshund Owner’s Guide: Big Attitude, Long Back, and More Personality Than Should Fit

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Dachshunds show up on our small apartment breed list for good reason, but their distinctive shape brings a specific set of health and training realities that deserve their own dedicated conversation, not just a passing mention on a broader list.

Temperament: clever, bold, and famously stubborn

Quick answer
Dachshunds are intelligent, alert, and often described as having far more confidence than their size would suggest, originally bred to bravely confront badgers underground. That same boldness and independence shows up as a genuine stubborn streak in training.

This breed’s history as a hands-on badger hunter explains a lot about the modern personality — a dog bred to make independent decisions underground, away from direct handler guidance, doesn’t naturally default to looking to a human for constant direction. That independence is part of the charm and part of the challenge.

The back problem: what every owner needs to understand

Quick answer
Dachshunds are highly prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their elongated spine and short legs, with a meaningfully higher risk than most other breeds. Managing this risk through weight control, careful handling, and avoiding activities like jumping from height is a genuine, lifelong responsibility.

IVDD in Dachshunds isn’t a rare complication — a substantial proportion of the breed will experience some form of disc issue in their lifetime, ranging from mild discomfort to serious, sometimes permanent mobility loss. This shapes daily life more than almost any other single factor: discouraging jumping on and off furniture, using ramps or steps instead of letting them leap, and supporting their back when picking them up all become genuinely important habits, not just nice-to-haves.

Keeping a Dachshund at a lean, healthy weight meaningfully reduces spinal stress and IVDD risk — our portion guide is worth following closely for this breed specifically, since even modest excess weight puts disproportionate strain on that long spine.

Training: the stubbornness is real, but manageable

Quick answer
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, but their independent streak means training often takes more patience and consistency than with more naturally eager-to-please breeds. Short, engaging sessions work better than long repetitive ones for this breed.

This is exactly a case where positive reinforcement done well matters more than with a naturally compliant breed — Dachshunds respond to genuinely high-value motivation far better than repetition alone, given how little they’re driven by a simple desire to please.

There’s a very specific, very familiar standoff most Dachshund owners eventually have: a dog planted firmly in place, absolutely refusing to move another step on a walk, staring you down with what can only be described as complete indifference to your opinion on the matter, thinking what the furry kind of negotiation is this. This is a genuinely common Dachshund experience — patience and high-value treats usually win eventually, though “eventually” can take a while.

Coat types and grooming

Quick answer
Dachshunds come in three coat types — smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired — with grooming needs varying accordingly. Smooth coats need minimal grooming, while longhaired and especially wirehaired coats need more regular brushing and occasional professional grooming.

Coat type is purely a preference decision and doesn’t affect the breed’s temperament or health risks — all three coat varieties carry the same spinal considerations and general personality traits.

Product	Category	Why we recommend it
Pet ramp or steps	Mobility aid	Reduces jumping on and off furniture, meaningfully lowering spinal stress over time
Back support harness (Y-front)	Harness	Distributes pressure away from the neck and spine compared to a standard collar
Slow feeder bowl	Feeding tool	Helps manage weight and slows fast eating, both relevant to this breed’s health profile

Frequently asked questions

Should Dachshunds be discouraged from using stairs?

Many vets recommend limiting stair use, or providing a ramp alternative where possible, given the added spinal strain repeated stair climbing can contribute over time — though opinions vary somewhat by individual dog and vet.

How long do Dachshunds typically live?

Around 12–16 years, genuinely long for their size, provided spinal and weight-related health risks are well managed throughout their life.

Are Dachshunds good with children?

It varies by individual temperament — some are excellent with gentle, respectful children, but their spinal vulnerability means rough handling needs to be actively prevented, making them a better fit for households with older, more careful kids.

More dog than the size suggests, in every sense

Dachshunds bring genuine personality and charm, alongside a specific, serious spinal health consideration that shapes daily life more than most owners expect going in. Manage the weight, manage the jumping, and be patient with the stubbornness — most owners find the trade entirely worth it.

Related articles → Best small dog breeds for apartments → Positive reinforcement dog training → How much should I feed my dog?