Dachshund Puppies: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Raising, and Loving the “Wiener Dog”

Few puppies are as instantly lovable as a Dachshund. With a long body, stubby legs, floppy ears, and a personality several sizes too big for its frame, a Dachshund puppy seems to have been designed to make people smile. Behind the comic silhouette, though, is a determined little hunter with a strong will, a loud voice, and a back that needs careful protection.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Dachshund puppies: the breed’s history, sizes and coat types, temperament, how to find a responsible breeder, how to prepare your home, feeding, house training, socialization, exercise, grooming, and health. It also explains how to protect your puppy’s spine, which is the most important health responsibility of any Dachshund owner. A detailed FAQ and conclusion follow at the end.

The History of the Dachshund

The Dachshund comes from Germany, and its name translates roughly as “badger dog” (Dachs means badger, Hund means dog). The breed was developed several centuries ago to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. The long, low body allowed the dog to follow prey into tunnels, while the deep chest provided lung capacity and the powerful front paws were ideal for digging. The loud, deep bark helped hunters locate a dog working underground.

Over time, breeders developed different sizes and coat types for different kinds of hunting. Smaller dogs were used on rabbits and other small game, while larger ones tackled badgers and foxes. The breed became popular across Europe and later in North America, where its distinctive shape made it a favorite companion and a frequent subject of cartoons, advertising, and even sporting events such as “wiener dog races.”

That working background explains much of the modern Dachshund’s personality: bold, persistent, curious, and sometimes stubborn. A Dachshund puppy is a small dog with a hunter’s mind.

Dachshund Sizes and Coat Types

Sizes

Dachshunds come in two main sizes recognized by most kennel clubs:

Standard: Typically 16 to 32 pounds
Miniature: Typically under about 11 pounds in many standards

Some European registries also recognize a smaller “rabbit” size. Be aware that terms such as “teacup” or “tiny toy” are marketing labels, not recognized sizes, and extremely small dogs are often associated with health risks.

Coat Types

Smooth (short-haired). Sleek, shiny, and easy to care for. This is the classic “wiener dog” look.

Longhaired. Silky, flowing hair with feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. It needs regular brushing.

Wirehaired. A coarse, wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat, bushy eyebrows, and a beard. Wirehaired Dachshunds are often described as clownish and slightly more outgoing.

Colors and Patterns

Dachshunds come in many colors, including red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, and wild boar (a mixed brindle-like coloring in wirehairs). Patterns include dapple (also called merle in some places), brindle, and piebald. Dapple patterns are popular but require careful breeding. Breeding two dapples together can produce puppies with serious eye, ear, and health problems, so ethical breeders avoid it.

Dachshund Puppy Temperament

Bold and Curious

Dachshund puppies tend to be fearless explorers. They sniff, dig, and investigate everything, and they are not always aware of their small size.

Loyal and Affectionate

Dachshunds bond closely with their families. Many choose a favorite person and follow that person everywhere, often burrowing under blankets to sleep beside them.

Stubborn and Independent

Bred to work underground without direction, Dachshunds often think for themselves. They are intelligent but not always eager to obey, so training requires patience, consistency, and rewards.

Vocal

Dachshunds bark, and they bark with surprising volume. They announce visitors, squirrels, delivery trucks, and sometimes nothing at all. Early training helps, but expect a talkative dog.

Playful

Many Dachshunds remain puppy-like for years. They love toys, chasing, tugging, and games, especially anything involving hunting or digging.

Wary of Strangers

Some Dachshunds are reserved with unfamiliar people or dogs, and a few can be snappy if they are not socialized properly. Early positive experiences matter.

Temperament Varies by Coat

Owners often report slight tendencies: smooth coats as sweet but sometimes sensitive, longhairs as calmer, and wirehairs as feisty and outgoing. These are generalizations, and individual puppies vary widely.

Is a Dachshund Right for You?

A Good Fit If You:

Want a lively, affectionate, funny companion
Are patient with stubborn dogs and willing to train consistently
Can protect a puppy’s back by limiting jumping and stairs
Are home often, since Dachshunds dislike long periods alone
Can tolerate barking
Are prepared for ongoing veterinary costs

Think Twice If You:

Want a dog that obeys instantly
Live in a building with many stairs and cannot manage them safely
Have very young children who might handle a puppy roughly
Need a quiet dog for thin-walled housing
Want a dog that is easy to house train quickly

Finding a Dachshund Puppy

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

A good breeder is your best protection against health and temperament problems. Look for someone who:

Health-tests breeding dogs and shares results, which may include eye exams, back and spine evaluations, and tests for inherited conditions relevant to the breed
Avoids breeding dapple to dapple
Raises puppies in a clean, social home environment
Lets you meet the mother and, if possible, the father
Asks you questions about your home and lifestyle
Provides a written contract, health guarantee, and vaccination and deworming records
Allows puppies to stay with their mother until at least eight weeks old
Will take the dog back at any point in its life

Red Flags

Selling puppies online without visits or questions
Several breeds available at once
Pressure to pay a deposit quickly
No health testing or refusal to show the parents
“Teacup” or “rare color” marketing with premium prices
Puppies that look unwell, thin, or dirty

Prices vary widely by region, coat type, and breeder. Well-bred puppies from health-tested parents often cost more, but a very cheap puppy can lead to expensive veterinary bills.

Rescue and Adoption

Dachshund rescues exist in many regions and often have puppies, adults, and seniors. Adoption fees are usually lower, and staff can describe each dog’s personality and needs. Many rescue dachshunds are wonderful companions, and some already know basic training.

Choosing a Puppy From the Litter

Observe how the puppies behave. A healthy puppy has bright eyes, a clean coat, clean ears, a plump but not bloated belly, and steady, coordinated movement. Look for a puppy that is curious and friendly and recovers quickly from small surprises. Avoid puppies that are extremely shy, lethargic, or limping.

Preparing Your Home for a Dachshund Puppy

Protect the Back From Day One

The Dachshund’s long spine is its greatest vulnerability, so home preparation should focus on reducing strain.

Block stairs with baby gates, especially for young puppies
Add ramps or pet steps beside sofas and beds
Use non-slip rugs on slick floors
Discourage jumping from furniture
Keep a carrier or sling handy for safe lifting

Create a Safe Zone

Set up a crate and exercise pen in a quiet part of the house. Choose a crate that fits the puppy’s size and use a divider if needed. The crate should be a comfortable den, not a punishment.

Puppy-Proof

Cover electrical cords
Remove toxic plants
Store food and trash securely
Put away shoes, socks, and small objects
Block access to tight spaces where a puppy might get stuck

Gather Supplies

A well-fitted harness (avoid relying on a collar for walking)
Lightweight leash
Soft bedding and blankets
Small food and water bowls
Chew toys and puzzle feeders
Soft brush or comb suited to the coat
Nail clippers and dog toothpaste
Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
Tiny training treats

The First Days at Home

Keep it calm. Bring your puppy home on a quiet day when someone can stay around.
Show the potty spot first. Carry your puppy to the chosen outdoor area before going inside.
Set a routine. Regular meals, naps, play, and potty breaks help puppies settle.
Limit visitors. Introduce people gradually.
Make the crate pleasant. Feed meals there and offer chews.
Expect some whining. Dachshunds are social and may protest being alone at night. Staying consistent usually brings quick improvement.

Take your puppy out every one to two hours at first, plus after meals, naps, and play.

Feeding Your Dachshund Puppy

Choose a Quality Puppy Food

Feed a complete and balanced puppy food suited to small or medium breeds. Your breeder and vet can recommend options. Avoid switching foods suddenly, since this can cause stomach upset.

Meal Schedule

8 to 12 weeks: Three to four small meals a day
3 to 6 months: Three meals a day
6 months onward: Two meals a day

Follow the food label and your vet’s advice, and measure portions.

Keep Your Puppy Lean

Weight control is the most important thing you can do for a Dachshund’s spine. Every extra pound adds stress to a long back and short legs. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Count treats toward daily calories.

Treats and Table Scraps

Dachshunds are skilled beggars. Use tiny treats for training, and avoid table scraps. Never feed chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or other toxic foods.

Water

Provide fresh water at all times.

House Training a Dachshund Puppy

Dachshunds have a reputation for being among the harder breeds to house train. Small bladders, stubbornness, and a dislike of cold or wet weather all contribute, but patience and routine work.

Use a schedule. Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after play, and before bed.
Use the same spot and a cue phrase, and reward immediately.
Supervise closely. Watch for sniffing, circling, or wandering.
Use the crate when you cannot supervise.
Never punish accidents. Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner.
Make the weather bearable. Provide a covered potty area, a jacket in cold weather, and warm praise.

Many puppies become mostly reliable between four and six months, but some Dachshunds take longer. Consistency matters more than speed.

Training Your Dachshund Puppy

Start Early and Stay Positive

Dachshunds respond best to reward-based training. Harsh corrections can make them stubborn or fearful. Use treats, praise, and play.

Keep Sessions Short

Five to ten minutes at a time keeps a puppy’s attention. End on a success.

Essential Skills

Name response and attention
Sit, down, stay, and come
Leash manners. Use a harness and reward loose-leash walking
Leave it and drop it
Quiet. Reward silence after barking
Crate comfort
Handling. Practice touching paws, ears, and mouth

Managing Barking

Do not shout at a barking Dachshund, since this can feel like joining in. Instead, teach a quiet cue, reward calm behavior, and give plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Reduce triggers such as windows that overlook busy streets.

Digging and Burrowing

Digging is instinctive. Provide a digging box, blankets for burrowing, and supervised play outdoors.

Recall

A hunting dog following a scent may ignore you. Practice recall in secure areas and use a leash or fenced yard in unsecured places.

Puppy Classes

A well-run puppy class provides structured socialization and professional guidance. Choose trainers who use positive methods.

Socialization

Socialization is the process of safely exposing your puppy to new people, places, sounds, and animals so that it grows into a confident adult. The key window is roughly the first three to four months of life.

Introduce your puppy to:

Men, women, children, and people in hats or uniforms
Calm, friendly, vaccinated dogs
Household noises like vacuums and doorbells
Car rides
Different surfaces
Handling by the vet and groomer

Keep experiences positive with treats and praise. Small dogs can be overlooked or over-handled, so make sure interactions are gentle. Carry your puppy when crowds are rough or when large dogs are unpredictable. Ask your vet how to socialize safely before vaccinations are complete.

Exercise Needs

Dachshund puppies have bursts of energy, but their spines and joints need protection.

Short, frequent walks suit puppies better than long outings. A common rule of thumb is about five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. Ask your vet for guidance.
Avoid jumping, rough play, and repeated stair climbing.
Provide mental exercise. Scent games, puzzle feeders, and training sessions tire a puppy without straining its back.
Offer safe play. Gentle tug, chasing a toy, and hide-and-seek are good options.

Adults typically need 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, including walks and play. Most Dachshunds love sniffing, and letting them explore at their own pace is a great way to meet their needs.

Grooming and Care

Smooth Coats

Brush weekly with a soft brush or rubber mitt. Bathe occasionally.

Longhaired Coats

Brush several times a week, paying attention to behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest, where mats form. Trim hair between the paw pads if needed.

Wirehaired Coats

Brush weekly and have the coat professionally hand-stripped or trimmed a few times a year if you want to maintain the traditional texture.

All Coat Types

Ears. Check weekly for redness, odor, or debris. Floppy ears can trap moisture.
Nails. Trim every few weeks. Long nails alter the way a puppy walks and strain the back and toes.
Teeth. Dachshunds are prone to dental disease. Start brushing early with dog-safe toothpaste.
Eyes. Wipe away discharge and watch for redness.
Weather. Smooth-coated Dachshunds feel the cold quickly. A sweater or coat helps in winter. Long-bodied dogs sitting close to the ground may also get cold or wet faster.

Health Concerns

Most Dachshunds live long lives, but the breed has specific vulnerabilities.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

This is the most significant health risk. The Dachshund’s long spine and short legs make its spinal discs prone to degeneration and rupture. When a disc presses on the spinal cord, it can cause pain, weakness, and in severe cases paralysis. A notable proportion of Dachshunds experience some form of disc disease in their lifetime, with figures varying by study.

Warning signs include:

Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Yelping when touched or picked up
A hunched back or tense, tucked posture
Trembling, panting, or refusing to eat
Wobbly or dragging hind legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Sudden paralysis

IVDD is an emergency. Early veterinary care can significantly improve the chances of recovery. Some cases are managed with strict rest and medication, while others require surgery.

Obesity

Extra weight dramatically increases the risk of back problems and shortens life.

Dental Disease

Small mouths can lead to crowded teeth and tartar. Regular brushing and veterinary cleanings help.

Eye Conditions

Dachshunds can develop progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and dry eye. Eye screening of breeding dogs is important.

Ear Problems

Floppy ears may trap moisture and wax, increasing the risk of infection.

Patellar Luxation and Joint Problems

Kneecap displacement and other joint issues can occur.

Skin Conditions

Some Dachshunds have allergies or other skin problems. Certain rare inherited skin conditions affect specific lines.

Dapple-Related Concerns

Double-dapple puppies, produced by mating two dapples, can have vision and hearing problems. Avoid breeders who do this.

Lifespan

Dachshunds commonly live about 12 to 16 years, among the longest lifespans for dogs of their size, though individual dogs vary.

Preventive Care

Keep vaccinations current. Puppies typically receive a series of core vaccines starting at six to eight weeks, with boosters until about 16 weeks, plus rabies at the appropriate age
Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as your vet recommends
Microchip your dog
Schedule regular check-ups
Discuss spay or neuter timing with your vet
Consider pet insurance or an emergency fund, since spinal surgery can be expensive

Protecting Your Dachshund’s Back

Back protection is a daily habit, not a one-time task.

Keep your dog lean. This is the single most important protection.
Lift correctly. Place one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters, keeping the spine level. Never lift by the front legs or scoop from the front alone.
Limit jumping. Use ramps or steps for sofas, beds, and cars.
Control stairs. Block stairs for puppies, and carry dogs on long flights when needed.
Use a harness. It spreads pressure better than a collar.
Provide traction. Rugs and runners help on slippery floors.
Build gentle muscle. Regular, moderate walking supports the spine.
Avoid rough play. Wrestling with larger dogs or being swung around can cause injury.

Living With Children and Other Pets

Children

Dachshund puppies are fragile, so supervise all interactions. Teach children to sit on the floor when holding a puppy, to avoid picking it up by the middle, and to never allow jumping or rough handling. Some Dachshunds can be snappy if frightened or hurt, so children should learn to respect the dog’s space.

Other Dogs

Many Dachshunds enjoy canine company, though some are bossy and unaware of their size. Careful introductions and early socialization help. Avoid rough play with much larger dogs.

Cats and Small Pets

With early introductions, many Dachshunds live peacefully with cats. Their hunting background means small pets such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs may trigger a chase instinct and should be kept safely separate.

The Costs of Owning a Dachshund Puppy

Plan for more than the purchase price:

Purchase or adoption fee
Initial veterinary care: vaccines, deworming, microchip, and check-ups
Supplies: crate, bed, bowls, harness, ramps, toys
Food
Training classes
Grooming supplies or professional grooming
Routine care and preventive medication
Pet insurance or emergency savings
Boarding or pet sitting
Spay or neuter surgery

Costs vary by region, so get local quotes. Because of the breed’s risk of IVDD, many owners consider insurance or a dedicated savings fund.

Common Mistakes New Dachshund Owners Make

Letting the puppy jump on and off furniture. This risks spinal injury.
Overfeeding. Extra weight is a major risk factor for back problems.
Skipping training. Stubbornness and barking get worse without early guidance.
Neglecting socialization. Fearful or reactive dogs are harder to live with.
Using a collar for leash walking. A harness is safer for the neck and back.
Ignoring early signs of back pain. Prompt veterinary care is crucial.
Buying from the wrong source. Poor breeding leads to health and temperament problems.
Leaving the dog alone too long. Dachshunds can become anxious, noisy, or destructive.
Expecting quick house training. Patience and routine are essential.
Underestimating the digging instinct. Provide outlets before your sofa becomes a burrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big do Dachshund puppies get?

Standard Dachshunds typically weigh 16 to 32 pounds as adults, while miniatures are usually under about 11 pounds. Puppies grow quickly in the first six months and reach full size by about a year, though some continue filling out a little longer.

2. Are Dachshund puppies easy to train?

They are intelligent but independent, so training takes patience. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, and consistent routines work best. House training is often slower than with some breeds, but most Dachshunds learn well with time.

3. Do Dachshund puppies bark a lot?

Many do. They were bred to bark when hunting, and they are alert, vocal dogs. Early training, enough exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship can reduce unwanted barking, though you should expect some noise.

4. Are Dachshunds good family dogs?

Yes, for the right family. They are loyal, playful, and affectionate, but they are small and fragile, and they can be snappy if mishandled. They do best with older, gentle children and with owners who protect their backs.

5. How much exercise does a Dachshund puppy need?

Short, frequent walks and gentle play are best, with avoidance of jumping and stairs. A rule of thumb is about five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, plus mental games. Ask your vet for advice specific to your puppy.

6. How can I prevent back problems in my Dachshund?

Keep your dog lean, use ramps instead of jumps, limit stairs, lift correctly, use a harness, and provide traction on slippery floors. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice signs of back pain or weakness.

7. How long do Dachshunds live?

Most live about 12 to 16 years. Weight control, dental care, back protection, and regular veterinary visits all help support a long, healthy life.

8. How much does a Dachshund puppy cost?

Prices vary widely by region, coat type, and breeder. Puppies from health-tested parents often cost more than those from careless sellers. Adoption fees are usually lower. Remember to budget for veterinary care, food, training, and supplies.

9. Can Dachshunds be left alone?

They can manage short periods, but they are social dogs and may become anxious, noisy, or destructive if left alone for long hours. Build alone time gradually and provide toys and enrichment, or arrange a dog walker or daycare.

10. Which Dachshund coat type is best?

It depends on your preferences. Smooth coats need the least grooming, longhaired coats need regular brushing, and wirehaired coats need occasional stripping or trimming. Temperament varies more by individual dog than by coat.

Conclusion

A Dachshund puppy is a bundle of charm, courage, and stubbornness in a uniquely shaped package. Its long body, expressive eyes, and comic walk make it irresistible, but the real appeal lies in its personality: loyal, funny, curious, and endlessly determined. For owners who enjoy a spirited companion, a Dachshund can be a delight for well over a decade.

Responsible ownership means taking the breed’s needs seriously. Choose a breeder who health-tests and avoids unethical breeding practices, or consider adoption. Protect the spine from day one with ramps, a lean diet, proper lifting, and limited jumping. Train with patience and rewards, socialize early, and be ready for a talkative, tenacious little hunter who sees no reason to be small.

Give your Dachshund puppy good food, gentle exercise, consistent training, regular veterinary care, and plenty of love, and you will have a loyal friend who burrows into your blankets, barks at the mail carrier, and greets you every day as though you have been gone for years.