Dachshund: temperament, training and care

At a glance

Temperament

• Bold and curious
• Independent hunter's mind
• Loves to dig and bark

Training tips

Use a ramp and a harness, and teach them to wait at the top of stairs.

Dachshunds can be independent thinkers. Find what your dog will really work for, keep sessions short and fun, and expect to repeat things more often than with an eager-to-please breed.

Start with a marker word, sit, come and leave it. For a puppy, see the puppy training guides.

Exercise and energy

A healthy adult Dachshund typically needs around 30 to 60 minutes of activity a day. Mix walks with sniffing and short training games: mental work tires dogs as much as running does. Puppies need much shorter sessions while they grow.

See how much exercise a dog needs and our games and enrichment ideas.

Health to watch

Things the breed is known to be prone to. Ask your vet what to check for your dog.

• Back. A long back is easy to hurt: use a ramp for sofas and cars, and carry them on stairs. See: Broken Bone or Sprain.
• Weight. Gains weight easily: measure meals and count the treats.
• Teeth. A small mouth crowds the teeth: brush them a few times a week.