Dachshund (Smooth, Standard)

A keen nose and an independent nature

A Dachshund may spend a long time investigating a single scent. The breed was developed to hunt above and below ground, and that enthusiasm for searching often remains strong in a family companion. Walks call for patience when every patch of grass at a junction seems to have something interesting to offer.

Recall training can begin somewhere quiet, where your dog can practise returning when they hear a consistent recall cue. You should reward your dog as soon as they reach you. Distractions can then be added gradually. Rewarding your dog for paying attention to you also helps when teaching them to walk on a loose lead. These small, clear steps make it easier for the dog to understand what you want.

At home, many Dachshunds enjoy being close to their people. A dog bed beside the sofa lets your dog rest close to you. It should be positioned where nobody needs to step over the dog and they can sleep undisturbed.

Day-to-day care

A soft brush or grooming cloth will usually keep the short coat tidy. After walks through long grass, check the paws, the spaces between the toes and the ears. Pointed grass seeds can lodge there. Their sharp ends and tiny barbs allow them to pierce the skin and cause inflammation. A seed that is stuck, or a swollen area where one may have entered, needs a veterinary examination.

The ears deserve a regular look too. An unpleasant smell, redness or frequent head shaking can indicate an infection. Nail checks and tooth brushing are also part of routine care. Getting your dog used to having their paws handled and teeth brushed in small steps makes these checks easier. Wirehaired and longhaired Dachshunds need different coat care from the smooth variety described here.

Health

Dachshunds have an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease, usually shortened to IVDD. The discs sit between the bones of the spine and allow the back to bend. In Dachshunds, they can begin to lose their elasticity at an early age. A disc herniation occurs when disc material protrudes and may press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This can cause pain, weak legs or paralysis.

Before buying a puppy, it is worth asking about back problems in the parents and close relatives. Results from screening the parents for disc calcification are useful too. These images show whether calcium deposits have formed in the discs. Such changes help assess the risk of developing disc disease. The Royal Kennel Club scheme in the UK is one example. Good results help breeders choose suitable pairings, although their puppies may still develop the condition later in life.

Suitable regular exercise and a healthy body weight are part of ongoing care. If your Dachshund suddenly arches their back, cries out in pain, walks unsteadily or drags their hind legs, you should contact a vet or emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Keep movement to a minimum while you ask how best to transport your dog.

Lifespan

A UK study combining data from breed registries, veterinary practices, insurers and other sources included 2,305 dogs of this breed. It estimated median survival at about 13.2 years. At that age, about half the group was still alive according to the estimate. This cannot predict how long an individual dog will live.

Dachshunds overall, not specifically Standard Smooth

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