The Long and Short of Dachshunds: Personality and Lifelong Back Care

Few dogs pack as much personality into as small a frame as the Dachshund. They are bold, funny and devoted, and they come with one responsibility every owner must take seriously: their back.

Bred originally to hunt, the Dachshund kept the courage, the nose and the stubborn streak, and traded the working farm for the sofa. What you get today is an outsized character in a long, low body: loyal, entertaining, and convinced it is much bigger than it is.

Temperament: brave, clever and characterful

Dachshunds are lively, curious and deeply attached to their people. They are alert little watchdogs, quick to announce a visitor, and endlessly amusing around the house. That same boldness comes with a famous stubborn streak, so training rewards patience and consistency far more than force.

They bond hard and do best with owners who enjoy a dog with opinions. If you want a biddable, eager-to-obey companion, a Dachshund will keep you humble. If you want a characterful sidekick, few breeds are more fun.

Coat varieties

• Smooth: the classic short, sleek coat, lowest maintenance, just routine brushing.
• Long-haired: silky and elegant, needs regular brushing to prevent tangles.
• Wire-haired: coarse and low-shedding, needs occasional hand-stripping or trimming.

The back: the one thing you cannot ignore

The long spine that gives the Dachshund its silhouette also makes it prone to disc problems. Protecting that back is the single most important thing a Dachshund owner does, and the good news is that most of it is simple habit.

• No big jumps. Add ramps or steps to the sofa and bed before your puppy comes home.
• Keep them lean. Extra weight is extra load on the spine. A trim Dachshund is a healthier Dachshund.
• Support the body when you lift. One hand under the chest, one under the hindquarters, never dangling.
• Go easy on stairs while they are young, and discourage the twisting leaps off furniture.

Exercise

Dachshunds have moderate energy that comes in bursts. Daily walks and play suit their curious, energetic nature, with a little care around stairs and jumping to protect the back. Their nose is a gift here: scent games and sniffy walks tire them out beautifully.