Dachshund Complete Guide: Back Problems, Stubbornness, and Living With a Sausage Dog

Dachshund Complete Guide: Care, Training & Back Health Tips

If you’ve ever seen a Dachshund waddle down the street with their comically long body, stubby little legs, and oversized personality, you probably thought “I need one of those.” And look, we get it. Dachshunds are ridiculously cute. Those floppy ears, that long hot-dog body, the way they stand up on their hind legs looking like tiny meerkats, and their surprisingly loud bark coming from such a small package – it’s all incredibly endearing. They’re Instagram gold, meme-famous, and genuinely one of the most recognizable dog breeds on the planet.

But here’s what the viral videos and cute photos don’t show you: Dachshunds are stubborn little dictators wrapped in adorable packages. We’re talking about dogs who were bred to hunt badgers (yes, badgers – aggressive, dangerous animals living in underground burrows), which required independence, tenacity, courage bordering on recklessness, and a “take no orders from anyone” attitude. That hunting heritage didn’t disappear just because modern Dachshunds live in suburban homes instead of German forests. It shows up in dogs who:

• Think they run the household and need to approve all decisions
• Bark at literally everything with surprising volume and persistence
• Are notoriously difficult to house train (often taking 6-12 months, sometimes never fully succeeding)
• Display aggression toward strangers, other dogs, or even family members if not properly socialized
• Dig obsessively (bred to excavate badger dens, remember?)
• Have prey drive so strong they’ll chase cats, squirrels, and small animals with zero regard for their safety
• Decide which commands they’ll obey and which they’ll ignore based on whether they feel like cooperating

Add to this the fact that roughly 25% of Dachshunds will develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) during their lifetime – a painful, often crippling spinal condition requiring thousands of dollars in treatment, strict activity restrictions, potential surgery costing $3,000-7,000, and sometimes resulting in permanent paralysis – and you’ve got a breed that’s far more challenging than their cute appearance suggests.

Let’s be clear from the start: Dachshunds are not easy dogs. They’re high-maintenance in ways that surprise people expecting laid-back lap dogs. Their long backs are literal time bombs waiting for one wrong jump or twist to herniate a disc. Their stubborn terrier temperament means training is an exercise in patience and compromise. Their vocal nature drives neighbors crazy. And their tendency toward aggression (yes, aggression – Dachshunds have surprisingly high bite statistics) means they’re not automatically great with kids or other pets.

But – and this is important – for owners who understand what they’re signing up for, Dachshunds are phenomenal companions. They’re loyal to the point of being obsessive, entertaining with their goofy antics, surprisingly athletic when healthy, and deeply bonded to their people. The question isn’t whether Dachshunds are good dogs. The question is whether you’re the right owner for a Dachshund.

This guide breaks down everything you actually need to know – the back problems that will dominate your life with a Dachshund, the personality quirks that make them challenging, the health costs you need to budget for, the training realities nobody talks about, and the daily care required to keep these sausage dogs safe and healthy. No sugar-coating, no Instagram filters – just the truth about life with Dachshunds.

Understanding the Dachshund Body: A Veterinary Nightmare

Let’s talk about why Dachshunds are shaped the way they are, and why that shape is both their most distinctive feature and their biggest health liability.

The Engineering Disaster

Dachshunds have a condition called chondrodystrophy – a form of dwarfism where the long bones (legs) don’t grow to normal length but the spine does. This creates dogs with full-sized torsos on miniature legs. From a functional standpoint for hunting badgers in narrow underground tunnels, this was perfect. From an anatomical and health standpoint, it’s a disaster.

Think about it structurally. You’ve got a long spine with minimal support underneath it. Instead of four sturdy legs acting like table legs evenly distributing weight, you’ve got four stubby legs that barely keep the body off the ground. This creates enormous stress on the spinal column, particularly the discs between vertebrae. Every time a Dachshund jumps off furniture, runs up stairs, twists while playing, or even just stands on their hind legs (which they love to do), they’re compressing those discs.

Now imagine doing this thousands of times over 12-16 years. Eventually, something gives. That something is usually an intervertebral disc, and when it ruptures or herniates, the material inside presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, weakness, and potentially permanent paralysis.

IVDD: The Dachshund Owner’s Nightmare

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects 19-24% of Dachshunds during their lifetime. Let that sink in. One in four to one in five Dachshunds will develop this condition. It’s not a question of “if” for most Dachshund owners – it’s “when.”

Early signs people miss:

• Reluctance to jump up on furniture (when they used to do it constantly)
• Hesitation going up or down stairs
• Yelping when picked up or touched on the back
• Hunched posture, arched back
• Shivering or trembling (from pain)
• Decreased interest in play or activity
• Hiding or seeming “off”

Acute IVDD episode signs:

• Sudden inability to walk
• Dragging back legs
• Complete rear leg paralysis
• Urinary/fecal incontinence
• Extreme pain when touched
• Crying or whimpering
• Collapse

When IVDD strikes acutely, you have a small window (24-48 hours) to get emergency veterinary care. Miss that window and the damage may become permanent. We’re talking rush-to-the-emergency-vet-at-2-AM situations costing thousands of dollars, with outcomes ranging from full recovery to permanent paralysis requiring mobility carts.

Treatment options:

Conservative management (mild cases): Strict crate rest for 4-6 weeks – and we mean STRICT. Your Dachshund gets out only to potty (carried outside, not walking), no running, no stairs, no jumping, no playing. Just lying in a crate. Plus pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants. Cost: $500-1,500. Success rate: 50-70% for mild cases.

Surgery (moderate to severe cases): Emergency surgery removing disc material compressing the spinal cord. Cost: $3,000-7,000. Recovery: weeks to months of restricted activity plus physical therapy. Success rate depends on severity and how quickly surgery happens after injury. Dogs paralyzed for more than 48 hours before surgery have much lower success rates.

Permanent paralysis: Some Dachshunds end up permanently paralyzed despite treatment. They need mobility carts (doggie wheelchairs) for their back legs, require bladder expression multiple times daily, are prone to urinary tract infections, and need intensive ongoing care. Many owners face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia versus committing to this level of care.

Prevention Strategies (That You Must Follow Religiously)

If you own a Dachshund, these rules are non-negotiable:

1. NO jumping on/off furniture. Use ramps or stairs. Yes, everywhere. Couch, bed, car – everywhere. Your Dachshund will protest. They’ll give you those sad eyes. Too bad. Their spine can’t handle the impact.

2. NO stairs. Carry them up and down stairs. If you can’t carry them (they’re heavier than they look – Standards can weigh 25-30 pounds), install ramps. Going up stairs is actually worse than going down because of the angle of spinal compression.

3. Support the back. When picking them up, always support both the chest and the rear end. Never let the back sag. Never pick them up by the front legs only.

4. Weight management. Every extra pound puts more stress on that spine. Keep your Dachshund lean – you should easily feel ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently.

5. Limit twisting movements. Don’t let them jump and twist in mid-air. Don’t let them do that cute “spin in circles” trick. Don’t let them play too roughly with dogs who might accidentally twist them.

6. Core strengthening. Swimming (in warm water with life jacket) is excellent for building core muscles that support the spine. Controlled leash walks on flat surfaces are good. High-impact activities are bad.

7. Supplements. Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) starting around age 2-3 may help, though research is mixed on prevention versus slowing progression.

Following these rules doesn’t guarantee your Dachshund won’t develop IVDD. The genetics are there. But it significantly reduces risk and delays onset.

---

The Dachshund Personality: Small Dog, Enormous Attitude

The Stubbornness Is Real

Training a Dachshund is fundamentally different from training, say, a Golden Retriever. Goldens want to please you. They live for your approval. Dachshunds? They evaluate whether obeying benefits them, and if they decide it doesn’t, good luck getting compliance.

Dachshunds were bred to make independent decisions while hunting underground where handlers couldn’t see or direct them. They had to figure out how to corner and dispatch badgers without human guidance. This created dogs who think for themselves, question authority, and only cooperate when they see the point.

What this looks like in real life:

• Teaching “sit” takes weeks when it takes Golden Retrievers three days
• Recall (coming when called) is a suggestion, not a command
• They know what “no” means; they just don’t care
• House training is the slowest, most frustrating process you’ll experience
• They’ll obey perfectly at home but completely ignore you in public
• Food motivation helps but only goes so far – sometimes they’re just done cooperating

Training tips that actually work:

• Start incredibly early. The day they come home, training begins.
• Use high-value rewards. Find what your individual Dachshund loves most (usually real meat or cheese, not standard dog treats).
• Keep sessions extremely short. 5 minutes maximum. Dachshunds bore easily and shut down.
• Make it a game. They’re more likely to cooperate if they think it’s fun, not work.
• Be consistent but accept limitations. You’re not getting Border Collie obedience. Set realistic expectations.
• Never use harsh corrections. Dachshunds shut down or become aggressive with harsh training. Positive reinforcement only.

The Barking Will Drive You Insane

Dachshunds bark. A lot. At everything. With surprising volume for their size. That deep, loud bark that sounds like it’s coming from a 70-pound dog is coming from your 16-pound Dachshund.

They bark at:

• The doorbell
• Footsteps in the hallway
• Neighbors walking past your house
• Dogs on TV
• Leaves blowing in the wind
• Their own reflection
• The refrigerator opening
• Delivery drivers three houses down
• Absolutely nothing (or so it seems to you – they heard something)

This is bred-in behavior. They were supposed to bark underground to alert hunters to the badger’s location. You can reduce barking through training, but you cannot eliminate it. If you want a quiet dog, do not get a Dachshund.

The Aggression Problem Nobody Talks About

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: Dachshunds have high rates of aggression compared to many breeds. Studies on dog bites show Dachshunds ranking surprisingly high for biting strangers, biting owners, and biting other dogs.

Why? Several factors:

• Hunting heritage: Bred to fight dangerous animals, they retained that “fight first, ask questions later” mentality
• Small dog syndrome: Owners don’t train them properly because they’re small
• Fear-based aggression: Without proper socialization, they become fearful and defensive
• Possessiveness: They guard food, toys, and favorite people aggressively
• Territorial nature: They consider everything in their domain their property to defend

This doesn’t mean all Dachshunds are aggressive monsters. It means socialization and training starting in puppyhood are absolutely critical. Expose your Dachshund puppy (8-16 weeks) to:

• Dozens of different people (all ages, sizes, ethnicities)
• Other dogs (friendly, vaccinated dogs)
• Different environments
• Handling (touching paws, ears, mouth)
• Novel experiences

Without socialization, you risk raising a dog who bites strangers, snaps at children, attacks other dogs, or becomes possessive and aggressive even with family members.

The Good Stuff (Because It’s Not All Challenges)

Dachshunds, for all their difficulty, have amazing qualities:

Loyalty: They bond intensely with their people. We’re talking obsessive devotion. They’ll follow you room to room, sleep pressed against you, and act like you’ve been gone for years when you’ve been gone for 10 minutes.

Entertainment value: They’re genuinely funny. The way they run with their ears flying, how they burrow under blankets, their determined little waddle, the way they stand on hind legs looking like tiny dinosaurs – daily comedy.

Courage: Despite their size, they’re fearless. They’ll protect you from perceived threats (sometimes hilariously disproportionate threats like vacuum cleaners or butterflies).

Adaptability: They can live anywhere – apartments, houses, farms. They’re portable. They travel well. They adapt to various lifestyles as long as exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.

Longevity: Miniature Dachshunds commonly live 14-17 years. Standards 12-15 years. You get many years with them.

---

The Three Varieties: Pick Your Sausage

Dachshunds come in two sizes and three coat types, each with slightly different care needs and temperaments.

Sizes

Standard Dachshunds: 16-32 pounds. Bred for hunting badgers and larger game. Tend to be calmer, less yappy, better with children. Still stubborn, but slightly more mellow temperament.

Miniature Dachshunds: 11 pounds and under. Bred for hunting rabbits. Often more high-strung, yappy, nervous. Can be nippy with children. Generally more challenging temperament but also more portable and require less exercise.

Note: “Tweenie” Dachshunds (12-15 pounds) fall between Standard and Miniature. Not an official size but common.

Coat Types

Smooth (Short-Haired): Sleek, shiny, short coat. Minimal grooming – weekly brushing. Shed moderately year-round. Most common variety. Tend to be bold, outgoing, friendly.

Longhaired: Silky, flowing coat, especially on ears, chest, and tail. Requires more grooming – 2-3 times weekly brushing preventing mats. Shed more than smooth. Tend to be calmer, more affectionate, less barky than smooth.

Wirehaired: Rough, wiry outer coat with soft undercoat. Requires professional grooming 2-3 times yearly for hand-stripping (plucking dead coat) or clipping. Bushy eyebrows and beard give them unique appearance. Tend to be most mischievous, clown-like personality.

Which One Should You Get?

For families with kids: Standard smooth or longhaired. Better size for handling by children, generally better temperament.

For apartments: Miniature (any coat type) though be prepared for barking complaints.

For first-time Dachshund owners: Standard longhaired. Slightly easier temperament, less neurotic.

For experienced small dog owners wanting a challenge: Miniature wirehaired. Maximum personality, maximum stubbornness.

For people who hate grooming: Smooth coat. Least maintenance.

---

Daily Life and Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

Miniatures: 30-45 minutes daily split into two walks plus mental stimulation.

Standards: 45-60 minutes daily. They’re more athletic than they look and enjoy longer walks, hiking (on flat trails), and play.

For all sizes: Remember spinal health. Flat surfaces only. No stairs, jumping, or high-impact activities. Swimming is excellent (with life jacket and warm water).

Mental stimulation is critical. Puzzle toys, training sessions, scent games, hiding treats for them to find – keep that hunting brain engaged.

Feeding Schedule

Puppies (8 weeks – 6 months):

• 3-4 small meals daily preventing hypoglycemia
• Amount: ½ to 1 cup total daily depending on size
• High-quality puppy formula

Adults (6 months+):

• 2 meals daily
• Miniatures: ⅓ to ½ cup total daily
• Standards: ¾ to 1½ cups total daily
• Adjust based on body condition – ribs should be easily felt but not visible

Weight management is critical. Obesity destroys Dachshund spines. Keep them lean even when they give you those begging eyes.

Grooming

Smooth: Weekly brushing, monthly bath, regular nail trims, teeth brushing 3-4 times weekly.

Longhaired: Brush 2-3 times weekly preventing mats (especially behind ears, chest, rear). Monthly bath. Daily teeth brushing ideal.

Wirehaired: Professional grooming 2-3 times yearly ($50-80 per session). Brush weekly between grooms. Hand-stripping maintains proper coat texture; clipping is easier but changes coat quality.

All types: Nails grow fast – trim every 2-3 weeks. Dachshunds tend to hate nail trims. Start young and use lots of positive reinforcement.

House Training Reality Check

Dachshunds are famously difficult to house train. Small bladders, stubborn nature, and cold/wet weather aversion create perfect storm for house training failure.

Timeline: Expect 6-12 months for reliable house training. Some never achieve 100% reliability.

Keys to success:

• Crate training is essential
• Frequent breaks (every 2-3 hours minimum)
• Consistent schedule
• Enthusiastic rewards for outdoor elimination
• Enzyme cleaner for accidents removing all odor
• Patience and acceptance this will take longer than other breeds
• Consider indoor potty area (grass patch or pads) for bad weather

Many Dachshund owners use indoor potty solutions as backup even after house training because Dachshunds refuse to go outside in rain or cold.

Safety Considerations

Beyond spinal health, Dachshunds face specific safety issues:

Cold sensitivity: Short legs mean bellies drag through snow. Use sweaters/coats in cold weather. Booties protect paws from salt.

Heat sensitivity: Surprising for their size, but they overheat easily. Avoid exercise in temperatures above 80°F.

Off-leash danger: High prey drive + stubbornness = never trust off-leash in unfenced areas. They’ll chase squirrels/cats/whatever into traffic ignoring recall.

Rough play risks: Don’t let them play roughly with large dogs. Spine injury risk is too high.

Child interaction: Supervise all interactions with children. Dachshunds can be nippy, and children can accidentally injure their backs.

---

Health Problems Beyond IVDD

Dental Disease

Small dogs = small mouths = crowded teeth = severe dental disease. Many Dachshunds lose multiple teeth by age 5-7 without preventive care.

Prevention:

• Daily teeth brushing (non-negotiable)
• Dental chews
• Professional cleanings starting age 2-3
• Regular vet dental checks

Cost: Professional cleanings $500-1,500 annually including extractions.

Obesity

25-30% of Dachshunds are overweight. This is particularly devastating for a breed prone to spinal problems.

Consequences: Worsens IVDD risk, causes diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, shortened lifespan.

Prevention: Strict portion control, measuring food precisely, ignoring begging, adequate exercise, monthly weigh-ins.

Eye Problems

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Inherited blindness. No treatment.

Cataracts: Clouding of lens causing vision impairment. Surgical removal possible but expensive ($2,500-4,000 per eye).

Dry eye: Inadequate tear production requiring lifelong medicated eye drops.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy affects Dachshunds at higher-than-average rates. Seizures usually start between 1-5 years. Treatment: anticonvulsant medications ($50-150 monthly). Most epileptic Dachshunds live relatively normal lives with medication.

Cushing’s Disease

Hormonal disorder where adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. Symptoms: increased thirst/urination, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, lethargy. Treatment: daily medication. Manageable but requires lifelong treatment and monitoring.

---

What It Really Costs

Purchase Price

USA:

• Reputable breeder: $1,000-2,500
• Show quality: $2,500-5,000+
• Rescue: $200-400

UK: £800-2,500 (reputable breeder), £150-300 (rescue)

Germany: €1,000-3,000 (reputable), €200-400 (rescue)

Annual Costs

Routine care:

• Food: $300-600
• Routine vet: $400-700
• Preventive meds: $200-350
• Grooming (wirehaired): $150-250
• Supplies: $200-400
• Total: $1,250-2,300 annually

Add:

• Pet insurance: $400-800 annually (highly recommended)
• Training classes: $200-500 (first year)

Major Expenses

IVDD surgery: $3,000-7,000

Conservative IVDD management: $500-1,500 per episode

Hip dysplasia surgery: $3,500-6,000

Dental disease treatment: $500-1,500 annually

Emergency care: $500-5,000

Mobility cart (if paralyzed): $200-500

Lifetime cost: $20,000-50,000+ over 12-16 years depending on health

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Dachshunds good family dogs?

Standards: generally yes with older children (10+) who understand gentle handling.
Miniatures: often nippy with young children. Better for adult-only homes or families with teens.
All sizes: require extensive socialization to be good with kids.

Q: Can Dachshunds be left alone?

Yes, but they’re prone to separation anxiety. Crate training essential. Many develop excessive barking when left alone. Plan for 4-6 hours maximum alone time.

Q: Do Dachshunds get along with other dogs?

Variable. Some love other dogs. Some are dog-aggressive without socialization. Same-sex aggression common. Often do best with another Dachshund rather than different breeds.

Q: Are Dachshunds smart?

Yes, but stubborn. They’re problem-solvers. They just don’t care about pleasing you. Intelligence without biddability creates training challenges.

Q: Why is my Dachshund so hard to house train?

Small bladder, stubborn nature, weather sensitivity, and small “accidents” being missed creates perfect storm for house training difficulty. This is breed-normal. Be patient.

Q: Should I get a ramp for my Dachshund?

YES. Non-negotiable. Ramps for furniture, stairs, car. Jumping on/off things destroys their spines.

Q: My Dachshund barks constantly. How do I stop it?

You don’t stop it completely – they’re vocal dogs. You manage it through training (“quiet” command), adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and accepting some barking is normal.

Q: Are Dachshunds expensive?

Yes. Between grooming (wirehaired), potential IVDD costs, dental care, and other health issues, expect $20,000-50,000+ over their lifetime.

---

The Bottom Line

Dachshunds are not easy dogs. They’re stubborn, vocal, prone to expensive health problems, difficult to train, potentially aggressive without socialization, and require constant vigilance protecting their fragile spines. They’re high-maintenance in ways people don’t expect from small dogs.

But for owners who:

• Understand IVDD risks and follow spinal protection rules religiously
• Have patience for training challenges
• Can afford potential health costs ($3,000-7,000 IVDD surgery is real possibility)
• Accept vocal nature and work with it rather than against it
• Commit to early, extensive socialization
• Want intensely loyal, entertaining, long-lived companions

Dachshunds are phenomenal. They’re funny, devoted, brave, and absolutely unique in personality. Just go in with eyes wide open about what you’re really getting: a small dog with big attitude, expensive potential health problems, and training challenges that will test your patience.

They’re not for everyone. But for the right owners, they’re irreplaceable. 🌭🐾