Dachshund vs Siberian Husky

Which dog breed is right for you?

Dachshund

Size
8–32 lbs, 5–9 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Clever Stubborn Devoted Lively

Siberian Husky

Size
35–60 lbs, 20–24 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Outgoing Mischievous Loyal Friendly

About the Dachshund

The Dachshund — affectionately known as the "wiener dog" — was developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers in their underground dens, which explains their uniquely elongated body and short, powerful legs. They come in two sizes — Standard (16–32 pounds) and Miniature (under 11 pounds) — and three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, each with its own personality nuances. Their color palette is remarkably varied, including red, black and tan, chocolate, dapple, brindle, and piebald patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, and remarkably stubborn — a combination that makes them endlessly entertaining and occasionally infuriating. They're fiercely loyal to their families and can be surprisingly courageous watchdogs, barking with the intensity of a dog three times their size. While affectionate with their people, they can be wary of strangers and may not tolerate rough handling from young children.

Pros

  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment companions
  • Bold, entertaining personality — constantly amusing their owners with clownish antics
  • Long lifespan of 12–16 years with proper care and weight management
  • Wirehaired variety sheds minimally and is well-suited for allergy-conscious homes

Cons

  • Extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease — 1 in 4 will experience back problems
  • Notoriously difficult to housebreak — often takes 6+ months of consistent training
  • Strong prey drive and tunneling instinct — will dig up gardens and chase small animals relentlessly
  • Prone to obesity, which dramatically increases the risk of spinal injuries

Charmed by these spirited little hounds? Find Dachshunds seeking loving homes on Puplister today.

About the Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was developed over thousands of years by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads over vast frozen distances in extreme cold. These athletic, medium-sized dogs stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a graceful, effortless gait that reflects their incredible stamina. Their thick double coat comes in virtually every color from pure white to black, often with striking facial markings, and their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each (heterochromia).

Temperament & Personality

Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous — pack-oriented dogs that love people and make terrible guard dogs because they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are playful and gentle with children and generally good with other dogs, though their high prey drive makes them a risk around cats and small animals. Huskies are intelligent but famously independent, preferring to make their own decisions rather than follow commands — a trait that requires patience and humor from their owners.

Pros

  • Friendly, social, and gentle with children and strangers alike
  • Naturally clean with little doggy odor — self-grooming like a cat
  • Outstanding endurance athlete for running, hiking, and winter sports
  • Healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years

Cons

  • Extreme shedding — blows the entire undercoat twice yearly in massive quantities
  • Legendary escape artists — can jump fences, dig under them, and open latches
  • Strong prey drive makes them dangerous around cats, rabbits, and small animals
  • Not suited for hot climates and requires air conditioning in warm regions

The Siberian Husky's adventurous spirit and stunning beauty are irresistible — find Huskies seeking forever homes on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

39

Dachshunds

Browse

102

Siberian Huskies

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Dachshund and a Siberian Husky?
The Dachshund is 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in sized while the Siberian Husky is 35–60 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (8–32 lbs, 5–9 in vs 35–60 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (12–16 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Dachshund or Siberian Husky?
Dachshund is generally good with kids. Siberian Husky is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Dachshund or Siberian Husky?
The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Siberian Husky has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs