Dachshund Dachshund

Dachshund

Clever Stubborn Devoted Lively

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.

Dachshund Quick Facts

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

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Available Dachshunds

Sweetie
Young

Chihuahua / Dachshund

Our Last Hope Animal Rescue · Princeton, CA
Jazz
Senior
Jazz
S

Dachshund / Mixed

Small Dog Rescue Of New England · Cranston, RI
Neron
Adult
Neron
S

Dachshund

Sonoma County Animal Care and Control · Santa Rosa, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Dachshund?
The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, devoted and lively.
How many Dachshunds are available for adoption?
There are currently 39 Dachshunds available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Dachshund from Puplister?
To adopt a Dachshund, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.