🐕 Dachshund
Temperament
Bold, curious, vocal, sometimes stubborn. Dachshunds bond intensely with their family and are wary of strangers. Known for being persistent barkers and natural diggers (it's in the bones).
Exercise
40–60 minutes of flat walking daily. Avoid stairs, jumping on/off furniture, and long walks before 12 months — all increase IVDD risk. Use ramps; carry up stairs.
Grooming
Three coat varieties: smooth (weekly brush), long-haired (3× weekly), and wire-haired (weekly + occasional hand-stripping). All shed moderately.
Health
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — affects roughly 1 in 4 Dachshunds. Insurance covers this on most policies but premiums are higher. Obesity worsens IVDD risk dramatically. Also: dental crowding, eye conditions.
Full Dachshund profile →
