Dachshund Breed

Dachshund Size

Dachshunds are most commonly categorized first by size. Standard dachshunds were the original hunting breed, and miniature dachshunds were bred to be smaller companion dogs. When it comes to the breed standards, weight is the usual measurement used, though some may also take chest circumference into account.

Most breed requirements put standard dachshunds at about 16-32 pounds. Miniature dachshunds are those under 11 pounds. Of course, it’s certainly possible to have a purebred dachshund between 11 and 16 pounds, and these are informally called “tweenies.” Additionally, some European breed standards recognize kaninchen or “rabbit” dachshunds as those between 8 and 11 pounds.

Dachshund Coat Types

After size, coat length and texture is the second most common way to categorize dachshunds. They may be smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired.

Smooth or short-haired dachshunds are the most common in the U.S., and as the name suggests, they have a short, slightly bristly coat. Long-haired dachshunds, on the other hand, have a longer, finer coat, with feathering around the ears and legs. Wire-haired dachshunds have medium-length, thick, rough coats, as well as bushy eyebrows and “beards.” Their coats may require special grooming once or twice a year.

Dachshund Colors and Patterns

Some breeds come in only a few coat colors or patterns. Dachshunds, however, have wide variation in their coats. For solid colors, they may be red, cream, or tan. Bicolor dachshunds are also quite common, including combinations like black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, blue (gray) and tan, and Isabella (fawn) and tan.

Slightly different from fur colors are coat patterns, which have a different genetic structure than colors. Dachshund color patterns include brindle, boar (wire-haired dachshunds only), and sable. More rarely, you may find dachshunds with piebald or dapple coloring.

It should be noted that some uncommon colors (like English cream) and coat patterns (like dappling) are somewhat controversial in the dachshund breeder community. This is because breeding for certain colors and patterns can encourage irresponsible breeding practices in the hope of producing more “rare” and expensive puppies. Additionally, the breeding of double dapple dachshunds produces dogs with serious health conditions. If you buy rather than adopt, make sure your breeder follows appropriate ethical standards.

Dachshund Lifespan

Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, and dachshunds are no exception. Both standard and miniature dachshunds have average lifespans of 12-15 years.