The Dachshund – often called the “sausage dog” – is one of the most recognisable small dog breeds in the world. With their long backs, short legs and big personalities, Dachshunds are charming companions, but they also come with specific care and health needs, especially for their spine.

This guide covers:

• Typical Dachshund temperament and behaviour
• Exercise, grooming and daily care
• Back and joint health concerns
• How to choose the right dog bed for a Dachshund
• FAQs for current and future Dachshund owners

Dachshund Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds may be small, but they have big, bold characters.

Typical traits:

• Confident and sometimes stubborn – originally bred to hunt badgers and go to ground
• Strong bond with their favourite humans
• Can be vocal – many Dachshunds like to bark at noises, visitors or other dogs
• Intelligent and curious, often with a mischievous streak

They make excellent companions for owners who appreciate a dog with personality and are willing to invest time in training and socialisation.

Exercise & Training Needs

Exercise

Despite their short legs, Dachshunds are not “handbag dogs”. They need daily exercise, but it must be managed carefully to protect their backs.

For a healthy adult Dachshund:

• Around 45–60 minutes of gentle exercise per day, split into shorter walks
• Avoid repetitive jumping, steep stairs and high-impact activities
• Flat, steady walks and controlled play are best

Puppies and seniors require extra care: too much or the wrong type of exercise can increase the risk of back problems.

Training

Dachshunds are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent.

Focus on:

• Early socialisation – with people, dogs, sounds and environments
• Positive, reward‑based training – they respond well to treats and praise
• Barking control and impulse management
• Teaching a strong “settle” cue – encouraging them to relax on their dog bed instead of pacing or constantly patrolling windows

Short, fun training sessions work best to keep them engaged.

Grooming & Everyday Care

Dachshunds come in three coat types:

• Smooth (short‑haired)
• Long‑haired
• Wire‑haired

Grooming Needs

• Smooth: Low maintenance – weekly brushing and occasional baths
• Long‑haired: Regular brushing (several times a week) to prevent tangles and mats
• Wire‑haired: Regular brushing plus occasional hand‑stripping or trimming

All Dachshunds need:

• Nail trims – short legs mean long nails affect posture quickly
• Dental care – small mouths can crowd teeth
• Regular checks of ears, skin and eyes

Home Environment

Because of their long backs, Dachshunds benefit from a home set up to protect the spine:

• Limit access to stairs (use ramps or carry when needed)
• Use pet ramps or steps for sofas and beds
• Provide a low, supportive dog bed so they don’t have to jump up or down to rest

Explore Dachshund‑friendly beds here:
👉 Skylos Dog Bed Mats Collection

Dachshund Health: Focus on the Back

The most important health consideration for Dachshunds is their spine.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Dachshunds are at significantly increased risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease, a condition where the discs between the vertebrae degenerate or herniate, potentially causing pain, weakness or paralysis.

Risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Excess weight
• Excessive jumping or stair use

Prevention and management strategies:

• Keep your Dachshund slim and fit
• Avoid letting them jump off furniture or run up/down many stairs
• Use ramps and low‑entry dog beds
• Seek immediate vet attention if you notice:
  • Sudden back pain or yelping
  • Reluctance to move or jump
  • Weakness or wobbliness in the back legs

Other Common Issues

• Patella luxation (slipping kneecaps)
• Dental disease
• Obesity – which greatly increases back and joint strain

Regular vet check‑ups, weight management and back‑friendly home arrangements are essential.

Choosing the Best Dog Bed for a Dachshund

Because of their unique body shape, a Dachshund’s dog bed is more than just a comfort item – it’s part of spinal care.

Key features:

• Low profile / easy entry

  • Avoid tall beds that require jumping
  • A flat mattress or low‑rim calming bed is ideal

• Supportive padding

  • Quality foam helps keep the spine aligned
  • Reduces pressure on joints when lying for long periods

• Correct size

  • Long enough for full stretch
  • Snug enough to feel secure

• Non‑slip base (bonus)

  • Helps prevent the bed sliding as your Dachshund steps on or off

• Washable covers

  • Dachshunds love burrowing and may track in dirt; easy washing keeps the bed hygienic

You can find Dachshund‑friendly designs here:
👉 Skylos Dog Bed Mats

Dachshund Temperament in the Home

Dachshunds can be:

• Devoted and affectionate with their family
• Wary or vocal around strangers if not well socialised
• Playful and entertaining, often with a strong hunting instinct

They thrive when:

• Included in daily life
• Given clear rules and consistent training
• Provided with a safe, cosy dog bed or den‑like area where they can rest undisturbed

They’re best suited to owners who enjoy a characterful little dog and are willing to adapt their home and routine to support good back health.

Dachshund FAQs

1. Are Dachshunds good family dogs?

They can be, in the right environment:

• Many are loving and playful with children
• However, they can be sensitive and may dislike rough handling

Supervision and teaching children to be gentle are very important.

2. How much exercise does a Dachshund need?

Most adult Dachshunds need:

• Around 45–60 minutes of gentle exercise per day, split into two or more walks
• Some indoor play and mental games

Avoid high‑impact jumping and long flights of stairs to protect their back.

3. Are Dachshunds easy to train?

They are intelligent, but can be independent and stubborn:

• Respond well to food rewards and praise
• Do best with short, fun training sessions
• Benefit from early house training and barking management

Teaching a reliable “settle on your bed” cue – pointing them to their dog bed – is especially helpful for calm behaviour.

4. Do Dachshunds bark a lot?

They can be vocal, especially smooth and wire‑haired types:

• Many bark at noises, strangers or other animals
• Early training and providing enough exercise and enrichment help reduce nuisance barking

5. What kind of dog bed is best for a Dachshund?

The ideal dog bed for a Dachshund is:

• Low and easy to access – minimal jumping
• Supportive – with quality padding or foam to protect the spine
• Sized to accommodate their length comfortably

Flat mattress‑style or low‑rim calming beds from Skylos are often a great choice.

With thoughtful care – including controlled exercise, back‑friendly home adaptations and a suitable dog bed – a Dachshund can be a delightful, characterful companion in any UK home.