How common is IVDD in Dachshunds?

Common enough to plan for. In the DachsLife 2015 survey of 2,031 Dachshunds, 15.7% had an IVDD diagnosis, ranging from 7.1% in standard wirehairs to 24.4% in standard smooth-haired dogs. The site’s Dachshund back-health guide covers prevention and the warning signs.

How can I protect my Dachshund’s back?

The AKC’s advice is to keep your Dachshund from becoming overweight, give two moderate walks a day for muscle, and stop it running up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture. Ramps and steps help.

What’s the difference between a standard and a miniature Dachshund?

Weight. The AKC lists standards at 16–32 pounds and miniatures at 11 pounds and under. Both come in smooth, long and wire coats.

Are Dachshunds hard to train?

They can be stubborn. The AKC says they respond best to positive, reward-based training and react poorly to harsh commands. Short, consistent sessions with good treats work well.

Breed guide

Dachshund

The Dachshund is a bold, affectionate hound in two AKC sizes, standard (16–32 pounds) and miniature (11 pounds and under), and three coats: smooth, long and wire. The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–16 years. The long back is the breed’s big health story: keeping a Dachshund lean and preventing jumps and stairs are the most practical ways to protect it.

At a glance

Height: 8–9 in (standard), 5–6 in (miniature)
Weight: 16–32 lb (standard), 11 lb & under (miniature)
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
AKC group: Hound Group

AKC trait ratings (1 to 5)

Energy
Trainability
Need for mental work
Good with young children
Good with other dogs
Openness to strangers
Shedding
Coat grooming
Barking

Personality

Dachshunds are devoted to their families (the AKC rates them 5 of 5 for affection) and generally friendly, but also brave, independent and vocal: the AKC rates barking 5 of 5. Bred to follow a scent and work on their own, they can tune you out when something more interesting is going on.

Exercise

Small doesn’t mean sedentary. The AKC recommends two walks of moderate length every day, both for fitness and to build the muscle that supports the back. To avoid injury, the AKC advises not letting a Dachshund run up and down stairs or jump on and off furniture: use ramps, steps and a lift.

Grooming

Grooming depends on the coat. Smooth coats need little more than a wipe with a hound glove; long coats need regular brushing; wire coats are hand-stripped a few times a year. Dachshunds are moderate shedders. Keep the drop ears clean to prevent infections.

Health: what to know

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). In the DachsLife 2015 survey of 2,031 Dachshunds, 15.7% had been diagnosed with IVDD, with risk varying by variety. Watch for back pain, reluctance to move, wobbliness or dragging legs, and treat sudden weakness as an emergency.
Weight. The AKC’s first rule for protecting the back is preventing obesity. Keep your Dachshund lean.
Ears. Like most drop-eared dogs, Dachshunds can get ear infections if the ears aren’t kept clean.

Training

Intelligent but independent, Dachshunds can be stubborn. The AKC says they do best with positive, reward-based training and react badly to harsh commands or punishment. Patience and consistency are key, and a strong prey drive means recall needs extra practice.

Is this breed right for you?

Usually a good fit for

Owners who want an affectionate, characterful small or medium dog
Homes willing to add ramps or steps and keep the dog off high furniture
People who enjoy daily moderate walks

Can be a tough fit for

Homes with lots of stairs and no way to carry or gate them
Owners who need a quiet dog
Anyone unwilling to manage weight strictly

Frequently asked questions

How common is IVDD in Dachshunds?: Common enough to plan for. In the DachsLife 2015 survey of 2,031 Dachshunds, 15.7% had an IVDD diagnosis, ranging from 7.1% in standard wirehairs to 24.4% in standard smooth-haired dogs. The site’s Dachshund back-health guide covers prevention and the warning signs.
How can I protect my Dachshund’s back?: The AKC’s advice is to keep your Dachshund from becoming overweight, give two moderate walks a day for muscle, and stop it running up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture. Ramps and steps help.
What’s the difference between a standard and a miniature Dachshund?: Weight. The AKC lists standards at 16–32 pounds and miniatures at 11 pounds and under. Both come in smooth, long and wire coats.
Are Dachshunds hard to train?: They can be stubborn. The AKC says they respond best to positive, reward-based training and react poorly to harsh commands. Short, consistent sessions with good treats work well.

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