Dachshund
Brave, lively, stubborn
Also known as: sausage dog, doxie, wiener dog, teckel
- Adult weight
- 7–15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- Moderate
- Origin
- Germany
- Group
- Hound
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
What the evidence means for Dachshund
UFAW describes a substantial IVDD burden in Dachshunds. Sudden back pain, weakness or loss of movement needs prompt veterinary assessment; a breed risk is not an individual diagnosis.
UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Intervertebral disc disease (up to 1 in 4 affected)Breed association source: UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- ●ObesityBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Progressive retinal atrophy (miniatures)Breed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Dental diseaseBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Limit jumping and stairs; use ramps
- ✓Keep slim to protect the spine
Calculators for your Dachshund
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Dachshund ↗
- UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- Merck Vet Manual – Degenerative spinal diseases ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.