All about your Dachshund
Faithful, versatile and good tempered
The Dachshund is more commonly referred to as a Sausage dog thanks to their short legs and long bodies. There are 6 varieties being miniature or standard, with smooth, wire, or long-haired coats.
Breed information & advice
Dachshunds are identified as belonging to the hound group in the United States and Great Britain. They’re loyal, and will really enjoy being around their family. They can also be stubborn at times. Here’s more you should know:
- One of the most unique breeds, this dog is a real characterOne of the most unique breeds, this dog is a real character
- Dachshunds will shed, so you’ll need to brush their coat regularly to get rid of excess hairDachshunds will shed, so you’ll need to brush their coat regularly to get rid of excess hair
- This dog will typically weigh between 5kg and 12kg, when fully grownThis dog will typically weigh between 5kg and 12kg, when fully grown
- A healthy Dachshund will usually live for 12 to 13 yearsA healthy Dachshund will usually live for 12 to 13 years
Typical size of a Dachshund: Small: 13cm – 22cm
Recommended exercise & nutrition
Dachshunds need to be given quite a lot of daily exercise for them to be truly happy, usually around 40 minutes each day.
Common health problems & illnesses
Disc problems on Dachshunds is a significant issue. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) tops the list of common health issues, which is a condition which causes the dog to be unable to walk and can seriously compromise the dog’s quality of life. Research shows that the risk of IVDD in dachshunds is 10-12 times higher than other dog breeds, with at least one-fifth of all dachshunds showing clinical signs in their life. The median age of onset of disease is between 5-7 years, with the Standard and Miniature Smooth Haired and the Miniature Wire Haired having the highest prevalence of this disease.
Periodontal disease and skin allergies are really common in dachshunds.
Dog name popularity
If you’re struggling to think of a name for your Dachshund, take a look at the most popular ones at Tesco Pet Insurance for inspiration.
Poppy
Megan
Bella
Benji
Millie
Average treatment costs
Wondering whether pet insurance for your Dachshund is worth it? We’ve put together the top five conditions claimed for by Tesco Pet Insurance customers in 2021. To give you an idea of how much vet bills can vary, we’ve shown both the average cost and the top 10% most expensive costs for each condition.
Top five conditions and average costs
|
Condition |
Average |
10% most expensive |
|---|---|---|
|
Disc problems |
£4,193 |
£6,499 |
|
Poisoning |
£428 |
£732 |
|
Lameness |
£705 |
£1,281 |
|
Back/spinal condition |
£1,519 |
£2,844 |
|
Gastro-enteritis |
£1,733 |
£3,451 |
Tesco Pet Insurance claims data from paid treatments including excesses from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.
Considering Dachshund insurance?
We know your dog is an important member of the family, so give them the protection they deserve with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.
Grooming advice
Smooth and wire-haired Dachshunds won’t need too much care with their coat; just be sure to give them a brush a couple of times a week to reduce tangling and matting, and keep the skin healthy. Long-haired varieties need a little more grooming; it’s a good idea to give them a brush every day.
Always brush down to the skin to ensure you’re stimulating hair follicles that will encourage shedding.
Due to their low tummy and depending on how mucky they get, your dog may need a bath more frequently than others. Every 8 to 12 weeks should do it.
As with other dog breeds, another area that will need your attention is their teeth, and you should brush these at least once a week to ensure they stay free from plaque build-up and tartar. Nobody really likes a trip to the dentist – not even your dog, but special toothbrushes and toothpastes are available so you can be sure they get their oral hygiene fix.
Fun & interesting facts
- Dachshunds love to dig holes
- Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers; their name translates as ‘badger dog’ from German
- The breed name is correctly pronounced “daks-hund”
- A Dachshund was the first Olympic mascot
Important information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
Vetfone™ is a 24/7 unlimited, free telephone or video call service that provides expert advice from vets or vet nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need advice on health, grooming, feeding or behaviour vetfone™ is there to help.
As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access friendly, expert advice from qualified Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick telephone call or video call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you a trip to the vet.
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.
Discover more breeds
Browse our other cat and dog guides to learn about some of the UK’s most popular breeds.