Long back, short legs, a lot of opinions: dachshunds are wonderful and a little complicated. Here is our A to Z of everything we think every dachshund owner should know.

A is for Appetite & Nutrition

Dachshunds love to eat, but their long body and short legs mean that extra weight puts a lot of strain on the spine and joints. Choose a balanced diet with good protein, healthy fats and fibre, avoid overfeeding and keep treats small. Some everyday foods are toxic to dogs, including onions, chocolate and grapes.

B is for Back Problems (IVDD)

Because of their long spine, dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain, mobility problems or even paralysis. Prevention means a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities like jumping on and off furniture. If you notice pain, reluctance to move or dragging legs, see a vet immediately.

C is for Coats & Cold Weather

Dachshunds have thin fur and very little body fat, so they get cold quickly. A well-fitting coat keeps them warm and protects them from rain, wind and snow. It should allow free movement and not slip or twist on that long back. A soft fleece lining helps on particularly cold days. Take a look at our coats, or read why your dachshund needs one.

D is for Digging

Dachshunds were bred to hunt underground, so digging is in their blood. In the garden, under blankets or on the sofa, they love to burrow into a cosy spot. A digging corner, sandpit or snuffle mat gives that instinct somewhere to go.

E is for Exercise

Small does not mean lazy. Dachshunds need daily exercise to stay fit and happy: regular walks, interactive play and light training. Avoid too much jumping and rough play, which are hard on their backs.

F is for Friendliness & Socialisation

Dachshunds are loyal but can be wary of strangers. Early, positive contact with different people, animals and places helps prevent fear and excessive barking. Training with rewards builds confidence.

G is for Grooming & Coat Types

Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Smooth coats need little care, long-haired dachshunds need regular brushing, and wire-haired dachshunds benefit from hand-stripping or the occasional trim. More in our grooming guide.

H is for Hunting Heritage

Dachshunds were bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing game. They are fearless, tenacious and have excellent noses. Most are companions today, but the instinct is still there, and scent games and tracking are great fun for them.

I is for Intelligence & Stubbornness

Dachshunds are clever and independent. They learn quickly but may politely decide a command is optional. Patience, consistency and good rewards, like treats or a favourite toy, work much better than pressure.

J is for Jumping Risks

Repeated jumping off beds and sofas strains the spine and raises the risk of IVDD. Ramps or steps let your dachshund get up and down safely.

K is for Kids

Dachshunds can be great family dogs, but they do not enjoy rough handling and may snap if they feel threatened. Teach children to be gentle: no pulling ears, no sudden grabs, and let the dog walk away when he has had enough.

L is for Loud Barkers

Dachshunds have a surprisingly big voice. Underground hunters needed to be heard, and the habit stayed. It makes a fine alarm system, but excessive barking is best managed with training and socialisation.

M is for Miniature, Tweenie and Standard

There are two official sizes: miniature and standard. Miniatures typically weigh under 5 kg, standards up to around 9.5 kg or more. In between sits the Tweenie, typically around 5.5 to 7 kg, which is not an official classification but a very real one. And of course there are the smallest, our dear Kaninchen dachshunds. That is exactly why we size by type and weight, no tape measure needed: have a look at our size guide.

N is for Nose Power

A dachshund's sense of smell rivals that of far larger hunting breeds. Nose work, treat puzzles and hide-and-seek are brilliant ways to use it.

O is for Obesity Risks

Extra kilos are hard on a dachshund's spine and joints and can shorten his life. Proper portions, regular exercise and fewer treats keep him in shape. If your dog is gaining weight, ask your vet for a plan.

P is for Playful Personalities

Dachshunds love tug-of-war, light balls and interactive toys. Because of their hunting instincts, they also love chasing games and will happily “hunt” a squeaky toy for hours.

Q is for Quirky Sleeping Positions

On their backs with paws in the air, curled in a ball or tunnelled under the blanket: dachshunds sleep in the funniest ways. A warm bed or cuddlesack to burrow into makes any dachshund feel secure.

R is for Recall Challenges

A good scent can switch off a dachshund's hearing in seconds. Practise recall with high-value rewards, and use a long leash while you are still working on it.

S is for Separation Anxiety

Dachshunds attach strongly to their people and can struggle when left alone. Build up alone time gradually, offer interactive toys and create a calm environment.

T is for Training & Tricks

From “roll over” to “play dead”, dachshunds can learn plenty. Keep sessions short and fun. Clicker training works well because it links good behaviour to an immediate reward.

U is for Unique Body Shape

That long torso and those short legs give dachshunds their look and their special needs. Choose a well-fitting harness, lift your dog with support under both his chest and hindquarters, and avoid stairs where possible.

V is for Velcro Dogs

Dachshunds love to be close to their people and follow them from room to room, including the bathroom. It is endearing, but a little practice at being alone in short stretches helps prevent clinginess.

W is for Winter Care

With short legs and thin fur, dachshunds struggle in the cold. Besides a coat, a paw balm can protect against ice and salt, though many dachshunds dislike boots. Keep walks shorter in extreme weather and give them warm blankets indoors.

X is for X-Factor

Every dachshund has a bold, individual personality: confident, sometimes mischievous and always entertaining. Whether charming guests or demanding attention, that X-factor makes them unforgettable.

Y is for Year-Round Shedding

Even smooth-haired dachshunds shed all year, while long-haired and wire-haired types shed more seasonally. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control, and a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids supports skin and coat.

Z is for Zoomies

Small dog, sudden turbo mode: dachshunds regularly race around the house or garden at full speed. It is a wonderful way to burn off energy, and a wonderful thing to watch.

Do you recognise your dachshund in all of these?