Dachshund Care Guide: Health, Grooming, and Owner Mistakes
Dachshunds, aka wiener dogs, sausage dogs, hot dogs—whatever you call them, these little legends are impossible not to love.
With their long bodies, short legs, and big personalities, they’re basically comedians wrapped in fur. But here’s the thing: caring for a Dachshund isn’t as simple as tossing them a ball and calling it a day.
Today I’ll break down everything you need to know, from health and grooming to the mistakes owners keep making.
1. Health: The Back Problem Everyone Warns You About
Let’s get the obvious out of the way—Dachshunds are prone to back issues. Their long spine makes them extra vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

How to protect their backs:
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- Support their chest and back when picking them up
- Keep their weight in check (extra pounds = extra strain)
Yes, they’ll still try to launch themselves off the couch like stunt doubles, but it’s your job to minimize the damage.
Other common Dachshund health issues:
- Dental disease (tiny mouths = crowded teeth)
- Obesity (they’ll eat anything, trust me)
- Heart problems
- Eye issues like cataracts
Pet insurance? Highly recommended. One wrong jump and your wallet might be crying.
2. Exercise: Tiny Legs, Big Energy
Don’t be fooled by their short legs—Dachshunds have surprising stamina. They were bred for hunting, which means they love to dig, chase, and explore.

Exercise guidelines:
- 30–45 minutes of daily activity (walks + playtime)
- Supervised digging (yep, they’ll dig no matter what—might as well give them a “legal” spot)
- Avoid intense stair climbing or high-impact exercise to protect their back
And yes, zoomies are part of the package. Watching a Dachshund zoom around the house like a furry torpedo is both hilarious and slightly terrifying.
3. Diet: Portion Control Is Everything
Dachshunds have a dangerous combo: big appetite + small body. Obesity is one of the fastest ways to cause back issues, so portion control isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Feeding tips:
- Use a measuring cup for every meal (no “eyeballing it”)
- Stick to 2–3 small meals a day
- Avoid table scraps, especially fatty foods (their stomachs aren’t built for it)
- Choose a high-quality food that supports joint health
Remember: a “chubby sausage” might look cute on Instagram, but it’s a recipe for health problems down the line.

4. Grooming: Depends on the Coat Type
Dachshunds come in three coat varieties—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. Each has different grooming needs.
- Smooth coat: Low maintenance. A quick weekly brush and the occasional bath do the trick.
- Long-haired: Needs regular brushing (3–4 times a week) to prevent mats and tangles.
- Wire-haired: Requires brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat texture.
No matter the coat type:
- Trim nails every few weeks
- Clean ears often (their floppy ears trap moisture = infections)
- Brush their teeth (yes, really—Dachshunds are prone to dental issues)

5. Training: Stubborn but Smart
Dachshunds are clever little dogs, but they’re also famously stubborn. If training feels like a battle of wills, that’s because it is.
Training hacks:
- Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play)
- Keep sessions short—5–10 minutes is plenty
- Be consistent (don’t let them “win” with bad behavior just because they’re cute)
House training can take longer than with some breeds. Patience is key—your Dachshund will get it eventually, but don’t expect overnight miracles.
6. Socialization: Early and Often
Dachshunds can be wary of strangers and bossy with other dogs if they’re not socialized properly.
Expose them early to:
- New people and environments
- Other dogs (big and small)
- Everyday noises (vacuum, doorbell, traffic)
This helps prevent the dreaded “Napoleon complex” where your 12-pound sausage dog thinks they’re the neighborhood sheriff.

7. Common Owner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Letting them jump off furniture.
Solution: Get ramps or stairs and actually use them. Your vet bills will thank you.
Mistake 2: Overfeeding because “they’re always hungry.”
Solution: Stick to measured meals and keep treats small.
Mistake 3: Skipping training because “they’re stubborn.”
Solution: Be patient, keep sessions short, and use high-value rewards.
Mistake 4: Not brushing their teeth.
Solution: Start early. Even if you only manage a few times a week, it’s better than nothing.
Mistake 5: Thinking short legs = low exercise needs.
Solution: Regular walks and playtime keep them fit and prevent boredom.
8. Dachshund Personality: Big Dog Energy in a Small Body
Dachshunds are fearless, loyal, and endlessly entertaining. They’ll keep you laughing with their antics, but they’ll also keep you on your toes with their stubbornness. Once they bond with you, they’re fiercely loyal little shadows—equal parts watchdog, comedian, and cuddle buddy.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Dachshund is like signing up for a rollercoaster: there are ups, downs, and a few unexpected twists. They’re adorable, loyal, and hilarious, but they need special care to stay healthy.
Quick recap for Dachshund owners:
- Protect their back at all costs
- Keep them slim with portion control and exercise
- Groom according to coat type
- Train with patience and consistency
- Socialize to avoid bossy behavior
- Don’t fall into common owner mistakes
Do all that, and you’ll have a healthy, happy Dachshund who lives up to their reputation as one of the most lovable (and mischievous) breeds around. IMO, once you go sausage dog, it’s hard to go back. 🙂

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉