Dachshunds were developed in Germany to pursue badgers. Dachshund means "badger dog" in German. Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature. Miniature dachshunds weigh ll pounds or less. Standard dachshunds generally weigh 16 to 32 pounds. Both sizes of Dachshunds can be either smooth-coated, long-haired or wire-haired. Smooth-coated and long-haired Dachshunds come in one shade, two shades, dappled, sable or brindle. Wire-haired Dachshunds may be any color or combination of colors. Dachshunds are merry and lively little dogs. They can also be a bit high-strung, stubborn or even aggressive.

To learn how to rescue a Dachshund in need of a home or for breeder referrals from the Dachshund Club of America click here.

Potential Health Problems*

Acanthosis Nigricans (darkening of the skin)

Adenocarcinomas (of the anal sacs)

Alopecia

Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Blepharitis

Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia

Cutaneous Histiocytoma

Cataracts

Congenital Deafness

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal Ulcer

Cryptorchidism

Cushing’s Disease

Dermoid Cysts

Diabetes Mellitus

Distichiasis

Ear Infections

Ehler-Danlos Syndrome

Entropion

Epilepsy

Glaucoma

Hernias

Hypothyroidism

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Lipomas

Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Malassezia Dermatitis

Mast Cell Tumors

Melanoma (Limbal)

Mitral Valve Disease

Narcolepsy-Cataplexy

Pannus

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Pododermatitis

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Pyoderma

Retinal Detachment

Sebborhea

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Thrombocytopenia

Urolithiasis

Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)

Von Willebrand Disease

*Just because a condition is associated with a specific breed does not mean that all dogs of this breed will be affected. Likewise, a dog may be impacted by diseases and conditions not listed under his or her breed.