Stefan has been writing about dachshunds since 2016, when the breed took over his page, his inbox, and his life. He reports; the doxies decide.
MEMORANDUM FROM: Frank, Director of Operations, The Dachshund Report RE: Accumulated matters requiring official ruling DATE: September 7, 2026 It has come to my attention that a number of you have been conducting your dachshund ownership without proper guidance. This is unacceptable. I have reviewed the matters that have been
Dachshunds can be wonderful family dogs — loyal, protective, and endlessly entertaining. But they're also independent, strong-willed, and more likely to snap when startled than most breeds people assume are "aggressive." The honest answer is yes, with conditions: the right introduction, the right household rules, and
Back & Mobility
Dachshunds are up to 5x more likely to develop periodontal disease than large breeds, with roughly 80% showing signs by age 2. Their long snouts pack 42 adult teeth into compressed root space, making dental disease — not IVDD — the most common health problem your doxie will face. You know what
Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to arthritis through a conformational condition called pes varus (bowleggedness), and their long spines compound the problem. Up to 60% of dogs show radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis — most without their owners ever noticing. Here's how to spot it in your doxie, how to tell
The best harness for a dachshund distributes leash pressure across the chest — never the neck or spine — fits snugly without restricting shoulder movement, and uses a back-clip attachment point. But the harness alone doesn't protect your doxie's back. The biggest dachshund health study ever conducted
Doxie Life
Dachshunds bark so much because they were literally bred for it. Their ancestors hunted badgers underground, and barking was the communication system that told hunters where the dog was — sometimes several feet below the surface. That instinct didn't go anywhere just because your doxie now lives on a
Most dachshund food allergies are caused by proteins — beef, dairy, and chicken are the top three triggers. The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is an 8-to-12-week elimination diet supervised by your vet. Blood and saliva tests are not accurate. If your doxie is itching,
Food & Weight
The best treats for dachshunds are small, low-fat, and low-calorie — because a standard dachshund's entire daily treat budget is only about 40–50 calories. That's two Beggin' Strips. The breed is also predisposed to pancreatitis, which makes high-fat treats a genuine health
Doxie Life
Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety because the breed was built to work alongside a handler and bonds intensely with one person — often following them room to room. This "velcro dog" trait is normal dachshund behavior, but it crosses into separation anxiety when your dog can't
Dachshunds are generally considered seniors at around 10 to 12 years old — later than most breeds, because small dogs age more slowly after their first few years. But "senior" doesn't mean "done." It means the rules change, and the owners who know what to
The best dog bed for a dachshund is an orthopedic bed with memory foam or egg-crate foam that supports the full length of their spine, sits low enough that they don't have to jump in and out, and — ideally — lets them burrow. Dachshunds have the highest rate
Doxie Life
Potty training a dachshund takes 4 to 6 months of consistent scheduling, positive reinforcement, and breed-specific adjustments — particularly skipping the puppy pads and watching for their famously subtle body language. Standard puppy-training advice was written for Labradors. Dachshunds are a different animal entirely. You know what nobody tells