Dachshund: temperament, care and good with kids
The Dachshund is a small, bold hound with a distinctive long body and a big personality. They're devoted and clever, while also headstrong and vocal.
Temperament
They're confident, brave and stubborn — devoted to family, watchful toward strangers and fond of barking. Training takes patience and consistency.
Good with children
★★★
They can be a good companion, but because of their stubbornness, tendency to bark and sensitive spine they're better suited to families with older children — hence three stars.
Care & upkeep
Depending on coat type (smooth, long, wire), care ranges from minimal to regular brushing. The key is watching weight and protecting the long spine from strain.
Exercise & daily routine
They need regular but not extreme exercise. Crucially, don't let them jump from heights or overload the spine (risk of disc herniation). Level-ground walks are ideal.
Can you handle the daily care?
TestDog simulates the real routine of caring for a virtual dog — feeding in set windows and walks tracked by your pedometer. Try the responsibility for real before you get a Dachshund or any other breed.
Download on theApp StoreWho the Dachshund suits
Suitable for families with older children and individuals who don't mind a headstrong, more vocal dog. Not suited to homes where they'd jump off stairs and sofas a lot.
Compare with other breeds in our dog breed guide.