How long does a Dachshund (Teckel) live?

The life expectancy of the Dachshund (Teckel) is 12-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Dachshund (Teckel) weigh?

An adult Dachshund (Teckel) weighs between 5-12 kg (mini <5kg), depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.

How much exercise does a Dachshund (Teckel) need?

The Dachshund (Teckel) has media energy. **Exercise:** 45-60 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Calm walks + mental play.

Who is the Dachshund (Teckel) NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Homes with stairs (back risk). Very young children. Anyone who can tolerate frequent barking. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Why do stairs and jumping need to be avoided?

Its elongated body overloads the spinal discs. Jumping off the sofa or climbing stairs can cause a slipped disc, which affects around 25% of the breed. Use ramps and avoid excess weight.

It's clever but very independent and stubborn, especially when it comes to toileting outside. It needs routine, patience and consistent positive reinforcement.

Is it good with children?

Better with older, careful children. Young ones may pick it up wrongly and hurt its back, and the Dachshund doesn't always tolerate rough handling.

Yes, it has a tendency to bark and raise the alarm. It was bred to hunt underground and is vocal; with early socialisation and training it can be toned down.

Breed profile

Dachshund (Teckel)

Q: Where does the Dachshund (Teckel) breed come from?

The Dachshund (Teckel) originates from Alemania. Bred in Germany during the 15th-16th centuries to hunt badgers underground: "Dachs" (badger) + "Hund" (dog). The elongated body was designed to enter burrows. Courage out of all proportion to its size.

Q: How much exercise does a Dachshund (Teckel) need?

The Dachshund (Teckel) has media energy. **Exercise:** 45-60 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Calm walks + mental play.

Q: Is the Dachshund (Teckel) good with children?

Children: with careful older children. Other dogs: variable. Cats: it depends.

Q: Who is the Dachshund (Teckel) NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Homes with stairs (back risk). Very young children. Anyone who can tolerate frequent barking. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Q: What health problems does the Dachshund (Teckel) have?

Intervertebral disc disease (25% affected). Obesity. Epilepsy. Diabetes. Retinal atrophy. Life expectancy 12-16 years. Life expectancy 12-16 years with appropriate care. Pre-breeding tests are recommended at responsible breeders (hip dysplasia + cardiac + ophthalmology depending on the breed's conditions). When adopting, ask the rescue for a vet report on the current state of health.

Q: Why do stairs and jumping need to be avoided?

Its elongated body overloads the spinal discs. Jumping off the sofa or climbing stairs can cause a slipped disc, which affects around 25% of the breed. Use ramps and avoid excess weight.

Q: Is it hard to train?

It's clever but very independent and stubborn, especially when it comes to toileting outside. It needs routine, patience and consistent positive reinforcement.

Q: Is it good with children?

Better with older, careful children. Young ones may pick it up wrongly and hurt its back, and the Dachshund doesn't always tolerate rough handling.

The "sausage dog". Long body, short legs. A brave hunter dressed up as a sweetheart. Independent, stubborn character. Three coat varieties (smooth/wire/long) and two sizes.

Origin: Alemania Size: Pequeño-Mediano Lifespan: 12-16 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with the patience to train
✓Flats
✓Active older people

Reconsider if

×Homes with stairs (back risk)
×Very young children
×Anyone who can tolerate frequent barking

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Is the Dachshund (Teckel) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-80 €/month

Food 18-30 €, veterinary provision 15-30 € (risk of back surgery), ramp/harness and accessories 5-10 €, deworming 8-12 €.

History and origin

Bred in Germany during the 15th-16th centuries to hunt badgers underground: "Dachs" (badger) + "Hund" (dog). The elongated body was designed to enter burrows. Courage out of all proportion to its size.

Recognised by the FCI within Group 9 (companion dogs). Its small size makes flat living easy, but "small" is not the same as "needs no training": small dog syndrome (excessive barking, fear, reactivity) is common when it isn't given the same routine as a large dog.

Temperament and character

Brave, alert, independent. Devoted to one main person. A barker. Hard to house-train (stubborn). Needs daily mental stimulation — scent games, food-stuffed Kongs and short trick sessions channel its energy better than physical exercise alone. Responds best to positive reinforcement: physical punishment breeds fear, anxiety and reactivity — coercive methods are NOT recommended by veterinary behaviourists. Sensitive to its family's mood: it picks up on tension and catches it.

Living together

Children: with careful older children. Other dogs: variable. Cats: it depends.

Life stages of the Dachshund (Teckel)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-16 años.

Puppy

0-9 months

Protect the spine from the start: avoid jumps and stairs, use ramps; weight control and socialisation.

Junior

9 months-1.5 years

Build back musculature with appropriate exercise; keep weight low so as not to overload the back.

Adult

1.5-9 years

Slipped disc prevention (its greatest risk due to the long back), strict obesity control and eye examination.

Senior

9+ years

Neurological monitoring of the spine, weight maintenance and management of arthritis and vision.

Care

Exercise: 45-60 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Calm walks + mental play.

Brushing: 2-3 times a week; intensive during the moulting seasons (spring and autumn).

Feeding: quality food suited to life stage (puppy/adult/senior) and size. Weight control: obesity is the leading preventable cause of joint problems.

Vet: annual check-up with preventive blood work from age 5 (7 in giant breeds); twice a year from age 8.

Exercise 30-60 min/day. WEIGHT CONTROL is critical (excess weight → slipped disc). Avoid stairs and jumping. Brushing according to variety. Training with patience.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food with calorie control. Weight is the number one factor in protecting its spine: keep it lean for life.

✂️ Grooming

According to variety: smooth coat needs weekly brushing; wire coat requires stripping; long coat, brushing 2-3 times a week.

🎓 Training

Independent and headstrong; house-training can be a struggle. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Prone to barking.

🏃 Exercise

30-60 min/day of walking on the flat. Avoid stairs, jumps and terrain that strains the back.

Breed-specific health

Intervertebral disc disease (25% affected). Obesity. Epilepsy. Diabetes. Retinal atrophy. Life expectancy 12-16 years. Life expectancy 12-16 years with appropriate care. Pre-breeding tests are recommended at responsible breeders (hip dysplasia + cardiac + ophthalmology depending on the breed's conditions). When adopting, ask the rescue for a vet report on the current state of health.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🩻Hernia discal ⚖️Obesidad 🦿Luxación de rótula

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Dachshund (Teckel)

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Neurological/spinal assessment (intervertebral disc disease)
✓Ophthalmic examination (retinal atrophy)
✓Blood work including blood glucose (diabetes)
✓Body weight monitoring
✓Dental check

Prevention

Strict weight control (excess weight triggers slipped discs), avoiding stairs and jumps off sofas/beds (use ramps), and using a harness rather than a collar. Slipped disc affects up to 1 in 4 individuals.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up; every six months from age 8 or with any history of back problems.

Warning signs

!Refusing to move, arched back or yelping when picked up (disc emergency)
!Weakness or dragging of the hind legs
!Increased thirst/urination and weight loss (diabetes)
!Stumbling or bumping into things (retinal problems)

Dachshund (Teckel) gallery

Foto de la raza dachshund — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Dachshund (Teckel)

How long does a Dachshund (Teckel) live?: The life expectancy of the Dachshund (Teckel) is 12-16 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Dachshund (Teckel) weigh?: An adult Dachshund (Teckel) weighs between 5-12 kg (mini <5kg), depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño-mediano.
Where does the Dachshund (Teckel) breed come from?: The Dachshund (Teckel) originates from Alemania. Bred in Germany during the 15th-16th centuries to hunt badgers underground: "Dachs" (badger) + "Hund" (dog). The elongated body was designed to enter burrows. Courage out of all proportion to its size.
How much exercise does a Dachshund (Teckel) need?: The Dachshund (Teckel) has media energy. **Exercise:** 45-60 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Calm walks + mental play.
Is the Dachshund (Teckel) good with children?: Children: with careful older children. Other dogs: variable. Cats: it depends.
Who is the Dachshund (Teckel) NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Homes with stairs (back risk). Very young children. Anyone who can tolerate frequent barking. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Dachshund (Teckel) have?: Intervertebral disc disease (25% affected). Obesity. Epilepsy. Diabetes. Retinal atrophy. Life expectancy 12-16 years. Life expectancy 12-16 years with appropriate care. Pre-breeding tests are recommended at responsible breeders (hip dysplasia + cardiac + ophthalmology depending on the breed's conditions). When adopting, ask the rescue for a vet report on the current state of health.
Why do stairs and jumping need to be avoided?: Its elongated body overloads the spinal discs. Jumping off the sofa or climbing stairs can cause a slipped disc, which affects around 25% of the breed. Use ramps and avoid excess weight.
Is it hard to train?: It's clever but very independent and stubborn, especially when it comes to toileting outside. It needs routine, patience and consistent positive reinforcement.
Is it good with children?: Better with older, careful children. Young ones may pick it up wrongly and hurt its back, and the Dachshund doesn't always tolerate rough handling.
Does it bark a lot?: Yes, it has a tendency to bark and raise the alarm. It was bred to hunt underground and is vocal; with early socialisation and training it can be toned down.