Sausage Dogs: The Dachshund Breed Explained
Sausage dogs are Dachshunds. The nickname comes from the shape — long body, short legs — and sits alongside wiener dog, hot dog, doxie and doxin as an affectionate name for the same German hunting breed. This page covers what the breed actually is: where it came from, the three coat types, the two sizes, what it is like to live with, and the one health issue every owner needs to understand.
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Shedding Level | Moderate |
| Grooming Level | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate |
| Good for Novice Owners | Moderate |
| Adaptability | Moderate |
| Kid/Pet Friendly | Often |
| Prey Drive | High |
| Watchdog | Very Alert |
| Average Size | Small |
| Average Lifespan | 12-16 Years |
| Registered? | Aca |
Where the breed came from
The Dachshund originated in Germany, and the name means “badger dog”. They were bred as independent hunters of badgers and other dangerous prey, and packs of them were used to chase down wild boar. Their lineage traces back over 600 years, and they have been a national symbol of Germany for a long time. The AKC admitted them to the Stud Book in 1885 and places them in the Hound Group.
That working history explains most of the temperament. A dog bred to go underground alone and face something that fights back is going to be bold, loud and stubborn — and it is.
The three coat types
All three are the same breed, and all three come in both sizes.
Smooth (short-haired) — the classic short hair Dachshund, with a close, glossy coat. The lowest-maintenance of the three: a wipe over and an occasional bath is genuinely all it needs. Short haired Dachshunds still shed, moderately, year round.
Long-haired — a soft, slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail. The long coat is recessive, so fewer appear per litter, which is why long-haired Dachshunds are the most requested and least available version of the breed. They need brushing two or three times a week to stay free of mats, particularly behind the ears.
Wire-haired — a coarse outer coat with a beard and eyebrows, the least common of the three in the United States. Needs hand-stripping or clipping a few times a year.
For the full picture of every size, coat and pattern combination — and the “types” that are advertised but are not real types — see our guide to the types of Dachshunds.
The two sizes
In the United States there are two recognised sizes: miniature, at 11 pounds and under at twelve months, and standard, usually 16 to 32 pounds. Dogs finishing between roughly 12 and 15 pounds are informally called tweenies — a descriptive term among breeders, not an official class.
Temperament is the same across both. Our guide to miniature versus standard Dachshunds covers which suits which household. Note that “teacup” is not a recognised size — it is sales language for dogs bred or selected to be unusually small.
Temperament and living with one
The wiener dog is clever, lively and courageous, with a friendly, spunky and curious nature, and they tend to do very well with children. They are vigilant, wary of strangers, and have a big-dog bark, which makes them good watchdogs. They are prone to barking, though early socialisation and training keeps it to a minimum.
They have a strong prey drive, which can be an issue with animals in the home smaller than they are unless they are properly socialised towards them. They are generally friendly towards other dogs.
The breed is moderately adaptable. They do well in apartments or in larger homes with yards, and get along with families of all types. They do not handle cold weather well and can be sensitive to heat, so they do best in moderate climates.
Health: the back comes first
Dachshunds are generally healthy, but the shape that defines the breed carries one specific cost. Because of their long spine and short legs, they are prone to back injuries and disc damage, particularly as they age. This is intervertebral disc disease, and Dachshunds are affected at far higher rates than most breeds.
Running up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture damages the back over time. Keeping the dog lean is the single biggest thing within your control. Ramps instead of jumping, supporting the back and hindquarters when lifting, and a harness rather than a neck collar all help.
Sudden reluctance to move, a hunched back, shivering, or weakness in the hind legs should be treated as an emergency, not a wait-and-see — outcomes depend heavily on how quickly treatment starts. Our full guide to Dachshund back problems and IVDD covers the warning signs and the daily habits that reduce risk.
They can also get ear infections if their ears are not kept clean, which matters more for the long-haired and wire-haired coats.
Lifespan
Twelve to sixteen years is normal, and many live well into their teens.
Looking for a puppy?
See which Dachshund puppies are available now — long-haired, dapple, blue, piebald and cream — or read what a Dachshund actually costs across its lifetime before you commit. Questions about the breed are welcome: get in touch.