The dachshund: character, needs and the health of its back

The dachshund began as a burrow hunting dog, bred to chase prey underground with determination and no hesitation. This history explains a lot of its behaviour: it is sharp, curious, stubborn and capable of making its own decisions, a useful trait at work that at home turns into a certain obstinacy.

It is a dog devoted to its family, often especially bonded to one person, alert and quick to bark at the unfamiliar. It loves to dig, sniff and follow trails, and it needs chances to use its nose and its head. Underestimating its intelligence and energy often leads to unwanted behaviour born of boredom rather than mischief.

Under the name dachshund live several varieties, sharing the elongated build but differing in size and coat. Knowing them helps you choose the individual best suited to your lifestyle and anticipate the grooming needs.

Beyond the cosmetic differences, every variety shares the same structural weak point, the long back. That is why the guidance on spinal health applies to the standard dachshund as much as to the miniature, whatever the coat type.

The dachshund is the breed most associated with intervertebral disc disease, a condition in which the discs that cushion the vertebrae degenerate and can compress the spinal cord. The elongated conformation and a particular disc structure typical of this type of dog explain why the risk is so high compared with other breeds.

Not every dachshund will develop a disc problem, but the predisposition is real and must be managed for life. The good news is that many daily choices, from weight control to how the dog gets on and off furniture, genuinely influence the risk and the severity of episodes.

Managing the back does not call for complicated measures, but for consistency. The aim is to reduce repeated loads on the spine and keep the supporting muscles efficient, without turning the dog into an invalid shielded from everything.

1. 1

   Keep the weight right

   Being overweight increases the load on the spine and joints. Check body condition regularly and adjust the ration, avoiding the classic round dachshund.

2. 2

   Limit jumps from sofas and beds

   Use ramps or steps to help the dog on and off furniture and the car, so you avoid the repeated impacts that stress the discs.

3. 3

   Support it correctly when carrying

   When you lift it, support both the chest and the rear, keeping the back straight, without letting it dangle or picking it up by the armpits alone.

4. 4

   Care for paws and grip on floors

   Keep nails short and reduce slipping on shiny floors with rugs or runners, to avoid sharp twists of the spine.

5. 5

   Build muscle with appropriate exercise

   Regular walks on safe surfaces help maintain the muscles that support the back, better than sudden sprints and rough play.

Recording weight over time and noting any episodes of pain or reluctance to move helps you catch changes early and give the vet a precise picture. In an at risk breed, a written record is worth more than the impression of the moment.

Beyond the back, the dachshund has some predispositions and management needs worth knowing for a long, contented life.

• Weight and feeding: the tendency to gain weight should be countered from a young age, because weight literally presses on the spine.
• Teeth: like many small breeds it can suffer dental problems, so regular oral hygiene matters.
• Eyes and ears: in long coated varieties and in dogs with drop ears, these should be checked consistently.
• Cold: short legs keep it close to the ground and the smooth coat gives little protection, so a covering may help in winter.
• Mental activity: a dog bred to work with its nose needs stimulation, or it digs, barks and gets bored.
• Early training: socialisation and clear rules from puppyhood prevent stubbornness and reactivity.

The dachshund repays with affection and cheer anyone who respects its hard head and protects its back. They are two sides of the same breed, not a flaw to be corrected.