Dachshund

Official ICCF Breed Description

Brief Historical Background

The Dachshund is an ancient German breed whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Its ancestors were burrowing dogs used for hunting badgers, foxes, and small game. In the 17th–18th centuries, Germany began selective breeding of Dachshunds with short legs and elongated bodies that allowed them to pursue prey underground. The breed quickly gained popularity for its courage, stamina, and excellent scenting ability. Over time, different varieties emerged by size and coat type — smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. Today, the Dachshund is cherished worldwide as an intelligent, devoted, and cheerful companion.

General Appearance

The Dachshund is a low-set, elongated, muscular dog with strong bone and a distinctive silhouette. Its body is long yet proportional, with a firm back and well-developed limbs. The head is elongated and wedge-shaped, with expressive dark eyes and long, pendulous ears. The tail continues the topline, slightly curved. The coat may be smooth, long, or wire, depending on the variety — always dense and close-fitting. Movements are free and energetic, with a powerful drive from the hindquarters. The overall impression combines elegance, strength, and confidence, reflecting the breed’s hunting purpose and spirited temperament.

Important Proportions

The Dachshund has an elongated body with relatively short limbs. The body length exceeds the height at the withers by approximately 30–35%. The head is in harmony with the body, with muzzle length roughly equal to that of the skull. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with long, well-arched ribs forming a capacious thorax. The limbs are strong, muscular, and proportional to the body; the tail continues the backline. The ratio of length to height provides stability and agility essential for burrow work. All proportions aim to combine endurance, strength, and flexibility — the key qualities of the breed.

Behavior and Temperament

The Dachshund has a lively, courageous, and curious temperament. It is an intelligent, determined, and independent dog with a strong hunting instinct and deep attachment to its owner. Alert toward strangers but never aggressive without cause, Dachshunds are active, playful, and possess a sense of humor. They adapt well to home life while retaining excellent hunting ability. Self-confident, energetic, and emotionally stable, they require consistent training. Their nature combines bravery and friendliness, making the Dachshund an ideal companion for an attentive and active owner.

Head

The head of the Dachshund is elongated but proportional to the body, with smooth lines and a noble expression. The skull is slightly convex, moderately broad between the ears. The stop is gentle but distinct. The muzzle is straight and long, with strong jaws and a black nose. Lips are tight and not pendulous. Cheeks are flat, giving a clean outline. Teeth are strong, with a scissor bite. The overall expression is intelligent, alert, yet kind. The head of the Dachshund reflects its confident, curious, and dignified character as a true hunting breed.

Muzzle

The muzzle is elongated, dry, and proportional. It tapers gradually toward the nose but is not pointed. The nose is large, with open nostrils, always dark in color. Lips are thin and tight, without folds. Jaws are strong with a full set of teeth and correct scissor bite. Cheeks are smooth, not protruding. The expression is lively, intelligent, and confident, with a touch of alertness. The muzzle highlights the Dachshund’s watchfulness, decisiveness, and readiness for action, giving the breed its distinctive and expressive appearance.

Eyes

Eyes are medium-sized, oval, and moderately slanted, with an intelligent, lively, and friendly expression. The iris is dark brown, corresponding to the coat color, preferably as dark as possible. Eyelids are tight and well-pigmented. The gaze is expressive, attentive, and reflects curiosity and confidence. Light or round eyes are undesirable, as they detract from the breed’s typical expression. The Dachshund’s eyes lend charm and individuality, emphasizing its balanced, kind, and clever nature.

Ears

Ears are long, broad at the base, pendulous, with rounded tips and soft cartilage. Set low but not too low, the edges lie close to the cheeks. When relaxed, they hang smoothly without folds or twists; when alert, they lift slightly at the base, giving an attentive look. The coat on the ears is smooth and glossy; in long-haired Dachshunds, more abundant and silky. Ears that are too short, heavy, or high-set are faults. Correct ears accentuate the noble head and the friendly, lively character of the breed.

Neck

The neck is of medium length, strong, muscular, and dry, with a graceful arch at the top, giving the dog a proud posture. The neck is set high and blends smoothly into the withers. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. The neck must be strong enough to support steady movement and work underground. Its length harmonizes with the body proportions, forming a balanced silhouette. Males have slightly stronger necks but always retain elegance. The correct neck enhances confidence, energy, and the Dachshund’s characteristic dignity.

Body

The body is elongated, strong, and muscular, with harmonious proportions and solid bone. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and slightly arched. The chest is deep with long, well-curved ribs that ensure ample space for the lungs and free breathing. The withers are pronounced; the croup short, slightly sloping toward the tail. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The outline is long but balanced, never loose or heavy. The smooth, flowing body lines give the Dachshund stability, flexibility, and endurance — essential for underground hunting.

Tail

The tail continues the topline, medium in length, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. When relaxed, it hangs down; in motion, it is slightly curved but never carried over the back or in a ring. The coat on the tail is dense and smooth, with a plume in long-haired Dachshunds. The tail completes the outline, giving balance and elegance. A tail that is too high, curled, or limp is undesirable. The correct tail emphasizes the breed’s grace, confidence, and harmonious structure.

Exterior Description

Forequarters

The forelegs are short but powerful, with well-developed muscles and solid bone. Shoulders are long, sloping, and close-fitting, forming an angle of about 90° with the upper arms. Forearms are strong and slightly curved, aiding movement underground. Elbows point backward, not turned in or out. Pasterns are short, firm, and resilient. Feet are strong, compact, with tightly arched toes, thick pads, and durable nails. The forequarters provide stability, power, and maneuverability — essential for precise, confident work in burrows.

Hindquarters

The hind legs are powerful, muscular, and well-angulated, providing propulsion and balance. Thighs are long and strong with developed muscles. Stifles are well-defined, with harmonious, balanced angulation. Lower thighs are dry and strong, with low hocks. Metatarsi are short and almost vertical, providing stability and strength in movement. Feet are compact, with resilient pads and strong nails. The correct hindquarters give the Dachshund its characteristic elasticity, endurance, and steadiness, crucial for working in difficult terrain.

Gait and Movement

The gait is free, confident, and springy, with strong rear drive and good front reach. Movements are straight, smooth, and rhythmic. The topline remains level and firm during movement. The Dachshund moves lightly and purposefully, demonstrating stamina and energy. The stride should be long despite short limbs, reflecting correct structure and angulation. Stiffness, wobbling, or crossing legs are faults. The Dachshund’s movement combines strength, flexibility, and precision.

Coat

The coat varies by variety but must always be dense and protective.

• Smooth-haired: short, shiny, close-fitting, without bald spots.

• Long-haired: soft, slightly wavy, lying flat, longer on the ears, chest, belly, and tail, forming fringes and feathering.

• Wire-haired: dense, coarse, with a thick undercoat and a beard on the muzzle.

In all types, the coat should be even, healthy, and weather-resistant. Soft, sparse, or excessively long hair is a fault.

Acceptable Colors

Permissible colors depend on coat type. The main ones include:

• Solid colors: all shades of red, from light to deep red;

• Two-colored: black-and-tan or chocolate-and-tan;

• Dapple (harlequin): irregular dark and light patches distributed across the body;

• Brindle or rare shades: isabella or blue (where allowed).

Tan markings should be clear and symmetrical, without excessive darkening. Small white marks on the chest are permitted. Uneven or faded colors are faults.

Size

Dachshunds are divided into three sizes by chest circumference:

• Standard: over 35 cm (weight up to 9 kg);

• Miniature: 30–35 cm (weight 4–5 kg);

• Rabbit: up to 30 cm (weight up to 3.5 kg).

Height at withers: standard — 20–27 cm; miniature — 14–21 cm; rabbit — 12–18 cm. The body length is about 1.5 times the height. All sizes share the same breed type — strong, enduring, and confident. The Dachshund must appear sturdy and balanced, without coarseness or fragility.

Faults

Minor faults include weak musculature, loose body, overly long or short frame, poor angulation, soft or sparse coat, light eyes, pale nose, light ears, thin or high-set tail. Behavioral faults include shyness, stubbornness without obedience, excitability, or insecurity. Any imbalance reducing confidence, steadiness, or agility is undesirable.

Disqualification

Serious defects disqualifying from breeding include aggression or timidity; incorrect bite (over- or underbite), missing more than three teeth; blue, light, or mismatched eyes; depigmented nose, eyelids, or lips; erect or cropped ears; tail coiled, kinked, or too short; long, wavy, or soft coat in smooth-haired Dachshunds; lack of undercoat in wire-haired; excessive white color or non-standard coat patterns; structural deformities; or signs of crossbreeding.

Important Notes

The Dachshund possesses a pronounced hunting instinct, requiring attentive handling and regular physical activity. Despite its compact size, it is energetic and resilient, enjoys exploring, and shows persistence in burrow work. Intelligent and trainable, it needs consistent education and early socialization to prevent stubbornness or timidity. Grooming depends on coat type: brushing, stripping for wire-haired, and polishing for smooth-haired. The Dachshund is loyal, attentive, and affectionate toward its family, especially children.

Conclusion

The Dachshund is a compact, intelligent, and courageous dog with a vivid personality and remarkable hunting ability. Its elongated body, short limbs, and strong muscles make it enduring, agile, and dexterous. Loyal to its owner and kind to children, it adapts perfectly to family life while retaining its hunting instincts. With proper care and training, it becomes a balanced, obedient, and joyful companion. The Dachshund embodies strength, intelligence, and friendliness — remaining one of the world’s most beloved and admired breeds.