Ever wonder what makes a Dachshund really stand out as a great example of the breed? Learning the official Dachshund breed standards lets you know exactly which traits breeders and judges want in the ideal Doxie.
This comes in handy if you’re thinking about getting a Dachshund, want to show your dog, or just love knowing all the quirky details about your favorite breed.
You’ll see what physical features, coat types, and behaviors make a Dachshund special. There are even rules about size, color, and how a Dachshund should move.
Find out what counts as a fault and how to spot a healthy, well-bred Doxie that fits the standard.
Key Takeaways
- Breed standards cover Dachshund size, coat, color, and personality.
- Certain faults and disqualifications keep Dachshunds from meeting the standard.
- Knowing the standards helps you find or recognize a well-bred Dachshund.
Understanding Dachshund Breed Standards
Dachshund breed standards spell out the traits that define what a true Dachshund should look and act like. Big organizations set these rules, helping breeders and owners keep the breed healthy and consistent.
History and Purpose of Breed Standards
Breed standards started so people could recognize and protect certain breeds, like the Dachshund. They describe the ideal look, size, and temperament for the breed.
Dachshunds were bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Standards helped keep the dogs strong, low to the ground, and able to dig.
Groups like the American Kennel Club (AKC) later set rules about coat type, coloring, height, and how the dog should behave.
These standards help you know if your Dachshund matches the breed. Breeders use them to focus on strong, healthy traits and avoid health problems.
Recognized Registries and Organizations
The most well-known group for Dachshunds in the U.S. is the American Kennel Club (AKC). But there are others, too:
Each group has its own Dachshund breed standard. The AKC lists three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. There are two sizes: standard and miniature.
Registries make sure breeders follow rules about weight, ear shape, tail carriage, and more. This keeps Dachshunds consistent across states and countries.
Why Breed Standards Matter
Breed standards help you know what your Dachshund should look and act like. Breeders who follow them support healthy breeding and avoid traits that can lead to problems like bad backs or weak legs.
If you buy from a breeder who follows AKC standards, you’ll have a better shot at a healthy puppy. Judges at dog shows use these same standards to decide which Dachshunds best represent the breed.
Knowing what’s standard helps you avoid surprises with health, behavior, or size as your dog grows. If you want to show your Dachshund, your dog needs to meet these standards.
Physical Characteristics of the Ideal Dachshund
The Dachshund breed standard describes the ideal look for this unique dog. You can spot a great Doxie by their body shape, coat, and the look of their head, eyes, and ears.
Body Structure and Proportion
Dachshunds have a long, low body and strong muscles. Their back should look straight and feel firm.
The chest is deep and extends beyond the front legs, giving the dog power for digging. The right body ratio is about 2:1—almost twice as long as tall.
The legs are short but sturdy, not thin or weak. Feet are compact and arched, with tough pads.
There are three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Each has its own grooming needs.
No matter the coat, the skin should be tight, with no sagging or wrinkles.
Key Body Details:
- Straight, firm back
- Deep chest that arches slightly upward
- Strong, compact feet
- Long, muscular body
- Three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, longhaired
Head, Eyes, and Ears
The head is long and tapers smoothly, matching the body’s proportions. The bridge of the nose runs straight, sloping gently to a black or brown nose.
Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and should not bulge or sit too deep. The color is usually dark, though lighter-coated Dachshunds might have lighter eyes.
The expression should be alert and friendly—never harsh or timid. Ears sit near the top of the head, not too far forward or back, and hang close to the cheeks.
They’re long and rounded at the tips, never thick or sticking out. That’s part of their charm, honestly.
Important Features:
- Tapered, straight head shape
- Almond-shaped, medium-dark eyes
- Long, rounded ears lying close to the head
- Friendly and intelligent expression
Coat Types and Colors
Dachshunds have three main coat types and a bunch of accepted colors and patterns. If you know the standards, you’ll spot a true example of the breed right away.
Smooth, Longhaired, and Wirehaired Varieties
Here are the three main coat types for Dachshunds:
- Smooth: Short, shiny, and close-fitting. This coat’s easy to care for and lies flat—probably the most common type, and honestly, a breeze to groom.
- Longhaired: Soft, silky, and, well, long. You’ll see feathers on the chest, legs, ears, and tail. Brushing is a must to avoid tangles.
- Wirehaired: Rough, dense, and with a thick undercoat. Wirehaired Doxies have those bushy eyebrows and beards that make them look a bit like tiny professors. Regular trimming and hand-stripping keeps them looking sharp.
The AKC breed info says all coat types need tight skin, no wrinkles, and nothing that hides the dog’s outline.
Accepted Coat Colors and Patterns
The AKC Dachshund breed standard allows several colors and patterns. Solid colors include:
- Red
- Cream
Two-colored Dachshunds mix:
- Black, chocolate, blue, or fawn with tan or cream markings (usually on paws, chest, and face).
Patterns you might see:
- Dapple (dark and light patches)
- Brindle (dark stripes on a lighter coat)
- Sable (black-tipped hairs over red or cream)
- Piebald (big white areas with colored spots)
Unaccepted colors, like pure white, aren’t allowed in AKC shows. The right color and pattern help your Doxie fit the official breed standard.
Size and Weight Standards
Dachshunds come in two main sizes: miniature and standard. Both types have their own size and weight requirements set by kennel clubs.
Miniature vs. Standard Dachshund
Miniature Dachshunds are smaller and more compact than standards. The main difference shows up in their chest size and overall weight.
Most breed standards say a miniature Dachshund’s chest should measure no more than 35 cm (about 13.8 inches) at 15 months or older. Standard Dachshunds have a chest that’s over 35 cm.
- Miniature Dachshund:
- Chest up to 35 cm (13.8 inches)
- Smaller frame
- Standard Dachshund:
- Chest over 35 cm (13.8 inches)
- Larger build
That size difference can affect care and what kind of home fits them best.
Weight Specifications
Breed standards set clear weight expectations. This helps breeders and owners keep their dogs healthy and within the guidelines.
| Type | Ideal Weight |
|---|---|
| Miniature Dachshund | Up to 11 pounds (5 kg) |
| Standard Dachshund | 16–32 pounds (7–14.5 kg) |
A miniature Dachshund shouldn’t weigh more than 11 pounds at 12 months or older. If a Dachshund falls between 11 and 16 pounds, some people call it a “tweenie,” but that’s not officially recognized by most breed clubs.
Standard Dachshunds are heavier and sturdier. This weight difference affects feeding, exercise, and even health risks.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Dachshunds pack a lot of energy and boldness into their small frames. They show both loyalty and independence, which really shapes how they fit into a family or bond with one person.
Disposition and Demeanor
Dachshunds stay alert, brave, and sometimes stubborn. You’ll probably notice their curiosity and their habit of barking at anything new or odd.
That alertness makes them solid watchdogs. They’re affectionate with owners but might keep their distance from strangers.
While they love to play, their confidence can tip into independence. Training takes patience, but it’s worth it.
Digging and chasing come naturally to them, thanks to their hound roots. If you understand their hunting instincts, it’s easier to manage those behaviors.
Early socialization helps them relax and trust new people. It’s not a magic fix, but it definitely helps.
Suitability for Families
Dachshunds can settle into lots of different homes, but only if you meet their needs. They crave attention and often bond tightly with one person, though they’ll get along with the family if you include them.
They’re not always a great fit for homes with toddlers, unless the kids know how to be gentle. Rough play is just not their thing.
Key suitability factors:
- Need patient, consistent training
- Do fine in apartments or houses with secure yards
- Want regular playtime and gentle handling
- Usually get along with older kids and other pets if socialized early
Before you pick a Dachshund, consider their need for company and activity. They really don’t like being left alone for hours.
Movement and Gait Requirements
Movement matters for Dachshunds. Their gait says a lot about their structure and health.
Breed standards spell out what judges want to see—and what they don’t.
Movement Evaluation
Dachshunds should move with a smooth, confident, and ground-covering stride. Their legs go straight ahead, no swinging or crossing over.
The rear legs push with power, and the front legs reach forward in balance. Judges look for well-fitted shoulders and elbows close to the body.
From the side, the back (topline) must stay level—no bouncing or dipping. Hind legs should track right behind the front legs in a straight line.
Movement needs to look easy and coordinated. You want to see drive from the back legs and reach in the front—no stiffness or awkwardness.
Common Gait Faults
Some Dachshunds just don’t move right. Crabbing or side-winding means the dog moves at an angle, not straight ahead.
Crossing over happens when the legs pass over each other. These faults make movement less efficient and can point to bigger problems.
Other issues include paddling (front feet flick out) and close rear movement (hind legs too close together). High-stepping or a hackney gait looks unnatural and usually means poor angulation.
A table of faults:
| Fault | Description |
|---|---|
| Crabbing | Moves at an angle |
| Crossing Over | Legs cross over each other |
| Paddling | Front feet flick outward |
| Close Rear | Hind legs too close together |
| High-stepping | Lifts feet unnaturally high |
Faults like these sap stamina and can mean the dog’s structure isn’t right. Healthy movement shows good build, plain and simple.
Common Disqualifications and Faults
Not every Dachshund matches the AKC breed standard. Knowing the most common faults and disqualifications helps you make better choices, whether you’re showing or just caring for your dog.
Physical Faults
Physical faults are body traits that don’t meet the AKC’s rules. Over or under height is a big one—miniatures can’t go over 11 pounds at 12 months, and standards fall between 16 and 32 pounds.
Excess wrinkles, loose skin, cow-hocked hind legs, or bowed front legs also count against them. Missing teeth or a bad bite (overbite or underbite) isn’t allowed.
Ears set too high or carried oddly get criticized. So does a tail that curls over the back or has a kink.
Serious faults include:
- Albinism (no pigment)
- Knuckling over
- Crooked back (spinal deformities)
- Odd-colored eyes (unless the standard allows it)
These issues can get a dog disqualified at shows and might even affect health or movement.
Behavioral Disqualifications
Behavior matters as much as looks in the ring. AKC standards say aggression and extreme shyness are big disqualifiers.
Your Dachshund should act friendly, brave, and steady—not aggressive or fearful. If a dog snaps, bites, or can’t be safely examined, it’s out.
Constant barking or restlessness in the ring is a problem. If a dog won’t stand for the judge or loses focus, that’s a behavioral fault too.
Panic, trying to escape, or cowering counts as unfit for competition. These behaviors usually point to poor temperament and don’t fit the breed’s reputation for courage.
How to Identify a Well-Bred Dachshund
Finding a well-bred Dachshund isn’t just about a cute face. You’ve got to check health, paperwork, and how the breeder works.
Reviewing Pedigrees and Certifications
A pedigree is basically your dog’s family tree. Ask for detailed records tracing your Dachshund’s parents, grandparents, and beyond.
A solid pedigree shows if the ancestors were registered with groups like the AKC. Certified dogs should also have proof of health testing.
Breeders need to offer important documents, such as:
- AKC or equivalent registry papers
- Certificates for health screenings (for issues like back and eye problems)
- DNA test reports for genetic risks
Stick with records from real organizations. The paperwork should show your Dachshund matches breed standards for size, coat, and temperament.
Working With Reputable Breeders
Good breeders care about their dogs’ health and happiness. They follow breed standards and ethical practices.
Ask if the breeder belongs to Dachshund clubs. Visit their home or kennel if you can.
Check for cleanliness and watch how the dogs act. They should seem lively, friendly, and not scared.
Reputable breeders answer your questions. They offer support after you take your puppy home and provide a contract and guarantee. They won’t rush you into a decision.
Warning signs of a bad breeder:
- Won’t show pedigrees or health papers
- Dirty or overcrowded living areas
- Puppies priced suspiciously low
Choose breeders who care about quality, not just numbers, and who actually follow kennel club standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshund breed standards focus on body structure, coat, and temperament. These guidelines help decide what makes a Dachshund suitable for showing or breeding.
What are the key characteristics defining the Dachshund breed standard?
A Dachshund should have a long body, short legs, and a deep chest. The head tapers, the eyes are almond-shaped and dark.
The coat comes in smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired types. The tail follows the line of the back—not too high or curled. Ears are long and set near the top of the head.
How do sizes vary within the breed standards for Miniature and Standard Dachshunds?
Standard Dachshunds usually weigh 16 to 32 pounds. Miniatures weigh under 11 pounds at 12 months old.
Both sizes stick to the same standards for body proportions and features, but their weights are strictly set apart.
What temperament is expected according to the Dachshund breed standards?
Dachshunds should act lively, courageous, and clever. They can be stubborn, but they’re loyal to their people.
Breed standards don’t want aggressiveness or shyness. A good Dachshund is alert and friendly.
What traits are considered ideal for a show-quality Dachshund?
Show-quality Dachshunds have balanced bodies, straight legs, and smooth movement. Their coats look healthy and well-kept.
Bowed legs, a crooked back, or a weird tail shape can disqualify them in the ring.
How should a purebred Dachshund’s conformation ideally appear?
The back should be long but strong—no sagging or arching. Shoulders are laid back, and the chest stands out without being too deep.
Paws are tight with thick pads. Front feet should point straight ahead—not turned in or out. That’s the look you want.
What factors influence the price range for Dachshund puppies?
Pedigree, health screening, coat type, color, and breeder reputation all play a part in the price. Puppies from show lines with health clearances usually cost more.
Location and demand can shift prices, too. Sometimes, whether you’re buying a pet or a future show dog makes a big difference.
