Hound
Dachshund
A Dachshund needs about 8,500 steps a day. A moderately active breed that needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy.
- Energy Level
- Moderate
- Weight
- 5–9 kg
- Height Range
- 20–23 cm
- Life Span
- 12–15 years
Daily goal, in context
Dog steps are shorter than yours — 8,500 steps for this breed is about 20 minutes of walking a day, split over 2 outings. Your own dog's goal is personalised.
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Exercise by Age
Puppy (under 1 year)
5 min per month of age, twice a day
Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.
Adult (1-11 years)
8,500 steps
Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.
Senior (11+ years)
6,000–6,800 steps
Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.
Exercise Needs
A moderately active breed that needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy.
About the Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small and playful breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany for hunting small game. They are intelligent, independent, and affectionate, and make excellent companion dogs.
Facts about the Dachshund
Exercise
Scent hounds need long, sniff-friendly walks. Let them stop and explore — it exhausts them more than distance.
AKC
Behavior
Scent drive overrides recall training — always use a leash or fully-fenced yard, no exceptions.
VCA
Health
Long floppy ears trap moisture — clean weekly with vet-approved solution to prevent ear infections.
ASPCA
Training
Hounds are strongly food-motivated — treat rewards outperform verbal praise for training consistency.
AKC
Did You Know
A Bloodhound’s nose can follow a scent trail over 300 hours (12+ days) old — admissible as evidence in many US courts.
AKC; PBS Nature; OJP NCJRS
Exercise
Dachshunds need 30–45 min daily walks. NEVER let them jump off couches or beds — their long back is injury-prone.
VCA
Health
IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) hits 1 in 4 Dachshunds. Use ramps for furniture, keep lean, avoid stairs if possible.
Veterinary Partner (VIN)
Behavior
Bold, stubborn, terrier-like despite being in the Hound group. Short positive training sessions with food work best.
AKC
Did You Know
"Dachshund" = "badger dog" in German. Bred in 1600s Germany to hunt badgers underground — that iconic shape is a tunnel-fit.
The Kennel Club UK
Frequently asked questions
- How much exercise does a Dachshund need?
- A Dachshund needs about 8,500 steps a day. A moderately active breed that needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy.
- How big does a Dachshund get?
- Adult Dachshunds typically weigh 5–9 kg and stand 20–23 cm at the shoulder.
- How long do Dachshunds live?
- A Dachshund usually lives 12–15 years.
Calculate your Dachshund's exact daily goal
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