10 types of Dachshund: characteristics and personality

Dachshunds , also known as "sausage dogs", are one of the most beloved breeds for their cheerful character, their courage and, of course, their unique body!

If you live with one of these little explorers, you'll know there's no such thing as a "typical" dachshund. There are different types depending on size, coat, and color , and each one has its own unique charm.

In this article we tell you about the 10 most well-known types of dachshund , their characteristics and personality.

1. Standard Dachshund

• Origin and size : It is the "classic dachshund"; according to sources, it weighs between 7 and 14 kg and measures around 20-27 cm at the withers depending on its variety.

• History : Originally from Germany, it was developed for hunting badgers and other animals that went into burrows thanks to its elongated body and great sense of smell.

• Character : Brave, tenacious, very firm for its size, with good resistance and a great capacity for its work or original.

2. Miniature Dachshund (“Zwergteckel”)

• Size : Smaller than standard. According to evidence, its height is between 13 and 15 cm and its weight varies between 4 and 7 kg.

• Origin : It emerged to have a more compact dachshund, ideal also for hunting small prey such as rabbits, but also as a companion dog.

• Personality : Very active, curious, playful. It has the same courage as the standard dachshund, but in a more manageable size.

3. Teckel Kaninchen (“Rabbit Dachshund”)

• What does “Kaninchen” mean ? In German, it means “rabbit.” It is the smallest variety of dachshund.

• Size/weight : According to Evidence, it can reach up to about 3.5 kg.

• Origin : It was developed especially for hunting very small animals, such as rabbits, due to its small size and elongated body.

• Character : Extremely agile, very alert, with a great prey instinct despite its tiny size.

4. Smooth-haired Dachshund

• Coat characteristics : Smooth, shiny hair, easier to maintain.

• Origin of the hair : It is probably the oldest variety, with short hair to facilitate its entry into burrows without getting caught.

• Behavior : They tend to be practical, with less tangles, and their skin close to the body gives them an elegant appearance.

5. Long-haired Dachshund

• Historical origin : Introduced for cold climates and crossbreeding, for example with other breeds, to add a more ornamental coat.

• Physical characteristics : Silky, smooth fur with fringes on the ears and tail.

• Temperament : They tend to have a somewhat more docile and calm character, although they are still as brave as their short-haired "brothers".

6. Wire-haired Dachshund

• Coat : It has a rough outer coat (“wire”), bushy eyebrows and a prominent beard.

• History : It was highly valued by hunters because its fur withstood dense vegetation and adverse weather better.

• Personality : Very resilient, active, with a good sense of smell, and may have a slightly terrier-like character due to its coat texture.

7. Harlequin Dachshund (Merle / Dapple)

• Color pattern : This pattern is very striking: irregular spots on a lighter background (“merle”), which can be combined with other colors.

• Genetics : It is important to take genetics into account, as some "merle" dachshunds may have reproductive risks, so it is always recommended that responsible breeders perform genetic testing.

• Variations : They can also be combined with sizes (kaninchen, miniature, standard) and with hair types (long, wire, short) to create many different combinations.

• Origin of the name : “Arlequín” is a popular term for the merle in Spanish; in English, “dapple” is used.

8. Wild Boar Dachshund (“Wild Boar / Agouti”)

• Color/Genetics : The "wild boar" pattern is typical of dachshunds, especially wire-haired varieties. It is characterized by a combination of several shades (gray, black, red) within the same coat.

• Origin of the pattern : It is a dominant color, so it can be expressed with one allele.

• Appearance : From a distance it may look similar to a black and tan dachshund, but upon closer inspection, mixed gray or reddish hues can be perceived.

9. Brindle Dachshund

• Pattern : Dark lines on a base color, resembling the stripes of a tiger (“brindle”).

• Genetics : It is a genetically recognized and defined variation.

• Visual character : Very elegant, and its pattern gives it a "textured" appearance without the need for long fur.

10. Cream / Red / Solid Color Dachshund

• Common colors : In addition to complex patterns, there are dachshunds with solid colors such as red, cream, brown, black-and-tan, etc.

• Origin : These colors have been part of the breed for a long time, especially red and black-and-fire.

• Personality : There is no behavior pattern directly associated with color, but their morphology gives them great versatility both for hunting and as companion dogs.

Why do dachshunds need adapted clothing?

Dachshunds are unique, special, and full of personality. And their bodies are too. They have an elongated body, a deep chest, and short legs , which makes standard clothing:

❌ It's too short in the back
❌ squeeze them in the chest
❌ It may cause chafing in the armpits
❌ It may not adapt to your mobility

Therefore, if you want your little explorer to be comfortable, protected and handsome, it is important to choose clothes specifically designed for their body type .

At candyPet, we've created the ultimate collection for them, combining design, ergonomics, and high-quality materials. We've leveraged our 12 years of experience designing for greyhounds and whippets (and other breeds with unique builds) to create a collection of Dachshund clothing that fits like a glove to the specific needs of Dachshunds .

✔ Long back
✔ Deep chest
✔ Ergonomic cut that does not restrict your movement
✔ High-quality and durable materials
✔ Comfortable and warm designs, without chafing

👉 Discover the new clothing collection designed especially for dachshunds