« Funny, stubborn and full of swagger: I may be tiny, but my personality doesn't fit in a kennel. »
Oscar, smooth-haired Dachshund with a big mouth. Since my back and waistline need a little attention, my humans log my meals and walks. My ToutouStory keeps an easy eye on my shape, day after day.
Small in size, giant in courage: nothing fazes me, least of all a badger.
I have my own ideas. With me, you negotiate gently — you never force.
Curious and a bit of a joker, I turn the simplest walk into a grand adventure.
I bond tightly with my favourite person and follow them everywhere at home.
The key facts to know before you fall in love.
The Dachshund has a huge personality: brave, curious, playful and deeply attached to its favourite person. Its hunting past gives it a strong character and a generous helping of independence — even stubbornness. It can be wary of strangers and loves to use its voice. Far from a decorative lapdog, it's a real character that demands to be taken seriously.
Despite its short legs, the Dachshund loves to move: several daily walks and games keep it happy. But mind the back (see below): limit jumping and stairs. Its size makes it an excellent urban companion. Character-wise, it needs clear rules, or this little schemer quickly takes charge at home. A consistent routine helps it stay balanced.
This is THE watch-point for the Dachshund. Its elongated body predisposes it to disc herniation. To protect its spine: avoid jumps (sofa, bed, car), install ramps, limit stairs, keep it at a healthy weight and prefer a harness to a collar. Excess weight is its back's number-one enemy. At the first sign of pain or leg weakness, see your vet urgently.
Stubborn but smart, the Dachshund learns very well when training stays motivating and positive. Forget coercion: rely on play, patience and consistency. Work early on house-training (sometimes slow) and barking management. Socialise it to temper its wariness. Don't be softened by that cute face — consistency prevents a lot of little tantrums.
The Dachshund is perfect for apartment and city life and for patient people who enjoy a dog with character — beginners included, if they're consistent. Not advised if you want an ultra-obedient, silent dog, or if you can't protect its back day to day. It's a big, funny dog in a small package.
Follow me from wake-up to bedtime — every Dachshund has its own rhythm.
7:30
« First I poke my nose out… then I demand a cuddle before anything else. »
9:00
« Nose to the ground, I track everything that moves. My hunter's instinct never sleeps. »
1:00
« Curled into a ball against a cushion, I recharge my little legs. »
5:30
« A ball, a toy to shake… careful, once I start I never let go! »
9:30
« No jumping on the sofa: my ramp and I protect my famous back. »
« I'm small, stubborn and full of swagger. Give me attention, protect my back, and I'll be the most loyal and the funniest of companions. »
— Oscar, Dachshund
My everyday essentials, to stay in great shape with a light heart.
No repeated jumps or stairs. A ramp and a healthy weight keep my spine in great shape.
Without consistency, the little schemer in me quickly takes charge of the house.
My legs are short but I love to explore. A few outings a day make me happy.
A harness spreads the strain and spares both my neck and my back.
Did you know
The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers right into their burrows — hence its long body, short legs and seriously bold character.
A word from my humans
ToutouStory tip
With a Dachshund, weight and back protection are an everyday matter. On ToutouStory, log its meals and walks: you keep an easy eye on its waistline and activity, and you'll quickly spot if something changes. 🌿
Walks, meals, hydration, vaccines, weight… my whole little Dachshund life is tracked in a free app, built for the whole family. And I'm the one telling the story.
Their long body and short legs predispose them to disc herniation. To protect the spine, avoid jumps and stairs, keep them slim and use a harness. See your vet at the first sign of trouble.
Very well. Its small size suits apartment life perfectly, provided you offer several walks a day. Remember to limit stairs and jumping to protect its back.
Rather yes. A hunter at heart, it readily uses its voice to alert or out of excitement. Early training helps channel its barking.
It's smart but stubborn. Training works with play, patience and plenty of consistency. House-training can take time. Coercion, on the other hand, doesn't work.
Three sizes (standard, miniature, rabbit) and three coat types (smooth, long, wire), giving many combinations. The temperament stays broadly similar across varieties.
Expect £1,000–1,800 for a puppy from a responsible breeder, plus around £50–80 a month. Favour parents with no history of back issues.
A long time: 12–16 years on average, one of the best lifespans. A controlled weight and a protected back help it enjoy those years in great shape.
Join the families who follow their dog's everyday life with ToutouStory. Free on iOS and Android.
