Dachshund Care Guide (Australia)

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Dachshunds are small and independent-minded, and registrations have climbed fast in Australian cities in recent years — a good fit for apartment living. Standard Dachshunds are roughly 20–23 cm at the shoulder and 7–15 kg, while miniature dogs are smaller; life expectancy is around 12–16 years. But their long back and short legs make the spine a lifelong concern for this breed: IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) risk is high, and day-to-day care revolves almost entirely around protecting the back.

Who is a Dachshund right for?

Dachshunds suit people who want a small dog and are happy to enforce very clear house rules. They can work in apartments, but only if ramps, stairs and jumping are managed from day one. Not a good fit: homes that like to let dogs bounce on and off furniture or owners who do not want to think about spinal risk all the time.

What does a Dachshund puppy need?

• Pick-up is usually from 8 weeks; book a first vet check to confirm vaccination and worming.
• Standard Australian puppy vaccination starts with C3; most vets recommend C5. First shot at 6–8 weeks, boosters every 4 weeks to around 16 weeks — avoid public grass and dog parks until complete.
• Microchipping and council registration are legal requirements in every state.
• Establish house rules from puppyhood — no jumping on the couch or bed, no stairs — the earlier you start protecting the spine, the better.
• Choose a small-breed puppy formula, starting at the low end of the feeding table — Dachshunds gain weight easily, and extra weight directly increases strain on the spine.
• Transition to new food over 7–10 days.
• Avoid excess high-calorie treats in the puppy stage; weight management should start from day one, not be fixed later.
• 8–16 weeks is the socialisation window — expose them to a range of people, dogs and environments.
• Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so prey drive and digging instinct run strong — expect digging and chasing small animals at home or in the yard, and give them appropriate outlets.
• This breed is independent-minded and needs patient, consistent training; basic commands plus an "off" cue to prevent jumping are especially important.

How do you care for an adult Dachshund?

• 30–45 minutes of flat-ground walking a day is the main exercise; avoid frequent jumping, stairs or high-impact activities like fetch.
• Use ramps at home instead of letting them jump on and off furniture, and support the front and back when picking them up or putting them down — never let them jump from a height on their own.
• Feed to body condition — weight control is one of the most effective ways to prevent an IVDD episode.
• Common health risks: IVDD (sudden reluctance to move, an arched back, hindlimb weakness or even paralysis — this is an emergency requiring immediate vet care), patellar luxation, and dental crowding leading to periodontal issues.
• Coastal and bush areas need year-round paralysis-tick prevention.

What changes for a senior Dachshund?

• Switch to a senior formula and reduce calories to suit condition; weight control becomes even more critical as spinal tolerance declines with age.
• Annual or twice-yearly checks, focused on back mobility, hindlimb strength and dental health.
• Keep strictly enforcing anti-jumping measures — treat any sudden back pain or gait change as an emergency and see a vet promptly.

Is a Dachshund easy to train?

Trainability: ranked #49 on Coren's dog-intelligence list (tied with the Staffy, "average" tier) — new commands typically need 25–40 reps, ~50% first-command obedience. Bred as badger hunters, Dachshunds are fiercely independent and often called one of the hardest breeds to toilet-train.

Time to expect: basic commands usually take shape within 3–4 weeks. Toilet training is the real challenge — many owners report it taking twice as long as other small breeds (8–12 weeks or more) to become reliable.

The catch: a small bladder plus a stubborn streak means reasoning with them doesn't work — success depends on rigidly consistent routine and frequent outdoor trips; any lapse can undo weeks of progress.

Simple steps (toilet training):

1. Fixed meal times (no free-feeding); take them outside to the same spot within 15–20 minutes of eating and right after waking.
2. During puppyhood, take them out proactively every 1.5–2 hours — don't wait for a signal, Dachshunds aren't good at giving advance warning.
3. Use a playpen or lead to limit indoor range and cut down on unsupervised accidents.
4. Reward every successful outdoor toilet trip with a high-value treat; keep this up for 6–8 straight weeks before relaxing supervision.

What's Australia-specific about owning a Dachshund?

• Dachshund registrations have risen quickly in Australian cities and they're popular in apartments, but set up the home properly first (ramps, non-slip mats) and prevent jumping from the day you bring them home.
• When adopting or buying, ask the breeder or rescue group about any family history of IVDD as a risk reference.
• Dachshunds are not on the restricted-breed lists in NSW/VIC/QLD/WA/SA/TAS/ACT/NT, but their back-care needs are a long-term commitment and should be treated as part of the cost of ownership.

What are the pros and cons of a Dachshund?

Dachshund suitability ratings

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