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Teckel (Dachshund): The German Warrior Who Conquered the World

Feb 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Origin: Germany, 17th century
Size: Small (Standard: 7-14kg | Miniature: 4-5kg | Kaninchen: <4kg)
Height: 20-27cm at the shoulder
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Temperament: Courageous, intelligent, independent, loyal
Energy level: Medium-High
Ideal for: Active families, apartments with exercise needs, experienced homeowners.
Distinctive feature: Elongated body, short legs (genetic chondrodystrophy)

I. "Dachs Krieger": The Clay Gladiator (1600-1700)

To understand the Dachshund, we have to travel to 17th-century Germany, a territory of dense forests and mists where survival depended on the ability to control the subterranean nature.

Black Dachshund: Origin, characteristics and health

The Birth of a Specialist

In this rustic setting, the Dachshund was no pet. He was a Badger Warrior ( Dachs Krieger ). The badger was a formidable adversary, a tank of muscles and claws that destroyed crops and attacked domestic animals in their burrows.

German hunters, taking advantage of a natural genetic mutation (short legs caused by chondrodystrophy), forged a demolition specialist. Illustrations from this period show dogs with crooked, muscular legs, designed to move earth sideways without burying the dog itself.

Etymology reveals the function:
Dachs (badger) + Hund (dog) = Dachshund, literally "Badger Dog".

Anatomy of an Underground Hunter

The Dachshund's body was shaped by function:

Short legs for accessing narrow burrows.
Deep, keel-shaped chest to house lungs capable of sustaining prolonged fights in low-oxygen environments.
A powerful jaw capable of holding prey of its own size.
A powerful voice to warn hunters on the surface.
A long, strong tail acts as a "pull" to get the dog out of the burrow.
Paddle-shaped front hooves for efficient digging.

II. The Victorian Framework: From Villain to Royalty (1800-1890)

The great aesthetic transformation occurred in the 19th century. When the Dachshund crossed the German borders, it found its greatest ambassador in Windsor: Queen Victoria.

The Aristocratic Revolution

The monarch, passionate about the breed, changed the destiny of these dogs. They ceased to be seen merely as "clay fighting machines" and became symbols of elegance and aristocratic distinction.

It was during this era that different coat types gained their place in royal salons:

Short-haired (Kurzhaar): The original classic hunter
Longhair (Langhaar): Crossbred with Spaniels for Victorian elegance.
Wirehaired (Rauhhaar): Crossbred with Terriers for extra endurance in difficult terrain.

The Conquest of Europe and the World

The Dachshund became the favorite dog of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Queen Victoria, Pablo Picasso (he had a Dachshund named Lump, who appears in 45 paintings), Andy Warhol (he had two: Archie and Amos), Adele, and Clint Eastwood.

The story of Picasso's most beloved dog: a teckel who was his unconditional companion and immortalized 58 times | Architectural Digest Spain

The breed has transcended its original function to become a global cultural icon. (Image: Pablo Picasso)

III. The Evolution of the Standard: The Keel and the Length (1888-Present)

The transition to the 20th century brought official standardization with the founding of the Deutscher Teckelklub in 1888 , the oldest breed club in Germany.

Morphological Changes

Comparing photographs from 1900 with illustrations from 1700, we observe that the body became more elongated and lower, accentuating the keel-shaped chest to accommodate lungs capable of sustaining prolonged fights in low-oxygen environments.

Modern ideal proportion: Body length should be approximately 1.7 to 1.8 times the height of the shoulder.

Historical tidbit: During World War I, the Dachshund became an unofficial symbol of Germany, which ironically harmed its popularity in the Allied countries. In the US, they were even called "Liberty Hounds" to avoid the Germanic association.

Physical Characteristics: The Official Standard

Size Varieties

Measured by chest circumference at 15 months of age (official FCI method):

Standard
Males: 37-47 cm | Females: 35-45 cm
Approximate weight: 7-14 pounds

Miniature (Zwerg)
Males: 32-37 cm | Females: 30-35 cm
Approximate weight: 4-5 pounds

Kaninchen (Toy/Rabbit)
Males: 27-32 cm | Females: 25-30 cm
Approximate weight: 3-4 pounds

Note: The name "Kaninchen" (rabbit in German) refers to these dogs' ability to enter rabbit burrows.

Coat Varieties

Short Hair (Kurzhaar)
Dense, shiny, and close-fitting to the body. No hairless areas. Smooth, even texture. Tail slightly thicker at the base, gradually tapering to the tip.

Features: Minimal maintenance, ideal for warm climates, original coat of the breed.

Longhair (Langhaar)
Smooth, shiny, and close-fitting to the body. Longer on the neck (forming a mane) and lower body. Ears with silky hair extending beyond the tips. Legs with elegant fringes at the back. Tail forms a full and elegant flag.

Characteristics: Requires regular brushing, aristocratic appearance, popular at shows.

Hairy (Rauhhaar)
Rough to the touch, dense, close-fitting to the body. Dense, waterproof undercoat. Well-defined beard on the muzzle. Thick, expressive eyebrows. Shorter, smoother hair on the ears. Tail with uniform hair, well-covered but not flag-shaped.

Features: Weather resistant, extra protection on difficult terrain, rustic and distinctive appearance.

Colors Recognized by the Standard

Unicolor:
Red (most common, from light to dark), reddish-yellow, yellow. A small white spot on the chest (up to 3 cm in diameter) is permitted but not desirable.

Two-tone:
Black and brown, chocolate and brown, gray (blue) and brown. Well-defined tan markings above the eyes, sides of the muzzle, lower lip, inner edge of the ears, chest, inner and back of the legs, paws, around the anus and from there to one third or half of the lower part of the tail.

Merle (Harlequin):
Dark base (black, red, gray) with irregular gray or beige spots. Neither the dark nor the light color should predominate. Pattern distributed throughout the body.

Brindle (Tigrado):
Red or yellow with well-defined dark stripes.

Note: All colors and patterns not mentioned are disqualifying in official exhibitions.

Temperament and Personality: The Living Paradox

The Dachshund that sleeps on your sofa today carries in its DNA the weight of these two eras: the raw bravery of the German forests and the refined dignity of British palaces.

Fundamental Character Traits

Strengths:

Courageous to the point of recklessness: You have no idea of your own size. You will face dogs 10 times your size without hesitation.
Intelligent and perceptive: Learns quickly, solves problems, and manipulates owners with mastery.
Extremely loyal to the family: Forms deep bonds, can be a one-person dog.
Natural watchdog: An excellent alert dog, it barks at the slightest suspicious sound.
Comical personality: Hilarious facial expressions, peculiar behaviors.
Determined: When you want something, you don't give up easily.
Adaptable: Lives well in an apartment or a house with a garden.

Challenges:

Stubborn independence: Inherited from a solitary hunter who made decisions without human guidance.
Tendency toward excessive vocalization: Barks a lot, especially if bored or anxious.
Possessiveness towards owners: May be jealous, especially of other animals.
Highly developed hunting instinct: Chases anything that moves.
Compulsive digging behavior: Will destroy your garden if given the chance.
Small dog syndrome: If not raised properly, it can become dominant and aggressive.

Relationship with Family

Children: Suitable for families with older children (6-7 years and older) who understand their physical limits. Does not tolerate rough play. Supervision is always necessary.

Other dogs: May display dominance. Early and ongoing socialization is essential. Generally gets along better with dogs of the opposite sex.

Cats: Coexistence is possible if raised together from a very young age. The hunting instinct can be strong.

Small animals: Not recommended. The hunting instinct is too strong.

Personality by Coat Type

Short-haired: More energetic, stubborn, independent. The "true" hunting Dachshund.

Long-haired: Calmer, more docile, sociable. Influence of Spaniels.

Wirehaired: More extroverted, playful, less wary of strangers. Influence of Terriers.

Essential Care

Exercise: More Than It Seems

Daily requirement: Medium-High (surprising for the size!)

Despite its small size, the Dachshund was bred to hunt for hours in difficult terrain. It needs substantial exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Minimum: Two 30-minute walks per day
Ideal: One hour of daily activity distributed
Maximum: No limit, as long as there are no excessive jumps or repetitive stairs.

Recommended types of exercises:

Hiking on varied terrain (grass, dirt, sand)
Swimming (excellent for the spine)
Search games (without jumps)
Scent training (hiding snacks)
Interactive toys
Socialization with other dogs

Specific Feeding for Dachshunds

The Dachshund has unique nutritional needs due to its elongated body, active metabolism, and tendency towards obesity.

Nutritional requirements:

Protein: 25-30% (maintenance of muscle mass, especially important for supporting the spine)
Fat: 12-15% (controlled energy, avoid excess weight)
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: 500-800mg/day (for joint and spinal health)
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): 300-500mg/day (anti-inflammatory properties)
Calcium and Phosphorus: Ratio 1.2:1 (bone health)
L-Carnitine: Helps metabolize fats.
Fiber: 3-5% (satiety, weight control)

Recommended Portions:

Kaninchen (3-4kg): 60-80g/day
Miniature (4-5kg): 80-100g/day
Standard (7-10kg): 120-160g/day
Standard (10-14kg): 160-210g/day

Divide into 2 daily meals (morning and afternoon) to avoid gastric distension and maintain stable energy levels.

Critical note: Overweight Dachshunds have an exponentially increased risk of serious spinal problems. Each extra kilogram = multiplied pressure on the spine.

Recommended dog food for Dachshunds:

Grain-Free Nature - Duck with Sweet Potato and Orange | Small Breed - Grain-free formula specially developed for small breeds. Hypoallergenic duck, low glycemic sweet potato, small kibble adapted to the jaws of small breeds.

Grain-Free Nature - Lamb and Mint | Small Breed - Hypoallergenic option with lamb and digestive mint. Ideal for Dachshunds with food sensitivities.

English Chicken with Ginger Supreme Plus - 65% animal ingredients, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, anti-inflammatory ginger, L-carnitine for weight management.

Snacks and Rewards

Golden rule: Snacks should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake.

Recommended functional snacks:

For Training:

Kivo Mini Fish Trainer - 200g - Soft snack, small size perfect for Dachshunds. Rich in Omega 3, low in calories. Ideal for preventative exercise training.
Kivo Mini Duck Trainer - 200g - Hypoallergenic version. Soft texture, ideal size for training.
Kivo Complete Chicken Meal - 600g - Can be cut into small cubes for high-value training rewards.
Kivo Beef Lung - 250g - Very low fat, can be broken into small pieces for training.

For Joint Health:

Kivo Lamb Tracheas - 250g - Rich in glucosamine and natural chondroitin. Dental cleaning + joint support.
Kivo Ox Ears - Type II Collagen (essential for vertebral discs). Critical for the prevention of IVDD.
Kivo Duck Neck - 500g - Natural cartilage, hypoallergenic, crunchy chew.

For Weight Control:

Kivo Beef Lung - 250g - Very low fat content, high protein.
Kivo Beef Heart - 500g - Low fat, high protein, rich in taurine.

For Muscle Building:

Kivo Dried Beef - 500g - Very high protein (>80%). Essential for strong muscles that protect the spine.
Kivo Beef Spaghetti - 200g - Concentrated protein, tough to chew.

Avoid: Chocolate (toxic), grapes and raisins (toxic), onions and garlic (toxic), cooked bones (risk of splintering), fatty foods (pancreatitis).

Hygiene and Maintenance

Brushing:

Short Hair: Once a week. Increase to 2-3 times during shedding seasons (Spring and Autumn).

Long Hair: 2-3 weekly sessions with a pin brush and metal comb. Pay special attention to knots behind the ears, armpits, and back of the legs.

Wirehaired Coat: Weekly brushing. Professional trimming (hand-stripping) 2-3 times a year. Never clip with clippers.

Bath:

Frequency: Monthly or as needed.

Procedure:

Brush before bathing.
Warm water (never hot)
Shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, pH neutral.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry thoroughly, especially the ears.

Recommended shampoos:

Be:Loved Be:Clean Solid Shampoo - Gentle formula for sensitive skin, eco-friendly, lasts 25-30 washes, without harsh chemicals. Ideal for short and long-haired Dachshunds.

Be:Loved Be:Calm Solid Shampoo - Soothing formula with lavender and chamomile. Perfect for Dachshunds with sensitive or irritated skin.

Dental care:

Critic: Small jaws = crowded teeth = rapid tartar buildup.

Recommended routine:

Brush your teeth 3-4 times a week.
Natural dental snacks such as lamb tracheas or meat ears.
Annual professional cleaning after 3 years.

Health: Active Prevention, Not Limitation

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Understanding to Prevent

The Dachshund's unique physical build creates a structural vulnerability. Approximately 1 in 4 Dachshunds will develop spinal problems during their lifetime.

But be warned: This doesn't mean your Dachshund should live in a protective bubble. It means you need to be strong, active, and well-prepared .

What is IVDD?

Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the discs that cushion the vertebrae degenerate, herniate, or rupture.

Types of IVDD:

Type I (Hansen Type I) - Most common in Dachshunds
Sudden rupture of the disc, usually between 3-7 years of age. Acute onset, intense pain, can cause paralysis within hours.

Type II (Hansen Type II)
Gradual disc degeneration, more common in older dogs (>8 years). Slow and progressive compression of the spinal cord.

Warning Symptoms (Seek Veterinary Care IMMEDIATELY)

Initial Phase:

Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
Stiffness when standing up
Muscle tremors or spasms
Crying or moaning when touched on the lower back.
Hunched or tense posture
Loss of appetite

Moderate Phase:

Difficulty walking
Dragging the hind legs
Weakness in the hind legs

Severe Phase (EMERGENCY):

Partial or total paralysis
Loss of bladder/bowel control
It does not react to painful stimuli on its paws.

Critical note: If your Dachshund experiences sudden paralysis, you have a 24-48 hour window for emergency surgery. Every hour counts.

Active Prevention: Building a Strong Dachshund

Philosophy: A Dachshund with strong musculature, ideal weight, and good physical condition can live a normal, active, and happy life. Prevention is not about limitation – it's about empowerment.

1. Weight Control (The Foundation of Everything)

Each extra kilogram equals exponential pressure on the spine. A Dachshund with 2kg of excess weight is 5 times more likely to develop severe IVDD (intravascular coagulation of the spine).

How to evaluate:

Ribs easily palpable without excessive pressure.
Waist clearly visible when viewed from above.
Abdomen tucked in when viewed from the side.

Strategies:

Measuring portions accurately
Snacks should not exceed 10% of caloric intake.
Weigh monthly
Using low-calorie snacks like beef lung for training.

2. Preventive Joint Supplementation

The most important supplement for dachshunds:

Kivo Wild Sardine Oil with Mussels - 500ml
Combines Omega 3 from wild sardines with natural glucosamine from New Zealand green-lipped mussels. Specifically formulated for joint health and prevention of IVDD (intravascular coagulation of the jaw). Essential for Dachshunds from 6-12 months (lifelong prevention). Dosage: 1 teaspoon/day (up to 10kg).

Alternatives/Additions:

Kivo Scottish Salmon Oil - 500ml - Premium source of Omega 3 for joint health, natural anti-inflammatory.

Kivo Sardine Oil with Echinacea - 500ml - Omega 3 + immune system booster.

Duration: Lifetime (continuous prevention)

3. Preventive Gymnastics: The True Protection

Strong musculature is the best armor for the spine. A Dachshund with a well-developed core and strong paravertebral muscles has a significantly lower risk of IVDD (intravertebral disc disease).

Principles:

Strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
Develop core muscles (abdomen and lower back)
Improve coordination and balance.
Maintaining flexibility

Recommended Exercises (15-20 minutes, 4-5 times a week)

1. Swimming or Hydrotherapy (THE BEST)

The water supports the weight, eliminating pressure on the spine while strengthening all muscle groups.

10-15 minutes, 2-3x per week
Life jacket for safety.
Swimming pool, sea (calm water) or river

2. Hiking on Varied Terrain

Uneven surfaces (grass, sand, dirt, trails) activate stabilizing muscles.

30-45 minutes daily
Varying terrains
Gentle ups and downs

3. Balance Exercises

Balance Board:

Dachshund on unstable board
Hold position for 30-60 seconds.
3-5 repetitions
Reward with Mini Fish Trainer

4. "Sit-to-Stand" (Controlled Sit-to-Stand)

Command "sit" → "stand up" slowly
10-15 repetitions, twice a day
Strengthens hind legs and core.
Using Mini Duck Trainer as a reward

5. Figure-Eight Walks

Driving in a figure-eight pattern with a snack
Smooth curves
5-10 repetitions
Improves flexibility

6. Passive Stretching Exercises

With the dog lying on its side, gently extend its hind leg.
Hold for 10-15 seconds.
Each paw, once a day.
Gentle, never force.

Example Weekly Program:

Monday: 30-minute walk on varied terrain + 5-minute balance exercise
Tuesday: Swimming 15 min
Wednesday: 30-minute walk + 5-minute sit-to-stand
Farm: Daycare (socialization + supervised exercise)
Friday: Swimming 15 min
Saturday: Long walk, 45 min
Sunday: Active rest

Snacks to Reward Training: Use low-calorie, high-value snacks such as Kivo Chicken Meal (cut into small cubes), Beef Lung , or Mini Trainers .

4. Daycare and Socialization

Why Daycare is excellent for Dachshunds:

Consistent exercise = naturally worked muscles
Socialization prevents aggressive behavior.
Mental stimulation = happy dog
Professional supervision

Recommended frequency: 2-3 times per week

5. Stairs and Jumps: Intelligent Moderation

Balanced approach:

Steps:

Strong dachshunds can go up/down stairs (musculature supports it).
Teach them to go up/down slowly and in a controlled manner.
Avoid running on stairs.
Limit frequency (not 20 times a day)

Jumps:

Occasional jumps OK (sofa, bed)
Strong dachshunds can jump.
Avoid repetitive jumping.
Avoid heels higher than 50cm.

Philosophy: A well-conditioned Dachshund can perform normal activities. The problem isn't the occasional jumping – it's excess weight + sedentary lifestyle + repetitive jumping.

Mental Stimulation and Anxiety Management

Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that need regular mental stimulation. Lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, and anxiety.

LickMat The Petal - Anti-stress licking mat. EXCELLENT for anxious Dachshunds or during stressful situations (bathing, nail trimming, thunderstorms, fireworks). Spread paste (Kivo food, green tripe , sardine oil ) and let them lick it off. Calming activity that releases endorphins. Can be frozen to last longer.

Other models available: Swirlie , Wiggler , Adventure

Recommended Veterinary Check-ups

Puppy (0-12 months): Monthly
Adult (1-7 years): Annual
Senior (7+ years): Semiannual + annual blood tests

Emergency Signs (Veterinarian IMMEDIATELY)

Sudden paralysis or weakness in the legs
Intense crying when touched.
Inability to urinate/defecate
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Collapse

The Philosophy of Active Prevention

A strong Dachshund is not a limited Dachshund.

The best prevention isn't wrapping your dachshund in cotton. It's:

Keep him lean and muscular.
Give him varied and challenging exercise.
Strengthening your supporting muscles
To provide an active and happy life.
Using daycare for socialization and exercise.
Supplement with Sardine and Mussel Oil
Give functional snacks like Tracheas and Ears

A dachshund that swims twice a week, goes to daycare, does balance exercises, and maintains an ideal weight is much less likely to have spinal problems than a sedentary and overweight dachshund that is always carried around "for protection."

Protect your Dachshund by making it strong, not fragile.

Training and Socialization

Training Challenges

The dachshund is intelligent, but independent. It was bred to make autonomous decisions in dark burrows, facing dangerous adversaries without human guidance. This genetic inheritance manifests as selective stubbornness.

Recommended approach:

Early onset (8 weeks)
Exclusive positive reinforcement
Short sessions (5-10 minutes)
Consistent patience
Firmness without severity

Essential Commands:

"Quiet" (control of excessive vocalization)
"Cue" (hunting instinct management)
"Come" (recall, particularly challenging)

Use high-value rewards such as Kivo Chicken Meal (cut into cubes), Mini Fish Trainer , or Dry Beef for effective training.

Socialization

Critical care from the first weeks to prevent aggression towards strangers, small puppy syndrome, and excessive fears.

Tip: Dog daycare is excellent for ongoing socialization and supervised exercise.

Dachshunds in Portugal

The Dachshund maintains consistent popularity in Portugal, particularly in urban areas, due to its suitable size for apartments, distinctive personality, low maintenance (short-haired version), alertness, and remarkable longevity.

Interesting facts

The Dachshund was the first official Olympic mascot (Waldi, Munich 1972).
Holds the Guinness World Record for the longest dog in the world (2.54 meters).
Picasso had a dachshund named Lump, who appears in 45 of his paintings.
Andy Warhol had two: Archie and Amos.
During World War I, it became an unofficial symbol of Germany.
It can reach speeds of 25 km/h.
In the US they are called "Wiener Dogs" .
In the UK: "Sausage Dogs"

Is the Dachshund Right for You?

Suitable if:

Looking for a small dog with a strong personality?
Do you have time for daily exercise?
He appreciates a vigilant and vocal dog.
Have the patience for consistent training.
It can provide varied exercises (swimming, walking).
Values canine independence.
Are you willing to invest in prevention (exercise, premium nutrition, supplementation)?

Not recommended if:

It seeks immediate obedience and submission.
There are very young children.
You need a quiet dog.
There is no time for regular exercise.
It has small animals (rodents, birds).
It's not possible to invest in quality food and supplements.

Summary of Recommended Products

Throughout this guide, we recommend specific products for the unique needs of Dachshunds:

Joint Prevention (ESSENTIAL): Sardine and Mussel Oil , Lamb Tracheas , Meat Ears , Duck Neck

Weight Control: Cow Lung , Mini Fish Trainer , Mini Duck Trainer

Strong Musculature: Dry Cow , Beef Spaghetti

Gut Health: Green Tripe , Lamb's Ears with Hair

Mental Stimulation: LickMat , Kivo Meals for Workout

Premium Food: Grain-Free Duck Small Breed , Supreme Plus Chicken

All products are available in our online store with fast shipping throughout Portugal.

Conclusion: The Warrior's Legacy

The Dachshund is a living contradiction: a giant in a small body, a fierce hunter in an adorable pack, an aristocrat with the soul of a warrior.

When you look at your Dachshund sleeping on the sofa, remember: that little dog carries centuries of German bravery and Victorian elegance in its elongated DNA.

It's not just a dog. It's a living legend.

And with the right care – premium nutrition, proper exercise, preventative training, strategic joint supplementation, and lots of love – your Dachshund will live a long, active, and happy life by your side.