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Types of Dachshunds: Complete Guide to All 9 Varieties

Think there's only one kind of dachshund? Think again! This single breed comes in 9 different varieties, combining three sizes and three coat types. Explore every type of dachshund and what makes each one special so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Quick answer: There is only one dachshund breed, but it comes in 9 distinct varieties created by combining 3 sizes (standard, miniature, kaninchen) with 3 coat types (smooth, long, wire). The dachshund is the only breed in FCI Group 4, and this remarkable diversity lets every future owner find the dachshund that fits their lifestyle perfectly.

The Dachshund: One Breed, Many Varieties

The dachshund is a truly exceptional breed in the world of dog classification. It makes up the entire FCI Group 4 (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) all by itself, something no other dog breed can claim.

An Exceptional Classification

Unlike other groups that bring together several related breeds (Group 1 for herding dogs, Group 5 for spitz types, and so on), Group 4 contains just one breed: the dachshund. This special classification recognizes the uniqueness and the internal diversity of this breed of German origin.

✅ One-of-a-kind fact: The dachshund is the only dog in the world that forms an entire group of its own in the FCI classification. This recognition reflects its historical importance and its exceptional physical diversity, which justifies a dedicated category.

9 Varieties in a Single Breed

Although there is technically only one dachshund breed, it comes in 9 different varieties created by combining three classification criteria.

Sizes
3

Standard, Miniature, Kaninchen

Coat types
3

Smooth, Long, Wire

Total varieties
9

Possible combinations

Origins and History of the Varieties

The different dachshund varieties didn't appear all at once. They are the result of gradual selection over several centuries.

  • 17th century: the smooth-coated dachshund appears, the original dachshund, bred for hunting underground in Germany
  • Late 18th century: the dachshund spreads throughout continental Europe and Great Britain
  • 1880: the longhaired dachshund is created by crossing with spaniels
  • 1882: the characteristics of the longhaired dachshund are definitively established
  • Late 19th century: the wirehaired dachshund appears, the result of crosses with Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers
  • 20th century: miniature and kaninchen sizes are developed for hunting small game

The 3 Dachshund Sizes

The dachshund comes in three distinct sizes, officially distinguished by chest circumference measured in adulthood (at least 15 months old). This classification meets different hunting needs and lifestyles.

Standard Dachshund: The Original Size

The standard dachshund is the breed's historic size, the one originally used to hunt badger and fox underground.

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Standard Dachshund Characteristics

Chest circumference: over 14 in (35 cm), measured at 15 months or older
Weight: 15 to 20 lb (7 to 9 kg)
Height at the withers: 8 to 10.5 in (20 to 27 cm) depending on sex
Original purpose: hunting large burrow game (badger, fox)
Temperament: brave, enduring, sturdy, independent
Ideal for: hunters, active families, homes with a yard, athletic owners

Miniature Dachshund: The Ideal Middle Ground

The miniature dachshund strikes a balance between sturdiness and compactness. It is currently the most popular size as a companion dog.

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Miniature Dachshund Characteristics

Chest circumference: between 12 and 14 in (30 and 35 cm), measured at 15 months or older
Weight: 9 to 13 lb (4 to 6 kg)
Height at the withers: proportionally smaller
Original purpose: hunting small game, rabbit
Temperament: lively, sociable, devoted to its owner, sometimes anxious when left alone
Ideal for: apartment living, active seniors, families with children, city dwellers

Kaninchen Dachshund: The Tiniest Size

The kaninchen dachshund (literally "rabbit dachshund" in German) is the smallest size. Its name comes from its specialty of hunting wild rabbit in narrow burrows.

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Kaninchen Dachshund Characteristics

Chest circumference: under 12 in (30 cm), measured at 15 months or older
Weight: 7 to 9 lb (3 to 4 kg), sometimes up to 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
Height at the withers: the smallest of all
Original purpose: hunting rabbit in the narrowest burrows
Temperament: lively, nervous, sometimes timid, very attached
Ideal for: small apartments, calm owners, less active seniors, easy to carry

Size Comparison Chart

📊 Comparing the 3 Dachshund Sizes
Criteria Standard Miniature Kaninchen
Chest circumference Over 14 in (35 cm) 12-14 in (30-35 cm) Under 12 in (30 cm)
Weight 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) 9-13 lb (4-6 kg) 7-9 lb (3-4 kg)
Endurance Excellent Good Moderate
Sturdiness Very sturdy Sturdy More delicate
Apartment-friendly Yes Yes (ideal) Yes (perfect)
Average price €1,000-1,500 (about $1,100-1,650) €1,200-1,800 (about $1,300-2,000) €1,300-2,000 (about $1,400-2,200)

The 3 Dachshund Coat Types

Every dachshund size comes in three coat varieties: smooth, long and wire. The coat type affects not only appearance but also temperament and the grooming it needs.

Smooth-Coated Dachshund

The smooth-coated dachshund (also called short-haired) is the original variety, the one that already existed in the 17th century. It is the most "authentic" looking dachshund.

🔹 Smooth-Coated Dachshund

Appearance:

Short, dense, shiny coat that is smooth and tight over the whole body. No undercoat. The skin is supple and doesn't form folds. The coat shows off the muscular, elongated silhouette that is characteristic of the dachshund.

Specific temperament:

Strong-willed, independent, brave, sometimes stubborn. This is the dachshund with the most "hunting dog" temperament. Active and energetic, with a real need for physical exercise. Very attached to its owner but keeps a certain independence.

Grooming:

Very easy. A quick weekly brushing is enough. No professional grooming needed. Sheds little. A bath 2-3 times a year. Ideal for owners with little time for grooming.

Special considerations:

Sensitive to cold (needs a coat in winter). Tolerates heat poorly (body close to the ground). Dries very quickly after rain. Risk of sunburn on the back in summer.

Longhaired Dachshund

The longhaired dachshund appeared around 1880 following crosses with spaniels. It is the variety considered the gentlest and calmest.

🔹 Longhaired Dachshund

Appearance:

Soft, silky coat that is smooth and flat, slightly wavy. Longer under the neck, on the chest, the ears, the backs of the legs and under the belly. Elegant feathering. Ears covered in silky hair that falls in cascades. Tail forms a full plume.

Specific temperament:

Calmer and more settled than the smooth coat. Gentle, affectionate, sensitive. An excellent family dog. Less stubborn and more obedient. Sociable with other animals. Enjoys the comforts of home. Needs a lot of human company.

Grooming:

Demanding. Brushing every day or every other day is essential to prevent tangles. Regular detangling of the feathering. Professional grooming 3-4 times a year recommended. Frequent ear cleaning. Sheds moderately.

Special considerations:

Good insulation against cold and rain. Gets dirtier (picks up leaves and mud). Slow to dry after rain. Suits cold, damp climates. Its elegant, distinguished look is much admired.

Wirehaired Dachshund

The wirehaired dachshund appeared in the late 19th century through crosses with Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers. It was the hunter's dachshund for rough terrain.

🔹 Wirehaired Dachshund

Appearance:

Thick, harsh, coarse-to-the-touch coat with a dense undercoat. Even length over the whole body (0.8-1.2 in / 2-3 cm). A characteristic beard, mustache and bushy eyebrows. A sturdy, rustic look. Naturally "shaggy" appearance.

Specific temperament:

A temperament balanced between the smooth and the long coat. Sociable, playful, energetic but less stubborn than the smooth coat. Very intelligent and responds well to mental stimulation. Good with children. Well suited to dog sports (agility, tracking).

Grooming:

Moderate but specific. Brushing 2-3 times a week. Hand stripping 2-3 times a year is essential to preserve the coat's texture. Professional grooming recommended. Daily beard care (food).

Special considerations:

Excellent protection against brambles, thorns and bad weather. The "wild boar" color is common (a unique gray-brown mix). Sheds very little. Hardy in harsh conditions. Ideal for rural settings and active hunters.

Coat Type Comparison Chart

✨ Comparing the 3 Coat Types
Coat type Temperament Grooming Ideal for
Smooth coat Independent, energetic, stubborn Very easy (weekly brushing) Active people, hunters, owners with little time for grooming
Long coat Calm, gentle, affectionate Demanding (daily brushing) Families, indoor living, owners who enjoy regular grooming
Wire coat Balanced, sociable, intelligent Moderate (stripping 2-3 times/year) Active families, rural settings, dog sports

The 9 Dachshund Varieties Explained

Combining the 3 sizes with the 3 coat types gives exactly 9 distinct dachshund varieties. Here's a complete overview of each one.

🎯 The 9 Dachshund Varieties
Variety Weight Temperament Popularity
Standard Smooth Dachshund 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) Traditional hunter, independent, brave ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very popular
Standard Longhaired Dachshund 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) Elegant, calm, affectionate, great companion ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very popular
Standard Wirehaired Dachshund 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) Rustic, balanced, hardworking ⭐⭐⭐ Popular
Miniature Smooth Dachshund 9-13 lb (4-6 kg) Lively, compact, excellent city companion ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extremely popular
Miniature Longhaired Dachshund 9-13 lb (4-6 kg) Gentle, sociable, ideal size for families ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extremely popular
Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund 9-13 lb (4-6 kg) Playful, intelligent, distinctive look ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very popular
Kaninchen Smooth Dachshund 7-9 lb (3-4 kg) Small size, nervous, very attached ⭐⭐⭐ Popular
Kaninchen Longhaired Dachshund 7-9 lb (3-4 kg) Elegant miniature, delicate, a true velcro dog ⭐⭐⭐ Popular
Kaninchen Wirehaired Dachshund 7-9 lb (3-4 kg) Small but tough, unique look ⭐⭐ Less common
💡 Good to know

The most popular varieties right now are the miniature smooth dachshund and the miniature longhaired dachshund, considered the perfect balance of practical size, pleasant temperament and reasonable grooming. The standard dachshund remains the favorite of hunters.

Dachshund Colors and Coat Patterns

Beyond size and coat type, dachshunds come in several colors and patterns officially recognized by the breed standard.

Solid Colors

  • Red: the most common color, from light red to deep mahogany red
  • Red-yellow: a lighter shade leaning toward golden blond
  • Yellow: a light blond color, less common

Two-Tone Colors

  • Black and tan: a black coat with tan (orange-brown) markings on the muzzle, chest, legs and under the tail
  • Chocolate and tan: the same pattern but on a chocolate-brown base
  • Wild boar: the gray-brown mix typical of the wirehaired coat, giving a "salt-and-pepper" effect

Special Patterns

  • Dapple (merle): a spotted coat with a light background scattered with irregular dark patches, rare and sought after
  • Brindle (tiger-striped): dark stripes over a lighter base, uncommon
  • Piebald: large white patches over a colored base, not accepted under the FCI standard (though accepted by the AKC)
⚠️ Beware of "exotic" colors: "Blue," "isabella" or "cream" dachshunds often result from dilution genes that can lead to health problems (color dilution alopecia, skin issues). Be wary of breeders who sell these colors as "rare" and charge more for them.

How to Choose Your Dachshund Variety

With 9 possible varieties, the choice can seem complicated. Here are the key criteria for choosing the dachshund variety that suits you.

Based on Your Lifestyle

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Apartment Living / City Dwellers

Recommended: Miniature or kaninchen dachshund, any coat type
Why: Compact size, easy to carry, adapts to small spaces
Suggested coat: Long coat (calmer) or wire coat (less barking)

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House with a Yard / Rural Setting

Recommended: Standard dachshund, any coat type
Why: Sturdier, with more endurance, and makes the most of outdoor space
Suggested coat: Smooth coat (easy to maintain) or wire coat (hardy)

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Hunter / Athletic Activities

Recommended: Standard smooth or wirehaired dachshund
Why: Preserved hunting instinct, endurance, resilience on rough terrain
Suggested coat: Wire coat (maximum protection) or smooth coat (authentic)

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Family with Children

Recommended: Miniature longhaired or wirehaired dachshund
Why: Gentler, sociable, patient temperament and a safe size
Best avoided: Kaninchen (too delicate) and standard smooth (too independent)

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Senior / Less Active Owner

Recommended: Kaninchen or miniature longhaired dachshund
Why: Calm, moderate exercise needs, light and easy to handle
Suggested coat: Long coat (more settled) if you're up for the grooming

Based on Your Practical Constraints

🔍 Practical Selection Criteria
If you're looking for... Choose... Avoid...
Minimal grooming Smooth-coated dachshund (any size) Long coat (daily brushing)
Calm temperament Longhaired dachshund (any size) Standard smooth (too energetic)
Easy to carry Kaninchen or miniature Standard (heavier to carry)
Maximum sturdiness Standard smooth or wire Kaninchen (more delicate)
Good with other animals Long coat or wire coat Smooth coat (strong hunting instinct)
Little barking Long coat Smooth coat (more of a barker)

FAQ – Dachshund Types and Varieties

What are the different types of dachshunds?
Technically there is only one dachshund breed, but it comes in 9 distinct varieties. These varieties come from combining 3 sizes (standard at 15-20 lb / 7-9 kg, miniature at 9-13 lb / 4-6 kg, and kaninchen at 7-9 lb / 3-4 kg) with 3 coat types (smooth, long and wire). The dachshund makes up the entire FCI Group 4 on its own, which is unique in the world of dog classification. All of these varieties share the same fundamental physical traits: a long body, short legs and a long back, but they differ in size, coat and, subtly, temperament.
How many dachshund varieties are there?
There are exactly 9 officially recognized dachshund varieties. That number comes from multiplying the 3 possible sizes (standard, miniature, kaninchen) by the 3 existing coat types (smooth, long, wire). Each size can have each coat type, creating 9 unique combinations. The most popular varieties right now are the miniature smooth dachshund and the miniature longhaired dachshund, loved for their practical size and balanced temperament. The standard dachshund remains the favorite of hunters, while the kaninchen appeals to those looking for a very compact dog.
What is the difference between standard, miniature and kaninchen dachshunds?
The main difference between the three dachshund sizes is chest circumference (measured at 15 months or older): the standard dachshund has a chest circumference over 14 in (35 cm) and weighs 15-20 lb (7-9 kg), the miniature dachshund measures 12-14 in (30-35 cm) around the chest and weighs 9-13 lb (4-6 kg), and the kaninchen dachshund (the smallest) measures under 12 in (30 cm) around the chest and weighs 7-9 lb (3-4 kg). Beyond size, the standard is sturdier and has more endurance, the miniature offers an ideal compromise between compactness and resilience, while the kaninchen is more delicate but perfect for small spaces. Their temperaments vary slightly too: the standard is more independent, the miniature sociable, and the kaninchen often more nervous and dependent.
Which dachshund coat type is the calmest?
The longhaired dachshund is generally considered the calmest and gentlest of the three coat types. Its settled, affectionate temperament comes from historical crosses with spaniels, a breed known for its docility. The longhaired dachshund is less stubborn than the smooth coat, more obedient, less of a barker and more sociable. It enjoys home comforts and the company of its owners more. The wirehaired dachshund sits in the middle: calmer than the smooth coat but slightly more energetic than the long coat. The smooth-coated dachshund, closest to the original hunting dachshund, keeps a more independent, energetic and sometimes stubborn temperament, requiring firmer training.
What size dachshund is best for an apartment?
For an apartment, the miniature dachshund (9-13 lb / 4-6 kg) is the ideal choice, offering the best compromise between compactness and sturdiness. The kaninchen dachshund (7-9 lb / 3-4 kg) is also perfect for small spaces and is even more discreet, but it is more delicate and often more nervous. The standard dachshund (15-20 lb / 7-9 kg) can also live in an apartment but needs more space and longer walks. As for coat type in an apartment, go for the long coat (calmer, less barking) or the wire coat (sociable, balanced). The smooth coat, more energetic and more of a barker, may cause more noise complaints from neighbors if it isn't trained well.
Which dachshund needs the least grooming?
The smooth-coated dachshund unquestionably needs the least grooming, whatever its size. A simple 5-minute weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hair. No professional grooming is needed, it doesn't form tangles, and 2-3 baths a year are plenty. The wirehaired dachshund needs moderate care, with brushing 2-3 times a week and, above all, hand stripping 2-3 times a year by a specialist groomer. The longhaired dachshund is the most demanding: brushing every day or every other day is essential, along with frequent detangling, professional grooming 3-4 times a year, and regular care of the feathering. If you want an easy-care dachshund, go for the smooth coat without hesitation.
Do the different dachshund varieties have the same temperament?
No, temperament varies noticeably by variety. Coat type has a particular influence: the smooth coat is more independent, energetic and stubborn (a pronounced hunter's character), the long coat is calmer, gentler and more affectionate (the spaniel influence), and the wire coat is balanced, sociable and intelligent. Size plays a role too: the standard is braver and has more endurance, the miniature is sociable and adaptable, and the kaninchen is often more nervous and dependent. That said, all dachshunds share common traits: strong attachment to their family, alertness, a present hunting instinct, and a certain stubborn streak that calls for firm, consistent training from a young age.

The different types of dachshunds – or more precisely the 9 varieties of a single breed – offer remarkable diversity, letting every future owner find the ideal companion for their lifestyle. From the sturdy 20 lb standard wirehaired dachshund, perfect for hunters and active rural families, to the delicate 7.7 lb kaninchen longhaired dachshund, ideal for apartment life, each variety has its own quirks and strengths. This richness of physique and behavior, unique in the dog world, makes the dachshund a fascinating breed that has charmed millions of owners around the world for centuries. Whichever variety you choose, you'll be welcoming a dog with a strong character, loyal, affectionate and brimming with personality.

Information & advice – Teckel Paris

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