How Long Do Dachshunds Live? Lifespan & Health

The Dachshund is a small dog with a big lifespan. As companion breeds go, they are one of the longer-lived, and with sensible care a great many reach a contented old age. But they also carry some well-known health predispositions, and the single most famous of them, back disease, is something every owner should understand from day one. Here is an honest look at how long Dachshunds live, what they are prone to, and how to give yours the longest, most comfortable life possible.

How long do Dachshunds live?

Dachshunds typically live to around 12 to 16 years, which puts them among the more long-lived dog breeds. Their small size helps, as smaller dogs generally outlive larger ones. Where your individual dog lands in that range is not down to luck alone. Keeping the weight off, protecting the back, staying on top of dental health and seeing your vet regularly all genuinely move the needle. This is a breed where day-to-day ownership choices have a real effect on how long and how well a dog lives.

Back disease (IVDD) — the big one

If you learn one thing about Dachshund health, make it this. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the condition the breed is most strongly associated with, and Dachshunds are dramatically more prone to it than dogs in general. The long back and short legs that define the breed come from a form of dwarfism that also makes the cushioning discs in the spine degenerate and harden earlier in life. Those discs can then bulge or rupture and press on the spinal cord, causing anything from pain to, in severe cases, paralysis of the back legs.

Because this is so central to the breed, it has its own full guide. If you only read one other article, read our guide to Dachshund back problems and IVDD, which covers the warning signs to treat as an emergency and the practical steps that lower the risk.

Obesity — the multiplier

Excess weight is the enemy of a Dachshund's longevity, and not only for the usual reasons. Every extra kilogram places more load on an already vulnerable spine, raising the risk and severity of back problems. Dachshunds love their food and are happy to be lazy when allowed, so weight creep is common. Keeping yours lean is arguably the most valuable single thing you can do for a long life. A pet calorie calculator can help you work out sensible daily portions, and your vet can tell you whether your dog is at a healthy body condition.

Other conditions worth knowing

• Dental disease. Small breeds are prone to crowded teeth and tartar build-up, which can be painful and affect general health. Regular tooth brushing makes a real difference, as our guide on how to brush a dog's teeth explains.
• Patellar luxation. Slipping kneecaps can occur, more often in the miniature, causing an intermittent skip or limp.
• Eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy in some lines, which is why responsible breeders eye-test.
• Obesity-related problems generally, from joint strain to a harder-working heart.

Choosing a healthier Dachshund

Much of the breed's risk is inherited, so your choice of puppy matters enormously. Look for a breeder who follows recognised health-screening schemes, breeds for a sensible body shape rather than an exaggerated one, and is open about the back-disease history in their lines. Ask to see health-test results rather than take it on trust. The Dachshund Breed Council in the UK runs schemes specifically aimed at reducing IVDD in the breed, and a puppy from screened parents is a better bet for a long, comfortable life.

Helping your Dachshund live well

• Keep them lean. The biggest favour you can do a long-backed breed.
• Protect the back. Limit jumping, use ramps, and lift correctly with support under chest and bottom.
• Steady daily exercise rather than nothing or sudden bursts. Around an hour a day suits most adults.
• Stay on top of dental care with regular brushing and check-ups.
• See your vet regularly, moving to twice-yearly visits as your dog ages so problems are caught early.
• A supportive, low [bed](/shop/dog-beds) they do not have to leap onto helps an older Dachshund rest comfortably.

With good handling, a sensible body weight and a back kept out of harm's way, many Dachshunds enjoy a long and lively old age. They are tough little dogs, and the care they need is mostly common sense applied consistently.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet, who can examine your individual dog.*

Sources

• RVC VetCompass — Dachshund health and longevity research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).
• UK Kennel Club — Dachshund breed information and health schemes (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• Dachshund Breed Council UK — IVDD and breed health screening (dachshundbreedcouncil.org.uk).
• PDSA — Dachshund care and weight management (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — keeping dogs a healthy weight (bluecross.org.uk).