Types of Dachshunds: Sizes, Coats, Colors, and Patterns Explained

There are two officially recognized types of dachshunds by size — standard (16–32 pounds) and miniature (11 pounds and under) — and three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. A third "rabbit" size, the kaninchen, is recognized in Europe but not in the U.S. When you combine every size, coat, color, and pattern, dachshunds come in hundreds of unique variations, making this one of the most diverse breeds in the dog world.

Dachshund Types by Size

Size is the first way dachshunds are categorized, and the American Kennel Club officially recognizes two.

Standard Dachshund

The original working dachshund, the standard weighs roughly 16–32 pounds and stands 8–9 inches at the shoulder. Bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing game, standards have the strength and stamina their name literally describes — "dachshund" is German for "badger dog."

Miniature Dachshund

Miniatures weigh 11 pounds and under and stand about 5–6 inches tall. They were developed to hunt smaller quarry like rabbits and hares. Despite their smaller frame, they carry the same bold, tenacious personality as their standard-sized cousins. Curious how they measure up full-grown? Our guide to the mini beagle covers similar small-hound expectations.

Kaninchen (Rabbit) Dachshund

The kaninchen — German for "rabbit" — weighs about 8–11 pounds and is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Europe. As Wikipedia's breed entry explains, American and British kennel clubs do not recognize the kaninchen as a separate class; here, any dachshund under the miniature threshold is simply called a miniature.

Dachshund Types by Coat

The three coat varieties are where dachshunds show off some of their biggest personality differences.

Smooth-Coated Dachshund

The smooth (short-haired) dachshund is the classic, sleek-coated version most people picture. The coat is short, shiny, and lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming. Smooth coats shed moderately year-round — you can learn more in our guide to whether dachshunds shed.

Long-Haired Dachshund

Long-haired dachshunds have a silky, slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. They tend to be a bit calmer and more laid-back than the other coat types — a trait some attribute to spaniel ancestry in the coat's development. This coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats; see how much long-haired dachshunds shed for grooming details.

Wire-Haired Dachshund

The wire-haired dachshund sports a dense, coarse outer coat with a soft undercoat, plus signature bushy eyebrows and a beard that give it a scruffy, terrier-like look. This is the most common coat type in Germany. Wire coats usually need occasional hand-stripping or trimming to stay tidy. The silky wire-haired dachshund is a softer-coated variation within this group.

Dachshund Colors and Patterns

Beyond size and coat, dachshunds come in a remarkable range of colors and coat patterns. Solid colors include red (the most common), cream, black and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue and tan. You'll also find striking coat patterns such as:

• Dapple (merle) — a mottled, marbled pattern; see our merle dachshund guide.
• Brindle — dark tiger-stripe markings over a lighter base.
• Piebald — patches of white with colored spots.
• Sable — hairs banded with darker tips over a red base.

Popular solid shades each have their own following, from the classic brown dachshund to the eye-catching blonde dachshund. When you multiply all the possible sizes, coats, colors, and patterns together, breeders and enthusiasts estimate there are over 500 distinct dachshund combinations.

Do Different Types of Dachshunds Have Different Personalities?

Every dachshund shares the breed's core traits — bold, curious, loyal, and famously stubborn — but many owners notice mild differences by coat type. Long-haired dachshunds are often described as the mellowest, wire-haired dachshunds tend to be the most mischievous and outgoing, and smooth-coated dachshunds fall somewhere in between. These are generalizations, though; individual temperament depends far more on training, socialization, and genetics than on coat or size.

Health Considerations Across Dachshund Types

Regardless of type, all dachshunds share the same signature body shape — long spine, short legs — which comes with a well-known health risk. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the breed's most significant concern, occurring when the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture. Keeping your dachshund at a healthy weight, discouraging jumping from furniture, and using ramps can help protect their back.

Other issues seen across the breed include obesity, dental disease, and eye problems, while Lafora disease appears specifically in some miniature wire-haired lines. Dachshunds are long-lived dogs — many reach 12–16 years — so preventive care pays off. This is general information only; always consult your veterinarian about your dog's individual health needs.

Which Type of Dachshund Is Right for You?

There's no single "best" dachshund — the right one depends on your lifestyle. Want a low-maintenance coat? Choose smooth. Prefer a gentle, elegant companion? Long-haired may suit you. Love a spunky, whiskered personality? Wire-haired is your match. And if space or budget is a factor, a miniature offers the same big personality in a smaller package. Wondering about cost? Our dachshund price guide breaks down what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of dachshunds are there?

Officially, there are two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired), for six primary combinations. When you add every color and pattern, the total number of distinct dachshund variations tops 500.

What is the rarest type of dachshund?

Wire-haired dachshunds are the least common coat type in the United States, and certain color patterns — like English cream long-haired or piebald — are considered especially rare and sought-after.

What is a kaninchen dachshund?

The kaninchen ("rabbit") is a very small dachshund weighing about 8–11 pounds, recognized as its own size class by European kennel clubs (FCI) but not by the AKC, where it's classified as a miniature.

Which type of dachshund is the calmest?

Long-haired dachshunds are generally regarded as the calmest and most easygoing, while wire-haired dachshunds tend to be the most energetic and mischievous. Individual temperament still varies widely.

Do all types of dachshunds have back problems?

All dachshunds share the long-spine body type that predisposes them to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), regardless of size or coat. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting jumping helps reduce the risk across every type.

What's the difference between standard and miniature dachshunds?

The main difference is size: standards weigh 16–32 pounds and were bred to hunt badgers, while miniatures weigh 11 pounds or less and were bred for smaller game. Both share the same coat types, colors, and personality.

The Bottom Line

From sleek smooth-coats to whiskered wire-haired charmers, and from tiny minis to sturdy standards, the dachshund is one of the most varied breeds you can bring home — each type with its own look and quirks, but all sharing that unmistakable long-and-low silhouette and big-dog attitude. Whichever type you choose, you're getting a bold, devoted companion.

Curious about more breeds? Explore our dachshund cost guide and dachshund shedding guide, and subscribe to the Daily Wag newsletter for breed profiles and care tips delivered to your inbox.