Have you always wanted to own a wiener dog? Are you looking into getting a dachshund, and now wondering what a lifespan of this fascinating breed is?
It is a well-known fact that different dog breeds have a different lifespan. Have you thought about how long before old age separates you from your dachshund?
If you are curious as to what your pet dachshund lifespan is, this article if for you.
Several factors determine the life expectancy of your dachshund apart from genetics- an individual health condition, environment, diet, and healthcare.
A recent study suggests that the average lifespan of a dachshund ranges between 12 to 15 years for most wiener dogs. Given the right care, some dachshunds can live for up to 18 years, and in rare cases, even longer.
Due to the variability among the dachshund breeders as well as the statistical evidence present, it is difficult to determine the exact lifespan range for a dachshund breed.
Nevertheless, many owners wonder how long do dachshunds live for, and how exactly can they prolong their life expectancy.
In this article, we will discuss the dachshund lifespan and life expectancy and explain the difference between the two.
We will also have a look at the main factors affecting dachshund lifespan. Knowing these factors is essential for managing your dachshund life expectancy effectively.
What Is A Dachshund Lifespan?
In 2010, a research was carried out regarding the lifespan of purebred dachshunds. The study also involved miniature dachshunds.
According to the findings, an average dachshund can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
However, the miniature dachshund, according to the study, lives longer than a standard one. A miniature dachshund is said to have a life expectancy of 12 -16 years.
What Is The Average Dachshund Lifespan?
When discussing how long a dachshund can live, there are different views on this matter.
Some people admit having had a dachshund that lived for more than 15 years.
A particular survey showed that some people owned dachshunds that lived up to 18 years old.
However, as a record, the oldest known dachshund has lived 25 years.
Rocky, the oldest dachshund in the world, died when he was almost 26 in 2012.
These numbers are a deviation from the standard dachshund lifespan. Statistically, the dachshund lifespan is around 15-16 years.
Miniature Dachshund Life Expectancy
Firstly, let us not confuse a dog’s life expectancy and a dog’s lifespan.
When we talk about a dachshund’s lifespan, we are talking about how long the dog can actually live. In other words, the maximum years the dog can live successfully.
On the other hand, when we talk about the life expectancy of a dachshund, we mean the average time the dog will live.
Life expectancy is based on biological factors like gender, demographic factors, and some genetic health issues that are exclusive to its breed.
So far, it’s on record that the oldest dachshund that has ever lived is Rocky, who passed away at 25 y.o. in 2012. It means that a dachshund is capable of living that long, depending on how healthy it was and how adequately cared for it was.
However, the life expectancy of a miniature dachshund has been estimated as 12-16 years. Dachshunds often live longer than this mark, but several factors could cause the dog not to be able to go beyond that age.
What Determines Dachshund Lifespan?
While we all wish our beloved dachshunds could live forever without becoming susceptible to any disease, at the same time, we sadly realise that it is impossible.
Apparently, dachshund lifespan is imprinted in its genes; however, the good news is, -it can be prolonged with the right care.
Similar to other dog breeds, wiener dogs are susceptible to specific health conditions and diseases. Dachshunds have a relatively high life expectancy; however, they require proper care to live a longer life.
The average lifespan of a dachshund is around twelve to fourteen years; yet you can increase it up to seventeen years in case you effectively manage factors, that affect your dachshund lifespan.
That being said, some factors will affect how long your dachshund lives by shortening its lifespan. Likewise, you can take some measures to extend your dachshund lifespan.
The chances of your dachshund living longer life depend on many factors:
- the amount of exercise,
- high-quality diet,
- proper healthcare,
- emotional connection with the owner.
According to recent studies, one of the most significant factors, affecting dachshund’s life expectancy is the condition of its spinal cord.
Approximately one out of every four dachshunds at some points in their lives suffer from spinal disk damage (Interverbal Disk Disease). In some cases, it might cause severe pain, resulting in a complicated surgery on the dachshund spinal cord.
The life expectancy can also shorten if you do not vaccinate your dog, hence exposing him to infections.
It is essential to know all these causes, so your dachshund has a higher chance of living a happy and long life.
Do Purebred Dachshunds Live Longer?
A purebred dachshund has a lifespan of 15-16 years.
The dachshund crossbreeds life expectancy is in the same range. However, it all depends on the parental genes.
For instance, if it is a Dachshund Great Dane Mix, then the life expectancy will be shorter. It is because the Great Dane’s lifespan is only 6-8 years, which affects the lifespan of the cross.
Is There A Difference in Female and Male Dachshund Lifespan?
Male dachshunds are bigger than the females – both in weight and size, however, without a considerable difference.
But does this have any impact on their lifespan?
A study was carried out at the Royal Veterinary College, in which the lifespan data of several thousand dogs were studied.
From the data, there was almost no difference in the lifespan of female and male dogs. Properly put, the same conditions that caused death in male dogs are also applicable in females with similar effects (so sex doesn’t affect lifespan).
How Can Inherited Diseases Affect Dachshund Lifespan?
The dachshund, unfortunately, is a dog that suffers some health issues exclusive to the breed.
Just like your genetic material makes you more or less susceptible to specific health issues and illnesses, by the same token genetics affect the lifespan of dachshunds.
One of these genetic conditions is intervertebral disc disease. It is due to the disproportional shape of their bodies, their stocky legs, and their elongated spine structure.
It is a widespread condition in dachshunds, affecting 25% of dogs. IVDD is the process of degeneration of one or more of the discs that separate the bones of the spine, resulting in sudden disc rupture or herniation.
The “slipped disc” causes severe back pain and sometimes partial paralysis. In mild cases, the disk can self-correct, leading to complete recovery.
In severe cases, the pain requires management with strong painkillers. An affected dog has little chance to recover unless the spine surgery is performed.
They are also prone to several other illnesses, which, when not properly managed and treated, can cause your dog to die untimely.
Some genetic and acquired diseases that can affect your dachshund’s lifespan include dental problems, obesity, infections, hypothyroidism, heart and liver problems, eye problems, and more.
Acanthosis Nigricans is another serious condition, that is most common in the dachshund breed, especially in short-haired dachshunds.
These health conditions are going to affect the health and quality of life of your doxie and can reduce their lifespan by 3 or 4 years!
Take dental problems, for example. Dental issues are one prevalent issue that almost 80% of dog breeds suffer by the third year in life. Besides, a dachshund stands at a more significant risk of having dental problems than other dogs.
Dental problems in dogs are a portal to other life-threatening diseases. In the beginning, you’ll see tartar building up in your dog’s teeth, and later, the conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis can occur.
Teeth infections can lead to severe complications, such as liver and heart infections, which ultimately can be lethal for your pet.
Another health condition that affects a dog’s life is obesity. Dachshunds are energetic dogs that need adequate diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to obesity.
If a dachshund is overweight, it will suffer many resultant issues like joint and back pains, digestive problems, issues with metabolism, and in the worst-case scenario, heart problems.
The issues mentioned above can shorten your dachshund’s lifespan considerably.
In addition, poor breeding techniques can lead to genetic problems that can affect dachshund health significantly. When choosing a puppy, it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Apparently, some health problems may only become visible as your dachshund starts to mature.
Be extra careful when buying a “rare colour” dachshund puppy. Some patterns, such as double dapple, are related to severe health issues such as partial or full blindness and/or deafness.
To summarise, the genetic illnesses, affecting dachshund lifespan, are: Cushing’s, diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, urinary tract infections, eye problems, dental problems, juvenile cellulitis, elbow, and hip dysplasia, lafora disease, cancer, hormonal disbalance, and last but not least,- spinal issues.
How Nutrition Affects Dachshund Lifespan
It is important to realise that when you feed your dachshund with food that is low in protein and high in fat, it can contribute to potential long-term illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
There is a famous phrase that “you are what you eat,” and this common saying is very true for both humans as well as pets.
A weak nutritional diet can have an adverse effect on your dachshund life expectancy.
In the first place, make sure your wiener dog food includes all the nutrients that your dachshund needs for his age. The meals have to be well-balanced, with the correct protein-carb-fat ratio.
Secondly, it is essential for your dachshund not to consume too many additives and preservatives. The meals should be as natural as possible.
Thirdly, choose fresh ingredients and follow basic food hygiene, as dogs are susceptible to bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Enterobacteriaceae.
It is vital to remember that bad nutritional diet can lead to many health problems in dachshunds.
It includes obesity, pancreatitis, diarrhea, heart disease, as well as poor coat and skin condition. An imbalanced diet will shorten your dachshund lifespan considerably.
If you want to find out what is a healthy dachshund weigh and how to spot the signs of obesity , read our detailed article about Dachshund Weight.
Dachshund Lifespan & Exercise
The right amount of exercise helps in keeping your dachshund healthy and happy, as a result increasing its lifespan.
Giving your dog an amount of activity based on its type and age is essential for its health. Like any other breed, dachshund requires daily exercise in order to have good mental and physical health.
Make sure that you take your dachshund for daily exercise at least two to three times a day. Try to get it to run and walk with you because these exercises help in keeping its cardiovascular activity high, which is good for its heart health.
Dachshunds with some pre-existing conditions like obesity or over-excitement may require daily exercise in order to get back to their mental and physical health.
Wiener dogs that are recovering from previous injuries are also in dire need of activity. Don’t forget to consult with your vet and find out the appropriate amount of exercise you must give to your dachshund.
You will find more Tips on how to care about your dachshund in a separate article if you click here.
Healthcare & Dachshund Life Expectancy
Another thing essential for the well-being of your dachshund is its effective health management. It includes grooming, regular vaccinations, and frequent healthcare checks at your local vet.
Pet insurance is an essential investment if you want to get the best possible healthcare service for your dog.
The reason behind this is simple; with health insurance, you will not cut corners and save on your dog health checks and additional health treatments when your dachshund needs it.
Without insurance, vet visits might be costly. I personally spent over ten thousand dollars treating my dachshund Gudzon herniated disk, that included two surgeries and MRI scans.
Ultimately, your dachshund healthcare does not only mean medical examinations.
It also includes grooming routine like:
- cutting nails,
- regular brushing and bathing,
- flea and tick treatments,
- deworming.
They are all essential parts of a healthcare plan for your sausage dog.
Environmental Factors Affecting Dachshund Lifespan
It is always best if your dachshund lives in a clean environment. Countryside is a perfect place for a wiener dog to be, but obviously, most of us live in the cities, and it’s not always possible.
Dachshunds are quite sensitive and can be affected even by the small number of toxins and pollutants present in the city environment. Since dachshunds are small dogs and are closer to the ground, they are more susceptible to different pollutants.
Also, they use their tongue to groom themselves, and this means that they can absorb and ingest these toxins from their fur into the stomach.
Inside the house, keep your wiener dog away from plants and household chemicals. Additionally, your dachshund will need a safe and comfortable place to sleep, away from any drafts and excessive cold or heat.
I do not recommend to keep your dachshund outside for a long period of time, as it can sometimes be harmful to its health and mental state.
Emotional Connection and Mental Stimulation
A happy dachshund is a healthy dachshund.
Having a personal and emotional connection with your dachshund is crucial for your sausage dog mental state.
Dogs who do not have an emotional bond with their owner can become depressed, which tends to affect their overall health and activity.
Dogs having low levels of activity can also become heartsick and start to eat less.
It is vital that you spend quality time with your dachshund as this will lower its chance of being depressed and will also increase its mental stimulation; this will help your dachshund to stay positive in its environment.
Invest in toys that will stimulate your dachshund mind.
Dachshunds are very lovable and loyal creatures; they need a lot of attention, love, and care. It is important for you to keep in mind that dogs that are loved tend to live longer.
Love and affection that you give your dachshund every day will make him the happiest dog on the planet, and add bonus years to his lifespan.
Heath Conditions Affecting Dachshund’s Lifespan
A dachshund owner will do anything he can to protect his beloved dog from diseases and what may cause them.
As mentioned above, dachshunds are prone to certain illnesses, and it is essential that you watch out for the health conditions listed below.
On your quick reaction to these health issues and their management will depend how long your dachshund will live.
Heart Disease
One of the most common causes of sudden death in dachshunds is due to heart-related diseases.
Cardiomyopathy, blood clots and arrhythmias tend to top the list in wiener dogs. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart’s ability to send blood to the whole body gets compromised, and this leads to poor and weak circulation, heart failure, and irregular heart rates.
The dilated cardiomyopathy in dachshunds is common and must not be overlooked.
Sausage dogs also tend to experience health condition known as cardiac tamponade that takes places without any prior symptoms.
It takes place when fluid or more commonly blood, tends to collect in the sac that is surrounding the heart; and blocks your heart from contracting and expanding like it usually does.
Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats is another common heart condition in dachshunds; however, it is not always a cause for concern. Irregular heartbeats make the heart beat faster or slower than regular.
In all cases, dachshund’s heart does not perform the job like it should and may lead to heart failure and even death.
Another high-risk condition that can lead to death is a heart attack when there is clotting in the coronary artery that leads to blockage in the normal blood flow towards the heart.
However, good news for dachshunds owners is that most heart diseases can be managed once they get diagnosed.
A good veterinarian will handle your dachshund heart problems with diet and medication, that will allow your pet to return to its normal activities.
Your vet will diagnose heart conditions via thorough physical exam, blood samples, cardiac ultrasounds, electrocardiogram, and sometimes x-rays.
It is essential to perform a full set of tests to get the diagnosis right so that you can effectively manage your dachshund heart issues.
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is another cause, leading to severe consequences and even death in dachshunds.
Some common causes of internal bleeding include bleeding caused by being hit by a vehicle, traumatic injuries, and poisoning ( for example, by some rodenticides).
Two most common of these are traumas from the vehicle hit and other accidents like falling from a height.
Needless to say, these traumatic injuries can be prevented if you take precautionary steps. It is important to walk your dachshund on a leash in the busy areas.
Firstly, to prevent your dog from falling from higher grounds, avoid letting your pet go to the balcony or any other similar high-height area on its own. I don’t even allow my dachshund on the sofa, as the jumps might cause spinal injuries.
Keep in mind that ruptured tumours can lead to fatal internal bleeding causing hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer to spread in your pet’s liver, spleen, and heart.
This cancer tends to spread rapidly, is aggressive and is also a silent killer; your pet will behave and look healthy, and then suddenly deteriorate.
Internal Parasites
If we are talking about how long can dachshunds live, we should discuss one off the most common dangers for any dog,- parasites.
Few types of internal parasites can affect your dachshund health. These include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, heartworms, and whipworms.
Heartworms, one of the most dangerous parasites, are transmitted through mosquitoes and affect your dog’s heart and adjacent vessels.
Most dogs tend to gradually show signs and symptoms of a heartworm infestation such as difficulty while breathing, weight loss, coughing, pot-belly appearance, and intolerance to exercise.
In severe cases, heartworms can cause the caval syndrome, which is a fatal health condition. This syndrome leads to heart failure and can block the flow of blood; this leads to the collapse of a dog respiratory system.
Look out for changes in breathing patterns and pink gums to spot this syndrome on time and treat it. If left untreated, the heartworm infestation can sometimes lead to death.
Hookworms are transmitted through sniffing or licking contaminated areas and affect your dachshund’s digestive system. They are a serious threat to your dachshund, as they can cause internal blood loss, bloody diarrhea, and severe, which can be fatal for your dog.
Roundworms are the most common parasites, which are transmitted in a similar way that hookworms, and are also found in your dachshund digestive system. Deworming medicines can effectively treat them.
Tapeworms are another type of parasites that live in your dog’s digestive system. Luckily they don’t cause severe problems and can be easily treated.
Dog Bloat
Gastric dilation-volvulus or dog bloat can be dangerous, even deadly for your dachshund. It is a health condition when the dog’s stomach fills with gas and sometimes leads to the twisting of the stomach. In simple terms, bloat means swelling due to gas and fluid.
The exact cause for the dog bloat is unknown, but some factors can be contributing to its occurrence. These factors include drinking an excessive amount of water, overeating, anxiety, and strenuous activity right after having a drink or food.
Some veterinarians assume that the bloat in dogs can have a genetic component. It can also be the result of consuming the meal too quickly, or of overly-active behaviour right after food.
This life-threatening health condition is common in dachshunds and can contribute to and can affect your dachshund lifespan negatively.
You should look out for symptoms such as:
- swollen stomach,
- drooling excessively,
- dry heaving,
- excessive saliva,
- recklessness.
You won’t be able to treat dog bloat at home as there are no home medications that can be safely administered to a dachshund suffering from the dog bloat.
It is an emergency case, and you must contact the nearest vet emergency center right away.
Please bear in mind that the health conditions, highlighted in this article, are not the full list of what could potentially affect your dachshund lifespan. I wrote the separate article about Dachshund Health Issues that you can find here.
Impact of Toxins on Dachshund Lifespan
You can’t underestimate the role of toxins when it comes to managing your dachshund lifespan.
In 2018, there were more than 150,000 cases of pet poisoning in the UK.
The most common culprits for this were over-the-counter medications and products, prescription medication, veterinary medicines.
Some human foods are also toxic for dachshunds, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, alcoholic beverages; and products that have a sweetener known as xylitol.
Flea and tick products are also not that harmless that it might seem; thousands of pets got poisoned by those products last year.
Always follow guidelines when using them on your dachshund. Most importantly, avoid using excessive dosages and make sure your dog can’t reach the treated spot.
Clinical signs of intoxication
There are some clinical signs you should look out for if you suspect that your dachshund has ingested a toxin.
The symptoms might differ depending on what type of toxic product did your dachshund ingest. For instance, during chocolate poisoning, your dog might show the signs of agitation, convulsions, tremors. Grapes and raisins in severe cases will cause kidney failure.
Ingesting human drugs might trigger diarrhoea and convulsions in your wiener dog.
In any case, your dog toxic poisoning is the case of emergency and requires an immediate visit to the vet.
In many rural areas, sudden deaths in dogs are caused by snake bites; snake poison contains snake venom, which is infested with a large number of toxins.
If you feel that your dachshund has been bitten, it is essential that you take it to the vet right away. It is a high-risk incident, and your dog recovery depends entirely on how quickly you react to it.
Your dachshund will live a longer life if you protect him from the toxic substances. It is essential that you learn about the toxins that surround it in everyday life and keep your sausage dog at a safe distance from the potentially dangerous products.
Electrocution And Obstruction & Dachshund lifespan
Dachshunds tend to be very chewy by nature and must be kept away from dangerous objects that can cause electrocution or obstruction.
These precautions make a big difference in prolonging your dachshund lifespan. During the chewing phase (usually seen in puppies), dachshunds tend to chew on phone wires, cables, and other electrical appliances.
If this is the case with your dog, then make sure to keep all power cords unplugged and away from your dachshund’s reach; avoid leaving your pet unattended near any cable that is plugged in.
A dog can also have sudden death due to swallowing and chewing objects they are not supposed to. Anything that can act as a choking hazard for your pet must be kept out of his reach.
Also, make sure that you buy your dachshund toys that he is able to play with but is not able to swallow; pick him one of a bigger size to eliminate the chances of choking.
If you want your dachshund to live a longer life, toys safety is a must.
How Anaesthesia Can Affect Your Dog’s Life
Most of the dogs will receive general anaesthesia at least once or twice in a lifetime; and risks of administering aesthetic drugs are generally considered low, with the mortality rates form 0.5 to 1.5 %.
However, the risk increases with the senior dogs, because of the underlying medical conditions they might have. The risks are also higher if your dachshund is overweight. An excessive fat tissue doesn’t let the lungs to expand at full capacity and get enough oxygen.
Anaesthetic drugs reduce the respiratory capacity, so sometimes the surgeon has to use the breathing tube on your dog during surgery.
The reaction to anaesthesia includes a wide range of symptoms. In severe cases it might even result in anaphylactic shock or death.
It is crucial that your vet does a thorough examination before surgery and performs a blood test to decide whether it is safe to use anaesthesia on your dachshund.
How Can You Prolong Your Dachshund Lifespan?
Find a reliable breeder
A dachshund that will live long is one that is, to some degree, free of genetic health issues. That is why you should do your research and find a reliable breeder to make sure your puppy has an authentic pedigree history.
If you are adopting a dachshund, you should do some research into its history for records of illness, etc.
However, even a dog with excellent pedigree can develop some health issues that are capable of reducing its life’s quality and lifespan.
As a dachshund owner, knowing your dog’s health history is one thing to help you understand what you’re getting into.
Regular Visits to a Veterinarian
Nothing can take the place of expert advice in caring for your dachshund. Regular checks, vaccinations, deworming, and flea treatments should be a routine for your dog.
If you feel concerned about the medical history of your dog, your vet can carry out a series of tests to identify any potential health issues.
Paying close attention to your dachshund and promptly seeking help when you notice any abnormal behaviour can significantly prolong the dog’s lifespan.
Regular Care Routine
Besides regular trips to the vet, your dachshund should have a proper care routine. Daily brushing is essential, as well as regular ear cleaning and nail trimming.
Read more about Dachshund Grooming Routine in our detailed article.
As discussed earlier, things like regular exercise and a proper diet are also essential. Let your dog eat at most twice daily and lead an active life to keep obesity at bay.
The Oldest Dachshunds in the World
Some wiener dogs have surpassed their scientifically proven lifespan to the awe of the world. In 2012, a wiener dog named Rocky was the oldest of its kind at 25 years old (an equivalent to 150 human years).
That mark seems to be the longest a dachshund has lived in the world. Before then, a US-based doxie called Chanel was the holder of the oldest dachshund title, which she gave up in 2009 due to her death at age 21.
Closely following Chanel was another British dachshund named Otto. The dog was 20 years and 6months at the time when it became the oldest wiener dog in the world in 2009.
Conclusion
All in all, a dachshund can live a healthy life for an average of 12 to 16 years. Nevertheless, taking good care of your wiener dog, spotting signs of specific health issues and averting them, can help you to extend your dachshund lifespan for few more years,
Providing your sausage dog with a safe environment, feeding him a high-quality diet, and taking him to regular health check-ups can significantly prolong your dachshund lifespan, so that your doxie can enjoy long and healthy life by your side.
What is your query about?
What is the average lifespan of a standard dachshund?
On average, a standard dachshund will live around 12-16 years.
How old was the oldest dachshund?
The world’s oldest living dachshund, a dachshund named Rocky, has died in 2012 at the age of almost 26 years old.
How long do mini dachshunds live?
With regular vet check-ups, you can see your miniature dachshund live as long as 16-17 years.
How long do long-haired dachshunds live for?
These little dogs can live long lives. A long-haired dachshund can live around 12-16 years.
How long do short-haired dachshunds live for?
Your short-haired dachshund will likely live between 12 and 16 years.
How long do wire-haired dachshunds live for?
Wirehaired dachshunds live on average 12-16 years. However, they can live longer, if well looked after.