Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Male vs Female Dachshund: The Differences (With Pictures)

Written by: Luxifa Le

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Luxifa Le

Male vs Female Dachshund: The Differences (With Pictures)

When choosing a new pet, people often wonder whether there are innate differences between male and female species members. While many animals show no notable differences between their male and female counterparts, some animals differ wildly in appearance, size, or temperament, all things which can be crucial to a potential owner.

Dachshunds are popular pets for their manageable size and adorable faces. It’s hard to deny their short-legged, long-bodied appearance isn’t endearing. There are also some notable temperamental differences between the male and female Dachshunds that should be considered when purchasing one.

divider-dog paw

Visual Differences

male vs female dachshund
Image Credit: Left – Male Dachshund (Charlotte Govaert, Pixabay); Right – Female Dachshund (James Player, Shutterstock)

At a Glance

Male Dachshund
  • Average height (adult): 8–9 inches (Standard), 5–6 inches (Miniature)
  • Average weight (adult): 16–32 pounds (Standard), <16 pounds (Miniature)
Female Dachshund
  • Average height (adult): 7–9 inches (Standard), 5–6 inches (Miniature)
  • Average weight (adult): 16–32 pounds (Standard), <16 pounds (Miniature)

Dachshund 101

Dachshunds are a famous small breed of dog. They’re known for their long bodies, short legs, and lovable, goofy personalities. They’re notoriously stubborn dogs in the hound breed category. They were initially bred for digging, and they need to be exercised and given lots of playtimes, or they’ll dig holes in your yard.

Despite their stubbornness, Dachshunds are affectionate dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They’ll protect their home and their families with their loud, deep bark and brave dispositions.

They come in a wide variety of sizes, patterns, colors, and coat qualities. So, there are lots of options for finding a Dachshund that fits your specific home needs.

divider-dog paw

Male Dachshund Overview

dachshund nesting
Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

Personality / Character

Male Dachshunds are cuddlier and more affectionate than their sisters. He’ll want to cuddle often and for a long time. The male Dachshund is more playful, exuberant, and joyful than his sister. He’s goofier and sillier, a bit of a class clown.

He’ll be more open to meeting new people and making new friends than his sister. It’s said that the male Dachshund will bond quicker with children, making him a better option if you have children. However, he is more prone to aggression than his sister and should be watched when around children.

Training

The male Dachshund is loyal to his humans and a people pleaser. He’s generally more trainable than his sister. He is driven by praise, food and wants to please his owners. He will quickly pick up what you want from him and be motivated to continue performing for his owners.

However, his friendly nature works against him with leash training. He wants to meet everyone he sees and can have trouble understanding that he needs to stay with you.

Health & Care

The male Dachshund is a little bit healthier, according to observation. He’s a pretty healthy dog that isn’t prone to many major health conditions.

Breeding

There are no significant concerns present when it comes to breeding male Dachshunds.

Pros
  • Affectionate
  • Trainable
  • Good with children
Cons
  • Clingy
  • Can be aggressive

divider-dog paw

Female Dachshund Overview

Merle Dachshund
Image Credit: Lindasay , Pixabay

Personality / Character

The female Dachshund is meticulously clean, fiercely independent, and sometimes a bit aloof. She respects your space and time and demands that you do the same in return. She is stubborn and introverted, preferring the company of one person she’s bonded to over the company of many.

She wants to cuddle, but on her terms, and no means no with her. She has a personal space bubble and can be aggressive when it’s invaded. She won’t be happy with kids who can’t respect her space and may nip if she feels harassed.

Training

Female Dachshunds can be hard to train. Her independent nature makes her harder to train because she’d rather do her own thing than listen to you. She’s not as motivated by food or praise as her brother, and she’s hard to impress, so getting her to listen might prove to be complicated.

However, she is less excitable than her brother, and her shy nature makes her easier to leash train. Staying with her favorite person is a much better activity than meeting new people. So, she’s unlikely to be much of a puller when she’s on a leash.

Health & Care

It’s essential not to let your female Dachshund get pregnant unless you know what you’re doing with breeding her. Spaying your Dachshund isn’t recommended until she’s a year old, much later than a lot of other dogs, and she’ll have reached sexual maturity by then.

Pregnancy in Dachshunds is correlated to a lot of health problems and deterioration of the joints. She’ll also be prone to some dental issues that are less prevalent in males.

Breeding

Breeding is a massive deal for Dachshunds. Her body doesn’t handle pregnancy as well as some other dogs, and if she isn’t cared for properly, she could become quite ill from her pregnancy. She will have trouble absorbing nutrients and may become weak if she’s not cared for adequately.

Female Dachshunds are also prone to early dental decay and vision issues. Keep an eye on your dog when providing her dry food to make sure she’s able to eat and that her teeth are in good shape.

Pros
  • Independent
  • Respectful of everyone
  • Clean
Cons
  • Can be nippy with children
  • Not suitable for owners who want to cuddle
  • Some health problems

divider-paw

How Are They With Other Animals?

Male Dachshunds are better with other animals than female Dachshunds because they’re friendlier. Female Dachshunds can get territorial with their designated person and won’t want to share. Female Dachshunds also tend not to get along with other female Dachshunds. So, if you’ve already got one girl, a boy is a better choice.

Male Dachshunds can sometimes get along with cats and usually get along well when appropriately socialized with other dogs. Cats may find a male Dachshund to be annoying or too energetic. Two male Dachshunds will keep each other company and play well.

Dachshund Couple
Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

Do They Make Good Guard Dogs?

Truthfully, neither gender of Dachshund is a particularly spectacular guard dog. They lack the physical and mental drives for guard dog work, but they have a deep, throaty bark that can be mistaken for a larger dog which can be an attractive quality for those looking for a smaller guard dog.

Male Dachshunds will have an easier time spotting strangers, but more because they want to meet them than because they want to drive them away. They’re more likely to bark as well, but again they’re inclined to be friendly, not aggressive.

Female Dachshunds are generally territorial and protective, but they’re more reserved and quieter than their brothers, making them less likely to alert you to an intruder.

Related Read: 

divider-dog

Which Dachshund Is Right for You?

When picking a Dachshund from a breeder, remember to ask if you can meet the parents. While genetics don’t determine 100% of a dog’s temperament, they’re a good indicator of what part of the spectrum your dog will fall into.

Also, consider that the dog is recommended to be fixed later than the average dog. So, deciding whether you want to deal with an unfixed male or a female in heat will be an essential factor.

We have lots of Dachshund crossbreeds for you to explore as well!

Related Read:


Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock (top); Masarik, Shutterstock (bottom)

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.