Dachshunds in Apartments

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

Dachshunds in Apartments: Good or Bad Idea?

Here is a new article to help you answer this question: Does the dachshund make a good apartment dog? 🐶

Kaninchen (rabbit) and miniature dachshunds are likely the best suited for apartment living because they are the smallest.

As a reminder, the dachshund dog breed according to the FCI comes in 3 sizes:

Kaninchen
Miniature
Standard (larger)

and 3 types of fur:

Wire-haired
Smooth-haired
Long-haired

Dachshunds, these all-terrain 4-legged sweethearts, make excellent apartment dogs because they are very affectionate and will provide the companionship you are looking for 🥰

As with any other pet, it will take some time for you and your dachshund to get used to living together, especially in a small space.

Also, owning a dachshund is by no means a short-term commitment.

This dog breed can live up to 16 years or more if given plenty of love and proper care.

If you want to adopt a pet, we recommend that you first prepare yourself for the commitment involved and the time it will require, because yes, the dachshund is a lively and dynamic dog that needs to go out and get physical exercise.

The Basics of Living with a Dachshund

Read: Which Dachshund to Choose?

Before adopting your dachshund into your family, it is important that you first understand their personality.

Dachshunds are well-known for their stubbornness 😅

They will continue to do exactly what they want until you have trained them!

So, if you are considering getting a dachshund puppy, start their training at a very young age and be aware that you must be assertive with them… otherwise, they will tend to take charge.

Furthermore, if you are a family with young children, be cautious at first with your children when they are near your dachshund. Start training your children and your dog together early on so that everyone can get used to each other and show respect.

However, as stubborn as they can be, dachshunds are probably one of the most loyal breeds that exist!

It is also a very territorial dog breed that will bark at anything that happens near your apartment: this is what makes the dachshund an excellent watchdog.

Moreover, dachshunds are undeniably cuddle bugs! If you are looking for a small dog that loves to snuggle and be touched, then the dachshund is perfect for you.

These little terrier-type dogs were once trained and used to hunt animals like foxes and badgers. Because of this, the dachshund behaves like a hunting dog that loves to dig… especially under your blankets 😅

Nothing will make your pup happier than sleeping by your side (often so close that you can’t move) all night long. Make sure to find a comfortable position, because your dachshund won’t move for the rest of the night.

Home Life in a Small Space – Health and Exercise

Read: Do dachshunds shed?

Everyone knows the dachshund, and there is a good reason for that. No dog has a shape as iconic as the famous “Dachshund”!

However, this physical shape can lead to health problems if you are not careful.

Due to their long body, dachshunds are prone to back issues.

Diet

According to statistics, 1/3 of adult dachshunds are overweight, so you must be very careful to monitor their daily diet (if you put food in front of them, the dachshund will keep eating until it vomits).

This is why many dachshund owners struggle to maintain their pet’s ideal weight and avoid slipping into overfeeding.

If this overfeeding continues, it will not only contribute to back problems but will also increase the risk of other health issues like canine diabetes.

Living Space

Also, be careful when letting your dachshund jump on furniture, as this can really affect their back.

Help your dachshund by lifting them when you can (read how to carry a dachshund), but be VERY careful to support their back!

To make life easier for them, you can get them a dog ramp to help them get up and down from your armchair, sofa, or bed easily.

Activity

Dachshunds need plenty of exercise, and keeping them confined in the apartment can make them a bit stressed because they need to burn off energy.

However, if you have the time, walk your dachshund at least 3 times a day, which should allow them to burn off the overflowing energy they may have.

If, on occasion, you cannot find the time to walk them enough, stimulation games are a good solution to help your dachshund get the exercise they need in your apartment.

I Work a Lot: Can My Dachshund Stay Alone in the Apartment?

Read: How to keep your dachshund occupied?

Training dachshunds at an early age (puppies) can avoid some unpleasant surprises in your apartment, such as them starting to chew on furniture or clothes…

If you constantly leave the house for long hours during the day and leave your dachshund alone during that time, you might have some surprises upon your return…

This is not due to your dog’s bad behavior; it means you were gone too long and they started to miss you!

Punishing your dachshund after the fact will do no good. Your dachshund will not understand your anger, and they won’t care.

This is why training your dachshund at an early age will more than likely save the interior of your apartment.

It is also worth noting that while dachshunds are the ideal size for an apartment, these dogs tend to behave much better in pairs (duos).

So, if you have the budget and you really want a dachshund, it might be worth it for you in the long run to adopt two dachshunds 🐶

With two “dachshunds,” even if you often have to leave the house, your dog will at least have another little companion to keep them company so they don’t feel so alone.

The (Small) Downsides of Having a Dachshund in an Apartment

Here are a few things to consider before buying your dachshund to live in your apartment…

– Once again, dachshunds are stubborn pups. Without proper training, they are likely to have accidents in the apartment because they are very dynamic and love to play.

– Besides their stubborn personality, dachshunds are “barkers.” These vocal dogs (bred for hunting) do not hesitate to bark to signal a noise.

This is therefore an important factor to consider if you live in an apartment with thin walls and do not want to receive complaints from your neighbors…

– Living in an apartment means being in a confined space. Be prepared to have your dachshund lying against your legs on the sofa during your evenings or in the middle of the night.

– Dachshunds are not the most patient with young children. It would be best to supervise your child when they play with your dachshund until your puppy has had proper training, as dachshunds can sometimes be possessive.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the dachshund can be an excellent pet for apartment owners and families. It just takes a little time and understanding from both parties.

It is also obvious that if you cannot invest the time, this little companion is not for you (note that all dogs need attention).

On the other hand, if you have the time and the desire to work with your adorable dachshund, enjoy it, and you will have a very endearing and affectionate companion for years to come…. ☺️

The DoxieLife Team – 💚 Last modified on 01/19/26