You've seen them. Those low-slung, "half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long" silhouettes power-walking down the sidewalk. Most people just call them dachshunds or, more colloquially, weiner dogs. But if you’re actually looking to bring one home or you’re just deep-diving into the breed, you’ll realize pretty quickly that "dachshund" is a massive umbrella term for a surprisingly diverse group of hunters.
They are small. They are loud. And they are incredibly stubborn.
Whether you’re talking about the velvety smooth-coat ones or the scruffy wirehairs that look like they’ve just woken up from a nap in a briar patch, the different types of weiner dogs exist because of a very specific, somewhat bloody history. These weren't bred to be lap dogs or fashion accessories. They were bred to dive headfirst into holes to fight badgers. That’s why their chests are so deep—it’s for lung capacity while they're underground. When you understand that, their spicy personalities start to make a lot more sense.
The Three Main Coats: It’s Not Just About Aesthetics
When people talk about types of weiner dogs, the first thing they usually look at is the fur. There are three official coat varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (UK). Each one supposedly comes with a different "vibe" or personality quirk, according to long-time breeders.
The Smooth-Haired Dachshund
This is the classic. The OG. If you close your eyes and picture a weiner dog, you’re seeing a smooth. Their coat is short, shiny, and requires about thirty seconds of grooming a week. Honestly, they’re the "divas" of the group. Because they have so little fur, they feel the cold intensely. If there is a sunbeam in your house, a smooth-coated dachshund is currently vibrating in the middle of it. Owners often joke that these are the most "loyal" but also the most prone to being "velcro dogs."
The Long-Haired Dachshund
These guys look like they’re ready for a doggie shampoo commercial. They have elegant, wavy hair that feathers out on their ears and tails. Interestingly, many enthusiasts believe long-hairs are the calmest of the bunch. There’s a theory that some spaniel DNA was mixed in centuries ago to get that coat, which might explain why they tend to be a little softer and less "feisty" than their short-haired cousins. But fair warning: they are burr magnets. If you walk them in the woods, you will spend twenty minutes picking sticks out of their "butt curtains."
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The Wire-Haired Dachshund
If the smooth is a diva and the long-hair is a model, the wire-hair is the rugged outdoorsman. They have a thick, rough outer coat and a soft undercoat, complete with a distinctive beard and eyebrows. They look like little old men. Most experts agree these are the most energetic and mischievous types of weiner dogs. Why? Because breeders likely crossed dachshunds with terriers to get that wiry, protective coat. That terrier blood makes them incredibly bold and sometimes a bit more "argumentative" than the other types.
Sizing Things Up: Standards vs. Miniatures
Size is the next big divider. While some countries recognize a "Tweenie" or a "Kaninchen" (rabbit-sized), the two main categories you’ll find in the US and UK are Standard and Miniature.
Standard dachshunds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. These are substantial dogs. They were the ones originally used for hunting badgers. They have serious muscle and a bark that sounds like it belongs to a dog three times their size.
Miniature dachshunds are the ones under 11 pounds. They were bred to hunt smaller prey, like rabbits. Today, they are overwhelmingly more popular as pets because they fit perfectly into apartment life. But don't let the size fool you. A mini has just as much "big dog" ego as a standard. If a 10-pound mini decides it owns the park, it will let the local Great Dane know it.
Then there is the "Tweenie." This isn't an official AKC classification, but it's a term used by the dachshund community for dogs that fall in that awkward 12-to-15-pound range. They’re too big to be minis and too small to be standards. Honestly, they’re often the sturdiest pets because they have a bit more bone density than the tiniest minis but aren't as heavy on their joints as the full-sized standards.
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The Color Palette: Beyond Red and Black-and-Tan
If you thought it ended at coat and size, you’re in for a surprise. The sheer variety of colors and patterns in these dogs is mind-boggling. You’ve got your basics: Red (which can range from cream to deep mahogany) and Black and Tan.
But then things get fancy.
- Dapple: This is a pattern, not a color. It looks like splashes of light color against a darker base. It’s beautiful, but it comes with a massive "Proceed With Caution" sign. If two dapple dachshunds are bred together, it can result in "Double Dapple" puppies, which often suffer from severe vision and hearing loss. Responsible breeders avoid this at all costs.
- Piebald: These dogs have large patches of white against their base color. They almost look like little cows. It’s a recessive trait and is becoming increasingly popular.
- Brindle: This is a striped pattern, sort of like a tiger. It’s most common in the smooth-coated variety.
- Isabella and Tan: This is a diluted chocolate color that looks almost lilac or silvery-grey. It’s stunning, but like many "dilute" colors in dogs, it can sometimes be linked to skin issues or color dilution alopecia.
What No One Tells You About Living With Them
Having a specific type of weiner dog isn't just a fashion choice; it’s a lifestyle commitment. You need to be prepared for the "Dachshund Scream." It’s not a bark. It’s a high-pitched, soul-piercing sound they make when they’re excited or, more likely, when they think you’re eating cheese without sharing.
Back health is the elephant in the room. Because of their long spines and short ribs, about one in four dachshunds will deal with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) at some point. This is true for all types, though keeping them lean is the best defense. You basically have to turn your house into a series of ramps. Jumping off a sofa can be a life-altering event for these dogs. It’s something every potential owner needs to budget for, both in terms of home modifications and potential vet bills.
They are also notoriously difficult to potty train. You can be six months into training, and if it starts raining, your dachshund will look at the backyard, look at you, and decide that the rug is a much better option. They hate getting their bellies wet. It's a common trait across all coat types.
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Which Type Is Right For You?
Choosing between the types of weiner dogs really comes down to your patience for grooming and your activity level.
If you want a dog that is chill and looks like a Victorian painting, go with a long-haired miniature. If you want a partner for hiking who will never back down from a challenge, a wire-haired standard is your best bet. If you just want a classic companion who will burrow under your covers and keep your feet warm, the smooth-haired mini is the go-to.
Actionable Next Steps for Future Owners:
- Check for IVDD History: If buying from a breeder, specifically ask about the back health of the sire and dam. Good breeders track this.
- Invest in Ramps Early: Do not wait for a back injury to buy ramps for your bed or sofa. Train them to use the ramp while they are young and healthy.
- Watch the Weight: A single extra pound on a miniature dachshund is like ten pounds on a human. Use a kitchen scale to weigh their food to ensure they stay "lean and mean."
- Socialize the "Big Dog" Energy: Because they can be territorial and "barky," start socialization with other dogs and people before the 16-week mark to prevent them from becoming overly protective of "their" humans.
- Look into Breed-Specific Rescues: Organizations like Dachshund Rescue of North America (DRNA) or local groups often have every type of dachshund mentioned above looking for a second chance.
At the end of the day, regardless of the coat or the size, these dogs are big personalities trapped in small, tubular bodies. They will ignore your commands, steal your spot on the couch, and somehow make you feel like the luckiest person on earth when they finally decide to snuggle up against you.