Dog Age ToolsHow long do Dachshunds live?
Dachshunds are a long lived breed. The AKC lists 12 to 16 years for both sizes. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Miniature Dachshunds had a median lifespan of 14.0 years, one of the longest of all breeds measured. Their biggest health threat is not a short life but back disease.
The 2024 McMillan study listed the Miniature Dachshund among the breeds least at risk of early death, with a hazard ratio of 0.7. It sat in that list with breeds such as the Lancashire Heeler, Tibetan Spaniel and Shiba Inu.
Dachshund lifespan by size: standard and mini
| Variety | Weight | Size class here | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature | 11 lb or less | Small | 12 to 16 years |
| Standard | 16 to 32 lb | Small or medium | 12 to 16 years |
Weigh your dog to choose. At 20 pounds or less, use small. Over 20, use medium.
Dachshund age in human years
| Age | Human years | DNA clock |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 31 |
| 2 | 24 | 42 |
| 3 | 28 | 49 |
| 4 | 32 | 53 |
| 5 | 36 | 57 |
| 6 | 40 | 60 |
| 7 | 44 | 62 |
| 8 | 48 | 64 |
| 9 | 52 | 66 |
| 10 | 56 | 68 |
| 11 | 60 | 69 |
| 12 | 64 | 71 |
| 13 | 68 | 72 |
| 14 | 72 | 73 |
| 15 | 76 | 74 |
| 16 | 80 | 75 |
For a standard over 20 pounds, add a few years from about age 6, or switch the tool to medium. The full chart shows the medium column side by side.
IVDD: the Dachshund back problem
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the biggest health issue in Dachshunds. The breed's relative risk is 10 to 12 times that of other breeds, and an estimated 19 to 24 percent show signs in their lifetime. IVDD can cause back pain, weak legs or sudden paralysis.
The DachsLife 2015 study surveyed owners of 2,031 Dachshunds. Of these, 15.7 percent had an IVDD diagnosis from a vet. The rate changed a lot by variety:
- Standard Smooth Haired: 24.4 percent, the highest
- Standard Wire Haired: 7.1 percent, the lowest
Older dogs and neutered dogs had higher odds. Exercise mattered too. Dogs that got more than an hour of exercise a day, and dogs their owners called very or fairly active, had lower odds. Dogs that got less than 30 minutes a day had higher odds. These are links, not proof, but they point toward an active, fit dog.
Signs of a disc problem
Back pain, crying when picked up, wobbly back legs or sudden trouble walking are signs to report to your vet. A Dachshund that suddenly cannot walk needs a vet right away.
When is a Dachshund a senior?
The AVMA rule of the last 25 percent of life gives 9 to 12 years for a 12 to 16 year breed. Because these dogs often reach 14 or more, a Dachshund may spend four or five years as a senior. Twice yearly vet visits from then on are what the AVMA advises.
Tips for a long, pain free life
- Keep your Dachshund slim. The AVMA links obesity with joint disease.
- Exercise every day. In DachsLife, over an hour a day went with lower IVDD odds.
- Lift with care. Ask your vet to show you a safe way to pick up your dog.
- Learn the early signs. Act fast on back pain or wobbly legs.
- Ask about breeding lines. Variety made a big difference to IVDD rates, which suggests that genes matter.
Other breed pages
Dachshund FAQ
How long do Dachshunds live?
The AKC lists 12 to 16 years for both standard and miniature Dachshunds. A 2024 UK study found a median of 14.0 years for Miniature Dachshunds, one of the longest of 155 breeds.
Do miniature Dachshunds live longer than standards?
The AKC gives both the same range. The 2024 McMillan study reported 14.0 years for miniatures. We did not find a comparable peer reviewed figure for standards, so we cannot say for sure.
What is IVDD and how common is it in Dachshunds?
Intervertebral disc disease is when a disc in the spine bulges or bursts and presses on the spinal cord. In the DachsLife 2015 survey of 2,031 Dachshunds, 15.7 percent had a vet diagnosis of IVDD. Earlier work put lifetime signs at 19 to 24 percent.
Should my Dachshund avoid jumping off furniture?
The evidence is mixed. In DachsLife 2015, dogs not allowed to jump on furniture actually had higher odds of IVDD in a simple analysis, but the authors said this needs more study. Ask your vet what fits your dog.
When is a Dachshund a senior?
At about 9 to 12 years, using the AKC range of 12 to 16 and the AVMA rule of the last 25 percent of life. The AVMA small dog guide gives 8 to 11.
References
- McMillan K.M. et al. (2024). Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports
- DachsLife 2015: lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology
- Caring for senior cats and dogs, American Veterinary Medical Association
- How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years, American Kennel Club
- Dachshund breed page, American Kennel Club