The iconic wiener dog has been listed in the top 10 most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and their entertaining antics will make you fall head over heels while their fierce loyalty will capture your heart for a lifetime.
The Dachshund, whether they be standard size or miniature, smooth coated, long-coated, or wire-haired, is one of the most recognizable breeds in the United States, but how exactly do you know your little Dachshund is purebred.
With their rise in popularity, Dachshunds have been used to create “designer” mutts, therefore, your lovable little sausage may not be 100% Dachshund. A Chi-Weenie is one of the more popular crossbreeds that have exploded onto the designer dog scene. If you did not get your Dachshund from a reputable breeder, you may be wondering if your doxie is purebred.
While some people are searching for a lap dog to love and fill a void in their life, a crossbreed is just fine. But some people looking for purebred Dachshunds will not want to settle for a dog with questionable genes.
Remember, even if your Dachshund comes with registration papers, even AKC papers, it is not necessarily confirmation that your pup is purebred. Unethical breeders have been known to switch paperwork on dogs and sell them under the guise of being pure Dachshund.
While you can sometimes look at a Dachshund and tell that they are indeed crossed with another breed, there are times when you sit and wonder if maybe your doxie is not 100% doxie. If that is the case, the only definitive way to determine if you have a purebred Dachshund is by ordering a breed identification DNA kit.
Common Features of a Purebred Dachshund
A reputable Dachshund breeder will strive to produce puppies that fit into the breed standard; therefore, a purebred Dachshund will have certain features that make it easy to identify them as a doxie. Take a look at your wiener dog and see if you can easily see these common features.
- Elongated body
One of the most recognizable features of a Dachshund is its elongated body. These amazing sausages will have a longer back-to-leg ratio than most dogs. And while a super long back can cause back problems, your Dachshund should have a definite longer back. The classic Dachshund look comes from that longer body and shorter legs. - Short legs
The Dachshund is a low-to-the-ground dog supported by thick, stubby legs. If your Dachshund has longer legs or legs that are equal to the length of their body, that is either a poorly bred doxie or a crossbreed. - Deep chest
Dachshunds are one of those breeds that need a deep chest and prominent keel. When a Dachshund stands, its chest puffs out and showcases a deep keel. A well-muscled keel is necessary when Dachshunds go to the ground after their prey. - Long, floppy ears
Ears that are short are not a desirable trait and ears that stand up are a good indication that your Dachshund is not purebred. The ears on a Dachshund should be long and hang down below the doxie’s jawline. - Classic Roman muzzle
One of my favorite things about the Dachshund is that classic Roman nose look. Their head shape is unique and when you see a Dachshund without that classic look, you have to wonder if they are purebred. - Muscular body
A Dachshund’s body should be well-muscled. Couch potato or one that does not like to exercise will probably not have much muscle mass, but as a young dog, you will see the potential for a muscular body. Dachshunds in prime condition will be solid with a lot of muscle.
Useful Tips: English Cream Dachshund can be recognized with the color and length of the tail. Check details about this breed here.
Things that Might Mean Your Dachshund is not a Purebred
While you may think your Dachshund looks like a Dachshund is supposed to, there may be some things about their physical appearance that give you pause and make you wonder about their true parentage.
- Shorter back
Obviously, a shorter back is a big red flag, especially if the back-to-leg ratio is pretty equal. A purebred Dachshund will have that iconic elongated back. - Longer legs
The breed standard states that a Dachshund’s legs are shorter, with strong bone, and well-muscled. If you see smaller bones and longer legs, your pup may be a mixed breed. - Ears that stand up
Dachshunds have long, floppy ears that fall below the jawline. Shorter, floppy ears may not mean that your doxie is a crossbreed, but if the ears stand up that is a big sign that the dog is not pure Dachshund. - Incorrect head
The Dachshund head is very recognizable with the classic Roman muzzle and rounded forehead. An incorrect head or a shorter muzzle is another red flag that the dog may not be a purebred Dachshund. - Spitz tail
A curly tail or a tail carried curled over their back is not a true Dachshund tail. Sometimes there will be a kink in a doxie tail from there being too many puppies in utero and not enough room for puppies to expand as they develop.
When in Doubt, DNA Test
In the last several years, companies have started offering breed identification DNA test kits so you can test your dog to see if they are purebred. Even a registered dog can have questionable genetics if the breeder is not reputable. So, if you think your Dachshund may not be pure, order a DNA kit.
Most DNA kits are saliva-based and easy to do at home. You simply follow the instructions included and using the sterile swabs, swab the inside of your Dachshund’s cheek. Once you fill out the paperwork, do the swabs, and send them back it takes about 2-4 weeks for your results.
Companies offering breed identification kits include:
- Embark
- Wisdom
- Geno Pet+
- OriVet
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a purebred Dachshund, you will want to search for responsible breeders who are dedicated to the breed. Yes, you may have to pay a little more money to ensure you are getting a well-bred, purebred Dachshund, but in the end, it is probably worth it.
Rescue dogs that look like doxies can be tested to see if they even have any Dachshund in them. While looking at a dog may give you an idea of whether or not they are a doxie, it will not give you peace of mind in knowing for certain whether they are 100% pure Dachshund. That will only come from completing a DNA breed identification profile.
Dachshund Recommendations and Sources
- How long do Dachshunds live?
- Piebald Dachshund – Temperament, Health, Costs, and Pictures
- Blue Dachshund: Breed Info, Temperament, Health, and Costs
- Dapple Dachshunds – Temperament, Health, Costs, and Pictures
- Dachshund Colors, Patterns, and Markings Explained With Pictures
- English Cream Dachshunds: Temperament, Types, Health and Care
