What Are the Traits and Care Tips for Smooth-Haired Dachshunds?

November 18, 2025

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Smooth Standard Dachshund standing in a garden
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image credits

Smooth Haired Dachshund: a close coat on a low body

The Smooth Haired Dachshund’s short coat makes its low, muscular outline particularly visible. It is the larger UK smooth-haired variety, with its own weight description. Coat care is relatively straightforward, but regular walks and attention to nails, ears and movement through the home remain part of everyday ownership.

UK outline and size

The earlier UK guide gives an ideal weight of 9–12 kg. It describes a moderately long body, strong loin, prominent breastbone and adequate clearance for free movement. A smooth coat should fit closely rather than hiding the body beneath a mass of hair. The ideal weight belongs to this variety’s standard description; it is not a numerical adult height or an individual feeding prescription.

Reading the FCI family separately

FCI Standard Dachshunds are defined by chest circumference: males over 37 up to 47 cm, females over 35 up to 45 cm. The measurement is taken at at least 15 months, from the highest withers point to the lowest chest point, with a slightly tensioned tape. FCI also has Miniature and Rabbit categories. Weight and chest circumference describe different systems, so the shared Standard name does not make them direct equivalents.

Short-coat care

UK describes dense, short, smooth hair and puts grooming in a weekly category. AKC suggests wiping the smooth coat with a towel or hound glove, in contrast to long-coat brushing and wire-coat stripping. The same Dachshund care page calls for monthly nail trimming, while its practical ear guidance supports regular checks and cleaning. Make those tasks part of handling even when the coat needs little time.

Activity and comparisons

The UK exercise category is up to an hour daily; AKC recommends two moderate walks. Its advice also avoids running up and down stairs and jumping onto or off furniture. Look at the dog’s everyday routes between resting places as well as the planned walk. Compare the Long Haired and Wire Haired profiles to weigh the difference in feathering, undercoat and grooming work without changing this smooth-haired profile’s UK size description.

Sources and further reading

Dachshund (Smooth Haired) at a glance

These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.

Breed group
Hound
Size
Medium
Daily exercise
Up to 1 hour per day
Grooming frequency
Once a week
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Suggested home size
Small house
Town or country
Town or country
Garden recommendation
Small / medium garden
Lifespan
Over 12 years

The Kennel Club breed guide

About Gabor

Gabor creates clear, practical dog guides that help owners understand breeds, behavior, and daily care. His goal is to make responsible dog ownership easier.

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