While the dachshund is a single recognized breed, their appearance can vary from country to country depending on breeding traditions, kennel club standards, and regional preferences. These differences are often subtle, but when you compare dachshunds from Europe, Russia, America, South Africa, and beyond, you begin to notice distinct styles. Below is an overview of how dachshunds can look different around the world.
In much of Europe, dachshunds are bred with a focus on working ability as well as show ring presentation.
Build – Generally more compact, with a slightly heavier bone structure.
Head and Expression – Heads are often broader, with a stronger muzzle and less exaggerated features.
Coat and Type – Wirehairs are especially popular in Europe, reflecting the breed’s hunting heritage. Longhairs and smooths also follow a more traditional look, often with moderate angulation and balance.
Overall Look – Practical, sturdy, and moderate, with an emphasis on function as much as form.
Russian dachshunds have gained recognition for their distinctive appearance, especially in the show community
Often more refined with longer legs compared to their body, giving a slightly taller profile.
Elegant, with longer muzzles and expressive eyes.
Longhairs are especially popular, often with luxurious, flowing coats.
Stylish, elegant, and eye-catching, with a more exaggerated silhouette compared to Western European styles.
In the United States, dachshunds are bred to meet AKC standards, which sometimes emphasize different features than European standards.
Generally longer in body with more prominent chest and keel.
Heads can appear narrower, with a slightly longer skull.
All three coat types are common, with longhairs often bred for fuller coats.
Elegant and stretched, with more emphasis on length and show-ring presence.
South African dachshunds reflect a mix of European imports and local breeding preferences.
Balanced but slightly more athletic, with a focus on durability in hotter climates.
Moderate and strong, with good ear set.
mooths are particularly common, though all coat types exist.
Functional and versatile, maintaining breed type while adapting to regional conditions.
The UK has its own long history with dachshunds, particularly in the show ring.
Similar to continental Europe but sometimes slightly finer in bone.
Refined with softer expression.
Longhairs are especially popular in British shows, often with abundant feathering.
Balanced and moderate, with attention to elegance and breed tradition.
Australia follows FCI/UK standards but often produces dachshunds with unique touches.
Solid and strong, often blending European compactness with American length.
Moderate, not overly refined.
All three coat types are present, with wirehairs gaining popularity.
Adaptable, well-rounded, and reflective of both European and American influences.
Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, have contributed greatly to dachshund health studies and also maintain their own style.
Functional, moderate, and serious in expression.
unctional, moderate, and serious in expression.
Wirehairs are especially popular, bred for working trials as well as show.
Functional and balanced, with a heavy emphasis on hunting ability and health.
As the country of origin, German dachshunds are bred with a working dog mentality, emphasizing function and endurance.
Often influenced by Russian refinement, with taller legs and longer bodies.
While both follow AKC standards, Canadian dachshunds can be slightly less exaggerated, closer to FCI style.
