There are three dachshund coat varieties: smooth coat (short hair), long-haired, and wire-haired. All Dachshunds used to have smooth coats, and the smooth variety is still the most popular. Breeders probably crossed smooth Dachshunds with other dog breeds to produce the two other coat varieties.

The dominant color in the breed is red, followed by black and tan.

The breed is prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage. About 20-25% of dachshunds will develop IVDD. Serious cases may require surgery or the aid of a cart to get around if paralysis occurs.