How much exercise does a Dachshund need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Dachshunds need about 30–60 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus some play.

ModerateEnergy

1–2.5 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

ModerateCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Dachshund's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Dachshunds need this much exercise

Dachshunds were bred in Germany to go underground after badgers ("Dachs" means badger). That is where the long body and big-dog attitude come from.

Dachshund exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	30–60 min	2 walks, plus some play
Senior (10+ years)	15–45 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Dachshund puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
10 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
12 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed.

Best exercise for Dachshunds

Moderate leash walks
Sniff walks
Scent games
Short play sessions

Walking tips for Dachshunds

Long backs mean a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Avoid lots of jumping and stairs, and keep them lean.
Regular moderate walks keep the back muscles strong. Miniature Dachshunds usually sit at the lower end of the range.
Dachshunds are scent hounds. Let them sniff, and use a harness rather than a neck collar.

Dachshunds in hot and cold weather

Heat: Dachshunds handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Most healthy adult Dachshunds are comfortable until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days. Check today's cold risk.

Dachshund exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Dachshund?

A healthy adult Dachshund needs about 30–60 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus some play. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Dachshund walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1–2.5 miles (1.5–4 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Dachshunds, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can a Dachshund puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed like the Dachshund. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Dachshunds handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Dachshunds need a coat in winter?

Most healthy adults don’t need one until it’s well below freezing. Puppies, seniors, and slimmer dogs may appreciate a coat on cold, wet, or windy days.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.