If you've ever owned a Dachshund, you know how unique they are, and if you're planning to adopt one, join me as I explore the facts not so popular about this breed. First, these dogs have elongated bodies, short legs, and mischievous expressions. But their long bodies and short legs were meant for more than just making humans fall in love with them. The Dachshund stands out for its fun loving bold and gregarious nature.
These little dogs know how to keep life interesting, from burrowing under your blanket to chasing after a squirrel twice their size. Unfortunately, their long bodies makes these dogs prone to disc problems. That means one thing: finding the right collar for these dogs isn't just about style.
The collar must be lightweight and comfortable and allow you to control your furry friend without lunging on the leash. So, if you own a Dachshund or are planning to adopt one, make sure you read on to know exactly how your Dachshund collar should be. Otherwise, you'll be risking sinking your companionship into endless vet visits.
Best Collars features for Dachshunds
Before I give you the best specs for Dachshund collars and recommend the ones I have tested and approved, let's first see their build and spirited nature that rules out some collar designs and build qualities. Physically, Dachshunds are a short-legged, long-bodied hound-type dog breed. These dogs were created in Germany for one purpose: to hunt badgers.
In fact, their name translates to badger dog. These fearless little hunters would dive into underground burrows, using their paddle-like paws to dig and their loud barks to alert their handlers. Their long, flexible spines allowed them to maneuver in tight spaces, while their sharp noses with around 125 million scent receptors helped them track prey with precision.
Fast forward, Dachshunds have traded badger hunting for couch cuddles. But their tenacity remains. They're fiercely independent, often to the point of stubbornness. Training a Dachshund requires patience as they easily ignore commands. But this stubbornness and independence brings a delightful mix of courage, loyalty, and curiosity. These dogs are notorious for being hyper alert.
A Dachshund will unleash a gale of barking to let you know when a stranger is at the door or walking by on the sidewalk. In fact, a 2008 study by the University of Pennsylvania ranked the diminutive Dachshund as the most aggressive of all breeds. So, despite their small size of 16–32 pounds for standard Dachshunds and under 11 pounds for miniatures, these dogs are excellent watchdogs.
However, life with a Dachshund isn't all fun and games. Their long backs make them prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). According to the Dachshund Breed Council, this condition affects about 25% of the breed. So, to protect your Dachshund, you should never allow it to jump off things like furniture or vigorously lunge on a leash. That means the collar must have a way to limit the dog's movement when in exciting situations.
Also, their love for digging means the dog collar will be soily and exposed to abrasions more than you would expect. I also noted that these dogs have a tendency to overeat. So, when choosing a collar, consider adjustability that can accommodate weight fluctuations. Although Dachshunds might be small, they're mighty and easily outlive even the biggest dogs out there.
On average, a Dachshund will give you companionship for 12 to 16 years, and some have been known to stick around for 20 years. In fact, a Dachshund from New York was recognized as the oldest living dog by the Guinness World Record in 2009. So, if you go for a flimsy, low-quality collar, you'll have to change dozens of collars before your furry friend retires. With that in mind, let's see the features a Dachshund collar should have.
Comfortable
Dachshunds have short coats, leaving their skin more exposed to the materials of a collar. As a result, a collar without a soft lining usually leaves redness around the neck after just one long walk. Consider going for a collar lined on the inside so the padding cushions the skin from the tough fabric. But if your furry friend is allergic to synthetic materials, consider an ultra-lightweight collar without linings. The lightweight design means there won’t be enough friction to cause irritations.
Lightweight
Dachshunds are small dogs with big energy. When they’re zooming around the yard and burrowing under blankets, they need a collar that keeps them up without weighing them down. A heavy collar throws off their balance and makes their small frames feel restricted. So, go for lightweight collars weighing no more than 8 ounces for standard Dachshunds and 5 ounces for miniature Dachshunds.
Best Collars for Dachshunds
Unlike most breeds, Dachshunds pack high energy in a delicate frame. So, you can’t use brute force to control their high energy. So, to control a Dachshund safely, the collar must be designed cleverly to give you control without encouraging tugs and lunges. I have tested numerous collars, and here are the collars I found to work best on my Dachshund.
Noir 1.5-inch Luxe Martingale Dog Collar
If you’ve ever tried walking a Dachshund with a traditional flat collar, you understand that steering him is like steering a tiny tornado with a big personality. They’re curious, determined, and often too clever. That’s where the Noir 1.5-inch Luxe Martingale Dog Collar comes to your rescue. Unlike standard collars that stay the same size no matter what, this martingale collar is designed to tighten gently when your dog pulls.
The genius here is balance. It’s snug enough to keep your Dachshund from slipping out but not so tight that it chokes him. This feature prevents Dachshunds with their slender necks and broad chests from wiggling their way free from regular collars. Something else I love about this collar is the clip-on design. If you’ve ever tried to slide a collar over a Dachshund’s head, you know it’s no easy feat.
Their long ears and sensitive necks make the process awkward and uncomfortable for both of you. The clip-on design of the Noir Luxe eliminates this struggle entirely. It’s as simple as wrapping the collar around the neck and clicking it in place. No fuss, no drama. Then there’s the quick-release buckle.
At first, I didn’t think much of it, but the first time my Fido got his leash tangled around a park bench, I was grateful for this feature. With a simple press, the collar comes off in seconds, making it easy to free him without struggle. It’s also incredibly convenient during grooming sessions when speed matters.
Rose 1.5-inch Tacti Slim Dog Collar
With a Dachshund, sturdiness is a necessity, not a nice-to-have feature in a collar. Dachshunds are little explorers. One time, he’ll be burrowing into the backyard; minutes later, he’s diving nose-first into a pile of leaves, and in no time, you might see him wiggling his way through tight spaces on a hike.
With their low-slung bodies, these dogs are constantly brushing against bushes, rocks, and even the ground itself. So, a Dachshunds collar must be able to take all the beating, and I don’t think there’s any collar that can withstand abuse more than the Rose 1.5-inch Tacti Slim Dog Collar. This collar is made from 1050D nylon, which is the same material used in military gear and heavy-duty backpacks.
Then, everything is brought together in triple-sewn stitching. This stitching isn’t a marketing term. It means extra reinforcement so the seams don’t give out when your furry friend pulls hard on the leash. On top of it, the D-ring is machine-welded and hot-rolled. So, no bending, no snapping. In a nutshell, this collar is so sturdy and reliable, and the only thing that can fail you is the leash breaking or slipping out of hand.
Then there’s the aspect of comfort. You know how sensitive Dachshund’s neck is, especially if he’s the smooth coat variety. The short, sleek fur doesn’t provide much padding. Excessive rubbing from nylon or leather usually results in irritations and chafing. But there’s nothing to worry about when dealing with this collar.
It comes all lined with neoprene on the inside. So, your furry friend will feel like he’s wearing a swimsuit: soft and comfortable. On top of it, neoprene is moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. That means the collar doesn’t hold onto sweat and those less-than-pleasant scents after long walks and hikes.
Black Expedition Dog Collar
The Black Expedition Dog Collar comes with a dual-pinned closure design, the only design different from the collars on this list. This collar’s belt-like dual-pinned closure isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about security.
That classic Dachshund determination, paired with their surprisingly strong necks for such small dogs, usually puts most plastic buckles to the test. But with this design, once you adjust the sizing to fit snugly, it stays put. Another thing is that Dachshund sizes can range from standard and miniature to those that are a bit on the chunky sausage side. But when dealing with this collar, you don’t have to worry about getting the perfect fit.
It comes with a set of about six holes for adjustability, and you’ll get a perfect fit, whether your pup is in their sleek summer body or carrying a little extra winter fluff. It’s also worth mentioning about the 2 inches width. At first, I was skeptical about a two-inch-wide collar. Would it look bulky on a Dachshund’s slender neck? But surprisingly, it works.
Dachshunds have long necks, and the wider band distributes pressure more evenly. As a result, this collar is more comfortable compared to the others. But I suggest you get this option for a standard Dachshund, not miniature.
Sofia 1.5-inch Tacti Lite Dog Collar
The Sofia 1.5-inch Tacti Lite Dog Collar is the most exceptional collar on this list, and here are reasons why. One, this collar doesn’t come with neoprene lining on the inside. This makes it hypoallergenic and a perfect solution for Dachshunds with sensitive skin. The buckle of this collar is also made of plastic, not metal like the rest. This eliminates the chances of nickel allergies.
I’ll admit I was initially hesitant about a plastic buckle. Metal always seemed like the gold standard for strength. But this isn’t your average plastic. It’s hardened, making it tougher than standard plastic buckles. I’ve tugged, pulled, and tested this collar, and it holds up remarkably well.
Other than being hypoallergenic, the lack of lining makes this collar absolutely lightweight, weighing only 5 ounces. On top of it, the collar comes with a handle. Remember that these little hunters can go from zero to squirrel-chasing mode in seconds. The handle gives you immediate control, preventing lunges that could strain their necks and backs and increase the chances of IVDD.
How to Properly Fit a Collar on a Dachshund
Dachshunds have sensitive necks that require extra care, and your aim is to make sure your pup is comfortable, safe, and free to move naturally. Start by taking measurements. Wrap a measuring tape around your Dachshund’s neck, around the base where the collar will sit. For standard Dachshunds, neck sizes range from 12-16 inches, while miniatures are closer to 8-12 inches.
That means the collar size ranges from small to medium. But because these dogs tend to overeat and gain weight, I recommend you get an adjustable collar. Once the collar is on, you should be able to slip two fingers between your Dachshund’s neck and the collar. I also recommend a quick fit check before each walk to make sure everything’s just right.
Conclusion
Owning a Dachshund is a journey filled with laughter, adventure, and the occasional stubborn standoff. Although these dogs are small, they’re loyal, full of energy, and will always stand to protect you. But because of how prone they’re to IVDD, you must get a collar that allows you to control their high energy without lunges and excessive pulling. The above collars I have recommended all come with a handle at the top, so you can always grab it and seize immediate control without lunges and momentum pulling.