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Can You Take Your Dachshund Running? (+ 5 Jogging Tips!)

Hound dogs are normally not very active companions. Moreover, Dachshunds were used to hunt small animals like badgers, rabbits, etc. Their origin can explain why these small buddies have enough energy to enjoy plenty of activities!

Dachshund Running

Many people would like to be in better health and shape. Dog sports such as running could be a great way to work out with your furry friend. Unfortunately, not all dog breeds are well suited to run with their owner. So, can you take your Dachshund running?

Yes, but be careful! Even with their short legs, most Dachshunds will be able to trot a few miles (or km). However, they aren’t good running partners for advanced runners. These relatively active dogs won’t be suitable for endurance runs, only for short bursts. They could be awesome for short slow jogs, walks or other moderate activities!

Exercise Needs of Dachshunds.

With their hunting instinct, these buddies are more energetic than they look like. For their small size, they are high-energy dogs. In general, Dachshunds need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day!

This physical activity requirement will keep your furball healthy and happy. Without a proper exercise routine, your small buddy could suffer from boredom and become destructive!

That’s why a moderate sport like jogging could be interesting to spend the energy of your companion. Dogs aren’t for lazy animals; you will need to go out and exercise with your furry friend. Giving enough physical and mental stimulation is crucial to avoid behavior issues and assure the well-being of your pet!

Dachshund Running Ball

Can You Over-Exercise Your Companion?

It’s quite easy to give too much exercise to Dachshunds because of their unproportionate body. Intense running or long-distance jogging isn’t very excellent exercise ideas for such a small companion. Make sure to respect your furry friend’s limits and conditions!

Excessive panting, extreme thirst, soreness, refusing to keep up, confusion or any other unusual sign should make you stop. You are over-exercising your companion, and it can be bad for him. Too much workout is sometimes even more dangerous than no exercise at all!

If you notice one of these signs of over-exercise or any other abnormal attitude, try to slow down and give rest to your buddy. At this point, you should rethink and change your dog’s exercise routine while you pay attention to his well-being!

Can You Run With Your Dachshund?

Yes, most of these small buddies are suitable to run with their owners. Even if you can take your Dachshund running, that doesn’t mean he can finish a marathon. With their instinct of hunters, they will enjoy jogging with you! However, their short legs and big body don’t make them awesome to run with. Running with your small companion is OK if he’s suitable to run! 

Dachshund Ready To Run

What Makes Your Dog Suitable To Jog?

Even if your Dachshunds aren’t amazing running companions, they can be suitable to jog. To run safely with your buddy, he needs to have some specific characteristics. Here are the elements to analyze before running with your dog!

Breed.

Some dog breeds are natural runners like Huskies or Vizslas. Dachshunds don’t have the perfect body to be an awesome running partner. Nonetheless, this breed is suitable for short sprints or small jogs!

Health.

Even very active and athletic running buddies can have health problems. These issues can restrict them from enjoying dog sports safely!

For example, Dachshunds are very likely to develop back, spine or heart problems. Any structural or health issue should result in adapting your dog’s workout routine. Running is for furry companions with excellent physical and health conditions!

Athletic Qualities.

Dogs like Weimaraners, Labradors or Vizslas are built to perform well at any kind of physical activity. They have the right size, good speed, impressive stamina, and an awesome shape!

Unfortunately, Dachshunds don’t have that many athletic qualities. This makes them less interesting for an intense sport such as running, biking, agility course, etc. However, it doesn’t mean that they can’t run, you just need to adapt the activity to their level!

Energy/Desire.

High-energy dogs like Border Collies or Dalmatians will love to run with their owner regularly. On the contrary, you will have a lot of difficulties motivating super lazy buddies such as Saint-Bernards or Bullmastiffs!

Dachshunds have a lot of energy for their size but can tire quickly while running. In general, these small furballs won’t have a problem with their energy or desire to jog. As ancient hunters, they love to run and spend time outside!

Simple Way!

As you can see, many elements determine if your dog is suitable to jog with you. However, you don’t need to take hours analyzing your companion to have a vague answer. Visiting your vet is probably the simplest way to have clear conditions to run with your Dachshunds!

Dachshund Running Lay Down

Are Mini Dachshunds Suitable To Jog?

These tiny pets won’t be very good as running partners. They have a lot of energy and need between 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Even so, that’s not enough to make them run long distances!

Can you take your Miniature Dachshund for short jogs? Yes, but you need to be very careful to not over-exercise your small companion. Too intense or long runs could injure him permanently or cause him unnecessary pain! Most of these funny dogs won’t be able to run more than 1 or 2 miles (1.5 to 3 km). That’s very important to respect their physical and athletic limits!

I highly recommend you to ask your vet before jogging with your mini Dachshunds. That can only make your furry friend more secure and prevent problems. It’s also crucial to take it easy when you start a new dog sport with such a small buddy!

How Far Can Dachshunds Jog? (Miles + Km)

You’re looking for a competition or marathon furry companion to run with? Dachshunds won’t be suitable for any kind of intense or advanced running sport such as Canicross, Dog agility or Flyball racing. Normally, healthy Dachshunds can run anywhere from 1 to 3 miles (1.5 to 5 km) with good training!

Your dog’s ability to jog long distances will depend on many elements. Their energy, stamina, running experience and other athletic qualities are interesting to enjoy more than 1 or 2 miles (1.5 or 3 km). The jogging endurance of your buddy can be improved with training. Nonetheless, nearly all Dachshunds can’t jog more than 3 or 4 miles (5 or 6 km)! 

How Fast Can Dachshunds Run?

Short-legged breeds are normally very slow to walk or to jog with. However, some impressive small dogs can run surprisingly fast. Did you know that Dachshunds can run up to 15-20 miles per hour (24-32 km/h)?

They can only keep that pace for quick and short bursts. It’s still an excellent speed for a furry pet with such short legs. Their speed is very interesting for a short running pace. This companion could be awesome to start getting in better shape in a short period of time!

5 Jogging Tips To Run With Your Dachshund!

To thank you for your attention, I’ve got a little something for you. You probably notice that there’s a lot of information about how to run with your companion. Here are some things to know before you start enjoying this wonderful canine sport!

Dachshund Puppies Aren’t Suitable To Run! 

Just like humans, dogs need time to develop their muscles, bones, etc. During this period of growth, kids or puppies are very fragile. Dog sports such as running aren’t suitable for a Dachshund puppy!

Puppy Dachshund

This type of intense physical activity could hurt your puppy. Their bones are still growing, and young pups could suffer from serious injuries because of too much exercise! Luckily for you, small dogs don’t take a long time to grow up. Dachshunds are considered adults around 6 to 8 months. You can introduce them as soon as they are fully grown! 

Be Careful With Old Dogs! 

Take note that senior companions can also be too fragile to run. Once they become older, dogs require less exercise time. It’s essential to find lower energy activities for senior Dachshunds!

After anywhere between 8 to 12 years is considered old for dogs with a so long lifespan. When your buddy reaches his golden years, things like walking, fetch or other moderate activities are ideal!

Be Careful Before You Exercise Your Dog In Hot or Cold Temperatures!

Extreme heat or cold isn’t very safe for your buddy. Dachshunds love hot temperatures, but it can be dangerous for them. These buddies can easily overheat if you aren’t careful during sunny days!

They like to be warm, but it doesn’t mean that these dogs tolerate the heat extremely well. Dachshunds shouldn’t do intense activities when it’s especially humid or over 75°F (24°C)! These small pets with a thin fur coat won’t tolerate cold temperatures. Jackets or coats for dogs won’t be a bad idea when it’s cold outside. You could jog with your Dachshund in a cold temperature up to 40-45°F (4-7°C)!

Pay Attention To Your Companion!

Make sure your companion is ALRIGHT before, during and after your jogs. Too many runners don’t pay attention to their dog while running. This is dangerous, irresponsible, and not smart at all!

Jogging with your Dachshund should be considered as a team sport. Without ever looking at you buddy, you won’t be able to notice his communication. Your dog will make your signs when he needs water, snacks or breaks!

Learning your furry friend language is important to enjoy dog sports safely. You should at least take a look at your running companion every 1 or 2 minutes. This will help you prevent unnecessary injuries and several other problems!

Have Fun!

My last tip is to enjoy every single run. Physical activity is essential for your well-being, but you shouldn’t take part in something that you don’t like. The best runner out there is the one that has the most fun running!

Make sure that both you and your dog have fun running. Even if jogging is something excellent for you and extremely fun, it’s not for everybody. I’ve talked a lot about your buddy’s desire, but you also need to listen to yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of other fun dog sports or activities to try for dog owners that don’t like running!

Some Alternative Activities To Running For Dachshunds!

Not every dog has enough energy or stamina to take part in regular runs. However, there are many lower intensity fun things to enjoy with your small dog. Here are some moderate activities excellent for Dachshunds!

Dachshund On-Leash
  • Hide and Seek.
  • Agility Exercise.
  • Chase.
  • Fetch.
  • Walking.
  • Hunting.
  • Dog Training.
  • Etc.

Here Are Cool Things To Try With Dogs That Like Running!

Some small buddies can have unlimited energy. For those who own a very active and healthy Dachshund, jogging is always a great way to exercise. However, it’s always fun to try new activities!

  • Hiking.
  • Agility Course.
  • Tag.
  • Dock Diving. (Run and Splash)
  • Active Fetch or Frisbee.
  • Flirt Pole.
  • Sprints.
  • Etc.

Last Thoughts About Running With Your Dachshund!

In conclusion, some Dachshunds will be OK to run a few miles or kilometers with you. Even if they aren’t very well suited for this sport, they have enough energy for short bursts or jogs. These buddies are ideal to start a beginner’s fitness routine!

Dachshund In Box

For such small animals, they are impressive runners. Whether your dog is suitable to jog or not, they need proper exercise every day. Make sure to find a canine sport or activity that you both enjoy. With some pleasure exercising, you will easily improve both your shape, health, and happiness!

I wish you a lot of quality time with your Dachshund while running. I hope this article helps you discover a lot of useful information. Thank you for your time, and I would be glad to see you on running trails!