Can You Run With a Dachshund? Distance, Speed & Safety Tips! (2024)

Dachshunds are a lot of fun, and there are many ways to enjoy their company.

If you are a runner and would like to take your little buddy along, your first thought is likely whether or not this breed can handle the exertion, and you’re a good pet owner to be concerned.

Can you run with a Dachshund? You can run with your Dachshund provided that you pay close attention to any signs of overexertion or strain. Running comes naturally to this breed, however, while they can run fairly fast for short periods, they do not possess the stamina of other breeds and should be monitored.

Running with your Dachshund can be a great way for your pup and you to get plenty of exercise and have some fun together.

Before you take your dog out for a run, be sure to know what to expect so that you can make the most of it.

Dachshunds and Running – What To Know

If you are interested in fitness and you want to be able to take your Dachshund running with you or if you just want to have some fun being active with your dog in the backyard, you might be wondering if your pup is a good runner.

Here is what you should know. 

What Dachshunds Were Bred To Do

Dachshunds were bred to hunt small animals, which means a lot of running, digging, and hopping around.

You may notice that your Dachshund has plenty of energy, and allowing him to run as much as he wants is a good way to burn that energy and maintain a healthy weight.

Your dog will have the drive to show off its natural traits, and even if he doesn’t hunt, you can still allow he to run and have fun.

Is Running Bad for Dachshunds?

As long as your dog has no medical problems, running should not be an issue.

Running can actually help keep your dog flexible, allow him to maintain a healthy weight, and keep him from getting bored and into trouble.

How Much Running Is Good for a Dachshund?

Your dog should have at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, and Mini Dachshunds should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

There are several factors that can determine how much exercise or running your dog needs.

Age

The age of your Dachshund plays a big role in how much exercise he will need each day. Adults Dachshunds need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Puppies need about five minutes of exercise for each month of their age.

Puppies burn plenty of energy playing around, so they don’t need a lot of scheduled exercise like an adult may need.

Condition of Spine and Overall Health

A dog that has spine problems or isn’t feeling well won’t need as much exercise as a healthy dog.

Dachshunds are susceptible to diseases that affect the spine and make it difficult for the dog to move. Never force an injured or sick dog to exercise. 

Fitness Level and Weight

Your dog’s fitness level and weight also play a role in how much exercise he may need.

If your dog is in shape and used to physical activity, he will want to run, play, and exercise as much as possible.

If your dog is a healthy weight, it will be much easier for him to move around and exercise too.

If you have a dog that doesn’t exercise much or is overweight, he may struggle to move around and need to work up to a better fitness level before running or exercising for longer periods.

Safety Tips When Running With Your Dachshund

If you plan to run with your Dachshund, there are some things you should do to ensure you and your pup stay safe during your exercise.

Check the Temperature

You shouldn’t run with your dog in temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Always check the forecast to see what the weather will be so you can plan for a nice run.

Keep Your Dog On A Leash

Even if you trust your dog to follow and stay with you, it’s still a good idea to keep him on a leash. Dachshunds are short, so they aren’t easy for other runners, cyclists, or drivers to see.

Being on a leash will ensure your dog is with you throughout the entire run.

Pay Attention

You already know how to keep yourself safe while running, but you also have to go the extra step to keep your dog safe.

Watch your Dachshund carefully for any signs that he is overexerting himself or experiencing any pain.

Remember that your dog has to take many more steps than you do to keep up and will likely become tired long before you will.

How Fast Can a Dachshund Run?

Dachshunds are considered to have an average running speed compared to other dogs and can achieve speeds up to 15-20 mph.

How Far Can a Dachshund Run?

With the proper training, a healthy, young Dachshund should be able to run between one to three miles.

Your dog may need to work up to this distance just like a person who is training to run. Be patient, and don’t try to take your dog out on long runs in the beginning. 

Is Walking or Running Better for Dachshunds?

Since Dachshunds have so much energy, running is one of the best exercises for the breed.

Of course, walking your dog is a nice way to get him out of the house, keep in shape, and help to learn social skills too, but running with you or around the backyard is important for cardiovascular health and overall fitness and should not be neglected.

How Much Exercise a Dachshund Needs Per Day

Adult Standard Dachshunds need at least an hour of exercise each day. Puppies, elderly Dachshunds, and Miniature Dachshunds should have at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean running or jogging by your side. Brisk walks, playtime, and visits to the dog park count as exercise too.

Other Suitable Forms of Exercise for Dachshunds

While running is a great exercise for Dachshunds, it’s not the only one. Your dog will appreciate a variety of activities, and the more you do with your dog, the more you will bond.

Some other ways you can exercise with your dog include: 

• Playing fetch
• Swimming
• Teaser poles
• Basic training
• Agility training
• Hide-and-seek
• Playing with other pets

Related Questions: 

Do Dachshunds Like To Run?

Most Dachshunds do enjoy running. They were bred to hunt and chase prey, so running is natural to them and is something their bodies are designed to do.

If your Dachshund does not have an interest in running, a visit to the vet may be called for.

Can You Run With a Miniature Dachshund?

Just like their larger counterparts, Miniature Dachshunds also enjoy running, and it’s an excellent way to help them stay fit and trim.

Keep in mind that their short legs have to work hard to run, so if you are planning on running with your pup, you will need to match his pace, and be prepared to give them a break when necessary.

Final Thoughts 

If you are the proud owner of a Dachshund and want to make sure you are taking proper care of him and keeping him in shape, you may want to take him running with you.

Running is something Dachshunds love to do, and it’s fun for them.

Whether you run with your Dachshund or just watch him play and have fun in your yard, as long as he’s moving and staying active, he will be happy.

Last update on 2024-04-15 at 15:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API