Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
VS
Goldendoodle
A popular Golden Retriever-Poodle cross combining the best of both breeds. Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, and often low-shedding, making them a top choice for allergy-conscious families.
Quick Answer
Choose Dachshund if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Goldendoodle if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
Goldendoodle
small
Size
medium
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
14–30 kg (31–66 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
43–61 cm (17–24 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
3/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
Better4/5
Apartment
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$5,000
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Dachshund is less expensive to own annually.
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Goldendoodle
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,610
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Goldendoodle puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Dachshund is $500–$2,000.
Family & Social Life
Goldendoodle is better suited for families with children.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Good with Kids
3/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs5/5Better
For families with children, the Goldendoodle is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 5/5, the Goldendoodle's friendly nature makes it a natural family companion.
Training & Intelligence
Goldendoodle is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Goldendoodle's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund is calmer; Goldendoodle is more energetic.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
Dachshunds from the Hound group carry a clever, stubborn and playful personality, shaped by their heritage as hound dogs. Goldendoodles, belonging to the Hybrid group, are friendly, intelligent and gentle — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Health & Lifespan
Goldendoodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs10–15
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Dachshund lives roughly 12–16 years while the Goldendoodle averages 10–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Exercise & Activity
Goldendoodle needs more exercise; Dachshund is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs3/5
The Goldendoodle needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Goldendoodle.
Grooming & Shedding
Dachshund sheds more; Goldendoodle is easier to maintain.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
The Dachshund sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Goldendoodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Goldendoodle has a slight edge.
Size & Appearance
Goldendoodle is the larger breed; Dachshund is more compact.
Dachshund
Goldendoodle
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs14–30
Height (cm)
20–23
vs43–61
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Goldendoodle is a medium breed at 14–30 kg (31–66 lbs) and 43–61 cm (17–24 in), while the Dachshund is a small breed at just 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs) and 20–23 cm (8–9 in).
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Goldendoodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Goldendoodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Dachshund if...
- • You want more apartment-friendly
Choose Goldendoodle if...
- • You want easier to train
- • You want better with kids
- • You want less shedding
- • You want better health
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Goldendoodle is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Dachshund or Goldendoodle easier to train?
The Goldendoodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The Goldendoodle's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or Goldendoodle?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a Goldendoodle costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,610 for the Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or Goldendoodles live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the Goldendoodle lives 10–15 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Dachshund or Goldendoodle live in an apartment?
The Dachshund is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Goldendoodle (3/5). The Dachshund is one of our top picks for apartment living.