DachshundVSJapanese Chin

The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, playful, while the Japanese Chin is typically described as charming, loyal, cat-like. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Dachshund has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the Japanese Chin's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Dachshund is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Japanese Chin is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Japanese Chin may be the better choice.

The Dachshund is a small breed standing 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall and weighing 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs). In comparison, the Japanese Chin is a small breed at 20–27 cm (8–11 in) and 2–5 kg (4–11 lbs).

The Dachshund is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Dachshund has a short coat available in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, while the Japanese Chin sports a long coat in black and white, red and white, sable and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Dachshund has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Japanese Chin has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Dachshund requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Japanese Chin is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Japanese Chin is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Dachshund's 4/5. The Dachshund generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Japanese Chin sheds more than the Dachshund — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Japanese Chin.

Grooming-wise, the Japanese Chin needs more upkeep (3/5) than the Dachshund (2/5). The Japanese Chin's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Dachshund and $150 for the Japanese Chin. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the Japanese Chin lives 10–12 years. The Dachshund tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Dachshund include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. The Japanese Chin is prone to patellar luxation, heart murmurs, cataracts, GM2 gangliosidosis. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Dachshund and $500 for the Japanese Chin. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Japanese Chin, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Dachshund's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Japanese Chin ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Japanese Chin is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Dachshund's 3/5. This means the Japanese Chin generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Dachshund leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Japanese Chin, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Japanese Chin's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (3/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the Dachshund is the stronger choice, scoring 3/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Japanese Chin's 2/5. The Dachshund's clever nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Japanese Chin tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Japanese Chin is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Dachshund ranges from $500–$2,000, while a Japanese Chin typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Japanese Chin is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,020 for the Dachshund and $950 for the Japanese Chin. The Dachshund is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Dachshund and $25 for the Japanese Chin. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.