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
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Dachshund if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
Poodle
small
Size
medium
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
12–16 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
3/5
Good with Kids
4/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
5/5
Better4/5
Apartment
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5Better
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Training & Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
Poodle
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Poodle (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
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 ✓
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $500–$2,000 for a Dachshund versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Grooming & Shedding
Dachshund sheds more; Poodle is easier to maintain.
Dachshund
Poodle
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs5/5
The Dachshund sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Poodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Poodle has a slight edge.
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund is calmer; Poodle is more energetic.
Dachshund
Poodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
The Dachshund and Poodle bring very different personalities to the table. Dachshunds are clever, stubborn and playful, while Poodles tend to be intelligent, elegant and athletic.
Exercise & Activity
Poodle needs more exercise; Dachshund is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
Poodle
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs3/5
The Poodle 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 Poodle.
Family & Social Life
Poodle is better suited for families with children.
Dachshund
Poodle
Good with Kids
3/5
vs4/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs4/5Better
The Poodle has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Poodle's intelligent temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Size & Appearance
Poodle is the larger breed; Dachshund is more compact.
Dachshund
Poodle
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs18–32
Height (cm)
20–23
vs38–61
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Poodle tips the scales at 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs), dwarfing the Dachshund's 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs).
Health & Lifespan
Poodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Dachshund
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
12–16
vs12–15
Health Robustness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–16 years for the Dachshund and 12–15 years for the Poodle. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Poodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), better with children (4/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Poodle 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?
The Verdict
The Dachshund and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Poodle is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Dachshund by roughly $600/year.
Choose Dachshund if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Dachshunds adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Dachshunds cost roughly $600 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓You have young children — Poodles are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓This is your first dog — Poodles are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or Poodle?
The Poodle is generally better with children, scoring 4/5 compared to the Dachshund's 3/5. The Poodle is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Dachshund or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or Poodle?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or Poodles live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 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 Poodle live in an apartment?
The Dachshund is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Poodle (3/5). The Dachshund is one of our top picks for apartment living.