Wiener Dog Breeds Beyond the Dachshund: Rare Long-Bodied
Explore rare wiener dog breeds beyond the standard Dachshund.
When most people hear "wiener dog breeds," they immediately picture the classic Dachshund — the iconic sausage-shaped hound that has charmed households for centuries. But the Dachshund is far from the only long-bodied, short-legged breed in the canine world. A handful of lesser-known breeds share that distinctive low-slung silhouette, each with unique histories, temperaments, and care needs that set them apart from their more famous cousin.
If you've fallen in love with the wiener dog shape but want a breed that's less common — or one that might better suit your lifestyle — this guide covers the rare and overlooked long-bodied hounds worth knowing about. We'll focus primarily on the Drever, a Scandinavian scent hound rarely seen outside Northern Europe, while also profiling the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) as comparable alternatives.
The Drever: Scandinavia's Best-Kept Hunting Secret
The Drever is the breed most people have never heard of but instantly recognize as a "wiener dog" once they see one. Developed in Sweden during the early 20th century, this compact scent hound was purpose-built for hunting deer, hare, and fox in dense Nordic forests where taller dogs struggled to navigate undergrowth.
- 1910s–1920s: Swedish breeders cross Westphalian Dachsbrackes (a German short-legged hound) with larger Swedish scent hounds to create a dog with endurance and a low profile.
- 1932: The breed is given the name "Drever" — derived from the Swedish word drev, meaning "to drive game."
- 1947: The Swedish Kennel Club (Svenska Kennelklubben) officially recognizes the Drever as a distinct breed.
- 1955: The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) grants international recognition under Group 6 (Scent Hounds).
- Present day: The Drever remains extremely popular in Sweden — estimated as the country's most common hunting dog — but is rare in the United States, with only a handful of breeders and no AKC recognition. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the breed.
The Drever's historical purpose is critical to understanding its temperament today. Unlike the Dachshund, which was bred to enter badger burrows alone, the Drever was designed to track and "drive" game toward a waiting hunter over long distances. This means the Drever tends to be more cooperative and less independently stubborn than a terrier-type dog, though its scent-drive is formidable.
Physical Traits: How the Drever Compares to the Dachshund
At first glance, you might mistake a Drever for a slightly oversized, rough-coated Dachshund. But several physical details distinguish this breed on closer inspection.
| Trait | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 32–35 lb / 14.5–16 kg |
| Height at Withers | 12–15 in / 30–38 cm (males up to 15 in; females up to 14 in per FCI standard) |
| Body Length | Noticeably longer than tall — ideal ratio approximately 1.8:1 (length to height) |
| Coat | Harsh, straight, close-lying; longer on underside of tail, back of legs, and neck |
| Color | All colors accepted with white markings (must be visible from all angles); common: fawn/white, black-tan/white, tricolor |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years (Scandinavian breed health data) |
| Energy Level | Moderate-to-high; bred for sustained trotting over miles |
| AKC Recognition | Not recognized (UKC recognized; FCI Group 6) |
The Drever is substantially heavier and more robustly built than a standard Dachshund (which typically weighs 16–32 lb / 7–14.5 kg). Its coat is harsher and more weather-resistant — a necessity for Scandinavian winters. The ears are drop ears, set lower and wider than a Dachshund's, and the tail is carried in a slight curve, never curled over the back.
Temperament: What Surprises New Owners
The single biggest surprise Drever owners report is the breed's vocal nature. Bred to alert hunters from a distance, Drevers have a loud, persistent bark and a tendency to "talk" during play, on walks, and when they detect interesting scents. This is not a quiet apartment dog.
Beyond vocalization, expect these temperament traits:
- High scent focus: Once a Drever picks up an interesting trail, recall becomes extremely difficult. Off-leash exercise in unfenced areas is risky without extensive training.
- Pack-oriented: Unlike the more independent Dachshund, Drevers were often hunted in pairs or small groups. They tend to bond closely with their people and other dogs, and they don't do well as solitary pets left alone 8+ hours daily.
- Steady, not hyper: Despite their hunting stamina, Drevers are generally calm indoors if they receive adequate daily exercise (45–60 minutes of brisk walking or structured sniffing activity).
- Good with children: Swedish breed clubs report Drevers as reliable family dogs, though their low-slung bodies are vulnerable to rough handling — always supervise toddlers.
- Moderate trainability: They learn quickly with positive reinforcement methods (treat-based reward systems work best), but their scent-drive means obedience may "break down" in high-distraction outdoor environments. Force-free, patience-based training is essential — aversive methods will damage the bond and increase anxiety in this sensitive breed.
Breed-Specific Health Concerns
The Drever benefits from what geneticists call a relatively closed but health-screened breeding population in Scandinavia. However, the breed's chondrodysplastic (short-legged) structure predisposes it to several conditions that prospective owners should understand. Always consult your veterinarian about breed-specific screening before purchasing a puppy.
| Condition | Description | Prevalence / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Degeneration and herniation of spinal discs, causing pain, nerve damage, or paralysis | Common in all chondrodysplastic breeds; estimated 1 in 4 Dachshunds affected in lifetime (Merck Veterinary Manual). Drever data is limited but risk is structurally similar. |
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap dislocates from normal position, causing intermittent lameness | Reported in Scandinavian breed health surveys; OFA screening recommended |
| Obesity | Excess weight dramatically increases spinal load on long-backed dogs | High risk if exercise is insufficient; maintain body condition score (BCS) of 4–5 out of 9 |
| Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) | Drop ears trap moisture, promoting bacterial and yeast overgrowth | Common in humid climates; weekly ear cleaning recommended |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Gradual degeneration of retinal cells leading to blindness | Identified in some Scandinavian scent hound lines; DNA testing available for certain variants |
Special Care Requirements for the Drever
- Exercise: 45–60 minutes daily; structured sniffing walks ("decompression walks") satisfy scent-drive better than simple leash walks
- Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly with a slicker brush; bathe only as needed (harsh coat repels dirt naturally)
- Ear care: Clean weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser; check for redness or odor
- Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks; overgrown nails alter gait and increase spinal stress
- Weight management: Weigh monthly; adjust food portions to maintain BCS 4–5/9
- Mental stimulation: Scent work games, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders prevent boredom-driven destructiveness
- Fencing: Minimum 4-foot fence with no gaps; Drevers can squeeze through surprisingly small openings when following a scent
- Cold weather: Despite Scandinavian origins, the Drever's coat is not double-layered like a Husky's — provide a dog coat for extended walks below 20°F / -7°C
Comparing the Drever to Similar Wiener Dog Breeds
If you're researching wiener dog breeds, you'll want to understand how these long-bodied hounds stack up against each other. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Drever with two other uncommon but accessible breeds that share the signature low-slung build.
| Trait | Drever | Basset Fauve de Bretagne | Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Sweden, early 1900s | Brittany, France, medieval origins | Vendée region, France, 16th century |
| Weight | 32–35 lb / 14.5–16 kg | 36–40 lb / 16–18 kg | 25–40 lb / 11–18 kg |
| Height | 12–15 in / 30–38 cm | 12.5–15.5 in / 32–39 cm | 13–15 in / 33–38 cm |
| Coat | Harsh, straight, short-medium | Wiry, rough, short | Long, rough, shaggy |
| AKC Recognized | No (UKC, FCI) | No (FCI, UKC) | Yes (since 1991) |
| Vocalization | High — loud hunting bark | Moderate — deep, resonant | Very high — known for persistent baying |
| Family Fit | Good with children; needs active household | Excellent family dog; affectionate and playful | Good with older children; high energy and mischief |
| Exercise Needs | 45–60 min/day | 40–60 min/day | 60+ min/day |
| US Puppy Price | $1,800–$3,500 (import often required) | $1,500–$2,800 | $1,200–$2,500 |
The PBGV is the most accessible of these three rare wiener dog breeds for US-based owners, with an established AKC breed club and a small but active breeder network. The Drever almost always requires importation from Sweden, Norway, or Finland, which adds $1,000–$2,500 in shipping and import fees on top of the purchase price.
Where to Find a Drever (and Red Flags to Avoid)
Because the Drever has no AKC recognition and an extremely small US population, sourcing a puppy requires patience and due diligence. Here's what to expect:
Realistic pathways to ownership:
- Import from Scandinavia: The most common route. Contact the Svenska Dreverklubben (Swedish Drever Club) for breeder referrals. Expect a 6–18 month waitlist. Total cost including import: $3,000–$6,000.
- US-based UKC breeders: A very small number of American breeders work with UKC-registered Drevers. Check the United Kennel Club breeder directory and attend UKC hunting dog events to network.
- Rescue/adoption: Extremely rare but not impossible. Scandinavian scent hound rescues occasionally have Drevers needing rehoming. Monitor AKC Rescue Network and hound-specific rescue groups.
Breeder red flags — walk away if:
- The breeder cannot provide OFA or PennHIP screening results for hip and patella evaluations
- Puppies are advertised as "rare wiener dogs" or "mini hunting dogs" at inflated prices ($4,000+) without health documentation
- No take-back clause exists in the purchase contract (responsible breeders always accept returns)
- The breeder breeds for unusual colors or "teacup" sizes — neither is part of the FCI or UKC standard
- Puppies are available immediately with no questions asked about your home environment
Is a Rare Wiener Dog Breed Right for You?
These breeds suit owners who:
- Have access to fenced outdoor space or live near safe walking trails
- Can tolerate (and manage) frequent vocalization — not ideal for shared-wall apartments
- Are committed to daily structured exercise, not just backyard time
- Have researched IVDD prevention and are prepared for potential veterinary costs ($3,000–$8,000 for surgical treatment of a herniated disc)
- Are patient with training and understand that scent hounds will never have the off-leash reliability of a Border Collie
These breeds are a poor fit if you:
- Work long hours away from home (separation anxiety and boredom barking are common)
- Want a quiet, low-maintenance companion
- Have very young children who may handle a long-backed dog roughly
- Cannot commit to weight management — even 3–5 extra pounds significantly increases IVDD risk in a 30 lb dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other wiener dog breeds besides the Dachshund?
Yes. The Drever (Sweden), Basset Fauve de Bretagne (France), Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (France), Westphalian Dachsbracke (Germany), and Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund (Switzerland) all share the long-bodied, short-legged structure. The Dachshund is simply the most widely recognized.
How rare is the Drever in the United States?
Extremely rare. There is no established US breeder network, and the AKC does not recognize the breed. Most American Drever owners import puppies from Scandinavia. The estimated US Drever population is in the low hundreds at most.
Is the Drever a good first-time dog?
It can be, with caveats. The Drever is generally biddable and affectionate, which helps first-time owners. However, the breed's strong scent-drive, vocalization, and exercise needs require commitment. A first-time owner who has researched hound training and has a fenced yard can succeed; someone expecting a low-effort lap dog will be frustrated.
What's the difference between a Drever and a Dachshund?
The Drever is larger (32–35 lb vs. 16–32 lb for a standard Dachshund), has a harsher coat, was bred for driving game above ground (not entering burrows), and tends to be more pack-oriented and cooperative. Dachshunds are more independent and terrier-like in temperament. Both breeds share IVDD risk due to their chondrodysplastic build.
How much does a Drever puppy cost?
Expect to pay $1,800–$3,500 for the puppy itself from a Scandinavian breeder. Importation costs (health certificates, flight transport, USDA import requirements) add $1,000–$2,500, bringing the total to roughly $3,000–$6,000. Annual care costs (food, preventive medications, routine vet visits, grooming supplies) typically run $1,200–$2,000 per year.
Do rare wiener dog breeds have more health problems than Dachshunds?
Not necessarily. The Drever and Basset Fauve de Bretagne benefit from smaller, more carefully managed breeding populations in their countries of origin, which can mean fewer inherited disorders than the Dachshund (which has been overbred in some lines). However, all chondrodysplastic breeds share IVDD risk. Always request health screening documentation from breeders.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for breed-specific health screening recommendations and care plans. For breed standards and recognized registries, refer to the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
