Dachshund | Overview, Description, Temperament, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Dachshund | Overview, Description, Temperament, & Facts? ›

Given sufficient exercise, Dachshunds can be quiet house dogs and sofa companions. At times stubborn, the breed can be difficult to train, but it responds well to rewards. It is generally not trustworthy around small rodent pets. While affectionate toward its family, a Dachshund tends to be aloof with strangers.

Dachshunds are generally even-tempered and affectionate, which combined with their smaller size makes them an ideal companion for children. However, they can be vocal and snappy if play gets too boisterous so they're usually better suited to slightly older children.

The Dachshund, affectionately called the Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, and Doxie, is a small German scenthound with short legs and an elongated body first bred to hunt tunneling animals like rabbits or foxes.

Hardy, vigorous, tireless, alert and responsive. Often described as "half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long". Excellent hunting dog for small ground game. He should be clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work, both above and below the ground.

In fact, the Doxie loves to run! Dachshunds also enjoy digging (remember the big paws!), so play that incorporates his need to dig is excellent for the Dachshund! Always remember that the Doxie likes to be the center of attention, and they crave praise for a job well done!

They are more likely to be submissive piddlers. They are more likely to suffer from Noise/Thunderstorm Fear. They are more likely to be nervous and fearful of people (but only 1 in 10 is aggressive with people, at least sometimes)

Dachshunds are lively, playful, and clever. They have a reputation for being on the stubborn side, too. Fiercely loyal, this popular breed often bonds very closely with just one person and can get jealous easily and become lonely if not given enough attention by the object of their affection.

The name “Dachshund” is actually German for “badger dog.” Dachshunds' short legs keep them low to the ground to track scents, and their narrow bodies allow them to crawl into burrows, looking for badgers. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are brave and fierce.

Doxies come in two sizes: standard or miniature, and three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Dachshunds are protective and territorial, but they thrive on close human companionship. The Dachshund is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

The primary reason for their excessive barking is that these little weiner dogs were originally hunting dogs. Thus, Doxies are more prone to barking than other breeds. Bred to be expert chasers, diggers, and barkers, Dachshunds haven't lost their hunting touch. During hunts, their keen senses helped them track prey.

Do Dachshunds like to cuddle? ›

Do Dachshunds like to cuddle? Loyal to their owners, Dachshunds love to snuggle up to their owners. They are also very protective of their owners, so don't be surprised if they end up following you around the house.

Dachshund hair can be smooth and short, long, or wiry. They also show a difference in temperament based on the characteristics of their coat. Because the wire-haired Dachshunds have terrier in their lineage, they're often less calm than their long-haired cousins, who are the quietest and calmest of the three types.

Male Dachshunds are more fun-loving, clownish, even-tempered and dependent. While female Dachshunds tend to be more independent, temperamental and reserved. But there are plenty of Dachshund owners who would say their dogs are the opposite of this! Every Dachshund has their own personality.

While loved for its bold personality, the dachshund may have a tendency to be stubborn, protective, and defensive. Many dachshunds are also known for their tendency to bark. Proper obedience training can turn these potential problems into beneficial qualities. Dachshunds can be difficult to housebreak.

They Are Friendly and Affectionate Dogs

They adore being close to their humans and will always be nearby for a snuggle. Their propensity for affection makes them brilliant emotional support animals and great service animals for those with psychiatric disabilities like anxiety and depression.

Dachshunds are also prone to disorders that impact their mobility, such as IVDD and orthopedic conditions. These conditions make it harder for your dog to move, which leads to weight gain. It's important to have your veterinarian examine and weigh your Dachshund a few times a year to ensure they remain healthy.