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 famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund have made him a superstar of the canine kingdom. Dachshunds come in two sizes and in three coat types of various colors and patterns.

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!

Temperament: The Dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above- and below-ground work, with all the senses well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault.

They are less outgoing/friendly (and just under half are aggressive with other dogs, at least sometimes) They suffer more from Separation Anxiety. They are more nervous and fearful of people (and 1 in 4 are aggressive with people, at least sometimes) They are more destructive.

Due to their small stature, the Dachshunds are often considered one of the most low-maintenance dog breeds you can wish for. There is not much shedding to worry about, weekly grooming sessions are plenty and you can get away with moderate exercise as their tiny frame isn't made to sustain much running and jumping.

In fact, the oldest dachshund was a pooch from New York who lived until the ripe old age of 21. They're the smallest hunting breed As their name suggests, dachshunds have been bred for hunting, making them every inch as important as larger working breeds such as pointers, springers, Labradors and other bigger dogs.

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.

Learn how to quiet them here. Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs, and like all hunting dogs, they tend to bark. Their bark can be loud, especially considering their small size. Many Dachshunds are sensitive to changes in their environments, which increases the likelihood of excessive barking.

What not to do with a Dachshund? ›

Dachshunds are not built for extensive running, jumping, or swimming, but these determined pups are willing to do it all. To help keep your Dachshund's back healthy and prevent injuries, try to limit their jumping by installing pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds.

Do Dachshunds get attached to one person? Dachshunds are a loyal breed and will often attach themselves intensely to one person, this is usually the person who feeds them or spends the most time with them.

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.

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.

How smart are dachshunds compared to the smartest dogs? Thanks to Coren's book, we know that dachshunds rank #92 on the list of smartest dog breeds and are considered to have an “average intelligence”.

Said to be calmer than either the Smooth or the Wire haired varieties, the Long Haired Dachshund still retains the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed, but is also known for being loyal and good-tempered.

Dachshunds are very loyal and affectionate, meaning they love to cuddle on the couch, sleep in the same bed as their owner, and follow their owner around the house.

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 friendly and affectionate companions to family members. If trained well, they can be good with kids — though all dogs should be supervised with young children who have no experience around dogs. Breed aficionados believe that each type of Dachshund has its own set of unique personality traits.