Dachshund’s Temperament: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Are you thinking of keeping Dachshund temperament dogs as a pet but you’re not yet sure if this is the right breed for you? Well, the best thing you can do is learn about temperament of Dachshund as this will help you decide if this dog breed matches your own temperament. Just like any other dog breeds, a Dachshund’s temperament has good qualities and bad qualities – something that potential keepers like you should learn to appreciate because this is who they are as a pet. This article will provide you the good, the bad, and even the ugly side of a Dachshund’s temperament as well as the pros and cons of keeping one.

All About Dachshund Temperament

The Dachshund breed originated in Germany and had been around for hundreds of years. Historians believed that back then Dachshund’s are bred in order to counter the threat of badgers, making them a hunting breed. The name which is pronounced as “dacks-hoont,” is derived from “Dachs” which means badger, and “hund” (hound). 

Traits

Dachshunds are often described as brave, curious, smart, lively, and charming dogs. This breed is quite similar to a terrier breed in terms of being “demanding.” Dachshunds don’t want to miss out on anything; they’re the kind of pets that like to always be in the know.  

Fun Dog

They are known for their great sense of humor, and have a knack for fun stuff. You will always find them playing games with children, which is why they make perfect family pets. Dachshunds are generally loyal and they’re very attached to the family. These dogs also have a reputation for always sleeping under bedcovers so don’t be surprise if they are always under the covers with you!

Characteristics

The characteristics and temperament of Dachshunds make themattractive to loyal followers who would never consider keeping other dog breed! Other dog breeds should watch out because the Dachshunds probably have some of the best hardcore fans in the world!

Best in Pairs

Dachshunds are best kept in pairs because they love hanging out with their fellow wiener dog. They can also get along with other household pets though sometimes they can show some form of jealousy because they don’t want your undivided attention, and they can also be quite possessive of their territories and toys. This is what most Dachshund owners eventually find out about their dog’s temperament which is why it’s best that if ever you see this kind of attitude in the future, you must put a firm stop on such bad habits at the onset of possessiveness and jealousy.

House Companions

The Dachshund breeds are great house companions but they also require being out for a walk every day or at least a few times in a week. Make sure that they’re on a leash when you walk them around the neighborhood because if they saw something that will piqued their interest they will definitely chase it off so make sure that they’re always under your supervision because the last thing you would want is a lost Dachshund!

Socialize Your Dog

Keep in mind that this dog breed loves to socialize with fellow dogs and people in general, which is why if you don’t have any other household pets, you have to make sure that you will always play with them and keep them company because loneliness can lead to excessive barking. If you are always away from home for extended periods perhaps a dachshund is not the right pet for you. Time and affection is non – negotiable for them.

Another great characteristic of the Dachshund breed is their loyalty to their owners. They make great watchdogs who are not kind to strangers let alone intruders. You’ll find them barking persistently and sharply to someone whom they don’t trust and perhaps feel good about. However, at some point you need to also train them to reduce overt signs of suspiciousness because this can lead to rudeness to strangers.

Intelligent

In addition to all these great qualities, Dachshunds are generally intelligent and independent dogs making them stubborn at times. They are proud little dogs who have a mind of their own and resist any force. They can at times become irritated if pushed too far, and they could also respond in an angry way by growling and nipping if they are harshly teased or handled.  

These are just a glimpse of what you can expect in your Dachshund’s temperament. It should give you an inkling of what to expect once you’ve finally decided to purchase one. Now let’s delve deeper on the temperament and attitude of the Dachshund.       

An Intelligent, Independent, and Brave Breed

Since Dachshund temperament are originally bred for hunting, you can expect that being intelligent, courageous and independent is innate in them. This is why any Dachshund owner ensures that their pets are physically and mentally stimulated and engaged in activities so that they can have an outlet for their energy and cleverness. Regular exercise and some form of training will make these little dogs happy and bonded with the family. They can also get along well with say, retired couples and even with people living independently as long as adequate attention, love, and care are met.

Independence

Independence can both be viewed as a positive and negative trait; it makes a good characteristic if the Dachshund is used for hunting because they only need little to no instructions since they are quite resourceful in accomplishing the task. However, in a household setting, the independent trait of Dachshunds may not be that useful and will definitely clash with its owners orders which is why utmost patience and persistence is required especially during training sessions.

A Loyal and Devoted Pet

Dachshunds are known for being loyal and devoted to their owners but sometimes they really do like to be “the boss.” Don’t be surprise if they boss around the house because these dogs really like to be in charge though sometimes it can translate into aggression. This is the reason why keepers train them at a young age so that this “like a boss” attitude wouldn’t become an issue as they grow. 

Leader of the Pack

Once your Dachshund finally get the point that you are the “leader of the pack,” you will find that he/ she will be the most loyal pet ever, and will always be ready to protect you at all cost especially if you find yourself in trouble. Expect them to serve as your bodyguard and follow you around wherever you go.

A Barker and a Chaser

Since Dachshunds are hunters by nature, expect them to always be ready to rise to the occasion. They will bark and chase any possible threat they encounter or anything that triggers them. They often bark at strangers, other animals as well as vehicles which is why sometimes it can be a problem especially for apartment dwellers because a simple doorbell can make them bark hysterically. However, if you manage to train your dog during its formative years then barking and chasing wouldn’t be much of an issue. 

Aggressiveness and Stubbornness

Another Dachshund temperament that you should be aware of is their stubbornness and aggressiveness. Intelligence and independence make these dogs temperament stubborn at times, and you will most likely see it when you finally house – train your pet. Most owners get frustrated and impatient when their dogs have a mind of their own and don’t follow orders during training but that’s part of the job.

Dog Aggression

In 2008, there was a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania wherein around six thousand dog owners were asked to rank dogs based on their aggression. The study showed that Dachshunds topped the list among the 33 breeds; Dachshund’s were ranked as more aggressive than a Pit Bull, Chihuahua, and a Rottweiler. 1 in 5 Dachshunds were reported to have bitten or tried to bite a stranger, and around 30% of them have attacked other dog breeds. However, researchers also note that the bites aren’t really that serious, perhaps it’s more of just a strong nip. This is why training and socialization is very important starting from the day you acquire them.    

Behavioral Problem

Another common behavioral problem concerning the Dachshund’s temperament is digging. The hunting instincts of your Dachshund will inevitably lead to holes being dug in your backyard. Keep in mind that housebreaking should be gradual because many Dachshunds’ don’t prefer to stay outside especially if the weather/ climate is too cold or wet. You can opt to provide a covered potty yard.   

Pros and Cons of Owning a Dachshund

Generally speaking, mini dachshunds are more active compared to standard dachshund. Check out the pros and cons of owning one below:

If you like a dog breed who…

• Is cheerful, and entertaining
• Comes in a variety of coats, colors and (small) sizes
• Is loyal and devoted to his/ her owners
• Needs a moderate amount of exercise
• Is a good watchdog
• Gets along with other household pets especially other Dachshunds
• Has a relatively long lifespan

If you like a dog breed but don’t want to deal with…

• Aggressiveness and stubbornness
• Aggression towards larger dogs
• Hunting and chasing traits
• Difficulty in housetraining and housebreaking
• Loud barking
• Potential for digging holes
• Excessive suspiciousness especially towards strangers and jealousy

Conclusion

That pretty much sums up the attitude of Dachshunds though keep in mind that the description here are only general traits which means that your Dachshund’s individual temperament will vary, and will most likely depend on how you will raise them. We hope this article gave you an insight about the Dachshund’s temperament. Now it’s time to scout for the right pup!