Dachshund Temperament
Dachshunds are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Dachshunds are playful. Dachshunds are aggressive.
How can all this be true of one dog breed? Well it is. Dachshunds are among the most interesting and complex breeds because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.
Bred in Germany to chase vermin in the 1600s, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be persisitent, strong-willed and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit.
Those attributes have continued down through the centuries. Most Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is simple courage in one circumstance can be aggression in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.
Above all, Dachshunds are intelligent dogs. Doxies individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.
Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. They are filled with curiosity and want to take part in any adventure going on around them. Some breeds are satisfied to sit by quietly and observe. A Doxie wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.
There are variations within these broad outlines.
The Smooth-Coat exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. Dachshunds will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.
The Wire-Hair breed looks and acts like a combination of Dachshund and terrier. Terriers, also, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.
The Long-Hair Doxie is more like the Irish Setter in miniature, though not to that extreme. Even though they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Even though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.
All are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, Doxies like getting into things. Doxies powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Getting out is not too much more difficult, thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head. As a result, if you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the Doxie to roam freely without supervision.
Having natural energy, Doxies do need at least moderate exercies in activities. A good idea for these “gophers” is an obstacle course with tunnels.
They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies enjoy interaction and want to be near people. As any Dachshund owner will be happy to tell you……..
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