Dachshunds may be small in size, but they come with big personalities and very specific needs.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these long-bodied dogs are brave, curious, and sometimes stubborn, which makes them both charming and challenging companions.
Before bringing one home, it’s important to consider whether their temperament, exercise requirements, and potential health issues fit your lifestyle. Asking the right questions ahead of time can help ensure that a Dachshund will be the right match for you and your family.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every dog is unique, and behaviour can vary widely.
1. Am I Ready For Their Stubborn Personality?
Dachshunds possess a determination that rivals their small stature. These clever canines know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to hold their ground.
Training requires consistent, positive reinforcement and plenty of treats. Their independent nature means they may test boundaries repeatedly, especially during adolescence.
Many owners find this stubbornness endearing, but it can frustrate those expecting immediate obedience. Consider whether you have the patience for a dog that might decide your commands are merely suggestions.
2. Do I Have Time For Daily Exercise?
Don’t let those short legs fool you! Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs and retain impressive stamina. Their energy needs surprise many first-time owners.
A healthy adult requires at least 30-60 minutes of activity daily, spread across walks and play sessions. Without proper exercise, they may channel pent-up energy into destructive behaviors like excessive barking or furniture chewing.
Their hunting instincts mean they love games that involve tracking or chasing, making interactive toys particularly valuable.
3. Can I Handle Their Vocal Nature?
Those tiny bodies house surprisingly powerful lungs! Dachshunds earned their reputation as alert watchdogs by announcing every potential “threat”, from mail carriers to squirrels.
Their barking serves a purpose: these brave little guardians take home security seriously. Without proper training, this natural tendency can become problematic, especially in apartments or densely populated neighborhoods.
Early socialization helps reduce reactivity, but their instinct to alert you remains strong throughout life. Consider whether this protective trait fits your living situation.
4. Am I Prepared For Back-Related Health Risks?
That adorable long body comes with significant health considerations. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects roughly 25% of dachshunds during their lifetime.
This painful condition can cause anything from mild discomfort to complete paralysis. Treatment options range from medication to expensive surgery, with costs potentially reaching thousands of dollars.
Maintaining healthy weight and limiting jumping activities helps reduce risk, but genetic predisposition remains. Pet insurance that covers breed-specific conditions becomes particularly valuable with dachshunds.
5. Is My Home Safe For A Dachshund’s Back?
Creating a ‘doxie-proof’ home means viewing your living space through new eyes. Those stairs your previous dog bounded up? Potential danger zones for a dachshund’s fragile spine.
Smart owners install ramps for accessing furniture and invest in back-supporting harnesses rather than collar-only walking. Even seemingly innocent activities like jumping for toys require caution.
Multi-level homes present particular challenges, often requiring baby gates or dedicated ‘safe zones’ where jumping opportunities are minimized. These accommodations become second nature but require initial planning and investment.
6. How Will They Get Along With Other Pets?
Behind those soulful eyes lurks the heart of a hunter. Dachshunds were bred to pursue badgers underground – a job requiring courage and tenacity that remains encoded in their DNA.
This hunting instinct can translate to chasing smaller pets like cats, rabbits, or even smaller dogs. Early socialization helps tremendously but never completely eliminates their prey drive.
With proper introductions, many dachshunds live harmoniously in multi-pet households. However, their territorial nature means they might not readily accept new animal additions after establishing themselves as household royalty.
7. Am I Ready For Grooming Needs?
Dachshunds come in three distinct coat varieties, each with unique maintenance requirements. Smooth-coated dachshunds shed moderately year-round but need minimal brushing, perfect for those seeking low-maintenance grooming.
Long-haired varieties sport silky, feathered coats requiring regular brushing to prevent painful mats and tangles. Wire-haired dachshunds need professional stripping several times yearly to maintain their distinctive texture.
All varieties benefit from regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care. Factor these grooming needs into both your schedule and budget before committing to this breed.
8. Can I Provide Enough Mental Stimulation?
Bred as working dogs, dachshunds possess problem-solving intelligence that craves regular challenges. A bored dachshund quickly becomes a mischievous one, often expressing frustration through digging, chewing, or excessive barking.
Puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions provide crucial mental exercise. Their hunting background makes them particularly responsive to activities that engage their tracking abilities.
Many owners underestimate this need for mental engagement, focusing solely on physical exercise. The most contented dachshunds receive both body and brain workouts daily, preventing the destructive behaviors that plague under-stimulated dogs.
9. Do I Have A Plan For Their Longevity?
Welcoming a dachshund means committing to a companion for potentially 12-16 years, longer than many other breeds. This extended lifespan requires planning beyond the puppy years.
Consider how your living situation might change: Moving? Starting a family? Changing careers? Your dachshund will be alongside you through these transitions.
Senior dachshunds often develop age-related conditions requiring specialized care and increased veterinary visits. Creating a financial strategy for these golden years proves just as important as preparing for the energetic puppy phase that initially captures most owners’ hearts.
10. Am I Prepared For A Big Dog In A Small Body?
“Napoleon complex” perfectly describes many dachshunds’ approach to life. These pint-sized pups often confront larger dogs without hesitation, blissfully unaware of their size disadvantage.
This bold temperament means owners must sometimes intervene in potentially dangerous situations. Their fearlessness extends to household dynamics too, without consistent boundaries, they’ll happily assume the role of pack leader.
Many owners cherish this spirited nature while acknowledging the responsibility it brings. The most successful dachshund parents balance admiration for their dog’s courage with gentle guidance to ensure safety.
