The query I get requested most frequently by potential Dachshund homeowners is, “Do you assume a Dachshund is the fitting breed for me?”
Dachshunds have been my life for the final 20+ years. To say I’m obsessive about them is an understatement.
I probably won’t ever personal one other canine breed in my life. Or a minimum of not whereas additionally proudly owning a Dachshund.
However I believe it’s crucial to be trustworthy; I at all times inform individuals {that a} Dachshund isn’t the fitting breed for everybody.
They’ve distinctive quirks; they are often difficult; they usually can require extra dedication than some “simpler” breeds.
In fact, I believe Dachshunds have loads of wonderful qualities too.
However many Dachshunds find yourself in shelters yearly as a result of individuals didn’t perceive the breed’s character and know what they had been stepping into earlier than getting one.
Beneath are the explanations that I believe the Dachshund breed isn’t the fitting alternative for each particular person.
Please observe, I’m not saying that this stuff are a problem for everybody, nor a problem with all Dachshunds, however these are the commonest causes that somebody might remorse getting one.
1) Dachshunds Bark a Lot
Boy, does this breed bark! It’s of their genes (critically – they had been bred to alert their hunters of prey and hazard).
Basically, many individuals would describe a Dachshund’s barking behavior as “extreme”.
Whereas some Dachshunds will be taught to restrict the period of their barking, and a few will be desensitized to bark much less usually at little noises, barking will completely by no means be eradicated and a Dachshund will usually seemingly bark at “nothing”… all the time.
Dachshunds have a “massive canine” bark too.
Whereas some small canines sound “yappy”, the Dachshund’s deep chest as a rule bellows out what may be interpreted as a Rottweiler behind the door (I had a number of pizza supply individuals say this).
Regardless of what number of instances I warn individuals who ask to pet my Dachshunds, they’re nearly at all times startled to the purpose of tripping over themselves as a result of they don’t count on such a loud bark to return out of just a little canine.
In the event you like a canine that’s seen greater than heard, a Dachshund most likely isn’t your best option for you.
If in case you have a new child child that wakes up and cries each time they hear a loud noise, or a noise phobia your self, I might most likely proceed your breed search.
2) Dachshunds Are Cussed
This can be a Dachshund character trait listed by the American Kennel Membership (AKC). Nonetheless, cussed is just not an applicable descriptor in my view.
You see, Dachshunds had been bred to hunt imply vermin down in holes and assume on their very own. That signifies that they could have completely different concepts than you do they usually might attempt to get their method.
Opposite to common perception, a Dachshund will be skilled. Most are literally tremendous sensible and desperate to please (or a minimum of get the deal with).
It’s simply that you will have to place extra time, dedication, and be extra constant when coaching them so your canine doesn’t develop these widespread habits points. And you should use very clear communication (nothing harsh, simply in a method they perceive).
In the event you aren’t prepared to place in additional effort, or don’t assume that you’ve got the time, a Dachshund will not be the fitting breed for you.
3) They Can Be Arduous to Potty Prepare
In line with individuals on the web, it’s nearly unattainable to potty prepare a Dachshund. Individuals report their Dachshunds nonetheless having accidents in the home at 3 years outdated or by no means being 100% potty skilled.
I don’t agree with this although. Following my “foolproof” canine potty coaching methodology, each of my Dachshund puppies have been 100% potty skilled inside 3 months of coming house.
I’ve additionally used these strategies as a refresher for older canines with nice success.
Nonetheless, I do assume that Dachshunds usually require extra consistency and a focus to potty prepare than another breeds.
In the event you aren’t in a position to take 2-4 weeks off after your Dachshund comes house to kickstart their potty coaching, you aren’t prepared to by no means go away them unattended till they’re totally potty skilled, and you may’t clear up many messes within the meantime with out getting mad, then a Dachshund will not be for you.
4) They’re Susceptible to Separation Nervousness
Dachshunds are very social canines and get very connected to their individuals. Some would possibly even describe them as needy.
This hyper attachment is one thing that must be actively counter-conditioned when they’re younger by desensitizing them to being aside from you, first while you’re in the home after which later if you go away.
In the event you don’t, your canine might scream and “yell” if you go away them alone, disrupting neighbors and doubtlessly getting you kicked out of your residence.
Separation anxiousness also can manifest as destruction of furnishings, flooring, partitions, and going potty on the ground even when they only went exterior.
In excessive instances, as soon as separation anxiousness is established, it might by no means fully go away.
It’s possible you’ll really feel like you possibly can by no means go away your canine or you will have to spend some huge cash on canine daycare or canine walkers to assist consolation them when you’re away.
In the event you aren’t in a position to put within the time to incrementally desensitize your canine to being away from individuals for longer and longer durations, otherwise you don’t have the cash for or entry to canine walkers and daycares, a Dachshund will not be for you.
I’ll observe {that a} element of separation anxiousness is suspected to be genetic – some canines are simply liable to it and others aren’t – so your canine may very well be impartial and never thoughts when you go away from day one.
5) Dachshunds Want a Lot of Consideration
As I mentioned earlier, Dachshunds are very social canines and get connected to their individuals.
This most frequently signifies that they are going to be your shadow, following you to the toilet, ready exterior the bathe for you, touching you when you’re sitting on the sofa, and simply usually being underneath foot loads of the time.
An sad Dachshund compelled to be away from you’ll usually discover methods to busy themselves, which is often by doing issues that make you indignant and/or aren’t protected for them.
If clingy pets aren’t your factor, you’re employed lengthy hours, or can’t dedicate a good portion of your non-working hours to your Dachshund, then the breed won’t be best for you.
6) They Want Average Train and Loads of Psychological Stimulation
Many individuals mistakenly select a Dachshund as a result of they assume a small canine doesn’t want a lot train. Oppsie!
Dachshunds had been bred as looking canines, operating by the forest to chase critters, in order that they have loads of vitality and stamina.
Whereas they will regulate to a extra sedentary life-style, they want loads of train to maintain them joyful, wholesome, and at a correct weight.
My minimal suggestion is 45-60 minutes of brisk train 4-5 days per week.
It’s essential to additionally present loads of psychological stimulation by coaching and canine enrichment actions in order that these sensible canines don’t turn into bored and develop behavioral points.
In the event you aren’t in a position or prepared to verify your Dachshund’s bodily and psychological train wants are met, then you could wish to select a canine breed with decrease train wants.
7) Dachshunds are Scrappy and Susceptible to Reactivity
Dachshunds wish to act powerful, are sometimes described as “massive canines in a small physique”, and tend to be cautious of unusual canines, individuals, and conditions.
All of this stuff can lead to what’s known as reactivity – barking, lunging, snapping, or performing out when you’re on a stroll or firm comes into your own home.
There are at all times exceptions to the rule – some Dachshunds are naturally chill and adapt simply to a altering surroundings – however this can be a widespread trait you want to pay attention to.
If you’re getting a canine anticipating that they are going to be calm and pleasant in the direction of everybody in each state of affairs, a Dachshund most likely isn’t the breed for you, a minimum of not when you aren’t prepared to place a whole bunch of hours, and doubtlessly {dollars}, into coaching.
8) Dachshunds Have a Excessive Prey Drive
Typically, a Dachshund will chase something that strikes – livestock, wildlife, cats, children, leaves blowing within the wind, and so forth. due to their excessive instinctual prey drive.
In my expertise, puppies raised with issues they aren’t purported to chase like cats and youngsters have the most effective probability of not rising as much as chase them. No less than not those that reside in their very own home.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t wager on a Dachshund not eager to chase something they understand as “prey”, so when you could be annoyed by this habits, or it might pose a threat to different animals and people in your family, a Dachshund will not be the canine for you.
9) They Are Susceptible to Again Issues
Roughly 25% of Dachshunds will expertise again points of their life attributable to a genetic illness known as Intervertebral Disk Illness (IVDD).
Of that 25%, many can have minor to reasonable points that may be “healed” by conservative remedy, a portion will turn into fully paralyzed and require costly again surgical procedure.
In excessive instances, a Dachshund could also be paralyzed or crippled for all times.
There is no such thing as a dependable take a look at for IVDD so, regardless of all efforts and guarantees, a breeder can’t make a 100% assure that your canine gained’t have points.
Whereas that leaves 75% of Dachshunds that gained’t expertise a again difficulty, you gained’t know if yours is likely one of the unfortunate ones till it occurs to them.
In the event you don’t wish to take the chance and/or aren’t prepared or in a position to set as much as $10,000 apart for emergencies (or pay for pet insurance coverage that covers hereditary circumstances like Trupanion), this breed won’t be for you.
10) They Like to Dig (Holes In Your Yard)
When Dachshunds hunted, they dug into the earth to get to animals like foxes, rabbits, and badgers that lived in tunnels and dens.
This digging intuition hasn’t gone away simply because most Dachshunds aren’t used for looking anymore.
Now, I admit that this trait has been much less of a problem with my Dachshunds – they both didn’t begin a digging behavior within the first place or it was straightforward to curb – I’ve heard many, many tales about Dachshunds that destroy their proprietor’s good garden or backyard by digging holes all over the place.
My new pet likes to dig and, if left to his personal units, he might most likely dig a 1 foot deep gap in underneath 5 minutes, so we’ll see if I can break him of the behavior.
Often, it’s attainable to show a Dachshund who develops a foul digging behavior to dig solely in a sure space of the yard, however that takes loads of persistence and dedication to do.
If you wish to hold a pristine garden or backyard, and will not be prepared to work to coach your canine to dig solely in a selected spot or in no way, a Dachshund will not be your best option for you.
11) Dachshunds Wish to Lick You
All of my Dachshunds have had bother holding their licker.
All of them like to lick and “kiss” my face. Throughout. Like up my nostril, in my eyeball, and even in my mouth generally if I’m speaking to somebody whereas they’re licking my face.
Two of my Dachshunds additionally like to lick the water off of my legs once I get out of the bathe and one licks my legs and ft underneath the covers for a couple of minutes nearly each night time in mattress.
If the texture of one thing with a tough tongue licking you creeps you out, be ready to be very agency from day one to place a cease to the licking immediately… and be ready for a continuing battle about this behavior.
Or don’t get a Dachshund.
12) Dachshunds Are Simple to Untrain
Nearly all of individuals parrot the stereotype that Dachshunds are troublesome to coach.
I might argue that these little smarties are straightforward to coach, however they’re additionally very straightforward to untrain.
That is simply an statement I made during the last 20 years of proudly owning and canine sitting Dachshunds, however when you let a Dachshund get away with one thing, they’ll know that you’re a sucker and reap the benefits of you.
Defined one other method, in case your Dachshund learns to sit down and also you solely give them a reward for sitting totally, then they’re prone to do it each time.
Nonetheless, when you get lazy a pair instances and reward your Dachshund for a half sit, or they stand there watching you so that you quit and provides them the deal with anyway, you could have simply efficiently untrained your Dachshund.
They’ll bear in mind this – that they don’t at all times have to sit down when requested to get the reward – and be much less prone to do it sooner or later.
Whereas this will usually be corrected when you notice your mistake immediately, when you don’t consistently maintain your Dachshund accountable to comply with by, then they’ll solely do what you ask once they really feel prefer it…. which for a Dachshund, isn’t usually.
In the event you’re not prepared to be clear and in line with coaching, I wouldn’t get a Dachshund except you might be happy with proudly owning an untrained canine.
13) You Might Need to Spend Time Undoing Issues You Unintentionally Taught Them
Dachshunds are tremendous sensible, perceptive, drawback solvers.
They’ll study patterns, and work to determine what they assume you need, even if you’re not conscious you had been truly instructing them particular habits.
For instance, I used to run with my first Dachshund within the metropolis and we stopped at each road nook, mentioned “wait”, and regarded earlier than crossing.
Ultimately, he placed on the brakes every time we might get close to an intersection, or once I mentioned “wait”, even when it was in a unique context.
One other instance is when you have a look at and discuss to your Dachshund each time they bark at you. They’ll probably study that they will now “demand” consideration any time that they need.
With a Dachshund, you’ll probably must be very exact and considerate together with your habits and actions, and be prepared to acknowledge what you unintentionally “taught” your Dachshund, and be prepared to simply accept duty and unteach it.
14) Strangers Will Discuss to You Very Typically
Dachshunds are a cute however humorous wanting canine and many individuals are endeared to them.
If you end up out strolling, many strangers will make eye contact and make a remark about your canine, or they’ll come instantly as much as you to ask a query or share a narrative about their private expertise with Dachshunds.
That is very predictable and even will get a bit tiring even for extroverts.
In the event you’re an introvert or weirded out by random strangers approaching you, then a Dachshund won’t be for you.
15) Dachshunds Can Be a “One Particular person Canine”
Dachshunds usually connect themselves to at least one main particular person.
In a best-case situation, they are going to be affectionate to a different particular person within the family if their chosen particular person is just not current.
At worst, they are going to be unconsolable when the chosen particular person is just not current and/or they’ll turn into possessive of this particular person and “guard” them towards different individuals in the home of holiday makers.
The most important difficulty is that your Dachshund will select their favourite particular person and it will not be the particular person that you really want it to be.
I’ve heard tales the place the spouse will get a Dachshund as a companion, however the canine decides that the husband is the favourite particular person and needs to spend most of their time with him.
Or a mum or dad will get a Dachshund for his or her child, and the canine finally ends up turning into hyper-attached to the Mother as a substitute.
Whereas the “favourite” alternative will be considerably influenced by who does a lot of the caretaking like strolling, feeding, snuggling, and so forth., it’s not at all times this individual that the canine chooses.
This can be a risk you ought to be conscious of and happy with when you select to deliver a Dachshund into your house.
16) You’ll Have to Repeatedly Resist Pleading Eyes
I swear that Dachshunds have developed “pleading eyes” as a survival mechanism. They’ll attempt to manipulate you with these eyes to get what they need.
That is most true when you could have meals. By means of physique language and a pathetic look, they’ll attempt to persuade you that they’re ravenous and that you need to hand over the snackos.
The factor is although, Dachshunds are liable to weight problems, which might set off again issues and result in a shortened lifespan.
Because the human, you must “know higher” and stand agency – follow the suitable portion of meals at dinner time, restrict the variety of treats, and resist the urge to offer them “only a chew” each time you could have meals.
In the event you can’t keep robust in your canine’s sake, then possibly a Dachshund isn’t for you.
17) Dachshunds Are a Lengthy-Time period Dedication
I inherited my first Dachshund from a good friend and didn’t know something concerning the breed to start with.
One of many first issues I realized is that they’ve a median lifespan of 15-16 years and I believed, “Holy cow! I didn’t join having a canine for that lengthy.”
In fact, I beloved him his entire life and was glad he lived to an outdated age, however bigger canines have shorter lifespans, usually starting from 8-10 years outdated.
In the event you plan to retire and journey the world throughout the subsequent decade, otherwise you see your life circumstances drastically altering and a canine would not be fascinating, you could wish to select a breed with a shorter lifespan and required dedication.
18) They Aren’t the Finest With Youngsters
If a Dachshund is raised round youngsters from the pet stage, they’re prone to get together with them.
Some Dachshunds, even when not uncovered to them usually, love youngsters. My first Dachshund did.
Nonetheless, generally, Dachshunds and youngsters don’t combine if they don’t seem to be uncovered to them recurrently or are launched for the primary time at an older age (the canine).
Youngsters usually transfer erratically and quick, are loud and shriek, and sometimes cross a canine’s boundaries as a result of they don’t know any higher. These items could make a Dachshund fearful and trigger them to behave out.
If in case you have pals or relations that solely come over often with their children, and you aren’t prepared to consistently monitor your Dachshund throughout their go to or put your Dachshund in one other room, a Dachshund will not be your best option for you.
19) Dachshunds Might be Possessive
Dachshunds connect themselves to what they love and they don’t seem to be at all times prepared to share. They’re mostly defensively defend meals, toys, individuals, or sure spots like a canine mattress.
This overly-protective habits can turn into useful resource guarding and should contain rising, snarling and displaying their enamel, and snapping or biting.
While you personal a Dachshund, you’ll have to pay shut consideration to physique language and habits with and round sure objects to stop these guarding points from growing within the first place.
In some instances, you’ll even have to take away the useful resource like, for instance, not permitting your canine to play with a toy that they get notably possessive over.
20) You’ll Need to Change Your Home Setup
There are lots of changes you’ll need to make to your own home when you get a Dachshund.
Always leaping off excessive locations, which Dachshunds like to do, is just not suggested for spinal well being. To forestall this, you could have to get decrease furnishings or set up a ramp to assist your Dachshund get on and off.
In my case, to make it possible for mine solely used the ramp, I opted to put a “fence” round my sofa utilizing freestanding canine gates. It ain’t fairly, nevertheless it works.
Additionally, Dachshunds shed. Some shed loads. My mini easy haired do what I name “ejection shedding”. Hair is all over the place.
Relying on the colour of your canine and the way a lot seen canine hair bothers you, you could have to get completely different coloured furnishings so it blends in.
Are Dachshunds Good for a Newbie Canine Proprietor?
The commonest sentiment is that, no, Dachshunds will not be a very good first canine. After proudly owning a number of, I can see why.
I actually wouldn’t describe the Dachshund as an “straightforward” canine breed. They’re not a “set it and go” canine.
Most first time canine homeowners know nothing about proudly owning a canine, not to mention addressing issues early on with coaching earlier than they turn into habituated behavioral points.
To boost a well-behaved Dachshund, individuals would ideally have some animal dealing with expertise, the power to remain agency and do what you already know is greatest in your canine as a substitute of giving in to their calls for or pleading, and the foresight to outsmart your Dachshund.
With that being mentioned, though I had loads of childhood expertise with animals, a Dachshund was my first canine as an grownup and issues labored out okay. I obtained fortunate as a result of my first one was usually a pleasant, laid again, easy-going man.
I didn’t formally prepare him. Partly as a result of I didn’t know that I must be and partly as a result of there have been no evident points that I wanted to cease.
Closing Ideas
The underside line is, when you actually desire a Dachshund, get one. It’ll work out.
In contrast to once I obtained my first Dachshund in 2003, the web makes accessible a wealth of data and assist and yow will discover nearly any reply that you just want in seconds.
I do consider it’s crucial to be told although and practical about what sort of canine you count on, the kind of life you envision, how a lot effort and time you must dedicate to a canine, and select a breed that’s best for you.
Nonetheless, every little thing on this listing will be mitigated or addressed by administration, coaching, a change in your mindset to reduce it or make it a non-issue (if it even is within the first place).
In truth, many of those “unhealthy” Dachshund quirks are exactly what some individuals discover most lovable concerning the breed.
For some extra on the optimistic and humorous aspect of Dachshund possession, take a look at my articles Humorous Issues About Dachshunds Solely Homeowners Will Perceive and Hilarious and True Dachshund Memes That Will Completely Make Your Day.
