The query I get requested most frequently by potential Dachshund house owners is, “Do you assume a Dachshund is the best breed for me?”
Dachshunds have been my life for the final 20+ years. To say I’m obsessive about them is an understatement.
I doubtless won’t ever personal one other canine breed in my life. Or not less than not whereas additionally proudly owning a Dachshund.
However I believe it’s essential to be sincere; I all the time inform individuals {that a} Dachshund isn’t the best 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 quite a lot 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 have been moving into earlier than getting one.
Under are the explanations that I believe the Dachshund breed isn’t the best alternative for each particular person.
Please notice, I’m not saying that these items are a difficulty for everybody, nor a difficulty with all Dachshunds, however these are the most typical causes that somebody might remorse getting one.
1) Dachshunds Bark a Lot
Boy, does this breed bark! It’s of their genes (severely – they have been bred to alert their hunters of prey and hazard).
Typically, many individuals would describe a Dachshund’s barking behavior as “extreme”.
Whereas some Dachshunds could be taught to restrict the length of their barking, and a few could 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 most of the time 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 occasions I warn individuals who ask to pet my Dachshunds, they’re nearly all the time startled to the purpose of tripping over themselves as a result of they don’t anticipate such a loud bark to return out of slightly canine.
If you happen to like a canine that’s seen greater than heard, a Dachshund most likely isn’t the only option for you.
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
It is a Dachshund character trait listed by the American Kennel Membership (AKC). Nevertheless, cussed isn’t an applicable descriptor in my view.
You see, Dachshunds have been bred to hunt imply vermin down in holes and assume on their very own. That implies that they might have completely different concepts than you do they usually might attempt to get their approach.
Opposite to fashionable perception, a Dachshund could be skilled. Most are literally tremendous good and wanting to please (or not less than get the deal with).
It’s simply that you’ll have to place extra time, dedication, and be extra constant when coaching them so your canine doesn’t develop these frequent conduct points. And it’s essential to use very clear communication (nothing harsh, simply in a approach they perceive).
If you happen to aren’t prepared to place in further effort, or don’t assume that you’ve got the time, a Dachshund will not be the best breed for you.
3) They Can Be Onerous to Potty Practice
In keeping with individuals on the web, it’s nearly unattainable to potty practice a Dachshund. Folks report their Dachshunds nonetheless having accidents in the home at 3 years previous or by no means being 100% potty skilled.
I don’t agree with this although. Following my “foolproof” canine potty coaching technique, each of my Dachshund puppies have been 100% potty skilled inside 3 months of coming dwelling.
I’ve additionally used these methods as a refresher for older canines with nice success.
Nevertheless, I do assume that Dachshunds typically require extra consistency and a focus to potty practice than another breeds.
If you happen to aren’t capable of take 2-4 weeks off after your Dachshund comes dwelling 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 Vulnerable to Separation Nervousness
Dachshunds are very social canines and get very hooked up to their individuals. Some may 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 other than you, first while you’re in the home after which later once you go away.
If you happen to don’t, your canine might scream and “yell” once you go away them alone, disrupting neighbors and probably getting you kicked out of your house.
Separation nervousness can even manifest as destruction of furnishings, flooring, partitions, and going potty on the ground even when they simply went outdoors.
In excessive instances, as soon as separation nervousness is established, it could 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’ll have to spend some huge cash on canine daycare or canine walkers to assist consolation them when you find yourself away.
If you happen to aren’t capable of put within the time to incrementally desensitize your canine to being away from individuals for longer and longer intervals, otherwise you don’t have the cash for or entry to canine walkers and daycares, a Dachshund will not be for you.
I’ll notice {that a} part of separation nervousness is suspected to be genetic – some canines are simply susceptible to it and others aren’t – so your canine may very well be unbiased and never thoughts when you go away from day one.
5) Dachshunds Want a Lot of Consideration
As I stated earlier, Dachshunds are very social canines and get hooked up to their individuals.
This most frequently implies that they are going to be your shadow, following you to the toilet, ready outdoors the bathe for you, touching you when you find yourself sitting on the sofa, and simply typically being underneath foot quite a lot of the time.
An sad Dachshund pressured 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 secure for them.
If clingy pets aren’t your factor, you’re employed lengthy hours, or can’t commit a good portion of your non-working hours to your Dachshund, then the breed may not be best for you.
6) They Want Reasonable 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 have been bred as looking canines, operating by way of the forest to chase critters, in order that they have loads of power and stamina.
Whereas they’ll modify to a extra sedentary way of life, they want loads of train to maintain them comfortable, wholesome, and at a correct weight.
My minimal suggestion is 45-60 minutes of brisk train 4-5 days per week.
It’s vital to additionally present loads of psychological stimulation by way of coaching and canine enrichment actions in order that these good canines don’t grow to be bored and develop behavioral points.
If you happen to aren’t in a position or prepared to verify your Dachshund’s bodily and psychological train wants are met, then it’s possible you’ll wish to select a canine breed with decrease train wants.
7) Dachshunds are Scrappy and Vulnerable to Reactivity
Dachshunds prefer to act robust, are sometimes described as “massive canines in a small physique”, and tend to be cautious of unusual canines, individuals, and conditions.
All of these items can lead to what’s referred to as reactivity – barking, lunging, snapping, or performing out when you find yourself on a stroll or firm comes into your home.
There are all the time exceptions to the rule – some Dachshunds are naturally chill and adapt simply to a altering surroundings – however it is a frequent trait you want to concentrate on.
If you’re getting a canine anticipating that they are going to be calm and pleasant in direction of everybody in each state of affairs, a Dachshund most likely isn’t the breed for you, not less than not when you aren’t prepared to place a whole lot of hours, and probably {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 alleged to chase like cats and youngsters have the very best probability of not rising as much as chase them. Not less than not those that reside in their very own home.
Nevertheless, I wouldn’t wager on a Dachshund not desirous to chase something they understand as “prey”, so when you could be annoyed by this conduct, or it could pose a threat to different animals and people in your family, a Dachshund will not be the canine for you.
9) They Are Vulnerable to Again Issues
Roughly 25% of Dachshunds will expertise again points of their life because of a genetic illness referred to as Intervertebral Disk Illness (IVDD).
Of that 25%, many may have minor to reasonable points that may be “healed” by way of conservative remedy, a portion will grow to be 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 concern, you gained’t know if yours is likely one of the unfortunate ones till it occurs to them.
If you happen to don’t wish to take the chance and/or aren’t prepared or capable of set as much as $10,000 apart for emergencies (or pay for pet insurance coverage that covers hereditary situations like Trupanion), this breed may not 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 difficulty with my Dachshunds – they both didn’t begin a digging behavior within the first place or it was simple to curb – I’ve heard many, many tales about Dachshunds that destroy their proprietor’s good garden or backyard by digging holes in every single 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 doable to show a Dachshund who develops a foul digging behavior to dig solely in a sure space of the yard, however that takes quite a lot of persistence and dedication to do.
If you wish to maintain a pristine garden or backyard, and usually are not prepared to work to coach your canine to dig solely in a particular spot or in no way, a Dachshund will not be the only option for you.
11) Dachshunds Wish to Lick You
All of my Dachshunds have had hassle 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 typically 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 evening 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 straight away… and be ready for a relentless battle about this behavior.
Or don’t get a Dachshund.
12) Dachshunds Are Straightforward to Untrain
Nearly all of individuals parrot the stereotype that Dachshunds are troublesome to coach.
I might argue that these little smarties are simple to coach, however they’re additionally very simple to untrain.
That is simply an statement I made over the past 20 years of proudly owning and canine sitting Dachshunds, however when you let a Dachshund get away with one thing, they are going to know that you’re a sucker and benefit from you.
Defined one other approach, 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.
Nevertheless, when you get lazy a pair occasions and reward your Dachshund for a half sit, or they stand there looking at you so that you surrender and provides them the deal with anyway, you could have simply efficiently untrained your Dachshund.
They may keep in mind this – that they don’t all the time have to sit down when requested to get the reward – and be much less prone to do it sooner or later.
Whereas this may usually be corrected when you understand your mistake straight away, when you don’t consistently maintain your Dachshund accountable to comply with by way of, then they are going to solely do what you ask once they really feel prefer it…. which for a Dachshund, isn’t usually.
If you happen to’re not prepared to be clear and per coaching, I wouldn’t get a Dachshund until you might be pleased with proudly owning an untrained canine.
13) You Could Need to Spend Time Undoing Issues You By accident Taught Them
Dachshunds are tremendous good, perceptive, drawback solvers.
They may study patterns, and work to determine what they assume you need, even if you’re not conscious you have been truly educating them particular habits.
For instance, I used to run with my first Dachshund within the metropolis and we stopped at each avenue nook, stated “wait”, and appeared earlier than crossing.
Finally, he placed on the brakes every time we’d get close to an intersection, or once I stated “wait”, even when it was in a unique context.
One other instance is when you have a look at and speak to your Dachshund each time they bark at you. They may doubtless study that they’ll now “demand” consideration any time that they need.
With a Dachshund, you’ll doubtless must be very exact and considerate together with your habits and actions, and be prepared to acknowledge what you by chance “taught” your Dachshund, and be prepared to simply accept duty and unteach it.
14) Strangers Will Speak to You Very Typically
Dachshunds are a cute however humorous wanting canine and many individuals are endeared to them.
When you’re out strolling, many strangers will make eye contact and make a remark about your canine, or they are going to come straight 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.
If you happen to’re an introvert or weirded out by random strangers approaching you, then a Dachshund may not be for you.
15) Dachshunds Can Be a “One Individual 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 isn’t current.
At worst, they are going to be unconsolable when the chosen particular person isn’t current and/or they are going to grow to be possessive of this particular person and “guard” them in opposition to different individuals in the home of holiday makers.
The largest concern 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 desires to spend most of their time with him.
Or a father or mother 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 could be considerably influenced by who does many of the caretaking like strolling, feeding, snuggling, and so forth., it’s not all the time this individual that the canine chooses.
It is a risk try to be conscious of and comfortable with when you select to convey a Dachshund into your private home.
16) You’ll Must 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. Via physique language and a pathetic look, they are going to attempt to persuade you that they’re ravenous and that you need to hand over the snackos.
The factor is although, Dachshunds are susceptible to weight problems, which may set off again issues and result in a shortened lifespan.
Because the human, it’s essential to “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 chunk” each time you could have meals.
If you happen to can’t keep sturdy on your canine’s sake, then perhaps 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 in regards to 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 assumed, “Holy cow! I didn’t join having a canine for that lengthy.”
In fact, I liked him his complete life and was glad he lived to an previous age, however bigger canines have shorter lifespans, usually starting from 8-10 years previous.
If you happen to 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, it’s possible you’ll wish to select a breed with a shorter lifespan and required dedication.
18) They Aren’t the Greatest With Kids
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.
Nevertheless, usually, Dachshunds and youngsters don’t combine if they don’t seem to be uncovered to them repeatedly or are launched for the primary time at an older age (the canine).
Kids 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. This stuff could make a Dachshund fearful and trigger them to behave out.
In case you have buddies or members of the family 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 the only option for you.
19) Dachshunds Might be Possessive
Dachshunds connect themselves to what they love and they don’t seem to be all the time prepared to share. They’re mostly defensively shield meals, toys, individuals, or sure spots like a canine mattress.
This overly-protective conduct can grow to be 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 conduct with and round sure objects to stop these guarding points from creating 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 significantly possessive over.
20) You’ll Need to Change Your Home Setup
There are lots of changes you’ll should make to your home when you get a Dachshund.
Consistently leaping off excessive locations, which Dachshunds like to do, isn’t suggested for spinal well being. To forestall this, it’s possible you’ll have to get decrease furnishings or set up a ramp to assist your Dachshund get on and off.
In my case, to ensure that 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 so much. My mini clean haired do what I name “ejection shedding”. Hair is in every single place.
Relying on the colour of your canine and the way a lot seen canine hair bothers you, it’s possible you’ll 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 usually are not a very good first canine. After proudly owning a number of, I can see why.
I actually wouldn’t describe the Dachshund as an “simple” canine breed. They’re not a “set it and go” canine.
Most first time canine house owners know nothing about proudly owning a canine, not to mention addressing issues early on with coaching earlier than they grow to be habituated behavioral points.
To boost a well-behaved Dachshund, individuals would ideally have some animal dealing with expertise, the flexibility to remain agency and do what you recognize is greatest on your canine as a substitute of giving in to their calls for or pleading, and the foresight to outsmart your Dachshund.
With that being stated, though I had quite a lot of childhood expertise with animals, a Dachshund was my first canine as an grownup and issues labored out okay. I received fortunate as a result of my first one was typically a pleasant, laid again, easy-going man.
I didn’t formally practice him. Partly as a result of I didn’t know that I ought to be and partly as a result of there have been no obvious points that I wanted to cease.
Last Ideas
The underside line is, when you actually need a Dachshund, get one. It’ll work out.
Not like once I received my first Dachshund in 2003, the web makes obtainable a wealth of knowledge and assist and you’ll find nearly any reply that you simply want in seconds.
I do imagine it’s essential to learn although and lifelike about what sort of canine you anticipate, the kind of life you envision, how a lot effort and time it’s important to dedicate to a canine, and select a breed that’s best for you.
Nevertheless, all the things on this checklist could be mitigated or addressed by way of administration, coaching, a change in your mindset to attenuate it or make it a non-issue (if it even is within the first place).
The truth is, many of those “unhealthy” Dachshund quirks are exactly what some individuals discover most adorable in regards to the breed.
For some extra on the constructive and humorous aspect of Dachshund possession, take a look at my articles Humorous Issues About Dachshunds Solely House owners Will Perceive and Hilarious and True Dachshund Memes That Will Completely Make Your Day.
