The Dachshund temperament is typically lively and intelligent, with an independent streak. Dachshunds are very people-oriented.
However, this can result in stress and separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
They can also be a territorial breed, which can result in aggression when not socialized properly.
If you’re looking for information on Dachshund temperament, this is where you’ll find it!
Let’s take a more in-depth view.
Dachshund General Information
The Dachshund is an ever-popular breed around the world, likely in no small part due to its distinctive appearance and big personality.
The Dachshund has three coat lengths – smooth, long haired and wire. They also come in two sizes: standard and miniature.
While there are concerns surrounding the wellbeing of Dachshunds, due to their elongated back and short legs, there is more you need to know about these dogs before you decide whether to bring one into your family.
Dachshund Temperament
These stumpy-legged dogs are known to be intelligent, loyal and stubborn.
In news which may come as a shock some, there is also evidence out there which indicates they are one of the most aggressive breeds of dog.
While this might sound hard to believe given how cute they look, it is worth investigating this claim a little closer. Let’s look at everything you’ll need to know about the Dachshund temperament.
The Typical Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund Club of America describes these dogs as intelligent, courageous and full of life. Perhaps even a little rash.
The Dachshund Club of NSW Australia breaks it down further. They state smooth coated Dachshunds are bossy. Their wire coated counterparts are fun loving extroverts. And long-haired Dachshunds are probably the easiest going of the clan.
It is also important to know that Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety.
They love being with their family, to the point that some would describe them as a little needy. However, if they are left for long periods without human interaction, they can become distressed.
Whatever the case, the Dachshund is not a low maintenance dog temperament wise. They demand time and attention from their owner.
Are Dachshunds Easy To Train?
The Dachshund is intelligent and stubborn. They are quick to learn but not always willing to obey.
Therefore, training a Dachshund is a rewarding yet sometimes challenging experience.
It will likely take a great deal of patience to successfully train your Dachshund.
The stubborn Dachshund temperament can be frustrating. But it is important to remain calm and consistent when training your dog.
Best Training Methods
Always reinforce positive behaviors, rather than punishing undesirable ones.
If you would like to read some more about the evidence behind why positive reinforcement works best when training your dog, have a look at this article.
It seems toilet training Dachshunds is a particular challenge – not due to lack of intelligence.
These little doggies are known to hate getting wet. So if it is raining outside, a quiet corner of the room looks like a far better toilet to your Dachshund than the wet, soggy lawn.
Similarly, if you have upset your Dachshund (perhaps unbeknownst to you) you might find a little puddle somewhere in the house to make you aware of your transgression.
Are Dachshunds Friendly?
While Dachshunds look cute and have doting, expressive eyes, the reality is they are not always the friendliest of breeds.
Even Dachshund fans will tell you they can be bossy and manipulative. They are known to be territorial and will bark a lot at strangers and dogs that come near to their “patch”.
Granted, this also means that they are very loyal to their family. Generally, a cuddle from their human is just as good as a food reward in the humble opinion of the Dachshund.
Perhaps it is best summed up this way – Dachshunds may be friendly and loving toward their family, but don’t count on them being friendly to anyone else.
Socialization
Of course, there are always exceptions to this, and plenty of our readers may well know a super friendly Dachshund.
Often, the secret to raising a pleasant pooch of any breed is socialization.
This means exposing your dog to as many new places, people and experiences as possible when they are young.
Of course, when introducing your puppy to these new people and places, your pup must feel safe, so the experience is positive and enriching for your new furry family member.
Socialization is a must to end up with a well-rounded, friendly dog. Especially for breeds that can tend to be shy or aggressive like the Dachshund.
Are Dachshunds Aggressive?
A study published in 2008 reveals another side of the Dachshund temperament which can be problematic.
Despite their size, they were found to be among some of the most aggressive breeds of dogs.
This aggression is directed toward both humans and other dogs.
Dachshunds demonstrated aggression across the board, even toward their owners. But they were found to be particularly aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.
What Causes Aggression?
Interestingly, the study went a step further and found that the aggression demonstrated by Dachshunds was linked with high levels of fear.
Dachshunds were also found to be among the group of dogs most likely to bite or attempt to bite both strangers and their owners. This is referred to as “serious aggression”.
The size and generally “cute” appearance of the Dachshund may lead many to think these dogs could not possibly be a bite risk.
As the study points out, bites from smaller dogs with high levels of aggression often go unreported. This is because the size of the dog means that the resulting injuries are usually not as severe as if a larger, more powerful dog had attacked.
Do Dachshunds Like Other Dogs?
As the results from the above study suggest, Dachshunds are less likely to strike up instant friendship with another dog, like a Whippet or a Labrador will.
The level of aggression and rivalry toward other dogs was high among Dachshunds.
Digging a little deeper, though, it was found that Dachshunds were not typically the aggressor in these confrontations.
Dachshunds were in the group of dogs that were usually the victims, and their aggressive response was typically driven by fear.
How to Help Your Dachshund
Socialization is vital for any dog. But it’s importance cannot be emphasized enough when dealing with a breed possessing traits like the Dachshund.
Socialization helps dogs that are naturally anxious learn that new situations, people and dogs are not something to be feared and attacked.
Be sure to socialize your dog from a young age and make these new experiences positive and rewarding.
If you would like some more tips on how to socialize your puppy, head over to this article for some great suggestions.
Natural Instincts
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt Badgers.
As such they do have a penchant for burrowing, which can be problematic if you are a keen gardener.
Less problematic perhaps, but just as noteworthy, is the fact that your Dachshund will also find your bed sheets are great for burrowing. Therefore, it may be difficult to extract your Dachshund from underneath the bed sheets. Particularly on a cold winter’s morning!
Dachshunds and Other Animals
Some Dachshunds also have a strong prey drive. This means small pets such as chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits are not safe when left alone with a Dachshund.
Please keep in mind that this prey drive will kick in any time they see something interesting.
For this reason, it is always safest to keep your Dachshund on a leash when walking them.
If your sausage dog notices something of interest while out walking, they are likely to take off to investigate, even if there is a busy road in the way.
Needless to say, road sense goes out the window, which can put your Dachshund in grave danger.
Are Dachshunds Good Family Pets?
Dachshunds are well known and widely loved. But there are a lot of serious Dachshund temperament issues to consider before welcoming one into your home.
They are dogs with a stubborn, bossy streak, and despite their diminutive stature, they can be aggressive.
Apart from these negative aspects of their personality, they are intelligent, loyal and full of character. This is what draws many to this breed.
But there is more to think about when considering the suitability of a Dachshund as a pet.
Other Problems
Their elongated back and short legs mean that these dogs are at a high risk of intervertebral disc disease.
Dogs which suffer this disease experience intense pain and can be left with lasting issues as a result of the condition. At worst, dogs with the condition are left permanently paralyzed.
Sadly, according to Dachshund Rescue Australia, up to 1 in 4 Dachshunds will suffer with this condition at some point in their life.
For this reason, we cannot recommend purchasing one of these dogs as a family pet. Despite their charms, they have such a high risk of developing this debilitating and painful illness.
If you have your heart set on a Dachshund, perhaps consider contacting a dedicated Dachshund rescue group. This gives an abandoned Dachshund another chance.
Alternatively, browse our site to find other breeds that possess some of the traits which appeal to you.
Have you had any experiences with Dachshunds? Tell us your thoughts on the Dachshund temperament in the comments below.
Related Articles
References
- Packer, R.M.A, et al, “How Long and Low Can You Go? Effect of Conformation on the Risk of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion in Domestic Dogs” PLOS One, 2013
- Duffy, D.L., Yuying, H., Serpell, J.A., “Breed Differences in Canine Aggression” Science Direct, 2008
- Dachshund Club of NSW
- Dachshund Club of America
kr says
WOW! The article makes these wonderful dogs sound like monsters, more likely to eat children and small pets than act like a “regular” dog. There are TWO MAIN KEYS to raising a well balanced, nonaggressive Dachshund. Top of the List: EARLY & CONSISTENT SOCIALIZATION, from the day their eyes open until they close them for the last time. Repeated exposure to strangers, children, other animals, new places, sounds and situations….start out with ONLY positive experiences and take them away from anything that isn’t, progressing at a speed that fits the individual animal, but NEVER quitting or getting lax. Eventually, though, that early “over protection” has to give way to their learned ability to properly figure out and deal with uncomfortable situations. A confident, well balanced Dachshund can and WILL learn to leave, to get up, move away, walk away from unpleasant interactions rather than lash out. Much of their behavior and reaction will be based upon how their humans react…..their moods, their feelings. All dogs, most animals, can sense that….is the human relaxed or tense, nervous or calm, afraid or confident, angry or not? Whatever it is, they will pick up on it and likely behave accordingly, learn accordingly, for better and for worse. Poor socialization and improper treatment leads to many problems in most every breed. The Dachshund should not be thought of or portrayed as an overly aggressive breed. That being said, no matter the species or breed, going into pet ownership with little thought or preparation and even less knowledge of species/breed characteristics is wrought with the possibility for future problems and issues. 2. TRAINING MUST BE CONSISTENT, PATIENT, REWARD-BASED, NEVER harsh, physical or done in a way that produces fear or distrust. Dachshunds can be stubborn and are definitely strong willed, but their intelligence and desire to belong make them quick learners.
Our Libb (smooth, red coat) grew up when we still had kids at home, a loving family dog. She dug too much, she barked too much, but she was NEVER aggressive, NEVER bit or nipped ANYONE, family, friend or stranger, in her 15 yrs….EVER. If there was that occasional someone she didn’t take to, she would just ignore and stay away from that person. We raised 2500 chickens every year, she came with us in the 2 1/2 acre pasture every day to “help” with chores, loved every minute of it, queen of the pasture, never chased or harmed a single bird, never hurt a cat or a kitten. (If you were a rodent or a snake, however, look out!) She tried so hard to fit in with our 3 large outdoor farm dogs, be part of their pack, but they mostly just ignored her, poor Libb. As she approached her winter years, the grandkids came along and started crawling, then toddling around, always wanting to catch that little dog. She was old and tired and often didn’t feel well those last months. We weren’t worried about her hurting the kids but rather the other way around. So when the grands were with us, Libb had her bed and blanket in her corner, blocked off from easy access. The kids were taught that they must leave her alone and wait for HER to come to them….not easy for little ones wanting to squeeze and love on an irresistible wiener dog……who never really did come to them unless they had food in their hands, easily whisked away by a still-wiley wiener! Toward the end of her life, when she could no longer be with the other dogs and the house cat was gone, we started taking her to work with us because she would get so depressed when left alone that she wouldn’t even come out of her bed to greet us when we returned. She didn’t really care for that, either, but we thought it better than leaving her alone….and she wasn’t alone the day she left us.
Libb was a smart, personable, amazing little dog with all the courage and character of her breed and just the right amount of “tough” to prove herself a MIGHTY DACHSHUND, the quintessential big dog in a small-dog package!
Patty says
Thank you for sharing Libb’s story. Our 17 year old mini dapple died 2 days before my mother passed this past Mother’s Day. Her name was Ilsa and she was strict, but fair and loving…we obeyed! Even her much larger brother did her bidding. She would growl at Rottweilers at the far ers market and they would back off! Just sayin’…💔
Sphilipr says
I completely concur with this description. Our short haired dachshund mini was adorable for the first year but after she turned 1 she became very defensive of my wife and I. On one occasion repeatedly biting the feet of an old female friend of mine who came to diner when my wife was away. She would on occasion bite strangers who’d reach out to pet her when she was in my arms. A real pain in many ways but adorable and intensely loving. She wanted nothing ore than to sit on my lap all day every day. You cannot leave them at home fr more an a couple of hours. We spent a fortune on doggy day care as we both worked. There is a lot about them that is fear that motivated. She hated walking on crowded narrow side streets in NYC but loved wide open empty pavements in a different part of town. I loved her and I will get another. I’ll work harder on the problems this time. Both partners need to work together as with any wilful child. I can’t be sure that the rows we had about that dog didn’t play a part in our eventual divorce.
Ms. Munchkin says
Our sweet baby came to us as a re-home. She is a Chihuahua- Dachshund cross. Sweet 6 year old who was trained for nothing. But so eager to please, training went easily. She adapted well to our 4 other babies. We feel as though she really didn’t have much interaction with the humans in her previous home. She was very skittish at first. Almost fearful. She needed a lot of reassurance. Now she lives in our laps. She is happy and secure.
Jeanne says
I had my dachshund for 18 great years. Best well behaved little guy ever. I rescued him from the Harlem ASPCA. They said he was a long haired dachshund mix but looking at your pictures of long haired dachshunds I believe he was all dachshund. He would lay in my arms like a baby and loved everyone. He also got along with all dogs, and all people. Every dog has their own personality just like people. I did make sure he was socialized.
mmtphoto says
We just got an 11 week old mini long haired female after waiting a year and a half since we put our 12 year old mini long haired down, the new one (Billie) is adorable, willful, playful and cuddly all at the same time…I have had 2 short haired standards and they are quite territorial and agressive, not so much the long haired mini’s, and we plan on trying to restrict the acrobatics since our last mini had back issues as she got older and we ended up doing ramps as the end got closer.
They are not as easy to care for as out 10 year old tan lab, but she gets along with the much larger dog and they play often together (and play well thanks to the gentle disposition of the lab). She’s a handful and I cannot wait until she’s ‘normal’ and we can live our lives post-dog break-in again. Another year or so, she is smart and stubborn so it’ll be an adventure for all of us.
mmtphoto says
Just an update almost a year since we got Billie and she is about 90% there-no household accidents anymore, she rarely chews what she isn’t supposed to, but still manages to get into trouble from time to time. This morning i found the partial remains of one of those dryer packs they put into boxes to control moisture, from reading the small amount of silica gel she probably ingested is not enough to cause anything more than possible vomiting but it is inert and should not be too serious. Still cannot figure where she found it (we are as careful as we can be since she picks up ANYTHING she finds on the ground). That was hours ago and she is acting her perfectly normal, manic ways. These are great dogs just have to pay attention especially to a young one.
Miranda Worden says
We have our 4th little wiener dog! She’s a long haired and is precious. Our last one was a long hair and so precious. Our 2 short hairs were territorial and aggressive with anyone but my hubs and me. We highly recommend the long hairs!
jan says
we have just purchased our third datzy, shes adorable. 11 years since we lost our last one. just forgotten how much work puppies can be. around 10 weeks old, wouldn’t change nit at all.