What traits make a Dachshund unique? Why are Dachshund owners so nutty about the breed?
Dachshunds are special little dogs with addicting personalities. They’re cute and full of attitude.
Most Dachshund owners say things like:
“Once I owned a Dachshund, I could never go back.”
“You don’t own a Dachshund, they own you.”
“My Dachshund has me very well trained.”
“A Dachshund thinks they are a big dog in a little body.”
I’ve owned Dachshunds for 15 years, and run a club in Seattle with over 500 members (humans – there are more dogs), so I know what makes them tick.
Here is my list of 10 common Doxie characteristics that make them so special.
Also, check out my article 21 things everyone should know about a Dachshund.
1) Dachshunds Think Very Highly of Themselves
Call it pride or being full of themselves. Most Dachshunds think they’re a pretty big deal.
Maybe it’s all the attention you shower them with, or maybe it’s all of the attention from strangers, but something is definitely going to their head. Or maybe they were born that way!
2) Dachshunds Aren’t Afraid to Let You Know What They Are Thinking
While dogs don’t actually feel human emotions like “revenge”, you will definitely question this philosophy with a Dachshund.
If they’re displeased with something you’re doing, they will let you know by giving you a dirty or skeptical look, demand barking, or doing something “naughty”.
3) Dachshunds Will Train You, Not the Other Way Around
When most people get a dog, they think of themselves as the owner. However, with Dachshunds, you may question who is the boss in your household.
While it IS possible to train a Dachshund, you may find yourself adjusting your routine and environment to make your Dachshund happy (sometimes that is easier than trying to train them).
4) Dachshunds Can Be Bribed to Do About Anything… When they Want to Do It
Most Dachshunds can be bribed with treats or toys to get them to do what you want. However, these stubborn dogs do sometimes refuse to do it no matter what.
On the other hand, sometimes they’ll do something they know you like on their own just so you will give them a reward.
5) A Dachshund Takes Crap from No One
Dachshunds are hunting dogs bred to hunt badgers.
Badgers are mean buggers so, naturally, a Dachshund’s instinct is to never back down.
6) Dachshunds Like to Bark
Dachshunds are known to bark often and loudly.
Sometimes they bark at an intruder like the mailman and sometimes they bark at blowing leaves. Sometimes it seems like they bark just to hear themselves do it.
7) You’ll Constantly Need to Return Their Ears to the Factory Position
A Dachshund’s long ears always flip over.
Putting them back will just become a natural reflex.
8) Dachshunds Are Great Snugglers
Dachshunds will want to sleep in your bed and love to burrow under the blankets.
They especially love it when you hold them tight.
9) Rubbing a Dachshund’s Belly Can Be a Full-Time Job
Dachshunds love to get their bellies rubbed.
They pretty much think that is always what you should be doing, whether you have a free hand or not.
10) Dachshunds Are Super Loyal
Just because Dachshunds aren’t afraid to let you know what they are thinking doesn’t mean they won’t be your best friend for life.
They get attached to their people, love to travel with you wherever you go, are always there to cheer you up when you are sad, and love you for life.
11) Dachshunds Are Like Potato Chips; You Can’t Have Just One
Most people who own Dachshunds fall in love with the breed.
They often have more than one and may have several different “flavors”.
If you’re a Dachshund owner, you get most of these because you live with them every day. What other funny things does your Dachshund do?
Morgan Renshaw says
I have had Dachshunds for almost 10 years now and there is not one thing in this article I can argue. I have a miniature who is 15 and still acts like a German Shepherd trapped in a Doxie body when she thinks the situation calls for it. Between her and my 9 year old male, we could probably triple this list 🙂
Carmen Laura Estrada says
Agree, my females are 11 and 8 years old. The mother is a gret hunter and no rat or mouse have survie in muy house if they come to my back yard. They also point with their nose wile cry if they need meal, water ir want de ball todo play.
My husban can not speak loud or screem because Kimi the oldest bark todo him. I justo love them
Qwer says
Why do people have to curse when this site is for ALL AGES ? Love the pics .
Anne W says
All very true statements. They do own you.
Art-Dogs says
I really love those little weiner dogs 😀
Michael Seever says
I have dsshound Bessie from Korea yes she love to slept under the blanket loves her belly rubbed we live spanaway wa
Liz says
I especially appreciate he one about asking God for a best friend and getting a dachshund. Amen to that. I appreciate having so many of my Doxie convictions confirmed. More than 20 of the best years of my life have included dachshunds. Excuse me, but Schatzie’s barking about something…
Nicole Ritchie says
Mine is not the typical one, but he was raised with a mastiff/Shepard mix. So mine is laid back until I start the play then it’s full volume. He is about 10. You forgot about the dental issues. They have a Nopalean complex.
Jessica Rhae says
This article was meant to be fun so I kind of stayed away from health issues. It’s really an article in itself (which I touch on in other articles and do plan to write about). They are actually susceptible to several serious health issues. Number one is probably obesity followed closely by Intervertebral Disk Disease (back issues) and, yes, dental issues. Then there are seizures and cushings disease, among a few others.
Treeeeeebodashie says
I know I’m late to posting, but I just found this blog.
I wanted to thank you for keeping it light-hearted and fun. I enjoyed this list and couldn’t agree more to what was said until I hit this comment and I got sad.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I do strive to be informational yet also entertaining 🙂
Sharon Korogodon says
I love my red female, who is 12 going on 13. I make sure she lives like a queen. I’m home with her and we go out together and I take her just about everywhere. She’s # 1.
Zoey the Dachshund says
Well I sure can’t argue with any of these and will have to treat them as fact! Okay guilty!
Jessica Rhae says
Once a Dachshund, always a Dachshund 😉
Monica says
True that i. Have a 6 yr old scooby and he is all that fun stuff a ball of energy and very stubborn at times. But never would i give it up for the world. I will only own one at a time tho he is alot of work to keep busy the dog never stops playing.
Monica says
And he was raised by two pitbulls scrappy and grethen. Who have since passed away so he has a big dog syndrome lol
J K says
You forgot to mention how much they want to help you in the lavatory. Unless I rapidly get the door closed, they join me and insist upon getting petted. Wouldn’t have any other dog!
Jessica Rhae says
Ha, ha. Yes. I can’t get my door closed fast enough so I just stopped trying 🙂
Michelle says
My Molly will be outside the bathroom door whining and whining like I left for a month or so! Lol
Jessica Rhae says
I definitely can’t shut the door at my house without some drama 🙂
Monica says
Me either hscooby scratches the door.
Liz says
I live in Alaska. I have two mini little girls. My long-haired beauty is an incredible timer. Regardless of the amount of light, she has my husband up at 8:30 am for breakfast and me in the kitchen at 6:00 pm for dinner. She’s also an awesome snow plow! She loves breaking the trail for her sisters. My little chocolate and caramel imp is my hunter/digger aka Wormfoot! After digging in the slush and mud, her feet smell wormy, yech! They both adore their older sister, a chug. She keeps everyone in line, at least she thinks she does! All three sleep together, regardless the size of the dog bed. Every night, my husband and I love our “three-dog night”!! LOL, couldn’t be better!
Jessica Rhae says
Sounds like it’s a lot of fun at your house 🙂 Summit and Gretel have impeccable timing when it comes to breakfast too.
Candyss Fisher says
Absolutley agree with each and every point listed in the article.
SUNNY says
Love the article . Agreed with almost everything.
Our Dachshund prefers to be an only child .
But you forgot to mention that Dachshund is German for ” liitle pain in the a** ” .
Monica says
Lol and live up to that name totally
Liz says
And I have the doormat to prove it!
SUNNY says
My rescue Dachshund Cookie is 17 years old and pretty awesome . She lives with an African Grey parrot and they have a great relationship . The bird drops treats on the floor and the dog cleans up.
I agree with the article . They are very special dogs !
Jessica Rhae says
What a good relationship to have… a messy friend. Ha, ha. And that means you don’t have to clean up after your parrot either 🙂
Katie Olney says
I have a 2 1/2 yr. old long haired miniature dachshund. He has very good bloodlines and I would love to get one of his puppies. Any suggestions on how I’d go about breeding him? I just don’t know where to start.
Thanks for any suggestions,
Katie Olney
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Katie. Personally, I don’t condone breeding a dog unless you are very educated about the breed, your particular dog, and you basically have all the puppies sold before you do. There are so many genetic nuances that could lead to pups with problems and breeding a dog without having the pups already sold can exacerbate the overcrowded-shelter situation. My recommendation if you want another dog from his bloodline is to get another one from the same breeder.
With that being said, I also realize that it’s your choice. The first thing I would do is talk to the breeder you got him from about it to make sure it’s ok (some breeders don’t allow breeding of their puppies unless it’s been previously discussed) and get her recommendations. There are also many groups on Facebook about “Dachshund puppies”. Find one where the description or discussion revolves around the buying and selling of Dachshund puppies. There are breeders in those groups which are usually happy to answer questions.
Monica says
Its ok at his age? Wont u want to worry about his health if you breed him. He is a senior dog what about his heart ? Im asking cuz i dont no
Monica says
I was wrong i thought u were talking about the 17yr old lol
Jessica Rhae says
For Scooby to always be playing? My senior Dachshund didn’t really start slowing down until around 13. It doesn’t surprise me that he still has so much energy. I would just watch him for any signs that he might have hurt himself. He’ll just naturally play less as he ages.
Marjorie Dugan says
My first daschund lived to be 17..Odie was a mini. Now I have a tweenie who is 12. The comments that they own us is true. He gets me up at six every morning for his breakfast and carrot.
Very protective of me. He is my life!! And stubborn.
Everyone should have one.
Melody says
I just got a beautiful long haired 18 month solid black doxie. She is sweet, loving, absolutely tolerable of the grandson who wants to carry her (we are careful), but the separation anxiety is a big problem. I don’t like caging animals. We are working on creating more of a pen in the basement/family area, so she has room to move and not be caged up while I am at work. She jumps like she is on a pogo stick! so can’t block her out of anywhere. She has shredded the carpet at the front door and the basement door. I know it is separation anxiety, what can I do for her? Each day I put my pajamas I have just taken off and put them in with her. We have to get this under control. It just breaks my heart that she is so anxious when I am way. Also, we have a fenced yard and would love her to be out there more. However, even with me out with her she runs for a minute, does her business and she is ready to go in. Any ideas?
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Melody. It does indeed sound like separation anxiety. This blog post I wrote on the topic may help. https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/why-does-my-dog-bark-or-pee-on-the-floor-when-i-leave/
Let me know if you have any other questions.
David says
Sometimes two dachshunds behave better than one. My male used to howl during the day when I was gone. My roommate told me. Got him a girlfriend and now they are quiet, mostly.as pack animals they don’t like being alone . They also bond very hard with a mate . They do everything together.
Doris says
I have only had two of each pet I’ve had, and I’ve had a lot of pets. This is essential for dachshunds. A pet should have a friend like them instead of just a person to bond with. And a tip if you have a door scratcher – a piece of thin clear Plexiglass over the surface saves doors.
Blue says
We had a fix when I was a young teenager she was , well, wmeverythung yo me, mom and my grsndmoyhrr.. we came home from school one day to find her dead. The vet did an autopsy, she had a heart defect. We were completely unaware of. It was beyond devastating.
I hope there are better health care for dogs now, ways to find out BEFORE..
Anyway. I noticed that you’ve not post a new article in many months and hope you will share again.
Jessica Rhae says
About your dog… I am sorry. It’s so hard to lose a pet.
About the articles…. thanks for even noticing! 🙂 We bought our first house and moved about 80 miles away from where we were. It was a long, exhausting process. We’re finally moved in now though so I can get back to posting.
Anna says
I laughed out loud reading your 11 Funny Things article! I received my first Doxie when I was 2 years old, and have had them in my life ever since. I recently lost my precious Black and Tan, Emma, when she was 18 years old. She had a wonderful disposition, and led a long and healthy life with no health issues. I largely credit my dog’s happiness to good breeding. People please, please be very careful when choosing a breeder. It makes all the difference in the world. Emma was quite the diva, but she also caught and killed a large rat when she was only 10 weeks old (and barely bigger than the rat herself)!
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Anna. Thanks for commenting. I’m sorry for your loss. While I always thing considering a rescue is important, if one is to go with a breeder, I agree that it’s important to do your homework and go with a quality one.
Amy says
Ok my little pie blnd roxy doesnt bark like almost never shes very layedback she does howl and cry when i leave the house my boyfriend learned that the hard way not long ago when i went out alone one day 6 hours on none stop crying when i got home she was so happy she slept goid that night i do think they act as if they own you cause she wont let noone near me shell even get in between us at bed time or when she sees us kiss
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Amy. It definitely sounds like she’s very attached to you. If you would like to be able to leave without upsetting her, I would look into separation anxiety. For some people, they don’t mind though.
Suzanne says
My Vet told me about this site. Yes, I am a Dachsie-holic….and proud of it. I got my first Dachsie, Nutmeg in 1988, then Cinnamon in 1989. I’m now on 2 sisters Maggie and Molly…got them in July 2004. Dachshunds are the only breed i will ever have. Love em to the moon and back.
Jessica Rhae says
Wow! Your vet told you about my site? That’s so exciting and it makes me happy to hear. Despite having written this blog for almost 9 years, I still feel like hardly anyone knows about it.
I don’t think I would ever want to own another dog breed either, although I have considered adopting a mix sometime in the future.
Chelsea says
I just found your blog and I love it! I’ve had a doxie in my life and she was wonderful. As a wedding present to ourselves though, we wanted a dog. The one that absolutely won our hearts is part beagle and part dachshund. His name is Sherlock, or little man lol. I’ve had him since he was about 2 and he is now 9 and still feisty as ever when he wants to be. I loved your list cuz honestly he has most of those traits too. I highly recommend a mixed doxie any day! He’s had my whole heart and he’s started by me through many bad times with chronic illness. He’ll always be my baby ❤️
Jessica Rhae says
I’m so glad you and Sherlock found each other. I’ve become partial to Dachshund mixes too 🙂
Paige says
Hi everyone- I have a question about dachshunds! I currently have two – Brody (long hair mini – almost 3) and Marley (smooth hair mini – just turned 1).
Marley does NOT like getting her belly rubbed. She will only really let me do it and I have to be really gentle with only two fingers. However, she rolls onto her back, giving you the assumption that she wants her belly rubbed. Which has happened several times with different visitors. She will go up to them and roll over, but once the person touches her stomach she lets out a sharp yel/shriek.
A few things to note:
1. She has been checked out by the vet and does not have any issues. She is active, happy, and playful.
2. I only started noticing this happening after she got spayed at 7 months, but I’m not sure it is related to the surgery or if that’s just around the time I started noticing it.
3. Although she will let me touch her, I have to be very gentle and soft and I can sense her hesitation.
4. She is extremely dramatic. When Brody plays with her a little too rough or takes a toy from her, she also yelps very loudly. So the yelps don’t necessarily mean she is being hurt, but she uses it as a way to get my attention when her Brody is bullying her.
5. It only happens when you touch her stomach by her scar. Although still hesitant, you can touch her ribs without problem.
Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this? Could it be that she has a memory of the surgery? Because Brody is long-haired, she has a lot more hair covering her stomach. Marley is almost completely bald on her stomach. Could this have anythign to do with it?
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Paige. I also have a dramatic pup (Summit). She was definitely more sensitive to being handles after her spay surgery. She did go back to normal though after a few months. How long ago did Marley have her surgery? I doubt it has anything to do with the hair on her belly (or lack thereof).
Monica says
Lol and live up to that name totallymy scooby is very sensitive about his belly to but he growls not yelp
April says
Hi, Paige, I learned from a trainer that dogs show their belly to indicate that they trust you completely. They don’t all like to have their belly rubbed. My little doxie like her ears scratched instead…but just a little. Also, doxie’s remember things very well and she probably remembers her surgery. Mine remembered that Roxie (daughter’s doxie) bit her in the face when she came through the dog door. Now 3 years later I am dog sitting Roxie and little doxie remembers and won’t go through the dog door. Anyway, Marly ‘s story reminds me of little doxie so much. Drama Queens all the way.
Susan says
I love my little Doxie guy …he is my Angel🦴❤
Sheryl Monroe says
I have owned 4 dachshunds over my lifetime. I recieved my first one when I was two. His name was Fred and he was the most laid back dog. He was an outside dog for most of his life. He barked at the mailman who was a friend of the family. They had an understanding it was his job to bark and the mailmans job to say sweet puppy, sweet puppy. Said mailman also took Fred for a ride in his mail jeep. Fred also liked to sleep in the middle of the street in front of our house. It was not a busy street and people would stop and he would slowly get up walk to the side of the street. The car would go on it’s way and Fred would return to sunning himself in the street. He was never run over by a car. He was a defender. He defended our high school aged neighbor from another neighbors aggressive chihuahua. She brought him to our front door crying, he sat next to her with ears bleeding as if nothing had happened.
We owned a little black dachshund that had shown up from on a dairy. He was the cutest little thing. He was a great escape artist. We finally had to resort to chaining him in our backyard yard. It was not to be cruel it was to keep him contained.
As an adult I have owned two dachshunds. The first was a pretty black and tan dappled. We named him Leopold and called him Leo. He had epilepsy as some dachshunds tend get unfortunately. He had a voracious appetite and a big case of little big man syndrome. He chased our neighbors German Shepherd down the street
Leo was serious the German Shepherd was playing. It was funny to watch. He was my joy but not very friendly to most people. I think he was a puppy mill puppy that we gave a happy life.
I currently own a little dachshund we we named Greta. She was found by an acquaintance when walking her dog. She was never claimed and had no chips to help find her owner. She is my constant companion when I am home. She is a very friendly little thing. People thought she was a puppy until she began to gray around her snout. I occasionally take her on trips to visit my family. She loves to go. I think she has even won over my step mom who isn’t a big animal person.
My dachshunds have all brought joy, laughter, love, and companionship to my life and my family’s life.
Thanks for your blog it was fun to read. I know I wrote a lot but it was fun to remember each one. I also owned a Cocker Spaniel. My husband surprised me with her when we were first married. She to was a sweetheart and very much loved. But Dachshunds will always have a special place in my heart.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for sharing about your pups Sheryl. They all sound delightful but Fred seemed like a definite character.
Esther says
Doxies have owned me since about age 16, so this article made perfect sense to me.
#8: I wish our last girl (Katrina) would’ve slept this way. Oh, no; she slept horizontally. Head tucked under Daddy’s chin, & butt end towards my face. Did I mention that Doxies fart…a lot?? I learned to sleep on my other side, fast!
And the whole bathroom thing. I used to keep the bathroom door closed. Then one day, I saw said Katrina’s nose under the door, then a paw slid underneath. Then the crying! I’m now laughing, but door remained closed…until she launched herself against the door & popped it open.
That happened at age 4 months, & needless to say, the door remained open until the day she died at age 12. What a character!
Jessica Rhae says
That’s too funny. Thank you for sharing that story with me.
Leon Szura says
Love my duo….Stormy girl and Justy
Kelly Williams says
Everything you have mentioned is true! My one-eyed pup, Scooter, absolutely thinks he is a big dog and will bark at any male dog passing his way. I would say territorial is a trait you could add to the list. Also, I sometimes take him to the Green Lake group because he STRONGLY prefers other dachshunds. It’s interesting. Every experience that?
Jessica Rhae says
Yes. Dachshunds are usually cool with other Dachshunds even if they have just met.
Su says
My first dachshund would be mad that my daughter was in the shower with the door closed, (I had left for work) he’d go poop under the dining room table ..but not on the days she didn’t take an early morning shower.
Michelle R Orlando says
Everything said is soooooo true. One of Dachshunds, Skippy, starts staring at me at 9:00p every night while I am watching TV. My husband says “Your husband is telling you its time to go to bed!!! I adore my puppies.
Anne Maas says
I too am an absolute Doxi lover. Would get no other dog. We’ve had 3 of them. Pippi, our last one died in June and I am still torn up. I so much want another one but my husband and I just cannot go thru saying goodbye to them.
Jessica Rhae says
I’m sorry for your loss. I get your pain. My first Dachshund developed dementia and I had to choose to let him go. it was so heartbreaking, it made me reconsider getting another.
Russ & Barbara says
My wife and I have had dachshunds since we were married 51 years ago and also had them when we were kids at home. We are addicted to the breed and currently have 2, a 22 lb red smooth hair and an 8 lb black smooth mini.
Lynn Layman says
Hi Jessica,
I have enjoyed your blog immensely! I grew up with many doxies over the years and now have a mix, Kissy, a real character who comes by her name honestly! She’s quite the love bug and thankfully has most of the good traits with only a few of the bad. I really lucked out there! She loves cats, dogs, people alike and whines pitifully if she doesn’t get to actually meet, the object that catches her eye! Her favorite playmates are pitbulls, when there’s one available!! Great website with a hilarious name! Keep up the good work! Lynn
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Lynn
brian kugler says
Potential Dachshund owners: They will take off running. No amount of screaming will help. They will not come back until they are ready. They will DIG under your fenced yard. They will bring you rabbits, squirrels and even birds they caught and killed. They will chew. Fortunately mine was happy shredding scrap wood and not swallowing it. Stuffed squeaky animals killed in minutes. But when they do come to you and look at you with those eyes, you are hooked. They will sleep tight against you every night of their lives. That’s why I’m tearing up typing as I’m sleeping alone after 14 years. A dachshund provides unconditional love, so everything else is forgotten.