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
Anne W says
All very true statements. They do own you.
Art-Dogs says
I really love those little weiner dogs 😀
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 🙂
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 😉
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 🙂
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** ” .
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.
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.
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.