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)Â 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 🙂