Is A Dachshund The Right Dog For You?

Thinking about adding a wiener dog to the family? Here are 7 things you should know about Dachshunds.

So, you’re thinking about adding a dachshund to your family? First of all, great choice! These long-bodied, short-legged pups are full of personality and charm. But before you take the plunge, there are a few things you should know to make sure a dachshund is the right fit for you.

Personality: Big Dog in a Small Package

Dachshunds might be small, but they have huge personalities. They’re known for being playful, curious, and sometimes more than a little stubborn. They love their families and can be incredibly loyal, but don’t be surprised if your dachshund has a mind and agenda of its own. Training them requires patience and positive reinforcement because they can be, well, let’s say “independent-minded.”

Exercise: Tiny Legs, Big Energy

Don’t let their short legs fool you—dachshunds are surprisingly energetic!

They were originally bred to hunt badgers (yes, badgers), so they have a lot of stamina and love to sniff and explore like they were on a hunt. Regular walks and playtime are a must.

Oh, and speaking of hunting they’re also great diggers. If you look at a Dachshund’s front paws you’ll see they’re bigger than the back ones. That’s because badgers live in burrows, so Dachshunds were bred to have big, shovel-like paws that could dig in after them. Don’t be surprised if they act like little furry earthmovers

Health: Watch That Back and Those Teeth

Dachshunds’ long bodies make them prone to a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause spinal issues. To help prevent problems:

• Avoid letting them jump off furniture or climb stairs frequently.
• Keep them at a healthy weight, as extra pounds put more strain on their spine.
• Invest in ramps or steps to help them access higher places.

Additionally, because of their long, narrow snouts, Dachshunds can have trouble with periodontal disease. Basically, they have the same number of teeth as other dogs but they’re crammed into a smaller space which provides more pockets to hide bacteria and can lead to things like tooth decay and gingivitis. Make sure they get chewies that help clean their teeth.

Barking: They Have Opinions

Dachshunds are known to be vocal. Not only that, but they can be quite loud (two of mine can make metal pots ring when they bark). This makes sense when you release that they were bred to be loud enough that their owners could hear them when they were down in a badger burrow on a hunt.

Still, they don’t limit their barking (and occasionally baying) to hunting. They’ll bark to alert you, greet you, and sometimes just because they feel like it. If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, this is something to keep in mind. Training can help, but their love of “chatting” is part of their charm, so don’t try to make them something they’re not.

Grooming: Low-Maintenance but Specific

Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.

• Smooth-coated dachshunds need minimal grooming—a quick brush and occasional bath.
• Long-haired dachshunds require more brushing to prevent tangles.
• Wire-haired dachshunds need regular trimming to keep their coats neat.

Stubborn: Potty Training Takes Patience

Dachshunds are notorious for being a bit tricky to housebreak. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Expect a few accidents and be patient—they’ll get there with time.

Cuddly: They’re Great Companions (and Couch Potatoes)

Dachshunds are super affectionate and love to cuddle with their humans. Once they’ve had their exercise, they’re happy to curl up on the couch with you. This is a breed that was bred to work in packs, so they thrive on companionship and can get anxious if left alone for long periods. They’re best suited for people who can spend a lot of time with them.

Is a Dachshund Right for You?

If you’re looking for a playful, loyal, and slightly sassy companion, a dachshund might be your perfect match. They’ll keep you entertained with their antics and shower you with affection, but they do require a bit of extra care and patience.

Have you already welcomed a dachshund into your life? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about your wiener dog adventures!