20 Reasons Why a Dachshund Might Not Be Right For You

The query I get requested most frequently by potential Dachshund house owners is, “Do you assume a Dachshund is the best breed for me?”

Dachshunds have been my life for the final 20+ years. To say I’m obsessive about them is an understatement. 

I seemingly won’t ever personal one other canine breed in my life. Or at the least not whereas additionally proudly owning a Dachshund.

However I feel it’s crucial to be trustworthy; I at all times inform folks {that a} Dachshund isn’t the best breed for everybody.

They’ve distinctive quirks; they are often difficult; they usually can require extra dedication than some “simpler” breeds.

In fact, I feel Dachshunds have numerous superb qualities too.

However many Dachshunds find yourself in shelters yearly as a result of folks didn’t perceive the breed’s character and know what they have been moving into earlier than getting one.

Under are the explanations that I feel the Dachshund breed isn’t the best selection for each particular person.

Please observe, I’m not saying that this stuff are a problem for everybody, nor a problem with all Dachshunds, however these are the commonest causes that somebody could remorse getting one.

1) Dachshunds Bark a Lot

Boy, does this breed bark! It’s of their genes (critically – they have been bred to alert their hunters of prey and hazard). 

Usually, many individuals would describe a Dachshund’s barking behavior as “extreme”. 

Whereas some Dachshunds may be taught to restrict the length of their barking, and a few may be desensitized to bark much less typically at little noises, barking will completely by no means be eradicated and a Dachshund will typically seemingly bark at “nothing”… all the time.

Dachshunds have a “huge canine” bark too. 

Whereas some small canines sound “yappy”, the Dachshund’s deep chest most of the time bellows out what is perhaps interpreted as a Rottweiler behind the door (I had a number of pizza supply folks say this).

Irrespective of what number of instances I warn individuals who ask to pet my Dachshunds, they’re nearly at all times startled to the purpose of tripping over themselves as a result of they don’t count on such a loud bark to come back out of somewhat canine.

If you happen to like a canine that’s seen greater than heard, a Dachshund most likely isn’t the only option for you.

When you have a new child child that wakes up and cries each time they hear a loud noise, or a noise phobia your self, I might most likely proceed your breed search.

2) Dachshunds Are Cussed

This can be a Dachshund character trait listed by the American Kennel Membership (AKC). Nevertheless, cussed shouldn’t be an applicable descriptor in my view. 

You see, Dachshunds have been bred to hunt imply vermin down in holes and assume on their very own. That signifies that they could have completely different concepts than you do they usually could attempt to get their approach.

Opposite to well-liked perception, a Dachshund can be trained. Most are literally tremendous sensible and desirous to please (or at the least get the deal with). 

It’s simply that you will have to place extra time, dedication, and be extra constant when coaching them so your canine doesn’t develop these widespread habits points. And you should use very clear communication (nothing harsh, simply in a approach they perceive).

If you happen to aren’t prepared to place in additional effort, or don’t assume that you’ve the time, a Dachshund will not be the best breed for you.

3) They Can Be Exhausting to Potty Prepare

In accordance with folks on the web, it’s nearly not possible to potty prepare a Dachshund. Individuals report their Dachshunds nonetheless having accidents in the home at 3 years outdated or by no means being 100% potty educated.

I don’t agree with this although. Following my “foolproof” dog potty training method, each of my Dachshund puppies have been 100% potty educated inside 3 months of coming house.

I’ve additionally used these strategies as a refresher for older canines with nice success.

Nevertheless, I do assume that Dachshunds typically require extra consistency and a focus to potty prepare than another breeds.

If you happen to aren’t capable of take 2-4 weeks off after your Dachshund comes house to kickstart their potty coaching, you aren’t prepared to by no means go away them unattended till they’re absolutely potty educated, and you’ll’t clear up many messes within the meantime with out getting mad, then a Dachshund will not be for you.

4) They’re Vulnerable to Separation Nervousness

Dachshunds are very social canines and get very connected to their folks. Some would possibly even describe them as needy.

This hyper attachment is one thing that must be actively counter-conditioned when they’re younger by desensitizing them to being other than you, first while you’re in the home after which later while you go away.

If you happen to don’t, your canine could scream and “yell” when you leave them alone, disrupting neighbors and probably getting you kicked out of your condominium. 

Separation anxiousness may also manifest as destruction of furnishings, flooring, partitions, and going potty on the ground even when they only went outdoors.

In excessive circumstances, as soon as separation anxiousness is established, it might by no means utterly go away. 

You might really feel like you’ll be able to by no means go away your canine or you will have to spend some huge cash on canine daycare or canine walkers to assist consolation them if you end up away.

If you happen to aren’t capable of put within the time to incrementally desensitize your canine to being away from folks for longer and longer durations, otherwise you don’t have the cash for or entry to canine walkers and daycares, a Dachshund will not be for you.

I’ll observe {that a} element of separation anxiousness is suspected to be genetic – some canines are simply susceptible to it and others aren’t – so your canine may very well be impartial and never thoughts in case you go away from day one. 

5) Dachshunds Want a Lot of Consideration

As I stated earlier, Dachshunds are very social canines and get connected to their folks.

This most frequently signifies that they are going to be your shadow, following you to the toilet, ready outdoors the bathe for you, touching you if you end up sitting on the sofa, and simply typically being beneath foot numerous the time.

An sad Dachshund pressured to be away from you’ll typically discover methods to busy themselves, which is often by doing issues that make you indignant and/or aren’t secure for them. 

If clingy pets aren’t your factor, you’re employed lengthy hours, or can’t commit a good portion of your non-working hours to your Dachshund, then the breed won’t be best for you.

6) They Want Reasonable Train and Loads of Psychological Stimulation

Many individuals mistakenly select a Dachshund as a result of they assume a small canine doesn’t want a lot train. Oppsie!

Dachshunds have been bred as looking canines, working by means of the forest to chase critters, so that they have loads of power and stamina. 

Whereas they’ll alter to a extra sedentary way of life, they want loads of train to maintain them comfortable, wholesome, and at a correct weight.

My minimal advice is 45-60 minutes of brisk train 4-5 days every week.

It’s necessary to additionally present loads of psychological stimulation by means of coaching and canine enrichment activities in order that these sensible canines don’t turn into bored and develop behavioral points.

If you happen to aren’t in a position or prepared to ensure your Dachshund’s bodily and psychological train wants are met, then you could wish to select a canine breed with decrease train wants.

7) Dachshunds are Scrappy and Vulnerable to Reactivity

Dachshunds wish to act powerful, are sometimes described as “huge canines in a small physique”, and tend to be cautious of unusual canines, folks, and conditions. 

All of this stuff can lead to what’s known as reactivity – barking, lunging, snapping, or performing out if you end up on a stroll or firm comes into your home. 

There are at all times exceptions to the rule – some Dachshunds are naturally chill and adapt simply to a altering atmosphere – however this can be a widespread trait you want to pay attention to.

If you’re getting a canine anticipating that they are going to be calm and pleasant in the direction of everybody in each scenario, a Dachshund most likely isn’t the breed for you, at the least not in case you aren’t prepared to place tons of of hours, and probably {dollars}, into coaching.

8) Dachshunds Have a Excessive Prey Drive

Typically, a Dachshund will chase something that strikes – cattle, wildlife, cats, youngsters, leaves blowing within the wind, and so forth. due to their excessive instinctual prey drive.

In my expertise, puppies raised with issues they aren’t alleged to chase like cats and children have the perfect probability of not rising as much as chase them. At the least not those that stay in their very own home.

Nevertheless, I wouldn’t wager on a Dachshund not eager to chase something they understand as “prey”, so in case you could be annoyed by this habits, or it could pose a threat to different animals and people in your family, a Dachshund will not be the canine for you.

9) They Are Vulnerable to Again Issues

Roughly 25% of Dachshunds will expertise again points of their life attributable to a genetic illness known as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). 

Of that 25%, many can have minor to average points that may be “healed” by means of conservative treatment, a portion will turn into utterly paralyzed and require expensive back surgery.

In excessive circumstances, a Dachshund could also be paralyzed or crippled for all times.

There isn’t a dependable test for IVDD so, regardless of all efforts and guarantees, a breeder can’t make a 100% assure that your canine gained’t have points. 

Whereas that leaves 75% of Dachshunds that gained’t expertise a again difficulty, you gained’t know if yours is without doubt one of the unfortunate ones till it occurs to them.

If you happen to don’t wish to take the chance and/or aren’t prepared or capable of set as much as $10,000 apart for emergencies (or pay for pet insurance that covers hereditary situations like Trupanion), this breed won’t be for you.

10) They Like to Dig (Holes In Your Yard)

When Dachshunds hunted, they dug into the earth to get to animals like foxes, rabbits, and badgers that lived in tunnels and dens.

This digging intuition hasn’t gone away simply because most Dachshunds aren’t used for looking anymore.

Now, I admit that this trait has been much less of a problem with my Dachshunds – they both didn’t begin a digging behavior within the first place or it was simple to curb – I’ve heard many, many tales about Dachshunds that break their proprietor’s good garden or backyard by digging holes in all places.

My new pet likes to dig and, if left to his personal units, he may most likely dig a 1 foot deep gap in beneath 5 minutes, so we’ll see if I can break him of the behavior.

Often, it’s attainable to show a Dachshund who develops a foul digging behavior to dig solely in a sure space of the yard, however that takes numerous persistence and dedication to do.

If you wish to hold a pristine garden or backyard, and are usually not prepared to work to coach your canine to dig solely in a particular spot or under no circumstances, a Dachshund will not be the only option for you.

11) Dachshunds Wish to Lick You

All of my Dachshunds have had hassle holding their licker.

All of them like to lick and “kiss” my face. Throughout. Like up my nostril, in my eyeball, and even in my mouth typically if I’m speaking to somebody whereas they’re licking my face.

Two of my Dachshunds additionally like to lick the water off of my legs once I get out of the bathe and one licks my legs and ft beneath the covers for a couple of minutes nearly each night time in mattress.

If the texture of one thing with a tough tongue licking you creeps you out, be ready to be very agency from day one to place a cease to the licking immediately… and be ready for a continuing battle about this behavior.

Or don’t get a Dachshund.

12) Dachshunds Are Simple to Untrain

Nearly all of folks parrot the stereotype that Dachshunds are tough to coach.

I might argue that these little smarties are simple to coach, however they’re additionally very simple to untrain.

That is simply an statement I made over the past 20 years of proudly owning and canine sitting Dachshunds, however in case you let a Dachshund get away with one thing, they are going to know that you’re a sucker and reap the benefits of you.

Defined one other approach, in case your Dachshund learns to sit down and also you solely give them a reward for sitting absolutely, then they’re more likely to do it each time.

Nevertheless, in case you get lazy a pair instances and reward your Dachshund for a half sit, or they stand there watching you so that you quit and provides them the deal with anyway, you might have simply efficiently untrained your Dachshund.

They may bear in mind this – that they don’t at all times have to sit down when requested to get the reward – and be much less more likely to do it sooner or later.

Whereas this could typically be corrected in case you understand your mistake immediately, in case you don’t always maintain your Dachshund accountable to comply with by means of, then they are going to solely do what you ask after they really feel prefer it…. which for a Dachshund, isn’t typically.

If you happen to’re not prepared to be clear and in line with coaching, I wouldn’t get a Dachshund until you might be comfortable with proudly owning an untrained canine.

13) You Might Need to Spend Time Undoing Issues You By chance Taught Them

Dachshunds are tremendous sensible, perceptive, drawback solvers. 

They may study patterns, and work to determine what they assume you need, even in case you are not conscious you have been really instructing them particular habits.

For instance, I used to run with my first Dachshund within the metropolis and we stopped at each avenue nook, stated “wait”, and appeared earlier than crossing. 

Finally, he placed on the brakes every time we might get close to an intersection, or once I stated “wait”, even when it was in a special context.

One other instance is in case you have a look at and discuss to your Dachshund each time they bark at you. They may seemingly study that they’ll now “demand” consideration any time that they need.

With a Dachshund, you’ll seemingly have to be very exact and considerate together with your habits and actions, and be prepared to acknowledge what you by chance “taught” your Dachshund, and be prepared to simply accept duty and unteach it.

14) Strangers Will Discuss to You Very Typically

Dachshunds are a cute however humorous trying canine and many individuals are endeared to them.

If you find yourself out strolling, many strangers will make eye contact and make a remark about your canine, or they are going to come immediately as much as you to ask a query or share a narrative about their private expertise with Dachshunds.

That is very predictable and even will get a bit tiring even for extroverts.

If you happen to’re an introvert or weirded out by random strangers approaching you, then a Dachshund won’t be for you.

15) Dachshunds Can Be a “One Individual Canine”

Dachshunds sometimes connect themselves to 1 main particular person.

In a best-case state of affairs, they are going to be affectionate to a different particular person within the family if their chosen particular person shouldn’t be current.

At worst, they are going to be unconsolable when the chosen particular person shouldn’t be current and/or they are going to turn into possessive of this particular person and “guard” them in opposition to different folks in the home of holiday makers.

The largest difficulty is that your Dachshund will select their favourite particular person and it will not be the particular person that you really want it to be.

I’ve heard tales the place the spouse will get a Dachshund as a companion, however the canine decides that the husband is the favourite particular person and needs to spend most of their time with him.

Or a dad or mum will get a Dachshund for his or her child, and the canine finally ends up changing into hyper-attached to the Mother as an alternative.

Whereas the “favourite” selection may be considerably influenced by who does a lot of the caretaking like strolling, feeding, snuggling, and so forth., it’s not at all times this person who the canine chooses.

This can be a risk try to be conscious of and happy with in case you select to convey a Dachshund into your own home.

16) You’ll Have to Recurrently Resist Pleading Eyes

I swear that Dachshunds have developed “pleading eyes” as a survival mechanism. They’ll attempt to manipulate you with these eyes to get what they need.

That is most true when you might have meals. By physique language and a pathetic look, they are going to attempt to persuade you that they’re ravenous and that it’s best to hand over the snackos.

The factor is although, Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which might set off again issues and result in a shortened lifespan.

Because the human, you must “know higher” and stand agency – keep on with the suitable portion of meals at dinner time, restrict the variety of treats, and resist the urge to offer them “only a chunk” each time  you might have meals.

If you happen to can’t keep robust to your canine’s sake, then perhaps a Dachshund isn’t for you.

17) Dachshunds Are a Lengthy-Time period Dedication

I inherited my first Dachshund from a pal and didn’t know something in regards to the breed to start with.

One of many first issues I realized is that they’ve a median lifespan of 15-16 years and I believed, “Holy cow! I didn’t join having a canine for that lengthy.”

In fact, I beloved him his entire life and was glad he lived to an outdated age, however bigger canines have shorter lifespans, sometimes starting from 8-10 years outdated.

If you happen to plan to retire and journey the world throughout the subsequent decade, otherwise you see your life circumstances drastically altering and a canine would not be fascinating, you could wish to select a breed with a shorter lifespan and required dedication.

18) They Aren’t the Greatest With Youngsters

If a Dachshund is raised round youngsters from the pet stage, they’re more likely to get together with them.

Some Dachshunds, even when not uncovered to them typically, love youngsters. My first Dachshund did.

Nevertheless, usually, Dachshunds and children don’t combine if they don’t seem to be uncovered to them frequently or are launched for the primary time at an older age (the canine).

Youngsters typically transfer erratically and quick, are loud and shriek, and infrequently cross a canine’s boundaries as a result of they don’t know any higher. This stuff could make a Dachshund fearful and trigger them to behave out.

When you have mates or members of the family that solely come over often with their youngsters, and you aren’t prepared to always monitor your Dachshund throughout their go to or put your Dachshund in one other room, a Dachshund will not be the only option for you.

19) Dachshunds May be Possessive

Dachshunds connect themselves to what they love and they don’t seem to be at all times prepared to share. They’re mostly defensively shield meals, toys, folks, or sure spots like a canine mattress.

This overly-protective habits can become useful resource guarding and will contain rising, snarling and displaying their tooth, and snapping or biting.

If you personal a Dachshund, you’ll must pay shut consideration to physique language and habits with and round sure objects to stop these guarding points from growing within the first place.

In some circumstances, you’ll even must take away the useful resource like, for instance, not permitting your canine to play with a toy that they get significantly possessive over.

20) You’ll Need to Change Your Home Setup

There are various changes you’ll must make to your home in case you get a Dachshund.

Consistently leaping off excessive locations, which Dachshunds like to do, shouldn’t be suggested for spinal well being. To forestall this, you could must get decrease furnishings or set up a ramp to assist your Dachshund get on and off.

In my case, to be sure that mine solely used the ramp, I opted to put a “fence” around my couch utilizing freestanding canine gates. It ain’t fairly, however it works.

Additionally, Dachshunds shed. Some shed so much. My mini clean haired do what I name “ejection shedding”. Hair is in all places.

Relying on the colour of your canine and the way a lot seen canine hair bothers you, you could must get completely different coloured furnishings so it blends in.

Are Dachshunds Good for a Newbie Canine Proprietor?

The most typical sentiment is that, no, Dachshunds are usually not an excellent first canine. After proudly owning a number of, I can see why.

I definitely wouldn’t describe the Dachshund as an “simple” canine breed. They’re not a “set it and go” canine.

Most first time canine house owners know nothing about proudly owning a canine, not to mention addressing issues early on with coaching earlier than they turn into habituated behavioral points.

To boost a well-behaved Dachshund, folks would ideally have some animal dealing with expertise, the power to remain agency and do what is finest to your canine as an alternative of giving in to their calls for or pleading, and the foresight to outsmart your Dachshund.

With that being stated, though I had numerous childhood expertise with animals, a Dachshund was my first canine as an grownup and issues labored out okay. I bought fortunate as a result of my first one was typically a pleasant, laid again, easy-going man.

I didn’t formally prepare him. Partly as a result of I didn’t know that I needs to be and partly as a result of there have been no obvious points that I wanted to cease.

Remaining Ideas

The underside line is, in case you actually desire a Dachshund, get one. It would work out.

Not like once I bought my first Dachshund in 2003, the web makes obtainable a wealth of data and assist and yow will discover nearly any reply that you just want in seconds.

I do consider it’s crucial to be told although and practical about what sort of canine you count on, the kind of life you envision, how a lot effort and time it’s a must to dedicate to a canine, and select a breed that’s best for you.

Nevertheless, all the things on this listing may be mitigated or addressed by means of administration, coaching, a change in your mindset to attenuate it or make it a non-issue (if it even is within the first place).

In truth, many of those “unhealthy” Dachshund quirks are exactly what some folks discover loveliest in regards to the breed.

For some extra on the optimistic and humorous facet of Dachshund possession, try my articles Funny Things About Dachshunds Only Owners Will Understand and Hilarious and True Dachshund Memes That Will Totally Make Your Day.