A Dachshund is typically lively and intelligent. It has a streak for independence. I am Floppy, a cute little Dachshund and I am going to talk about the general belief that Dachshunds are cold natured. The truth is that we are very people-oriented. But this may also result in separation anxiety and stress if we are left alone for too long. It is also worth mentioning that we are a territorial breed. Therefore, if we have not been socialized properly, it may result in aggression in your Dachshund. Now I’m going to provide detailed information on Dachshund temperament.
The popularity of our breed has been increasing throughout the world. Among other reasons, it is also due to our distinctive looks and big personality. We are well known for our intelligence, loyalty and also for being stubborn. Even if we are small in size but we are considered among the most aggressive breeds.
This may particularly appear to be difficult to believe, especially how cute we look but this is an established claim. We have been described by the Dachshund Club of America as being courageous, intelligent and full of life. However, it also needs to be mentioned that we are even a little bit of a rash. It has been stated by the Dachshund experts that the smooth-coated actions are bossy in nature. Compared to it, the wirehaired Dachshunds are fun-loving and extroverts. Perhaps the long-haired actions are the easiest going out of the three varieties of Dachshund.
It is also significant to note that we are very prone to separation anxiety. Therefore, we love to be with our family, even to the point that some experts have described us as a little needy. But this is a fact that if we are left alone, without any human interaction for a long time, we are going to become distressed. But nobody said that we are low maintenance dogs, temperament wise. We certainly need time and attention from our owners.
Personality Traits
Although we are small in size, we are known for our daring nature. The result is that sometimes we may take on dogs or other animals that are much larger in size. Certain members of our clan may also show aggressive behavior towards strangers or other dogs. We are also known for being excellent family dogs as we have been very good with children and we also make very good watchdogs. I am a very intelligent creature and by nature, I am very independent. This will result in some stubbornness, particularly during the early part of my training. The result is that sometimes your Dachshund may tear up the furniture or may decide to go bathroom indoors if it is angry with the owner. As we have been bred to become hunters, the modern breed also likes to bark, dig and sniff the unfamiliar.
Smart and Independent
We are known for being very smart. Due to our intelligence, we need to be almost constantly involved in canine exercise, training or playing. This makes the Dachshund most suitable for the people who do not work for long hours outside their home and can give attention to their Dachshund which it requires.
Our independent traits make us very resourceful without the need for any instructions. But sometimes our independent mind may clash with that of its owners. It needs persistence and patience in the case of a Dachshund puppy, particularly while conducting training sessions.
Loyal
We love to be in charge but it may also result in aggression towards our owners. This is the reason why it is very important that we should be thoroughly trained from a young age so that the situation may not take the shape of a problem. But after the dachshund has accepted its owner as of the boss, he’s going to be a very loyal companion. Our breed is known for following their loved ones wherever they go and we also come to the ‘rescue of our owners’ whenever strangers are present.
Playful
We are very playful and lively creatures. The result is that we like to make a game of almost everything even if the owner is sweeping the floor. We also like to play fetch. We will chase a ball, but we are also known for not always bringing back the ball to our owners. We ought to be taken for long walks regularly so that we are kept busy, entertained and active. Generally, the behavioral problems present in the dogs are related to a lack of exercise. We’re particularly very active animals. We may show bad behavior if we have to remain in those for a long time without getting a chance to play and move around.
Stubborn
We are also known for our stubborn nature. This can be extremely frustrating for owners that they want to train their pets. Because we have been bred to hunt and were required to make decisions on our own, the independent streak present in us results in stubbornness, which makes us difficult to train.
Families and Children
We’re particularly not very good with strangers. We are also known for barking at strangers and other animals. But as we like to remain in a pack, we get along well with the children. We are also as good as family dogs. It is sure that a Dachshund will inform its family whenever something has approached the house, whether it is a person or a car or some animal. Even if we are considered as good family pets, the Dachshund owners should always remain cautious when we are playing small children. On account of our unique body shape, we may get accidentally injured by the children as they may pick us incorrectly or by tripped over which may cause us to respond aggressively.
Also, we do not get along very well with large dogs. Therefore we are comfortable in the house as the only dog or when we are living with another Dachshund. Sometimes we make it snappy with other dogs or even may try to dominate them. As a result of our strong drive for hunting, we should not be taken off-leash unless we are in a fenced yard. Our breed is known for taking dogs, certainly in case. We see something interesting, and we may not come back on the command of our owner. Therefore a Dachshund will be more suitable in a house that has a fenced yard as the dog will not be dependent on its owner for taking out for a walk in order to get some exercise.
Conclusion
As originally we were bred to burrow, the modern breed also likes to dig. The result can be torn up grass in the backyard. It is possible to minimize the digging behavior if we are not left unsupervised for long intervals. When there is nobody to entertain us the desire to dig suddenly increases.
Even if the traits mentioned above are common in the case of most of the dachshunds but you should also remember that no two dogs are similar. Therefore each dog has its own unique nature.
