Finding the perfect dog for you and your family is no easy task. Bringing a pet into your home requires a lot of consideration, and it can be challenging to zero in on what breed might be the best fit. If you鈥檙e hoping to find an intelligent, affectionate, and friendly dog, look no further than the Dachshund.
The Dachshund鈥檚 Temperament
Dachshunds are little dogs with big personalities. They鈥檙e incredibly intelligent, vigilant, courageous, and loving. They belong to the Hound Group, and are a more active breed than one might think.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
With their long body and short stature, the Dachshund is instantly recognizable. Dachshunds come in miniature and standard sizes, and have three different coat types (smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired) that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are not a hypoallergenic breed.
Dachshunds shed moderately, have little body odor, and tend to be a pretty clean breed. Longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds require more regular grooming than their smoother counterparts. The Dachshund鈥檚 nails should be trimmed monthly.
How Much Training Does a Dachshund Need?
Dachshunds are quite intelligent and independent. While these are generally good traits, they can also have a tendency to be stubborn, making them more difficult to train. Dachshunds respond best to positive, reward-based training. When training a Dachshund, lead with love and treats for the best results. It鈥檚 important to always be consistent and patient while training.
Dachshunds have a strong prey drive and were bred to stay focused on their targets. This can lead to the breed being more interested in something else around them rather than having their full attention on their owner.
Are Dachshunds Good for Families?
Dachshunds can be a good choice for families looking for a loyal watchdog. Despite their size, Dachshunds make for vigilant, vocal guard dogs. This breed may not be a strong choice for families with young children. Dachshunds fare better with older children who know how to engage with an dog responsibly and can keep them properly active and stimulated.
A Dachshund would be best suited for a family with an active lifestyle. Even though Dachshunds are a smaller breed, they require regular exercise to keep them fit and build muscle to keep their backs strong and supported. Two daily walks should help keep the Dachshund in good shape.
Prospective owners should also note that Dachshunds should not be allowed to run up and down stairs or jump off furniture.
How Social Are Dachshunds?
Dachshunds are a very social breed. They thrive off human interaction and wouldn鈥檛 fare well as outdoor dogs. Dachshunds are playful, adaptable, and can be friendly toward strangers and other animals with proper socialization.