Are Dachshunds Good Family Pets?
Dachshunds, with their long bodies, short legs, and big personalities, are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Their unique appearance and lively nature have won the hearts of many families. But are dachshunds truly good family pets? Let's explore their key traits and find out.
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt small game like rabbits and badgers. Their elongated bodies allowed them to enter burrows and underground tunnels during hunts. Today, dachshunds make playful and devoted companions. They typically weigh 16-32 pounds as adults and live 12-16 years.
Dachshunds come in three coat types:
- Smooth coat - short, shiny fur that lies close to the body
- Longhair coat - longer silky fur with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail
- Wirehair coat - short, thick, wiry fur
Their compact size and moderate exercise needs make them good apartment dogs. However, their tendency to bark frequently can be an issue in apartments or neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
Dachshund Temperament
Dachshunds are famously spirited, stubborn, and curious. Here's a closer look at their personality:
- Playful - Dachshunds love to play and romp. They'll entertain themselves with toys for hours.
- Affectionate - Dachshunds form strong bonds with their families. They'll cuddle in your lap or follow you from room to room.
- Curious - With their hunting background, dachshunds have an innate curiosity and will boldly explore their surroundings.
- Stubborn - Dachshunds can be determined to get their way. Consistent, positive training is needed from a young age.
- Feisty - Dachshunds often don't realize their small size. They can be feisty and brave when confronting larger dogs.
- Devoted - Once bonded to their family, dachshunds are extremely loyal and devoted companions.
- Alert - Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs and will loudly announce visitors or anything unusual.
How Do Dachshunds Do with Children?
Dachshunds can make wonderful family dogs if properly trained and socialized. However, their spirited nature presents some considerations with small children:
- Rambunctious play - Dachshunds love to play rowdily. They may accidentally knock over toddlers in their enthusiasm.
- Nipping - Dachshunds may nip at children's hands or ankles during play. This should be consistently discouraged.
- Rough petting - Small kids can unintentionally be too rough with a dachshund's long back when petting.
- Injuries - A dachshund's long back is prone to back injuries if dropped, stepped on, or allowed to jump off furniture. Children must be taught gentle handling.
With training, supervision, and gentle handling, dachshunds and kids can become the best of friends. But dachshunds may do better with school-age children rather than toddlers.
Tips for Dachshunds and Kids
Here are some tips for successfully raising a dachshund alongside kids:
- Start socialization and training early to encourage good manners. Use positive reinforcement like praise and treats.
- Teach children proper handling techniques - no rough play, tail/ear pulling, or petting against the fur.
- Make sure kids don't disturb a sleeping or eating dachshund - this can elicit nipping.
- Provide a safe space where your dachshund can relax undisturbed when needed. Use baby gates to separate from kids' high-traffic areas.
- Crate train your dachshund so they have a secure spot when kids have rowdy friends over.
- Keep your dachshund leashed when first introducing to unfamiliar children - don't let them rush up to greet.
- Discourage chasing games that can lead to nipping. Redirect to appropriate toys for play.
- Make sure kids don't try to ride a dachshund like a horse or pick them up incorrectly.
With training and supervision, dachshunds and children can enjoy daily life together. But parents should be prepared to invest time into helping both kids and the dachshund learn polite interaction.
Are Dachshunds Good with Other Pets?
When deciding to introduce a new pet to your household, it’s important to consider the temperament and compatibility of your current pets. For Dachshund owners, this is a common concern. How do dachshunds interact with other dogs and pets? Here's a closer look:
Dogs
Dachshunds generally coexist fine with other dogs, especially if raised together. However, some may quarrel with same-sex dogs. Proper socialization helps minimize disputes.
Common Problems and Solutions:
- Aggression towards same-sex dogs: Dachshunds, like many other breeds, may exhibit aggression towards dogs of the same sex. This can be due to territorial behavior or dominance issues. To address this, it's important to establish yourself as the pack leader and correct any aggressive behavior immediately. Also, early socialization with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, can help prevent this problem.
- Jealousy: Dachshunds can get jealous if they feel they are not getting enough attention. Make sure to spend quality time with your Dachshund, especially when a new pet is introduced. Reward good behavior and reinforce positive interactions between your pets.
Cats
With their hunting ancestry, some dachshunds will happily chase cats. Early socialization and training help curb this impulse and allow peaceful cohabitation.
Common Problems and Solutions:
- Chasing: Dachshunds have a strong prey drive which can lead them to chase cats. To curb this impulse, it is important to establish boundaries and reinforce positive behavior. Reward your Dachshund for calm interactions with the cat and discourage chasing.
- Territorial Behavior: Both cats and dogs can be territorial. Make sure each pet has its own space, like a bed or a crate, and separate feeding areas. Gradual introductions and positive reinforcement can help in establishing a peaceful cohabitation.
Small Pets
Dachshunds may view small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds as prey due to their hunting instincts. Supervision is recommended when interacting.
Common Problems and Solutions:
- Prey Drive: Dachshunds have a strong prey drive which can lead them to view small animals as prey. It's important to always supervise interactions between your Dachshund and small pets. Never leave them alone together unsupervised.
- Excitement: The presence of small pets may excite your Dachshund. It is important to teach your Dachshund to remain calm around small pets. Reward calm behavior and discourage excessive excitement.
While Dachshunds can coexist peacefully with other pets, there are common problems that may arise due to their natural instincts and temperament. Proper socialization, training, and supervision are key to addressing these issues and ensuring a peaceful cohabitation. Ultimately, every dog is unique and may react differently to other pets. Knowing your Dachshund's temperament and being proactive in addressing potential issues will help in creating a harmonious environment for all your pets.
Dachshund Exercise Needs
Despite their small stature, dachshunds have moderate exercise requirements. Here's what to expect:
- 30-60 minutes per day - Dachshunds need around 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, broken into two or three shorter walks.
- High play drive - Dachshunds love to play and will stay occupied with interactive toys when indoors. Rotating toys keeps things interesting.
- Mental stimulation - In addition to physical activity, dachshunds need mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and social interaction.
- Leash recommended - When outdoors, dachshunds should be kept on a leash or in a secured, fenced area. If they catch an appealing scent, they are likely to wander off.
Dachshunds enjoy longer hikes or play sessions on weekends. But make sure to monitor them carefully for overexertion and heat exhaustion in warm weather.
Dachshund Grooming and Shedding
Fortunately, dachshunds have relatively low grooming needs:
- Weekly brushing - All coat types benefit from a thorough brushing once or twice per week to remove dead hair and distribute oils.
- Occasional bathing - Dachshunds only need occasional baths when dirty or smelly. Overbathing can dry out their skin.
- Shed moderately - Dachshunds shed a fair amount year-round and more heavily as seasons change. Brushing helps contain loose hair.
- Ear cleaning - Floppy eared dachshunds like the longhair and wirehair varieties prone to ear infections. Check and wipe their ears weekly.
- Nail trimming - Dachshunds' nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting.
With weekly brushing and the occasional bath, dachshunds are relatively easy keepers in the grooming department. Their moderate, manageable shedding makes them a good choice for those with mild allergies.
Dachshund Training and Behavior Challenges
Dachshunds are bright and trainable dogs, but their stubborn nature can pose some training challenges:
- House training - Dachshunds may take a bit longer than average to house train. Crate training, consistency, and patience are musts. Limit their unsupervised indoor roaming until fully housetrained.
- Barking - Many dachshunds are prone to frequent barking due to their watchdog tendencies. Reward quiet behavior during training and distract with toys or exercise when barking starts. Avoid yelling or scolding, which can reinforce the barking.
- Difficulty with recall - Dachshunds love to take off after intriguing scents outdoors. Work on solid recall training from a young age using high-value treats and a long training lead.
- Separation anxiety - Dachshunds very devoted to their families may develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Crate training helps ease anxiety when they must be left solo for short durations.
- Aggression - Improper socialization sometimes leads to dachshunds becoming aggressive toward strangers or other dogs. Early socialization and training helps prevent aggression issues.
Patience and consistency are key when training a dachshund. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly when properly motivated. Investing time into training reaps huge rewards in developing a well-mannered dog.
Common Dachshund Health Issues
All dogs have the potential for genetic health conditions. Some of the issues that can affect dachshunds include:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) - This back condition is unfortunately common in dachshunds due to their elongated spine. Signs include pain, unwillingness to jump or climb stairs, crying out, and partial paralysis. Keeping them lean and preventing jumping off furniture reduces risk.
- Patellar luxation - Loose kneecaps, common in small dog breeds, can cause lameness and arthritis. Mild cases may not require treatment but severe cases may warrant surgery.
- Hip dysplasia - This malformed hip socket can lead to osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight minimizes discomfort.
- Eye issues - Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy can affect dachshund vision. Routine vet checkups help identify any problems early.
Reputable dachshund breeders screen breeding dogs for these and other hereditary conditions and only breed the healthiest dogs. Ask any breeder you're considering about their health testing. Following vet recommendations for care and nutrition also keeps dachshunds their healthiest.
Finding a Dachshund Breeder
Looking to add a dachshund to your family? Here are tips for finding a responsible breeder:
- Seek referrals from local dachshund or kennel clubs. Reputable breeders are involved in breed clubs and competitions.
- Confirm health testing is performed on the breeding dogs. Hip evaluations, eye/heart exams, and patellar examinations should be standard.
- Ask to see where breeding dogs and puppies are raised. They should be in clean conditions and socialized with people.
- Responsible breeders interview buyers to ensure the puppy is a good match for their lifestyle and commitment level.
- Good breeders offer lifelong support and take back puppies if ever needed. Avoid "no questions asked" returns.
- Beware dachshund puppies sold in pet stores. These often originate from irresponsible breeding operations.
For help finding a reputable dachshund breeder, ask your veterinarian or check The Breeder Index directory.
Are Dachshunds the Right Dog for You?
The unique traits of the dachshund aren't the right match for every family. Consider the following before deciding if a doxie suits your lifestyle:
- Dachshunds require motivation and patience during training. Are you prepared to take the time for consistency?
- Their tendency to bark frequently may not work for apartments or shared walls. How disruptive barking could be for your situation?
- Can you provide 30-60 minutes of daily exercised for a dachshund? They thrive on activity.
- Are you able to lift and handle a long, awkwardly shaped dog? Dachshunds can't navigate stairs alone.
- Can you keep a curious dachshund safely confined when outdoors? Their roaming tendency demands secure fencing.
If these considerations aren't concerning, the playful and devoted dachshund could very well be the ideal addition to your family! Their compact size, moderate exercise requirements, and low grooming needs make them a highly adaptable breed. And those seeking a lively, loving companion will delight in the dachshund's big attitude and heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you further, here are answers to some common questions about dachshunds:
Q: How much does a dachshund puppy cost?
A: From a reputable breeder, dachshund puppies typically cost $800-$1500. Show quality dachshunds are usually $2000+. Adoption costs from a shelter or rescue are often $100-$300.
Q: Are dachshunds easy to potty train?
A: Dachshunds are notorious for being more difficult than average to house train. Their stubborn nature means potty training requires consistency using crate training, rewards, and frequent trips outside. Around 6-9 months is often needed.
Q: Are dachshunds aggressive?
A: Properly bred, socialized dachshunds have a friendly and eager-to-please temperament. However, without socialization and training, they can develop behaviors like aggression toward strangers or other dogs. Early socialization in puppyhood prevents or reduces aggression.
Q: Can dachshunds live in apartments?
A: Yes! Dachshunds are well suited for apartment living thanks to their small stature and moderate exercise requirements. However, their tendency to bark frequently is something to consider with apartment neighbors. Taking care not to lapse on training helps keep barking manageable.
Q: Do dachshunds do well with cats?
A: With their hunting ancestry, some dachshunds naturally have a high prey drive toward cats and other small pets. However, when properly introduced and socialized, dachshunds and cats can become the best of companions. Taking the time to let them bond and thrive together is key.
Q: How long do dachshunds live?
A: The average lifespan for a dachshund is 12-16 years. Following vet recommendations for nutrition, exercise, and preventative care helps ensure a long, healthy life for a beloved dachshund.
Exuberant. Affectionate. Outgoing. All words that perfectly describe the one-of-a-kind dachshund! Their endearing personality and devotion tend to win over even those hesitant of their long, low stature. With appropriate training and socialization, dachshunds can make marvelous family companions for those prepared for their big dog personality in a small but sturdy package.