Dachshunds are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Doxies are playful. Dachshunds can be aggressive.
How can this be true of one breed of dog? Well, it is. Doxies are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.
Bred in Germany to chase vermin in the 1600s, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, persistent and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog does not have the spirit of pursuit.
Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Dachshunds today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What can be considered aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What can be considered valuable persistence in one situation can be seen as willfulness in another.
Above all, Doxies are intelligent dogs. Doxies individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.
Keeping in mind that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Dachshunds are filled with curiosity and want to take part in any adventure going on around them. Some breeds are happy to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.
There are variations within these broad outlines.
The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. They will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.
The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung also. But they love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.
The Long-Hair Doxie is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. They are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn, but do enjoy a good romp. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.
All Dachshund variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, they like getting into things. Their powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out isn’t too much more difficult. As a result, if you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.
Having natural energy, Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities. A good idea for these “gophers” is an obstacle course with tunnels.
Doxies are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it adopts is unusually strong. Doxies want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..
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