Country of origin Germany: 1840–50; (German, equivalent to Dachs badger + Hund dog)

Life span 12-16

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The dachs­hund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed belonging to the hound family. The standard size dachs­hund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature dachs­hund was developed to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits. In the American West they have also been used to hunt prairie dogs.

Temperament
A long-haired standard dachshund
    Dachshunds are playful, but can be stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. Many dachs­hunds are stubborn, making them a challenge to train. Several quotes have been recorded regarding the training of dachs­hunds; one is from “Being the owner of dachs­hunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot. Some day, if I ever get a chance, I shall write a book, or warning, on the character and temperament of the dachs­hund and why he can’t be trained and shouldn’t be. I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a dachs­hund to heed my slightest command. When I address M&M’s, I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something he wants to do.”

    They have a loud bark and without proper training they can become nuisance barkers. Dachs­hunds are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners, though they can be standoffish towards strangers. If left alone, many dachshunds will whine until they have companionship. Like many dogs if left alone too frequently, some dachs­hunds are prone to sep­ar­ation anxiety and may chew objects in the house to relieve stress. They rank 49th in Stanley Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working and obedience intelligence. Dachs­hunds can be difficult to housebreak, and patience and consistency is often needed in this endeavor.

    According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standards, “the dachs­hund is clever, lively and cour­ageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above and below ground work, with all the senses well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault.” Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small size. Like many small hunting dogs, they will challenge a larger dog. Indulged dachs­hunds may become snappy or extremely obstinate.

    Many dachs­hunds do not like unfamiliar people, and many will growl or bark at them. Although the dachs­hund is generally an energetic dog, some are sedate. This dog’s behavior is such that it is not the dog for everyone. A bored, untrained dachs­hund will become destructive. If raised improperly and not socialized at a young age, dachs­hunds can become aggressive or fearful. They require a caring owner who understands their need for en­ter­tain­ment and exercise.

    Dachshunds may not be the best pets for small children. Like any dog, dachs­hunds need a proper introduction at a young age. Well trained dachs­hunds and well behaved children usually get along fine. Otherwise, they may be aggres­sive and bite an unfamiliar child, especially one that moves quickly around them or teases them. How­ever, many dachs­hunds are very tolerant and loyal to children within their family, but these children should be mindful of the vulnerability of the breed’s back and not carry them around roughly.