Built for tunnels
Dachshunds were developed in Germany several centuries ago to track badgers and follow them into their dens. That job explains almost everything about them: the long, low body that fits into a burrow, the big paddle-shaped paws made for digging, and a deep bark that sounds like it belongs to a much larger dog.
Personality: small dog, big opinions
Dachshunds are loyal, curious and playful, and famously independent. A hunting dog that worked alone underground had to make its own decisions, and modern doxies still like to weigh their options before following a command.
Training works best with patience, short sessions and plenty of treats. Many dachshunds love to burrow under blankets and pillows, a habit left over from their den-hunting days.
Why they chew your shoelaces
Dachshunds are scent hounds with a strong prey drive. A dangling lace that twitches every time you move looks a lot like a tiny critter, and your shoes smell strongly of you, which makes them extra tempting when you leave the house.
Sturdy chew toys, a daily walk with lots of time to sniff, and putting shoes out of reach go a long way. Our Wiener Dog notebook, "Lace to meet you", is dedicated to every dachshund who has ever been caught mid-lace.
Living with a dachshund
That long back needs looking after. Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems such as intervertebral disc disease, so vets often recommend keeping them at a healthy weight and using ramps or steps instead of letting them jump off beds and sofas. Ask your vet what is right for your dog.
They adapt well to apartments as long as they get daily walks and some mental exercise, like snuffle mats or hide-and-seek with treats.
Gift ideas for dachshund lovers
A few ideas that fit the breed and the people who love it:
- The Wiener Dog notebook: an A5 spiral hardcover with 100 ruled sheets and a dachshund caught with a sneaker ($19.99).
- A cozy burrow bed or blanket, because every doxie needs somewhere to tunnel.
- A pet ramp for the sofa or bed, to protect that famous back.
- A snuffle mat, so the nose gets a workout instead of the shoelaces.