Dachshunds are affectionately known as the wiener dog. These brave dogs have big personalities in small bodies, and the tough-sounding dachshund bark can be mistaken for that of a large dog. Dachshunds put on a great performance baring their teeth and showcasing their voices at the ring of a doorbell or the knock of a stranger.
In spite of their tough, outward appearance, dachshunds are lovable dogs that make great companions. A dachshund will lovingly look up at his returning owner and enthusiastically squirm his body and wag his tail when greeting his human.
Dachshunds do not hesitate to ask for affection with the nudge of a nose, the tap of a paw, or a resounding bark. They love to snuggle and prefer to snooze with their humans. They make excellent, nighttime foot warmers, but they jump at the first opportunity to hog the bed or to cuddle alongside the human.
Intelligence is One of the Dachshund Characteristics That Makes Dachshund Training Difficult
Dachshunds have a reputation for being stubborn dogs, a characteristic attributed to their intelligence. Dachshunds may be described as "defiant, willful, obstinate, headstrong, and intractable," explains Eve Adamson in her book Dachshunds for Dummies published by Hungry Minds, Inc. in 2001. "All true, yes, and in some Dachshunds more than others.
"Instead of angering those who love him, the stubborn Dachshund engenders affection, even pride, because the Dachshund's obstinate nature is anything but malicious. Your little pup is simply smart as a whip." What the dachshund owner may perceive as bad behavior may simply be the result of the dachshund's ability to problem solve. It is precisely this personality trait that has led some to believe that dachshund training is impossible.
The Dachshund Personality is Strong, Effective, and Goal-Oriented
Coriander is a red, piebald dachshund that is very well-behaved, but she demonstrates that she knows what she wants. If Coriander wants to lie on the couch, but her blanket is draped over the back of the couch, she will put her head under the blanket and pull back. She will continue the action until she finally yanks the blanket onto her couch cushion. She will then wrap herself tightly in the blanket, unseen by passersby.
Nellie is a master at using body language to communicate with her people. She scratches at the door when she wants to go in or outside. It is loud, as if she is knocking. If she wants her person to go to bed with her, she will stand in front of the person, stare her in the eye, and wag her tail. This always prompts the person to ask, "What do you want, Nellie?" Nellie turns and runs in the direction of the bedroom, then she turns and looks at her person and repeats the sequence of events until the person is where Nellie wants her.
Marji is a black and tan dachshund who likes to chase mice. Her owner used to keep her in the laundry room while away at work. The laundry room was next to the bathroom. Mice traveled within the wall shared by the two rooms. Marji wanted to chase the mice, so she scratched and chewed holes in the drywall.
Dachshunds are friendly, lovable, and loyal companions. They do their best to protect their humans and their homes, and sometimes fail to recognize when they are outmatched. Their intelligence sometimes manifests as poor behavior, but they can be easily and happily occupied with their human's presence. Perhaps it is best that these big personalities are trapped in small bodies.
Diane Ursu - Diane Ursu joined Suite101 as a contributing writer in August 2009 and became a Feature Writer in January 2010. She is a freelance writer ...
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