Dachshunds are spunky, lively little dogs, but don’t be fooled – this hunting breed is also chock full of prey drive, sass, and a few other traits that you may not be familiar with.
While there are different coat types of Dachshund (wired, smooth, long haired), and they do vary slightly in personality sometimes, Dachshunds mostly share the same general personality traits.
The common characteristics we discuss in this article are the same for both Miniature and Standard Dachshunds.
Top 13 Personality Traits of Dachshunds
There are many personality traits that make Doxies special.
Some are commonly viewed as negative personality traits of the Dachshund breed, some are positive or negative based on a person’s ability, perception, and expectations, and some are seen as positive traits that make the breed so endearing.
Below are 13 of the most common Dachshund personality traits, listed in no particular order.
1) Dachshunds Can Be Needy
Dachshunds can be super needy, leading to separation anxiety and other behavioral obstacles.
They are known to be “shadow dogs” because of their desire to follow humans around the house and into the bathroom.
If you don’t want standing by you and moving around your feet constantly, a Dachshund may not be for you.On the other hand, if you want constant company and attention, they might be your perfect match.
2) Dachshunds Are Loyal
Since Dachshunds are known shadow dogs, this also means that they are loyal beyond belief. It’s is one of the most desirable traits of a Dachshund.
Dachshunds often bond with a specific family member in the house, and become their number one loyal companion.
If you want a buddy who will constantly be by your side and protect you against perceived threats, look no further than the Dachshund!
3) Dachshunds Are Affectionate
With loyalty and neediness comes an affectionate personality.
Dachshunds are very affectionate and love to cuddle. If you sit down, and there is room, they will lay down beside you. If there is no room beside you, they will probably want on your lap.
Your Dachshund will likely want to be touching a person as often as they can, especially the one they are most attached to in the household.
Although not all owners allow it, most Dachshunds will choose to sleep in your bed with you if they can.
They just want to be close to, and touching you, whenever they can
4) Dachshunds Like to Burrow
Dachshunds love to burrow under blankets to create their own little cozy forts.
You’ll notice this especially in the winter, when your Doxie will make a comfortable little body warmer.
Both of you will benefit from this Dachshund personality trait because burrowing helps your dog to stay warm and safe-feeling and you will likely find it cute.
5) Dachshunds Are Tenacious
Dachshunds don’t like to give up, They were bred to solve problems on their own so that means “if there is a will, there is a way” is engrained into the psyche.
Other words for tenacious, with a more negative connotation, is relentless.
Some owners even describe their Dachshund as stuboorn, which is a misnomer because dog’s don’t feel human emotions like that.
If a Dachshund wants something, they will try and try until they get it…. or pester you over and over hoping that you will give in.
If they want to do something different than you ask, they may chose that instead.
These traits have given Dachshunds the reputation that they are difficult or impossible to train.
However, these independent thinkers are super smart so Dachshunds can be trained.
It’s true though that it can take plenty of repetition and patience.
6) Dachshunds Bark A Lot
This breed is one of the most vocal. They tend to bark at other dogs, fellow animals, and even strangers walking by.
If you just got a Dachshund puppy, don’t be fooled. It often takes 6 or 6 or 7 months for a Dachshund to vind their voice. But once they discover their bark, watch out!
This personality trait makes sense – they were bred to alert hunters to vermin like badgers and rabbits. Dachshunds are likely to bark every time they hear (even if you don’t) or see something that doesn’t seem right to them.
The tendency to bark loudly ever time they perceive danger means that they make great watchdogs. It also means that you could get complaints from your neighbor or landlord.
Dachshunds can be trained to bark less, but it takes time and can be incredibly challenging to take on.
7) Dachshunds Have a High Prey Drive
Since Dachshunds were bred to hunt rodents and other small game, they have a strong prey drive.
Basically, if it moves quickly, a Dachshund will likely see it as prey and want to chase it.
New Doxie owners may not realize how committed Dachshunds are to hunting until they go after the neighbor’s cat or backyard squirrel.
Prey drive can also affect a Dachshund’s ability to be comfortable with small children as they often move quickly and erratically but many Dachshunds learn to live harmoniously with children.
8) Dachshunds Can Be Difficult to Potty Train
Dachshunds are notoriously challenging to potty train so use these potty training tips to start off on the right foot.
With the right techniques, and consistency from you, a Dachshund isn’t that hard to potty train, although they do typically take longer to potty train than some other breeds.
And remember that Dachshunds are low to the ground, which can even cause them to avoid going outside to potty while it’s raining. Wet bellies can be tough for Doxies (at least in their minds)!
9) Dachshunds Are Lively and Playful
Dachshunds are energetic and need plentiful exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It’s a common misconception that Dachshunds are lazy due to their small stature. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Dachshunds need an abundance of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from digging, barking excessively, and otherwise becoming higher maintenance.
10) Dachshunds Love to Sleep In Your Bed
As mentioned above, since Dachshunds enjoy burrowing under the covers, expect that your Doxie will be the first in line to jump in bed with you.
Tired of sleeping alone? You’ll never be alone again with a Dachshund in your life.
If you do prefer to never be woken at night, or share your bed with your partner solo, you can train your Dachshund to sleep in their own bed beside you or in a dog crate.
11) Dachshunds Have BIG Personalities
Dachshunds often think they are bigger and tougher than they are.
They have a big bark that can sound aggressive or mean, even if it isn’t.
Your Doxie may also try to take on bigger dogs or threatening humans while out for a stroll.
12) Dachshunds Are Clever and Intelligent
Oh boy, Dachshunds sure are smart! This is also something we touched on in the training section above.
This breed is clever enough to manipulate you with those big eyes, or outsmart you when they want something.
You will quickly find the Dachshunds eyes are very powerful tools. They can make you feel guilty with one glance and are very hard to say no to.
Dachshunds will even beg for scraps until you give in or they drive you crazy. Or both!
Puzzle feeders and other enrichment items can help maintain your Dachshund’s mental stability.
13) Dachshunds Love to Dig
Dachshunds were bred to dig into holes in order to catch the prey they are after. Because of this, many Doxies will dig holes in the yard or other places.
This means they may dig under a fence in a corner of the yard you can’t see to escape. Or they may dig up that beautiful rose bush you just planted.
You can discourage a Dachshund from digging, but it can be a challenge if they have already learned to love it.
It’s best to start discouraging it as soon as you see interest from your Dachshund by gently telling them no and redirecting them to something fun like a snuffle mat or toy.
Final Thoughts On the Dachshund Temperament
A Dachshund’s temperament overall is endearing yet feisty and playful.
Dachshund’s are highly adaptable to a variety of situations, as long as they have the support they need from their owners.
But one thing is for sure – Dachshunds are a whole ton of personality put into a tiny stature.
They are active and require daily long walks.
This curious breed is alert and will have no problems letting you know if there is a perceived threat!
Their barking and prey drive are commonly frustrating for new Dachshund owners, but if you know what you’re getting yourself into, you can be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Once someone becomes a Dachshund owner, they often become obsessed with the breed.
However, the Dachshund’s personality traits don’t work for everyone and all lifestyles. Please educate your self about the breed, and be honest about what dog personality would suit you best, before choosing to get a Dachshund.
