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Doxie Temperament

April 30, 2009 | Filed Under: Dogs And Family

Dachshunds are independent. Dachshunds are loving. Doxies like to play. They are aggressive.

How can all this be true of one breed of dog? Well, it is. Dachshunds are among the most complex and interesting 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 persistent, resourceful and strong-willed. If the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit, it does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. While most Dachshunds today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is considered simple courage in one circumstance can be aggression in another. What can be considered willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.

Above all, they are an intelligent breed. Having an individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled properly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Dachshnuds want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisified to sit by observing quietly. A Dachshund wants to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.

There are variations within these broad outlines.

The classic-looking Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. It will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair type acts and looks like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung too. They love to play and their behavior is just forthright, not necessarily aggressive.

The Long-Hair Dachshund is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. Although they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

They are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, they like getting into things. Dachshunds 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. 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. Tunnels in an obstacle course is a good idea for these “gophers”.

They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies enjoy interaction and want to be near people. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..

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