Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
Dachshunds have experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years, thanks to the influence of social media. They have been portrayed as easy-to-care-for pets that are good to train and generally unproblematic.
This difficulty arises from a lack of understanding among first-time pet owners. Who desire this breed without fully comprehending the responsibilities it entails. As a result, many dachshunds end up in shelters within their first year of life as their owners come to realize that they have bitten off more than they can chew. This leads dog enthusiasts to wonder Why Dachshunds are the Worst Breed.
Dachshunds as a Breed
Dachshunds, often affectionately referred to as “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs,” are a distinctive and popular breed of small to medium-sized dogs known for their elongated bodies and short legs. They belong to the hound family and were originally bred in Germany for hunting purposes.
Dachshunds originated in Germany several centuries ago. They were initially bred for hunting purposes, particularly for going after burrowing animals like badgers, hence their name. The Dachshund’s long body, short legs, and strong build were traits that helped them excel in tunneling into burrows and flushing out game.
Reasons Why Dachshunds Are The Worst Breed
They Hate Rain
Many often wonder why do Dachshunds hate rain. Dachshunds often dislike rain due to their body structure and coat type. Their long bodies and short legs make them susceptible to getting wet and cold quickly. The rainwater can also get trapped in their ears, causing discomfort. Additionally, their coat is not as water-resistant as some other breeds, so they can become wet and uncomfortable faster. These factors combined make rain unpleasant for many Dachshunds.
Dachshunds have short legs and long bodies due to their unique breed characteristics. This physical structure can make them more susceptible to getting wet and feeling cold quickly, which might contribute to their dislike of rain. Additionally, some dogs are just naturally averse to wet environments, loud noises like thunder or other factors associated with rain.
Stubbornness
Dachshunds are known for their stubborn nature. This can make training more difficult for some owners, especially those who are inexperienced or not willing to put in the effort to establish themselves as the leader.
Aggression
Some Dachshunds can be prone to aggressive behavior, particularly towards other dogs or unfamiliar people. This can be managed with proper training and socialization, but it might require more effort compared to other breeds.
Digging and Barking
Dachshunds have a history of being bred as hunting dogs, and their strong prey drive can lead to behaviors like digging and excessive barking, which might be undesirable for some households.
Back Problems
Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues, particularly back problems due to their elongated spine. This can lead to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and other related issues, which can be both emotionally and financially taxing for their owners.
Housebreaking Challenges
Some Dachshunds can be challenging to housebreak, which can be frustrating for owners trying to maintain a clean and orderly living space.
High Energy
While Dachshunds are small dogs, they can have a lot of energy. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can become restless and engage in undesirable behaviors.
Behavioral Problems
Dachshunds, like all breeds, have their own set of traits and challenges. It’s important to approach dog ownership with an open mind, understanding, and willingness to provide proper training and care to address any behavioral issues that might arise.
Sensitivity
While Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, they can be sensitive to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement-based training that rewards good behavior tends to work better for them than punitive or forceful methods.
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds tend to form strong bonds with their owners and can be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. This can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or other signs of distress.
Short Life Span
Regarding their lifespan, it is true that Dachshunds are generally considered a small to medium-sized breed, and smaller breeds often tend to have longer lifespans compared to larger breeds. Dachshunds typically have a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years, but this can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle.
Shedding
One common concern with Dachshunds, as you mentioned, is shedding. Dachshunds have short coat that sheds, so they require regular grooming to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy. However, shedding is a common characteristic in many breeds, and there are ways to mitigate its impact through proper grooming and maintenance.
Not Good for Children
It’s worth noting that many families have Dachshunds that get along wonderfully with children and are beloved family pets. The key to having any breed of dog around children is proper training, socialization, supervision, and understanding of the individual dog’s personality and needs.
Temperament Variation
Like all breeds, Dachshunds can have varying temperaments. Some may be more tolerant of children, while others might be more reserved or even irritable. It’s important to remember that a dog’s temperament depends on a variety of factors including socialization, training, and individual personality.
High Maintenance
Proper training, socialization, and care can go a long way in helping to manage any challenges associated with this breed. Additionally, many people absolutely adore Dachshunds for their lively personalities, loyalty, and companionship.
Not Lap Dogs
Dachshunds, although often misunderstood as lap dogs due to their small size, possess a unique combination of qualities that sets them apart from traditional lap dogs.
Despite their small stature, Dachshunds exhibit an impressive amount of energy and enthusiasm, which can be attributed to their hunting instincts.
Independent
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with a strong sense of independence. They can sometimes be a bit stubborn and less interested in constantly seeking human attention, which might not align with the lap dog stereotype of always wanting to be close to their owner.
Scrappy and High Prey Drive
Dachshunds are The Worst Breed and were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. As a result, they tend to have a strong prey drive and an instinct to dig and explore. While these traits were advantageous for their original purpose, they might not be well-suited for every household or living situation.
Dachshunds Positive Traits
Dachshunds, often referred to as “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs,” are known for their distinctive appearance and charming personalities. They possess several positive traits that make them popular and beloved pets:
Loyal and Affectionate
Dachshunds are known to form strong bonds with their owners. They are loyal and often seek out physical closeness, enjoying cuddling and spending time with their human companions.
Curious and Playful
Dachshunds have a curious nature and are often filled with energy and playfulness. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and engaging in interactive games with their owners.
Intelligent and Trainable
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that can quickly learn commands and tricks. Positive reinforcement training methods work well with them, as they respond well to praise and treats. However, they can also have a stubborn streak, so patience and consistency are key during training.
Great Companions
Due to their affectionate nature and adaptability, Dachshunds make great companions for individuals and families alike. They are well-suited for both city and suburban living and can thrive in various living situations.
Social and Friendly
Dachshunds often get along well with other dogs and pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. Their playful demeanor can make them enjoyable playmates for other animals.
Low Exercise Requirements
While Dachshunds do enjoy playtime and walks, they don’t have extremely high exercise requirements. Their short legs and small size mean that they can get a fair amount of exercise in a smaller space.
Minimal Grooming Needs
Dachshunds have a short coat that requires relatively low maintenance. Regular brushing can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Good Watchdogs
Due to their alertness and tendency to bark when they sense something amiss, Dachshunds can make effective watchdogs, alerting their owners to potential intruders or unfamiliar noises.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that opinions about dog breeds can vary widely, and what one person considers negative about a breed, another might find endearing. That said, some reasons people might consider Dachshunds challenging could include their stubbornness, tendency to bark, potential for back problems due to their long spine, and their sometimes assertive behavior.
However, these traits can also be managed with proper training, socialization, and care. It’s always best to approach any breed with an open mind and a willingness to understand their unique needs and characteristics.