5 Ways Dachshund Personality is Shaped by What they’re Bred to Do
Your dramatic little hot dog isn't just putting on a show—they're channeling centuries of instinct. Those charming quirks we love so much weren't accidents—dachshunds were bred specifically to perform important jobs. Let's burrow into what dachshunds were bred for and why these traits give your pup their adorably quirky (and sometimes overly dramatic) personality today.
1. Digging: More Than Just Cute Mischief
Their iconic low-rider shape and elongated build weren't just designed to melt hearts— they helped dachshunds wriggle through tight burrows. Those oversized front paws everyone admires are actually professional excavation tools. If your dachshund insists on helping in the garden or burrowing under your blankets, they're simply following their instincts.
When I take my dachshund, Nelson, to the beach, his enthusiastic digging makes it look like he's on a treasure hunt, convinced he's uncovering buried gold. He always ends up completely covered in sand— I still can't understand how he tolerates having all that sand in his mouth! To save your yard, consider adding a sandbox for your dachshund to have digging fun.
2. From Badger Hunter to Couch Potato
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers—creatures known for their claws and aggressive attitudes. So, when your dog bravely squares up to the vacuum cleaner, remember—they’re not overreacting, they’re simply unleashing their inner badger battler. Their name, "dachshund," translates to "badger dog" in German.
3. Reporting for Squirrel Patrol
Miniature dachshunds had their own special mission: hunting smaller prey like rabbits and rodents. That strong prey drive hasn’t gone anywhere— it's just hilariously redirected. We've all watched our fierce little hunters unleash their instincts... on squeaky toys. If your dachshund relentlessly chases squirrels—or, if they're an NYC dachshund like my dog Nelson, enthusiastically pursues pigeons—they’re simply honoring their hunting heritage. Practice recall training with high-value treats to ensure your dachshund returns to you even when distracted by potential prey.
4. And Now, A Word From Your Dachshund
Dachshunds were bred to bark loudly underground, signaling their location to hunters above. Their enthusiastic barking isn't just noise—it's purposeful communication, they’re broadcasting important updates from the front lines (which happens to be your living room). Consider desensitization training to help your dachshund understand not everything is a threat that needs to be urgently reported. Teach a "quiet" command and reward your pup’s moments of silence. They aren't just barking.
5. Brains Behind the Bark
To succeed underground, dachshunds had to be clever problem-solvers, quickly deciding how to chase prey and navigate tight tunnels. Today, their sharp minds love a good puzzle— it gives them a chance to flex their brains and channel that cleverness which also helps prevent those signature antics. Engage your dachshund's natural curiosity with treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats, or puzzle feeders. Prevent sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong by putting that nose to work with mental challenges. Let’s be honest—thinking is exhausting. Just like any proper gym session, a mental workout deserves a snack at the end.
Embrace Their Instincts
Dachshund’s history isn’t just a fun trivia fact—it’s the cheat code to understand their quirks. When you understand their instincts, you can maximize the value of training and exercise. Even though they think they're the boss of the household, we still want them to follow the rules.
