Temperament of a Doxie
Doxies are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Dachshunds are playful. Dachshunds can be aggressive.
How can this be true of one dog breed? Well it is. Dachshunds are among the most complex and interesting breeds because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.
Bred in Germany in the late 1600s to chase vermin, fearless and bold characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, persistent and resourceful. If the dog does not have the spirit of pursuit, it does little good to have feet and legs that are excellent for digging.
Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What can be considered aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.
Above all, Doxies are intelligent dogs. Dachshunds individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interst in training. But handled properly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.
Independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Doxies want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisfied to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.
Within these broad outlines there are variations.
The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. Doxies will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.
The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers are high strung too. But they love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.
The Long-Hair is more like the Irish Setter in miniature, though not to that extreme. They enjoy a good romp, but 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 small game, such as badgers, into a den, they like getting into things. Dachshunds muscular chest and powerful front legs make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out is not too much more difficult. As a result, if you want to keep the lawn or garden intact, don’t allow the Dachshund to roam freely without supervision.
Having natural energy, Doxies do need at least moderate exercies in activities. An obstacle course with tunnels is a good idea for these “gophers”.
They are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any owner will be happy to tell you……..
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