5 Reasons To Choose a Dachshund

Are you thinking of adding a Dachshund to your life? Dachshunds are becoming increasingly popular - but what is all the fuss about? Here are 5 reasons to choose a dachshund as your new best friend.

1. Dachshunds form very strong bonds with their people. If you are getting a dog as a companion and want to experience the love and affection that comes from having a wonderful relationship with a dog, dachshunds are a great choice. They make very close companions - often wanting to be sat with you, or ON you, at every opportunity.

2. Dachshunds are very trainable. If you like the idea of having a dog who can be trained to do an around-the-world or even compete in doggy dance competitions, dachshunds are very capable! Despite the tiny hound's reputation for stubbornness, they have huge brains, and once you have found the key to motivating them, they can succeed at a wide range of activities!

3. Dachshunds love a lie in. Want a smart dog but don't think you have time for the brutal 6am training sessions that a Malinois requires? Dachshunds show a nice balance between lazy dogs that love to lie-in until 10am and energetic adventure dogs that will join you on a hike. So if you love a day exploring the wilderness, but also love hitting the snooze button on a Sunday - a dachshund could be your soul dog.

4. Dachshund coats are easy to take care of. Long-haired dachshunds need some brushing in key areas to prevent matting - mainly around the ears, under the forelegs, and around the back legs. But they don't require intensive coat care or expensive grooming sessions like many poodles, doodles, or other longer-haired dogs.

5. Dachshunds love outdoor adventures. Do you love spending your weekends trekking up hills or going to the beach? Or do you like picking mushrooms in the forest and camping under the stars? Being hounds, Dachshunds love to just sniff and explore all day, so they make excellent adventure companions! Will they need to be carried on some very long hikes? Miniature Dachshunds - almost certainly, but they only weigh around 5kg and can be carried easily in a doggy backpack if you're walking very far.

Dachshunds are an amazing breed full of personality. Like all breeds, dachshunds can be vocal and require consistent training and careful management of their backs (more about this in the article on IVDD).

Here's the bottom line - they are not without issues, particularly if you get a puppy from a stressed mother or don't understand their critical brain development period! Puppies from stressed dogs experience brain changes that can affect their personalities for life. Also, dogs that don't get the right exposure to new experiences, mild stress, sleep and recovery during the critical period (before 16 weeks old) can find many new things in life scary. That is why it is essential to understand puppy socialisation and pick dachshund puppies from reputable breeders who have health-tested their parents - so that your puppy can have the best start in life!