Behavioural issues encountered in the Dachshund.

Why do Dachshund owners report so many behavioural and training issues with their Dachshund and globally, why does this small scent hound often rank highest for aggression ?

To understand this we firstly need to understand the Dachshund.

The Dachshund frequently features within the top 10, if not the top 5 lists of most popular dog breeds in Britain and the USA. The miniature smooth haired Dachshund is Britain's most commonly bred dog, evidencing the popularity and desirability of this breed, with demand surging during the period 2020 to 2022. As a consequence there is a whole industry focused around their needs, of clothing, social groups, walking meet ups, Instagram groups and fan bases. Advertisers love them for their photogenic and appealing personas. Anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics to animals, almost appears to have been invented for this breed. As the popularity has grown, so to have the number of Dachshunds in rescue centres or waiting within specific breed rescues for adoption into new homes. Running alongside this is an ever growing number of behavioural problems with even non dog owners attributing certain issues with Dachshunds.

Why is this ?

The Dachshund that we know today first began literally to take shape in the 17th Century, in what we know today as Germany, as a consequence of hunters selecting for certain desirable qualities in their badger dogs. In the centuries leading up to this any dog used for hunting the badger either below or on top of ground was referred to as a badger hound. It is during the 17th Century we begin to see a low slung short legged dog appear. It has been suggested that the Hanover Hound is an ancestor of the Dachshund. This powerful scenting hound has an old lineage, descended itself from medieval lead hounds, dogs which were used to track wounded game such as stag and boar. The Hanover Hound is a single minded tracking dog, reserved towards strangers but generally good with other dogs. Here we see a similarity with Dachshunds, who can also be reserved around unfamiliar people but also having the ability to be happy with the company of other dogs.

Form shows us function and the qualities that German hunters looked for in a dog tasked with tracking and flushing out game underground. As a consequence of hunting needs, specifically going underground to dig out prey, we see the development of a long dog, with a flexible spine and with short slightly crooked front legs and compact feet. This allowed dogs to dig and move soil aside. Watch a Dachshund move and you will notice the paddling front legs. These are not the webbed sand running toes of a Saluki. Square shoulders and upper arm strength also allowed for efficient soil moving, with a deep chest giving room for the heart and lungs. The breed is designed for strenuous underground work. This working dog would have needed a strong jaw and large teeth for confronting the badger. All in all the Dachshund is a superbly designed dog for the purpose of hunting and flushing prey underground.

Now we come to the interesting part, the mental attributes. Working under ground requires a dog who is quick witted, bold and courageous. With no handler close at hand, the Dachshund is able to work independently of people with the ability to also work within a pack to track larger prey. The independent nature of a scenting hound as well as a resourceful and tenacious underground hunter has given rise to the consensus that the Dachshund is stubborn. If we view the breed as stubborn we are in danger of assuming that this trait is somehow naughty. Equally our expectations can be unrealistic if we expect a biddable people pleasing dog, It is always worth remembering Dachshunds are not gun dogs and while they can be loyal and affectionate, nevertheless they are scenting hounds and are best viewed and understood for the purpose they were bred for, which is working independently underground to flush out prey or ahead of the hunt following the scent of game such as wild boar. If your role is to tackle a badger then you need a certain personality to take them on. It is not a job for the timid dog. Prey driven with tenacity, fearlessness and a forward drive will get the job done.

The American writer E B White once said regarding his Dachshund Fred, ' When I address Fred, I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes.' Beautifully summing up the distinctive characteristic of these fascinating dogs and their independent working nature.

That is not to say that we cannot train Dachshunds. They are bright, capable dogs, who enjoy the chance to learn. You will have to be consistent in training, as well as providing strong leadership, think about the role of the forest hunter in Germany.

Their greatest attribute is the ability to follow a scent and as with all dogs of the scenting group, they can be focused and driven to the exclusion of everything else. On one hand this can make recall challenging, but equally we must acknowledge that these little dogs have an inherent need to use their nose. When we factor scent work into their life and opportunities for sniffing on their walk, we can meet this need. Indeed when we recognise the Dachshunds hunting drives, rather than viewing them as cute little dogs, then we take the first step to avoiding behavioural issues developing.

I cannot help but question how far we have come from the fearless, prey driven hunters companion to a dog dressed in all manner of designer coats, matching harnesses, and bows. I do not wish to be a kill joy and yes Dachshunds need coats as they feel the cold and hate the rain, but we can do this without turning them into 'fur babies'. They are not babies, neither do they want to be. They are bright, busy, affectionate but independent dogs and we should value them for their hunting dog qualities. Recognising and respecting this changes our mind set. When we understand their needs especially before we take a Dachshund into our home we can be sure that we are aware as much as possible, of what owning a Dachshund truly entails.

A Dachshund who is not mentally and physically fulfilled can become miserable and frustrated, leading to stress and ultimately chronic stress, with all that entails for physical health. When we don't meet needs and when we treat Dachshunds as accessories we can inadvertently create the conditions for stress and anxiety and also aggression. While aggression can have many causes, not understanding the characteristics of this small hunting dog can play a part in the development of emotional issues including aggressive behaviours.

Currently Dachshunds requiring new homes through rescue outstrips available foster homes and rescue kennel space. Indeed one rescue in Britain reported in February 2026 that Dachshund rescue had reached crisis point.

So, how do we deal with the Dachshund problem ? Well we could turn this on its head and ask the question what makes a good Dachshund owner ?

I would suggest an owner who understands a hunting dog, appreciating them for their affectionate, yet independent qualities, their love of exercise and exploration, for their busy approach to life. While these are dogs who love warmth and comfort, they are not babies and do best with boundaries and rules, training, plenty of outdoor exercise and off lead time in an enclosed field if need be. Despite short legs, Dachshunds enjoy exercise and the opportunity for novel exploration. The 'idea' of owning a small, easy to carry dog, chosen based on looks alone and driven by advertising, social media endorsement and celebrity popularity has clouded the general publics view of the Dachshund. Is it time perhaps that we remembered who this Badger Dog really is.