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Posts Tagged ‘intelligent’

Dachshunds are an independent breed. Doxies are loving. They like to play. Dachshunds are aggressive.

How can all this be true of one dog breed? Well, it is. They are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely 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 persisitent, strong-willed and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. Most Dachshunds 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 can be vaulable persistence in one situation can be considered willfulness in another.

Above all, they are an intelligent breed. Dachshunds individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interst in training. But handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. They want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are satisified to sit by observing quietly. A Dachshund wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.

There are variations within these broad outlines noted.

The Smooth-Coat Dachshund exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. They will be reluctant more often to take a bath and struggle during nail clipping time.

The Wire-Hair type looks and acts like a combination of Doxie and terrier. Terriers, also, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair Doxie is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. Even though they enjoy a good romp, they 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.

All Doxie variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, Doxies like getting into things. Doxies muschular 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 isn’t too much more difficult. If you want to keep the lawn or garden intact, don’t allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.

But Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities where they can work off some of their natural energy. Tunnels in an obstacle course is a good idea for these “gophers”.

They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it adopts is unusually strong. They want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..

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