Doxies are an independent breed. Doxies are loving. Doxies like to play. Doxies can be aggressive.
How can all this be true of one breed of dog? Well, it is. Doxies are among the most complex and interesting breeds because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.
Bred in Germany in the 1600s to chase vermin, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be resourceful, persistent and strong-willed. 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 Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is aggression in one circumstance can be simple courage in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.
Above all, Dachshunds are an intelligent breed. Being as they have an individualist charcter, they are more difficult to take an interest in training. Their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do if handled properly.
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 happy to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.
There are variations within these broad outlines noted.
The Smooth-Coat exhibits all the classic behaviors - leading the pack whenever possible, barking at the least invasion to its territory and more. Doxies will be reluctant more often to take a bath and struggle during nail clipping time.
The Wire-Hair type acts and looks like a combination of terrier and Doxie. Terriers are high strung also. They love to play and their behavior is just forthright, not necessarily aggressive.
The Long-Hair 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 Dachshund variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, Dachshunds 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 garden or lawn intact, do not allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.
Having natural energy, Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities. A good idea for these “gophers” is an obstacle course with tunnels.
Dachshunds are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Doxie and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Dachshunds want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Doxie owner will be happy to tell you……..
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