Why Are Dachshunds Considered the Worst Dog Breed?
Dachshunds, also known as Doxies, Teckels, Dackels, Wiener Dogs, or Weenies, are loved for their unique appearance, loyal, lively, and courageous personality, and come in long haired, wire haired, and miniature varieties. Their beauty, intelligence, and vivacity have captivated families, but raising one comes with real challenges.
Often called hotdogs due to their long bodies and stubby legs, Dachshunds also have a loud bark that surprises many. Though many dog lovers consider them wonderful pets, others believe they’re the worst breed due to their strong traits and characteristics shaped by their original breeding purpose. Understanding both sides helps determine if this short-legged dog is right for you.
Why Are Dachshunds Considered the Worst Dog Breed? – Short Answer
Dachshunds are often considered the worst breed by some due to their stubbornness, loud barking, and strong prey drive, which can make them challenging to train. However, with proper training, socialization, and attention, these intelligent and loyal dogs can become loving companions.
Prone to Spinal Issues (IVDD)
Dachshunds are uniquely built with long backs and short legs, which makes them particularly prone to spinal issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). These conditions can cause serious pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis, especially when your pup jumps or runs too hard.
To help prevent injuries, regular veterinary checks, careful handling, and making sure they don’t jump from high places are essential. One surprisingly helpful measure is using proper Dachshund clothes, specifically designed to support their body and add a layer of protection.
The right clothing not only keeps them comfortable but also reduces the chance of strain, helping them stay healthy and active longer. Another effective option is using a spinal support harness, which can significantly reduce spinal pressure and improve mobility.
Much like a mother’s embrace, this kind of harness offers stability and security, especially for a Dachshund showing signs of discomfort or distress. It helps your dog walk freely while minimizing the risk of worsening any back-related condition.
Stubborn and Hard to Train
Dachshunds are known for their strong-willed nature, and while they may be small in size, they come with big personalities. Many new owners assume they’ll be naturally obedient, but these pups often have a mind of their own, making training quite the challenge—Are Dachshunds Naughty? is a common question people ask when dealing with this behavior.
Whether they’re chasing animals, digging, or just happily playing, it’s not uncommon for a Dachshund to ignore commands, especially when distracted by something more interesting. When these dogs become set in their ways — such as walking, eating, or sleeping at specific times or places — making changes to their routine can be extremely difficult.
That’s why Dachshunds are considered independent pooches and require consistent, positive reinforcement from early on. Without this kind of steady guidance, forming and maintaining good habits can be tough for both the dog and the owner.
Excessive Barking
Because of their hunting instincts, Dachshunds are naturally highly alert, making them more likely to bark when they hear new sounds or sense creatures nearby—Why Do Dachshunds Bark? is a great topic to explore to better understand and manage this vocal habit.
Their barking is more than just noise — it’s a way they express needs like hunger, discomfort, desire to play, or even separation anxiety. This vocal behavior is deeply rooted in their instincts, so managing it effectively requires understanding its causes.
To help reduce barking behavior, it’s important to provide your Dachshund with sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and early training. Socialization also plays a key role. Additionally, using a well-fitting piece of clothing can help some Dachshunds feel more secure — the snug fit mimics a hug, offering reassurance in unfamiliar environments. When barking becomes a habit, identifying the reasons and using professional methods can make a big difference in reducing excessive vocalization.
Prone to Obesity
Because of their small stature and naturally big appetites, Dachshunds can easily gain excess weight if not given a balanced diet and regular exercise. Obesity not only worsens their risk of back problems but also opens the door to multiple health issues.
Creating a smart dietary plan, sticking to weight monitoring, and making exercise part of their routine is key to maintaining the health of this beloved breed. Despite some misconceptions, Dachshunds are far from being the worst breed. In truth, they are often just misunderstood.
Their lively personality, steadfast loyalty, and intelligence make them wonderful pets for those who recognize their needs and are prepared to dedicate time for training and care. Whether it’s dressing them in trendy Dachshund fashion or signing up for training classes, these spirited dogs bring a companionship that’s as charming as their unique silhouette. Their joyful presence is worth every bit of effort.
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds are adored for the deep emotional connection they form with their owners, but that same bond can make them prone to separation anxiety when left alone for an extended period. This stress often results in excessive barking or destructive behavior, such as chewing on shoes, sofas, or other household items.
Some dogs even start vocalizing intensely when left alone—Why Do Dachshunds Howl? explains how anxiety can trigger this behavior and ways to manage it.
These mighty pups truly thrive in an environment where they are constantly included in family activities, making them less ideal for a household where a single man or woman is often at the office or travels frequently.
High Prey Drive
Dachshunds are known for their strong hunting instincts, which contribute to their high prey drive. This means that if you have small animals at home—like birds, kittens, or even pocket pets—you’ll need to stay on your toes constantly.
They naturally love to chase smaller creatures, and even during casual walks, they may suddenly dart after squirrels or other small species. In multi-pet households, owners often ask: Do Dachshunds Get Along with Other Pets?
Because of this, keeping your dachshund on a leash when outdoors is highly recommended to maintain pet safety and manage their natural prey response.
Territorial and Defensive Behavior
Dachshunds may be small, but these four-legged canines have big personalities and can be extremely protective of their space, toys, and even the people they love. If you’re looking for a pup that’s happy to share with other pets or humans, or let someone invade their comfort zone, they might not be the right choice.
Their territorial nature can sometimes show up as aggressive tendencies toward others, especially strangers or unfamiliar kids. That said, with consistent, early training and proper socialization, this breed can learn to be on their best behavior and even learn to play more gently. In our experience, starting this work early is key to preventing issues later.
Digging Behavior
Among all dog breeds, Dachshunds are known to dig—whether they’re bored, left alone, or feeling anxious, this behavior is deeply tied to their historical purpose as hunters. If you have a garden, expect some trouble; they may start digging to hide a favorite toy or food item, or simply to create a cozy spot during summer.
While this might sound harmless, it’s one of the major factors why they’re not considered a favorite pet by many. People point out that this breed is not great with children, and it loves to jump off everything, risking their health and putting them in danger. Giving them a designated area for digging brings them comfort and can save your home and sanity.
Not Always Child-Friendly
While Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate, they aren’t always the best fit for homes with very young children. These small canines can become snappy or reactive if they feel mishandled, especially due to their naturally protective and sensitive temperament.
Proper training and close supervision are essential when they’re around kids to avoid unwanted behaviors—many parents considering this breed also wonder: Are Dachshunds Good with Children?
Without early socialization, they may not tolerate rough or unpredictable play. For families with toddlers or young children, a Dachshund might not be the ideal choice—unless they’ve been gently exposed to children from an early age and taught positive interactions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Dachshunds may be labeled by some as the “worst breed” due to their stubborn nature, excessive barking, separation anxiety, and territorial behavior, these traits are often misunderstood and manageable with the right care. Like any dog breed, Dachshunds require consistent training, early socialization, and a lifestyle suited to their needs.
Their high prey drive, back health risks, and strong personalities may not make them ideal for every owner, but for those who invest time and understanding, Dachshunds offer unmatched loyalty, intelligence, and companionship. Instead of being the worst, they may just be the most unique and misunderstood breed out there.
FAQ’s
Why do dachshunds have a bad reputation?
Some people wonder why Dachshunds often get a bad rap, but much of it traces back to their history as small hunting dogs. Originally bred to raid rabbit and badger dens, their strong prey drive and bold personality were perfect for the job.
Today, those same instincts might show up as being vocal, stubborn, or overly alert—traits that can be misunderstood by new pet owners. But having these tendencies doesn’t mean they’re the worst breed. It simply means they’re a unique breed with strong natural behaviors, and with proper understanding, training, and patience, they can make amazing companions
What is the downside of dachshunds?
When it comes to long-term health, dachshunds face more spinal problems and back pain as compared to other dog breeds. With age, the spine in this breed often degenerates, leading to mobility issues that may eventually require the support of a dachshund wheelchair. These physical challenges can limit a dog’s ability to move or walk comfortably, making early prevention and care essential for maintaining their quality of life.
Are dachshunds one of the most aggressive breeds?
In a revealing study of 33 dog breeds, the Dachshund was ranked as the number one aggressive breed, with stats showing one in five have bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs.
Surprisingly, even one in 12 have snapped at their owners, raising concerns about dog aggression, behavioral issues, and breed reputation. Despite their small size and nickname as the wiener dog, their reactive nature and hostile tendencies make proper training and socialization essential for pet safety.
Why do some people not like dachshunds?
Dachshunds are famously known for their bold personalities and are often described as “big dogs in a small body.” This bravado, combined with a tendency to be wary of strange dogs, unfamiliar people, or new situations, can result in reactivity. Whether it’s barking, lunging, snapping, or acting out during a walk or when company visits your house, this behavior stems from their natural alertness and sometimes overprotective or anxious instincts.
