What Is Your Dachshund Really Thinking?

A giant personality on very short legs, and utterly convinced of its own importance.

Dachshund temperament and personality

Originally bred to hunt badgers underground, the Dachshund is a small dog with an enormous, fearless personality. Bold, tenacious and endlessly curious, they are lively companions with a strong independent streak inherited straight from their hunting past. Dachshunds are affectionate and devoted to their families, often bonding closely with one person, yet they retain a wilful, self-directed nature that can make them comically stubborn. They are alert and make surprisingly effective little watchdogs, quick to sound the alarm at anything unusual. That same boldness can tip into feistiness with strange dogs. Beneath the confidence they are loving and playful, enjoying both a good adventure and a warm lap. Long-backed and prone to spinal issues, they need sensible handling. Spirited, brave and full of character, the Dachshund is never, ever boring.

• Bold - Fearless to the point of comedy, afraid of almost nothing.
• Stubborn - Has its own agenda and sees no reason to abandon it.
• Curious - Nose-driven and forever investigating something interesting.
• Loyal - Devoted to its family, often fixated on one favourite person.
• Alert - A tiny, tireless watchdog with a surprisingly big bark.
• Playful - Loves games, digging and a good burrow under the duvet.

Typical Dachshund quirks and behaviour

Dachshunds are dedicated burrowers, an echo of their tunnelling heritage, so expect yours to dig into blankets, cushions and laundry piles to build a snug den. Many are champion snorers and love nothing more than a cosy nest under the duvet. They bark with the conviction of a much larger dog, announcing the postman, the doorbell and passing pigeons with equal outrage. Plenty develop a stubborn selective deafness the moment you call them away from something interesting. They can be intensely food-motivated and impressively persistent beggars, and most have strong opinions about being cold or wet. That little body may look comical, but the swagger behind it is completely serious.

What is your Dachshund really thinking?

A Dachshund's mind is a bold, busy, slightly self-important place. Its default thought is a confident: I have got this, whatever the situation. Bred to face badgers alone underground, they think independently and often decide they know best, which is why a lot of their inner monologue amounts to weighing up whether your instruction is really worth following. They are led by their noses and their curiosity, so much of their thinking is about investigating, chasing and guarding their patch. Underneath the bravado sits a loving dog that adores its person and craves warmth and closeness. When a Dachshund looks at you, it is often deciding whether to obey, negotiate or simply do its own thing.

Scan your Dachshund free and our AI reads their face to tell you the exact thought behind that look.

Are Dachshunds intelligent?

Dachshunds are intelligent and quick-witted, but their independent, stubborn streak makes them one of the trickier small breeds to train. They learn readily enough; the challenge is convincing them that your idea is better than theirs. House-training in particular can take patience and consistency. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work far better than repetition or firmness, and keeping them motivated with food and praise is key. Persistence and good humour turn that clever wilfulness into a well-mannered companion.

Dachshunds with families

Dachshunds make lively, affectionate family dogs, but they suit homes with older, gentle children rather than boisterous toddlers, as their long backs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling or falls. They bond strongly, can be territorial and may be wary of strange dogs, so early socialisation helps. Their bold nature and alert barking mean they thrive as characterful companions in households that appreciate a small dog with a very large personality.

Frequently asked questions