According to people on the Internet, there are plenty of reasons why Dachshunds are the worst dogs to own.
Of course, they’re not the only breed that gets mischievous, but these doggos seem to really enjoy it (some would even say they look like they’re doing it on purpose).
Still, no matter how naughty they get, their owners still have plenty of love for them. And, to be honest, who wouldn’t when they’re so adorable?
#1 Leaving Without Me? Well, This Is What You’ll Come Back To
Dachshunds might have a weird way of showing their owners how much they missed them while they’re gone, and this little fella is the perfect example of what I’m talking about.
Although, I have to admit all these wrongdoings sound more like he resents his family for leaving him home alone.
#2 Mr. Sensitive Bladder
One dog does not usually represent the whole breed, but this doggo is a show example of a big number of Doxies, at least according to Dachshund owners who shared their experiences online.
One Redditer has shared an “unpopular opinion” regarding Dachshunds (thread contains strong language).
“Even as adults, most can’t be fully potty trained because if it’s cold outside, they will refuse to go […]”
Although his opinion sparked quite a debate, it’s more than obvious he wasn’t the only one having issues with a Doxie going potty inside the house.
The owner of the pooch from the photo below would definitely agree with him as well.
#3 Panty Bandit
My friend’s Golden Retriever once took her panties out of the laundry basket and carried them in his mouth while running around the living room (fortunately, I was the only guest).
But, Doxies brought this to a completely new level by chewing the owner’s underwear and then swallowing it, which proves they can be worse than Goldens.
#4 Barking Madness
If dogs had a last name, then for the Dachshund, it would be ‘Barker’, as they are one of the vocal breeds that rarely keep their mouth shut.
Victoria Stilwell, a professional dog trainer, gave an excellent explanation on why Doxies display such behavior in one of the “It’s Me or the Dog” videos:
“Dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs, were bred to be hunters, and their loud bark enabled the huntsman to locate them.”
Therefore, they are already predisposed to be loud doggos. Victoria successfully taught Sansa, the Doxie, how to behave, but not everyone will have the same luck.
Some Dachshunds, just like this guilty pup from the picture, won’t be able to even finish the puppy training because of their loud habit.
#5 Not The Brightest Crayon In The Box
Doxies aren’t nearly as bright as they’re cute, so situations like the one below might happen to any pet owner.
According to Stanley Coren and his “Intelligence of Dogs”, Doxies take the 92nd place out of 138 on the list of smartest dog breeds, which means they possess average intelligence.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a highly intelligent pooch that can be easily trained, then the Doxie is not the breed for you.
#6 Trouble Is His Second Name
You’ve got company? Oh, well let me ruin the night for you, so I can have you all for myself again.
If Doxies could talk, this is probably what the doggo below would have to say about his behavior.
Considering that the owners made a joke out of it, this pup is still their beloved family pet, which means they have a lot of patience for the little guy.
#7 Doxie Finds It, Doxie Eats It
This is one of the most common reasons why Dachshunds are the worst dogs to own.
These doggies are never full and will always ask for more food. If you don’t give in, they’ll get it from your plate as soon as you’re not looking.
According to a 2009 study, “Veterinary Clinic: Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey”, 64% of Doxies were considered overweight, which is a big issue, especially since excess weight triggers other health issues linked to disc degenerations. [1]
Eating chicken from mom’s bowl might not seem as a serious issue, but if this habit is repeated (other meals included), it can lead to serious health problems.
#8 Doxie’s Presents Aren’t Fun
If you don’t like dead frogs, underwear, or anything else except sheets on your bed, then a Dachshund might not be the best pet choice for you.
I wouldn’t say this is a surprise, considering that they’re hunters by instinct. Just as you reward your doggie with a treat, a Doxie thinks you will appreciate the reward he brought you for being a good owner.
If you have a good stomach and don’t mind gifts of this kind, you and your pup will get along just fine.
#9 Dachshund Royalty
Desperate times require desperate solutions. There is a common belief that Doxies aren’t fond of water, which is why they really dislike going potty during rainy days and cold weather.
Well, considering that they’re short-legged and that their belly often touches the ground, it’s no surprise that they don’t like puddles and wet grass.
A Quora user named Ava Jaine gave a good explanation on the topic as an answer to the question: “Are Dachshund dogs hard to potty train?”
“They are lower to the ground, so they absolutely hate when the grass is wet or cold. They prefer to be warm and cozy indoors.”
#10 Hunting Instincts Kick In
I won’t say Doxies can’t live with other animals, but if you’re a cat owner, I’d strongly suggest you rethink your choice of a pet dog.
It is in their nature to hunt animals smaller than them, and as every hunter, they’re quite stubborn, so it’s not easy to train them.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to all Dachshunds, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
#11 Doxie, The Barker, Strikes Again
One of the reasons why canines bark is attention seeking [2], as they can’t stand the fact that their owner is focused on anything else but them.
Dachshunds do exactly the same thing… times two.
There is a slight possibility that the Doxie below had a good business proposition, although I believe it’s rather acting as a drama queen until its owner pays attention to it.
#12 Every Step You Take, Every Move You Make…
… I’ll be following you.
This would be a Dachshund’s interpretation of the famous song.
Lots of dogs follow their owners to the bathroom, but this furry boy has taken it to a whole other level.
#13 Everything’s Better Than Grass
“About that potty… Yeah, I’m not going outside unless it’s sunny and dry.”
I have never seen a Doxie pooping in an AC vent before, but I guess there’s a first time for everything, especially with this breed.
However, carpets, sofas, beds, and kitchen floors are just some of the popular places where they go potty inside the house.
Final Word
If someone asked me why Dachshunds are the worst dogs to own, I’d say it’s because they’re stubborn, loud, and so darn cute.
Although they do have flaws, these pooches still deserve to be loved. With lots of patience, time, and proper training, they can be good family dogs.
And, if you manage to take them to potty outside during rainy days, you deserve a medal!
References:
1. J. Comstock, J. Wardlaw, E. Brinkman-Ferguson and D. Rowe, “Computed Tomographic Assessment of Body Fat in Dach-shunds: A Pilot Study,” Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 3 No. 1, 2013, pp. 1-5. doi: 10.4236/ojvm.2013.31001.
2. Eckstein, Sandy. (May 08, 2021.) “Why Dogs Bark And Curbing Excessive Barking.” Fetch by WebMD website.