Are Dachshunds Good With Other Dogs? Breed Temperament Facts
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Dachshunds are a highly popular dog, with short legs, long bodies, and big personalities. Famous for their intelligence, independence, and energy, this breed makes a great family pet. But there is some debate over whether or not they are good with other dogs. While most people say they are friendly and playful, some have found individual Dachshunds to be aggressive and territorial.
So, what is the truth? Are Dachshunds good with other dogs? The answer depends on the individual dog, but generally speaking, Dachshunds get along well with other dogs. If you have a Dachshund, it is important to socialize them early so they can learn to behave around other dogs.
Dachshund Temperament
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, and their tenacity and determination remain today1. Small and energetic, the Dachshund is not usually aggressive. While they are generally friendly dogs, they can occasionally exhibit aggression toward other dogs, especially if they feel threatened. If a Dachshund has received poor socialization or has endured a traumatic experience in their early years they may not have learned to interact well with other dogs. If you’re considering adding a Dachshund to your family, it’s important to understand their temperament and how to best manage any aggression2.
Dachshunds can be quite possessive of their owners and may not take kindly to another dog encroaching on their territory. Also, they can be quite vocal dogs, and their barks can sometimes annoy other dogs (and humans!). Dachshunds are headstrong and playful, even mischievous at times, any canine companion should have a compatible character.
Do Dachshunds Get On With Other Dogs
Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs and kept in kennels with other dogs. Because of this, like many other hunting dogs, Dachshunds are social and love the companionship of other dogs. Dachshunds typically do well living with other dogs, as long as they are introduced properly and have plenty of space to run around. Dachshunds are active and playful and are sociable creatures by nature.
So when you’re not home, having a dog friend to play with will keep them entertained. However, there are some things to bear in mind if you’re thinking of getting a Dachshund.
How Do Dachshunds React to Big Dogs?
Dachshunds, especially miniature Dachshunds, are modest in size, and like any small dog, when paired with big dogs, they can feel intimidated and threatened. If they feel insecure or at risk, they will stand up for themselves and take action, perhaps even attacking the bigger dog. So if you plan to get a large dog as a companion, how you introduce and socialize the two dogs is of utmost importance.
On the other hand, well-socialized Dachshunds are generally active and playful dogs, and once they are comfortable with a larger dog, they will play vigorously with their larger companion, occasionally putting themselves in danger. This is especially problematic when you consider that Dachshunds are relatively fragile dogs with a predisposition to having back problems. Dachshunds often don’t realize their own size and limitations, and if paired with a large dog of a similar temperament, they can get injured in the rough and tumble of playtime.
What Breeds Are Dachshunds Best Paired With?
Dachshunds are ideally paired with companions that have a similar character and temperament. They will enjoy intelligent, playful, and social breeds since these are ingredients for fun in a Dachshund’s world. Other hunting dogs, such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Terriers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Collies, and Poodles, can make good companions for Dachshunds, as they share many of the same traits.
Alternatively, other small breeds of a similar size, such as Pugs, make good companions. In spite of the fact that each breed is known for certain traits, every dog is an individual and it is important to consider each dog’s character before you decide to put two or more dogs together.
What About Two Dachshunds?
Although there is no evidence that Dachshunds recognize other Dachshunds as being the same breed of dog, they can recognize similar characters and like other dogs with similar personalities. In practice, this means Dachshunds like other Dachshunds and will develop deep bonds with each other. If you have one Dachshund you will be his best buddy but if you have two Dachshunds, then they will form a team. They will love hanging out together, and where one goes the other will follow.
If you go this route, remember that Dachshunds are vocal dogs that like to bark, so when there are two of them there is twice the barking—and they will set each other off!
Does the Age of Dogs Matter?
In general, age is not a major factor when it comes to Dachshund aggression. However, if your Dachshund is old, they might not appreciate having a puppy around, even if that puppy is another Dachshund. Like their owners, dogs mellow and slow down as they age. In many cases, once they reach a certain point in their life adding a young puppy to your home is not fair to either dog.
The old dog has their routine and peace upset while the young dog doesn’t have a playful companion to match their energy. In this situation, you may sometimes see the older dog snapping at the younger one. This is an issue with every breed rather than a problem specific to Dachshunds.
When Is the Right Time to Add Another Dog?
Getting a second dog to go with your Dachshund will change the balance and routine in your home for all of you so it’s important to be prepared before doing it. Factors to consider include how long you’ve had your Dachshund, how well-trained it is, and how much time and attention you have to work with two dogs.
Unless you are getting two Dachshunds from the same litter, give your Dachshund at least a year to settle in before adding another dog. It’s best not to introduce a new dog before you’ve finished training your Dachshund or your effort will have been wasted. When you introduce a new untrained dog to your trained Dachshund, it is likely that your Dachshund will pick up bad habits. So be prepared to spend time training both dogs.
How To Socialize A Dachshund
Dachshunds should be socialized with other dogs at an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adult dogs. This can be done by taking them to puppy classes, dog parks, or doggy daycare. It’s important to expose them to different types of dogs and situations so they learn how to interact appropriately with their canine peers. With proper socialization, Dachshunds can learn to enjoy the company of other dogs and have lasting friendships.
Other Pets
Some people that own a Dachshund wonder about how Dachshunds get on with other non-canine pets. Remember Dachshunds have been bred to hunt small animals such as rabbits and have a strong predatory instinct so rabbits and rodents are not going to be safe around them.
What about cats? Despite the fact that cats don’t have the same kind of playful instincts as a Dachshund, often cats and Dachshunds can be good friends; after all, they are both intelligent hunters! Whenever you introduce any breed of dog to another pet, remember to take your time. You will need to observe their interactions closely and move gradually towards letting them be alone together.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Dachshunds are good with other dogs, although the other dog’s breed and size do matter. Keep in mind that every pet is different, and some dogs may be better suited to being friends than others. If you are considering adding a second dog to your family, be sure to do your research and find a dog that is a good match for your Dachshund.
Featured Image Credit: Blulz60, Shutterstock
