Dachshund Pros and Cons: Is a Wiener Dog Right For You?

Dachshunds, often known as Wiener dogs, are a beloved breed in the U.S., celebrated for their unique sausage-shaped appearance and friendly nature. However, before you decide to bring one of these charming dogs into your home, it’s important to weigh the Dachshund pros and cons.

Dachshund’s biggest pros are that they are excellent pets, good with kids, and extremely loyal to their owners. Plus, they can live in any home, big or small. On the downside, Dachshunds are often loud, can be stubborn, have back problems, and are generally expensive.

Interested in learning more about the Dachshund’s advantages and disadvantages?

Keep reading to get all the information you need before making a final decision if this dog is for you.

Pros and Cons of a Dachshund

Dogs are the most common pets in our homes. For centuries now, they’ve earned their famous title as people’s best friends.

Owning a dog is known to have many advantages for humans. Still, dogs also have characteristics that may challenge their owner’s patience, increase their financial burden, and strain their time management.

Like all dogs, one should weigh up a Dachshund’s advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a tabled view of the pros and cons of Dachshunds.

I’ll give you all the facts you need to know about these Dachshund pros and cons in the rest of the article.

The Pros of a Dachshund

Dachshund pros are the positive qualities of Dachshunds that’ll win your heart and make bringing home a Wiener puppy irresistible. They really are cute little bundles of love and mischief, and when it comes to cuddles, there is hardly any breed to compete with.

Developed in Germany, the Dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. Here are some other reasons why they top the ranks.

Dachshunds can Live in Small Spaces

Dachshunds are perfect for spaces of any size, including apartments. While bigger breeds will have a hard time moving around in small homes, Dachshunds don’t have that problem. Weighing between 11 and 32 pounds (5 and 14.5 kg), these miniature dogs are some of the smallest you can find. 

Dachshunds Are Extremely Loyal

Although many dog breeds are loyal, Dachshunds are particularly good companions, making them a human’s best friend. As long as you feed and shower them with affection, expect them to stay beside you and beg for cuddles. 

A Dachshund will quickly get used to their surroundings and family members, becoming comfortable with those who show them love on a daily basis.

These friendly dogs tend to be protective of their owners in public places. However, this tendency makes them prone to jealousy (which I’ll discuss later in the cons section).

Dachshunds Are Highly Alert

A Dachshund is more alert than many other dog breeds, making them a good guard dog. Although they’re not always strong enough to take down a larger dog or intruder, they will immediately bark and alert their owners. 

So, if you’re worried about burglars breaking in at night, expect your Dachshund to bark as loud as possible to let you know about the problem ASAP.

There Are Countless Types

Choosing a Dachshund can be difficult because of the many choices available. 

Below are some examples of how Dachshunds may differ from one another:

• Fur type. Dachshunds can have short and long (wirehaired) coats. Keep in mind that shorter coats will shed less, but wire-haired varieties shed more due to their double coats, which also require more grooming.
• Color. A Dachshund can come in different colors, including black, tan, cream, and red (or a combination of the above).
• Size. Although Dachshunds are generally on the smaller side, some are bigger than others. The miniature ones are generally as tall as 6 inches (15 cm), while the standard ones can be as tall as 9 inches (23 cm).

Dachshunds Are Always Up for an Adventure

Dachshunds are full of life and energy, so they make excellent companions if you’re fond of the outdoors. Whether you want to take them on a long walk or to the local park for a game of fetch, a Dachshund will always be in the mood to get out and be active.

Below are just some examples of fun things you can do with a lively and healthy Dachshund:

• Go to a dog park. Dog parks let your Dachshund mix with other dogs. Not only is it a good way for your four-legged friend to socialize, but it’s also a fun way for them to burn lots of energy.
• Play a long game of fetch. Throw the ball as far as possible to ensure your Dachshund gets a good run. It’s sure to tire them out and keep them entertained.
• Go for a walk in a different location each week. Dachshunds like to explore the outdoors, so make an effort to change your walking route now and then to keep them excited and in good spirits.

Dachshunds Are Friendly

Not only are Dachshunds loyal and friendly with humans, but they’re (usually) the same way with other dogs. A Dachshund will only become aggressive if provoked or if they feel like they’re in danger. 

You shouldn’t have to worry about your dog’s behavior when visiting the park or having guests over because Wiener Dogs are generally well-behaved and happy around strangers.

Don’t be surprised if your four-legged companion requests rubs and cuddles from guests in your home: It’s their way of expressing affection and trust.

Dachshunds Are Ideal Family Pets

In most cases, a Dachshund is an ideal family pet because of its small size, friendly nature, and lively personality. These dogs usually get along well with young children and adults, and they’re relatively easy to train as long as you start early. However, they can have a stubborn streak due to being independent. 

Of course, you should never trust a dog alone around a young child, even if you’ve had the dog for years and it has never hurt anyone. However, Dachshunds are unlikely to bite or attack anyone unless provoked (e.g., if someone hits them or pulls at their ears/tail). 

If you have young children, ensure they know how to behave appropriately around the Dachshund, ensuring they never pull at the dog or get too aggressive.

The Cons of a Dachshund

Discussing Dachshund’s cons shouldn’t dissuade you from owning this wonderful dog. On the contrary, learning about a few downsides of owning a Dachshund will prepare you to face any challenges that may come with owning this popular breed. And being forewarned is being forearmed!

Dachshunds Can Be Very Loud

One thing you’ll likely notice relatively quickly with a Dachshund is that these dogs can be loud. The loud, profound barking surprises many (at first) because their bodies are so tiny relative to the size of their voice. 

Dachshunds tend to bark at a lot of things, including:

• Other dogs
• Birds
• Strangers
• Wind
• Loud noises, in general

Of course, not all Dachshunds will bark at the above, but don’t be surprised if yours does. Additionally, they might bark when bored (which can happen at night), so keeping them entertained and active during the day is a good idea. This way, they can rest quietly at night.

Dachshunds Are Prone to Health Issues

Like many purebred dogs, Dachshunds are prone to health issues, especially as they age. The main problems that affect them are back issues, primarily IVDD. 

According to a study, Dachshunds are approximately 10 times more likely to experience back problems compared to other breeds, so that’s certainly worth considering before deciding to buy one.

They experience such problems due to the length of their backs and heavy body weight. Over time, it’s common for their backs to give out altogether. Symptoms of IVDD and other back problems in Dachshunds include abnormal posture and reduced mobility.

You must take care when handling them and always support their back. Don’t let them jump off furniture and use the stairs.

Other health issues Dachshunds commonly experience include:

• Skin problems. Many Dachshunds are prone to allergies and other things that can cause itchy red skin.
• Heart problems. According to a study by the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, Dachshunds generally have a higher VHS (vertebral heart scale) than other breeds. This means they’re predisposed to enlarged hearts and underlying heart conditions.
• Eye conditions. Unfortunately, Dachshunds can develop hereditary eye conditions. One example is PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), which can significantly negatively affect their quality of life.

For these reasons, before you buy a Dachshund, ensure you get all the documentation on health checks from the seller or breeder. It also won’t hurt to have your dog checked by a veterinarian, just in case. 

Some Varieties Need Regular Grooming

The long-haired varieties, in particular, need a lot of grooming. As their hair grows, it can become dirty, matted, and generally messy. Failure to keep up with grooming can make it extremely difficult to comb through the hair. 

Additionally, the longer the hair gets, the heavier it becomes. Since Dachshunds are so small and already have weak backs, carrying that extra weight can cause the issues I’ve outlined above. Dachshunds with long, ungroomed hair will be uncomfortable and unhappy, so it’s vital to maintain their coats regularly.

Thankfully, grooming isn’t as much of an issue with short-haired Dachshunds. However, they will still shed fur around the home, so you must vacuum more frequently to keep the place clean. 

Dachshunds Can Be Expensive

Due to their popularity, people are willing to spend much money on Dachshunds. While you can find one at an affordable price, the general range is between $500 and $4,000. They’re certainly not the most expensive breeds out there, but they’re far from the cheapest. 

So, consider your budget before going with a Dachshund. Also, if you find a breeder selling one for an oddly low price, you may want to exercise caution. Some people mass-breed Dachshunds to sell them for lower prices under appalling conditions (for both the mothers and the pups). 

Some Dachshunds May Get Jealous

Although Dachshunds are friendly and loyal, they can sometimes be too loyal to the point where they become jealous. If your Dachshund gets too attached to you, they might get slightly upset when you give another animal or person your undivided attention.

The best thing to do in this scenario is to ignore or discourage the behavior if it happens often.

A Dachshund that gets jealous might seem cute or funny at first, but it can quickly become problematic and worsen down the line. You can ask a veterinarian or trainer for tips on dealing with your dog when they’re having jealous fits. 

Top Tips Before Getting a Dachshund

Now that you know the main pros and cons of Dachshund, you should have a better idea of whether the breed is the right choice for you or your family.

Now, let’s look at some top tips to consider before getting your Dachshund.

Go With a Reputable Breeder

First and foremost, you must go with a reputable breeder who treats the dogs well. If possible, read reviews and get others’ opinions to ensure they’re trustworthy. A breeder that churns out numerous litters every year is generally a red flag.

Another thing to check is whether the breeder conducts DNA checks on the dogs before breeding. It’s best to go with one that does these tests because they can determine whether there are any hereditary issues or other concerns.

Look Around the Dog’s Home

Looking around the Dachshund’s home (i.e., the breeder’s) will give you an idea of the conditions the dog was born into.

You’ll also have a chance to see the siblings and parent dogs, giving you a sense of the overall atmosphere. The home should be clean and tidy, and the dogs appear happy and well-fed.

You should also examine the puppy’s behavior around other dogs and people to ensure the dog has been properly socialized during the first few weeks/months of life.

It’s a red flag if the breeder doesn’t let you see the home or where the puppies are kept. In that instance, you should probably go with a different breeder.

Look in Shelters

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Dachshunds are popular. However, some owners may realize they can’t look after a dog, while others might outright neglect them. As a result, the dogs may end up in shelters. Shelters may not be common in your neighborhood, but they’re worth a look if you’re set on getting this particular breed.  

Even if you don’t find a purebred Dachshund, there might be a mixed breed that’s just as suitable for you. To learn more about mixed breeds, check out this article that compares their prices with purebreds.

Ask About Vaccinations and Veterinary Exams

A decent, well-organized breeder with a good reputation might decide to have puppies vaccinated and looked at by a vet before selling them. 

So, before buying a Dachshund, be sure to check that the puppies have been properly checked. While breeders don’t need to bring puppies to the vet, it’s still good to ask so you know what you need to do once you take the Dachshund home.

Final Thoughts 

Dachshunds are excellent pets for couples, families, and single people due to their friendly, caring nature and energetic personalities. Despite their many pros, Dachshunds are also prone to health problems, especially back issues. Before buying a Dachshund, compare the pros and cons to decide whether this fun breed is the right choice.