Doxies are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. They like to play. Doxies are aggressive.

How can this be true of one dog breed? Well it is. Doxies are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany in the late 1600s to chase vermin, fearless and bold characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, persistent and resourceful. It does little good to have feet and legs that are excellent for digging if the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit.

Those attributes have been handed down through the centuries. While most of them today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is simple courage in one circumstance can be considered aggression in another. What can be considered valuable persistence in one situation can be seen as willfulness in another.

Doxies are an intelligent breed. Being as they have an individualist charcter, they are more difficult to take an interest in training. But handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. Doxies want to take part in any adventure going on around them and are filled with curiosity. Some breeds are happy to sit by observing quietly. They want to be in the middle of things, participating along with everyone else.

There are variations within these broad outlines.

The classic-looking Smooth-Coat exhibits all the classic behaviors such as leading the pack whenever possible, barking at the least invasion to its territory and more. It will be reluctant more often to take a bath and struggle during nail clipping time.

The Wire-Hair breed looks and acts like a combination of terrier and Dachshund. Terriers, too, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is just forthright, not necessarily aggressive.

The Long-Hair Dachshund is more like a miniature Irish Setter, though not to that extreme. Even though they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Even though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

All Dachshund variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase small game, such as badgers, into a den, Dachshunds like getting into things. Their muscular chest and powerful front legs make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head, getting out is not too much more difficult. As a result, if you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the Dachshund to roam freely without supervision.

Doxies do need at least moderate exercise in activities where they can work off some of their natural energy. A good idea for these “gophers” is tunnels in an obstacle course.

They are also loving and loyal. The bond between a Doxie and the person or family it adopts is unusually strong. They enjoy interaction and want to be near people. As any Dachshund owner will be happy to tell you……..

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