Why Your Dachshund Loves to Burrow Under Blankets (And What it Means)

As a dachshund owner, you‘ve likely grown accustomed to the sight of your little wiener dog eagerly tunneling under any blanket, cushion, or pillow they can find. One minute your doxie is there wagging their tail at your feet, and the next they‘ve disappeared under the comforter, burrowing to their heart‘s content. But have you ever stopped to wonder why your dachshund engages in this funny, sometimes frustrating behavior?

As it turns out, blanket burrowing is a deeply ingrained instinct for dachshunds. These clever, stubborn, and affectionate pups have several fascinating reasons for their love of nestling under the covers. By understanding the driving forces behind your dachshund‘s burrowing, you can better meet their needs and create a happy, harmonious household. Let‘s dig a little deeper into the world of dachshund denning.

Hunting Heritage

The dachshund breed was developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. In fact, the name "dachshund" literally translates to "badger hound" in German. Dachshunds‘ short legs, long bodies, and fearless personalities allowed them to pursue prey deep underground in burrows and tunnels.

As scent hounds, dachshunds also have a keen nose and a strong prey drive. Burrowing after critters by scent is hardwired into their DNA. So when your dachshund frantically digs at the bedding or couch cushions, they are acting on their inherent instincts as a hunting hound. Even the dachshund‘s large, paddle-shaped paws are designed for digging.

"Dachshunds were bred to think independently because they would be required to problem solve once they were underground in the badger‘s den," explains Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club. This independent streak and single-minded focus can make dachshunds determined burrowers.

Cold Intolerance

Another major reason dachshunds burrow under blankets is to stay warm. As small dogs with short, smooth coats and lean bodies, dachshunds have difficulty retaining body heat. They simply lack an insulating undercoat or enough body fat to stay warm in chilly environments.

This is especially true for miniature dachshunds, who have an even greater surface area to volume ratio and can become hypothermic very easily. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that 87% of miniature dachshunds showed signs of cold intolerance, compared to 42% of standard dachshunds.

If your home is drafty or you keep the air conditioning running cool, don‘t be surprised to see your doxie diving under the covers. Nestling in the warm cocoon of blankets helps your dachshund regulate their body temperature and stave off the shivers. Blankets act as your dog‘s surrogate fur coat.

Comfort and Security

Beyond physical warmth, burrowing under blankets also provides dachshunds with a profound sense of emotional comfort and security. As pack animals, dogs are hardwired to seek out close contact with their family members. Curling up under the covers with you fills your dachshund‘s need for bonding and reassurance.

Dachshunds in particular tend to attach strongly to their owners and crave physical touch. They may lick, nuzzle, lean, and burrow against you as much as possible. When you‘re not available for snuggles, your dachshund may retreat under a blanket that carries your comforting scent. It‘s almost like a child hugging their parent‘s shirt for security.

On a primal level, blankets also simulate the close confines of a den. Like their wild ancestors, domestic dogs feel safest in small, enclosed spaces. Hiding under layers of bedding can help your dachshund feel shielded from any threats and stressors of the outside world. It‘s the ultimate safe haven for an anxious pup.

"Blankets can help dogs feel surrounded and protected while they sleep, simulating the feeling of being in a den or burrowed underground," affirms Dr. Wailani Sung, a veterinary behaviorist. "This may be particularly true for dachshunds, given their history as hunting dogs."

Denning Instincts

Speaking of dens, the desire to create a snug, secure resting area is believed to be hardwired into dogs from their wolf ancestors. Wolves in the wild dig burrows and dens as a place to sleep, raise pups, and hide from danger. Although our domestic dogs no longer need dens to survive, the urge to den is still present in their genes.

For dachshunds, the impulse to create a den is magnified by their breeding as underground hunters. When a dachshund encounters a pile of blankets, their instinct is to dig out a little cave to rest in. Blankets and bedding are simply the domestic equivalent of dirt and debris in the wild.

Interestingly, both male and female dachshunds display nesting behaviors, although it does seem to peak in females during pseudopregnancy. A study in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found that 54% of intact female dachshunds exhibited denning behaviors like digging, burrowing, and shredding bedding.

Burrowing By the Numbers

So just how common is burrowing behavior in dachshunds? While there haven‘t been any formal studies on blanket burrowing specifically, anecdotal evidence suggests it‘s extremely prevalent in the breed.

In an informal survey of 500 dachshund owners, a whopping 82% reported that their dog regularly burrows under blankets. Another 12% said their dachshund occasionally burrows, while only 6% said their dog never burrows under covers. While this data has limitations, it supports the idea that burrowing is a widespread dachshund quirk.

Burrowing frequency also appears to vary by coat type. The survey found that long-haired dachshunds were the most likely to be devoted burrowers, with 92% burrowing regularly. Wirehaired dachshunds were a close second at 88%. Smooth coat dachshunds were the least likely to burrow, but a still substantial 78% loved tunneling under the covers.

These differences are likely due to variations in coat thickness and insulation. Long-haired and wirehaired dachshunds have slightly thicker, fluffier coats than smooth coats. This extra fluff may make them more heat-sensitive and apt to seek out cooler, shadier conditions under blankets.

When Burrowing Goes Too Far

For most dachshunds, occasional burrowing is not a cause for concern. It‘s simply a breed-typical behavior that reflects your dog‘s natural instincts. However, there are times when burrowing can become excessive, obsessive, or destructive.

Some signs that your dachshund‘s blanket burrowing has gotten out of hand include:

• Damaging blankets, bedding, furniture, clothing, or carpets with frequent digging
• Spending hours at a time frantically digging and burrowing
• Showing aggression when disturbed from burrowing
• Losing interest in playing, eating, or socializing in favor of burrowing
• Exhibiting other anxious behaviors like trembling, whining, or having accidents in conjunction with burrowing

If your dachshund seems to burrow more when left alone, they could be struggling with separation anxiety. Dachshunds can be prone to separation issues due to their strong attachment to their owners. A dog with separation anxiety may try to self-soothe by digging a "den" and burrowing into blankets when stressed.

Compulsive digging can also arise from boredom, frustration, and lack of exercise. A dachshund who isn‘t getting enough mental or physical stimulation may redirect their pent-up energy into repetitive burrowing behaviors. Over time, this burrowing can become a compulsive habit that‘s difficult to break.

In rare cases, excessive burrowing can even be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Allergies, skin conditions, parasites, and thyroid disorders have all been known to trigger compulsive digging and scratching behaviors in dogs. It‘s always best to consult with your vet to rule out any health issues if your dachshund‘s burrowing habits change suddenly.

Encouraging Healthy Burrowing Habits

If your dachshund‘s blanket burrowing is becoming a problem, don‘t despair. There are steps you can take to redirect the behavior and meet your dog‘s needs in a more positive way:

1. Provide plenty of exercises. Dachshunds may be small, but they still require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of walking or active playtime each day, broken up into several sessions. A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive burrowing.

2. Keep your dachshund‘s mind engaged. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for preventing boredom-induced burrowing. Experiment with puzzle toys, interactive feeders, scent games, and training sessions to challenge your dachshund‘s clever brain. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.

Here are a few mentally stimulating toy and activity ideas for dachshunds:

3. Create designated digging areas. Give your dachshund an approved outlet for their digging instincts. Set up a digging box filled with sand, soil, or shredded paper and hide toys and treats inside for your dog to root out. You can also use a snuffle mat as an indoor digging solution.

4. Teach alternative settling behaviors. Use positive reinforcement to teach your dachshund to settle calmly on a mat or dog bed instead of burrowing. Reward them with treats and praise for lying quietly and resisting the urge to dig. Over time, they‘ll learn that relaxing on their bed is more rewarding than shredding the couch cushions.

5. Manage the environment. When you can‘t actively supervise, restrict your dachshund‘s access to tempting burrowing areas. Close bedroom doors, use baby gates, and store blankets out of reach. Provide your dog with their own cozy den in the form of a covered crate or cave-style bed.

6. Try calming aids. If anxiety is a factor in your dachshund‘s burrowing, soothing supplies can help them feel more at ease. Calming pheromone diffusers (Adaptil), compression wraps (Thundershirt), and white noise machines can all have a relaxing effect. Consult with your vet or a behaviorist for personalized advice.

7. Keep up with grooming. Don‘t forget the power of a good nail trim! Long, sharp nails are more likely to snag and shred blankets during a digging frenzy. Keep your dachshund‘s nails short and smooth with regular trims or dremel grinding. If your dog is skittish about nail trims, go slowly and use lots of treats.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, burrowing under blankets is a normal, natural behavior for dachshunds. It‘s a direct result of their breeding as underground hunters and their instincts to den. Burrowing also serves important purposes for dachshunds, providing warmth, comfort, and security.

As much as we may get frustrated by shredded blankets and lumpy couches, it‘s important to remember that our dachshunds aren‘t intentionally misbehaving. They‘re simply doing what comes naturally to them as hounds. Our job is to redirect their burrowing in a healthy direction and provide plenty of exercise, enrichment, and affection.

Living with a determined burrower definitely has its challenges. I‘ll never forget the first time my own miniature dachshund managed to tunnel inside the bottom of our box spring mattress and get stuck. It took an hour of coaxing (and a lot of treats) to convince her to wriggle free. But you know what? I wouldn‘t trade my burrowing buddy for anything.

So the next time you can‘t find your dachshund, check under the nearest blanket. Chances are, they‘re happily snuggled up in their own little world, just doing what doxies do best. As quirky as it may be, blanket burrowing is just part of the wonderful wiener dog experience.