Will a Dachshund Be Good With Other Dogs in My Home?

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked whether certain breeds can live harmoniously with other canines. When it comes to dachshunds, the answer isn‘t straightforward. While some dachshunds enjoy the company of other dogs, many are suspicious of unfamiliar pooches and downright aggressive toward their own housemates.

If you‘re considering adding a dachshund to your multi-dog household, or getting a second dog to befriend your dachshund, you‘ll need to consider your dog‘s unique personality and background. With planning and training, many dachshunds can learn to at least tolerate canine company. But some are destined to be solo artists. Let‘s dig into the factors that determine dachshund compatibility with other dogs.

The Tenacious Temperament of the Dachshund

The dachshund is a small hound breed that originated in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. The name "dachshund" literally translates to "badger dog." [1] With their long, low-built bodies and large paws, they were well-equipped to dig into dens and confront their fierce prey underground. This history as independent hunters is still reflected in the dachshund‘s bold, tenacious temperament today.

Dachshunds tend to be loyal and affectionate with their owners, but aloof and suspicious toward strangers – whether human or canine. According to a study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, dachshunds rank among the most aggressive dog breeds. [2] They are more likely than average to growl, snap, lunge and bite. Data from various sources indicates that this small breed is responsible for a surprisingly high number of reported dog bite incidents:

• A 2008 study in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found that dachshunds were the most aggressive breed toward both strangers and owners. Nearly 1 in 5 dachshunds (20%) had bit or tried to bite a stranger, and 1 in 12 (8%) had bit or tried to bite their owner. [2]

• According to a 2016 report from the Seattle Animal Shelter, dachshunds were responsible for 4.6% of the dog bites reported in the city, despite making up only 2.4% of licensed dogs. In comparison, labradors were responsible for 5.1% of bites while comprising 12.9% of licensed dogs. This indicates dachshunds are disproportionately likely to bite compared to their prevalence in the population. [3]

• An analysis of dog bite fatalities by DogsBite.org found that over a 12-year period, 5 deaths were attributed to dachshund mixes. Only pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, American bulldogs and mastiff/bullmastiffs caused more deaths. The tiny dachshund ranked among the top 6 breeds for fatal attacks, despite their small stature. [4]

Now, this data doesn‘t mean all dachshunds are aggressive, or that they can‘t get along with other dogs. But it highlights the feisty, take-no-prisoners attitude that dachshunds are known for. These little wiener dogs have the tenacity of a much bigger animal and don‘t let their size stop them from asserting themselves.

Of course, individual personality also plays a major role. Some dachshunds are social butterflies who readily make new dog friends. Others are grumpy loners who prefer to keep their distance. Differences in confidence, defensive aggression and prey drive all affect how an individual dachshund will react to an unfamiliar dog.

Nature vs. Nurture: Socialization and Training

While genetics undoubtedly influence a dachshund‘s dog-directed aggression, early socialization and ongoing training are equally as important. A dachshund that grows up having positive experiences with friendly dogs is much more likely to be accepting of other canines than one that has limited exposure to other dogs or has negative encounters.

The prime socialization window for puppies is between 3-16 weeks of age. [5] During this time, a dachshund pup is most open to learning about the world. Introducing them to calm, gentle dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages teaches them that other canines are nothing to fear. Puppies that miss out on these formative experiences are more likely to be fearful and aggressive when faced with unknown dogs later in life.

Even adult dachshunds that missed out on socialization as puppies can learn to feel more comfortable around other dogs. It just may take more time and effort than it does for a well-socialized puppy. Remedial socialization involves gradually exposing the dachshund to other dogs in a positive, non-threatening way. This may start with letting them watch other dogs from a distance and giving plenty of tasty treats. Over time, they can progress to brief sniffing sessions and eventually parallel walks and playtime.

Obedience training is also crucial for teaching dachshunds to mind their manners around other dogs. Commands like "leave it," "watch me" and "come" give you the tools to manage your dachshund‘s behavior and redirect them if they start to get worked up. Training should be a lifelong endeavor, not just a one-time puppy class.

The Art of Introducing a Dachshund to a New Dog

Throwing two unfamiliar dogs together and hoping they‘ll work it out is a recipe for disaster – especially when one of those dogs is a dachshund. These initial introductions can set the tone for the dogs‘ entire relationship, so it‘s important to get it right. Here are some tips for successfully introducing a dachshund to a potential new canine companion:

• Choose a neutral location: Introducing the dogs on one dog‘s established turf can trigger territorial aggression. Instead, choose a spot that‘s new to both dogs, like a park or a friend‘s yard.

• Keep it short and sweet: Limit the first few meetings to just 5-10 minutes. This is enough time for the dogs to get a sense of each other without becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated. If things are going well, you can gradually increase the length of the visits.

• Let them take it slow: Don‘t force the dogs to interact if they don‘t want to. It‘s perfectly fine if they prefer to keep their distance at first. Let them approach each other at their own pace.

• Go for parallel walks: Taking the dogs for side-by-side walks is a low-pressure way for them to get used to each other‘s presence. Start with ample space between them and gradually let them move closer together as they relax.

• Watch for warning signs: If your dachshund starts to stiffen up, stare, growl, snap or lunge, calmly redirect them before things escalate. Likewise, if the other dog appears tense or aggressive, end the interaction immediately.

• Separate when unsupervised: Even if the initial introduction goes well, it‘s crucial to keep the dogs separated when you can‘t directly supervise them. Use baby gates, crates or closed doors to prevent unsupervised interactions until you‘re confident they‘re getting along consistently.

• Don‘t force it: If your dachshund is clearly not enjoying the other dog‘s company after several positive introductions, it‘s okay to admit they may not be a good match. Pushing a bad pairing can lead to serious fights and injuries.

Matchmaking: Finding the Right Canine Companion for Your Dachshund

Some dogs are just better suited to living with dachshunds than others. As a general rule, dachshunds do best with dogs that are:

• Similar in size: Dachshunds can be injured by much larger, more rambunctious dogs during play. They may also see very small dogs as prey to chase. Sticking to breeds in the 10-30 lb range is a safer bet.

• Opposite sex: Two male dogs or two females are more likely to clash than a male/female pair. This is especially true if both dogs have dominant personalities. Getting your male dachshund a girlfriend (or vice versa) reduces the chances of same-sex aggression.

• Laid-back and non-threatening: Dachshunds don‘t take kindly to dogs that are hyper, in-your-face or overly pushy during playtime. Look for an easy-going, low-key canine companion that won‘t challenge your dachshund‘s boldness.

• Friendly and sociable: A dog that‘s well-socialized and confident around other canines will be more tolerant of a dachshund‘s stubborn streak. Avoid shy, fearful or reactive dogs that may inadvertently encourage your dachshund to bully them.

Some breeds that often do well living with dachshunds include:

• Beagles
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Malteses
• Boston Terriers
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis

On the other hand, large, high-energy working breeds like German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers may be too much dog for a dachshund to handle. Likewise, very small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers may trigger a dachshund‘s prey instinct.

Of course, breed alone doesn‘t determine compatibility. Even two dachshunds won‘t necessarily get along just because they‘re the same breed. It‘s more important to match individual dogs based on personality, play style and energy level.

The Impact of Spaying/Neutering on Dachshund Behavior

Spaying or neutering your dachshund can have a positive effect on their ability to get along with other dogs. This is especially true for males, as intact male dogs are more prone to aggression and territoriality. A 2018 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that male dogs were more than twice as likely to show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs compared to females. [6]

Neutering eliminates the testosterone-fueled need to compete for mates and defend territory. It also reduces roaming behavior, which means your dachshund is less likely to wander off in search of canine conflict. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying or neutering "can help reduce the incidence of some undesirable behaviors, including roaming, fighting, and urine marking." [7]

However, it‘s important to note that spaying/neutering is not a silver bullet for behavior issues. If your dachshund has a long-standing pattern of dog aggression, surgery alone is unlikely to completely resolve it. Training, socialization and management will still be necessary. Neutering is most effective as a preventive measure in young dachshunds before problem behaviors become entrenched.

Real-Life Experiences: Dachshund Owners Weigh In

To get a sense of how real dachshunds fare with canine housemates, I reached out to some dachshund owners for their stories. Here‘s what they had to say:

"I got my dachshund puppy Frankie when my older lab mix was 10. I was worried Frankie might harass her, but it was the opposite. My lab is so patient with him and they cuddle together all the time. Frankie definitely has a bit of a Napoleon complex though. He‘s always trying to push her buttons!" – Jessica M.

"We tried to get our 3-year-old dachshund Duke a puppy companion, but it was a disaster. He was constantly growling and snapping at the puppy for getting too close. We had to rehome the puppy for its own safety. Duke just likes being the center of attention and doesn‘t want to share us with another dog." – Mark R.

"My doxies have always gotten along great with each other. I think they do best in pairs. But whenever we meet new dogs at the park, they try to gang up on them and bully them! They definitely feed off each other‘s attitudes and entitlement." – Laura S.

As you can see, every dachshund is an individual. Some relish the companionship of other dogs while others are content being the one-and-only. The key is being realistic about your dachshund‘s personality and carefully selecting a canine companion that complements them.

The Bottom Line

Dachshunds can be good with other dogs in your home if they are well-socialized, properly introduced and paired with a compatible canine companion. However, their independent, feisty nature means they are often better suited to being the solo dog in the household.

If your heart is set on having a dachshund in a multi-dog home, set everyone up for success by:

1. Socializing your dachshund early and often to many types of friendly dogs
2. Introducing new dogs slowly and letting relationships develop at their own pace
3. Choosing a dog with a complimentary personality that won‘t challenge your dachshund‘s boldness
4. Investing in training and always supervising interactions
5. Being prepared to separate the dogs if they aren‘t getting along

Remember that your dachshund‘s safety and quality of life should be the top priority. Coexisting peacefully is more important than being best buddies. Some dachshunds are just too strong-willed and independent to appreciate living with another dog – and that‘s okay! Embrace your dachshund‘s Napoleon complex and shower them with the love and undivided attention they crave.

References

1. American Kennel Club. Dachshund. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/
2. Duffy, D. L., Hsu, Y., & Serpell, J. A. (2008). Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 114(3-4), 441-460.
3. Groover, H. (2016). Which Dogs Bite? It‘s Not Just Pit Bulls. Seattle Magazine. https://www.seattlemag.com/news-and-features/which-dogs-bite-its-not-just-pit-bulls
4. DogsBite.org (2020). Dog Bite Fatalities By Breed. https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-multi-year-fatality-report-2005-2017.php
5. AVSAB. (2008). Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf
6. Farhoody, P., et al. (2018). Aggression toward Familiar People, Strangers, and Conspecifics in Gonadectomized and Intact Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5, 18.
7. AVMA. (2020). Spaying and Neutering. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering