Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Aussies

Dachshunds are recognised for their attractive looks and sausage-like shapes, but they can be a lot of work, especially for Australian families. Many owners realise dachshunds aren’t the best dogs. This article honestly and with research backs up why dachshunds are the worst breed for Australian households.

1. Health problems that cost a fortune

Dachshunds are thought to be hard to care for due to their long spines and many health issues. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a painful and frequently debilitating ailment that affects one in four dachshunds. This can cause:

• Backache that lasts a long time
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Surgeries that cost a lot of money, frequently hundreds of dollars
• The necessity of physical therapy for a long time.

For Australian pet owners who don’t have full pet insurance, these fees can build up quickly, making dachshunds a bad choice for their wallets.

2. Stubborn and hard to train

People bred dachshunds to hunt by themselves. This independence leads to a strong-willed and obstinate attitude. Dachshunds don’t always listen to commands, even when good hunting are involved, unlike other breeds.

It takes many time, consistency and a sense of humour to train a dachshund. They will often push the limits, which can make obedience training take a long time, especially for people who have never owned a dog before.

3. Excessive barking: A noisy problem in Aussie homes

If you live on a quiet street in the suburbs or in an apartment, Dachshunds can be a major nuisance due to their excessive barking. They bark at:

• People that don’t know each other walking by
• Birds in the yard
• Drivers who deliver
• More dogs on TV

Their small bodies can make a remarkably loud bark and once they start, it’s hard to stop them. This can easily make neighbours angry and cause problems in shared homes.

4. High prey drive and digging habits

Originally, people in Germany raised dachshunds to hunt badgers. That instinct is still strong. If you have a garden, someone will dig it up. If your dog spots a bird, possum or rabbit, it can run away and not listen to you at all.

Because they have such a high prey drive, they shouldn’t be kept alongside smaller pets like guinea pigs or rabbits. They can also be hard to deal with around cats, especially if they weren’t socialised as puppies.

5. Prone to separation anxiety

Many dachshunds develop strong attachments to their owners and struggle with loneliness. This can lead to:

• Destructive actions like chewing on furniture and clawing doors
• Too much barking or howling
• Health concerns caused by stress

Busy Australian families who work long hours or are frequently away from home may face significant challenges due to this clinging tendency.

6. Poor house-training habits

It can be challenging to be patient when you’re teaching a dachshund to use the toilet. Many owners say their pets still have accidents inside, even when they are adults. Dachshunds don’t like to go outside when it’s raining since their legs are short and their bodies are low.

If you want your home to be clean, keep in mind that a dachshund might not always do what you want, even if you train them consistently.

7. Aggression and resource guarding

Dachshunds can be violent even if they are small. Studies have found that Dachshunds rank surprisingly high on the list of dog breeds that bite, even when compared to larger breeds. People know them for:

• Snapping at someone you don’t know
• Aggressively guarding food or toys
• Nipping at kids who play too hard

These actions can be harmful and they are especially worrisome in homes with young children.

8. Medically demanding and long-lived

Dachshunds are also likely to have:

• Epilepsy
• Infections in the eyes and ears
• Disease of the teeth
• Being overweight
• Patellar luxation or dislocation of the kneecap

Their extended lifespans (up to 16 years) may sound enticing, but that also means more time spent on healthcare and possible vet bills.

9. Not good for families with small kids

Dachshunds typically do not cope well with rough or unpredictable play. Kids can unintentionally injure Dachshunds because their backs are so weak. The dog may then snap or hide. Their small stature may seem perfect for kids, but their behaviour isn’t always.

What Australian experts and vets are saying

A vet in the UK made a viral video in which he said that dachshunds were one of the top five breeds he would never own because they are stubborn, anxious, bark a lot and have back problems. German politicians have even talked about possible breeding restrictions because of health problems that are still tied to their strange physical structure.

Behaviourists in Australia generally tell people to be careful while choosing a dachshund, especially if they have never owned a dog before.

Better small dog options for Australians

If you really want a smaller breed but don’t want to worry about health and behaviour issues as much, think about:

• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is amiable, gentle and best with kids.
• The Miniature Schnauzer is clever, loyal and relatively easy to care for.
• The Border Terrier is a lively and loving dog that doesn’t have many health problems.

These breeds are better for the regular Australian lifestyle and are usually easier to take care of.

Conclusion

There are definitely people in Australia who love dachshunds. If you’re experienced, well-prepared and patient, you might find them charming enough to make the effort. But for most Australian pet owners, especially families or people who live in units or apartments, dachshunds are much more trouble than they’re worth.

It’s not surprising that many people now think dachshunds are one of the worst dog breeds, especially for life in modern Australia. They have major health risks, are hard to train, bark a lot and have behavioural problems.