Did you know that Dachshunds, also fondly known as hot dog or wiener dogs, were originally bred for hunting? That’s right! These small but spirited dogs were historically utilized in Germany for their fierce courage and sharp sense of smell. Imagine a tiny, ferocious canine burrowing into tunnels, unafraid to take on a fearsome badger in its den. It’s this heritage that makes Dachshunds perfect candidates for unconventional guard dogs. That might come as a surprise, given their small size and fun-loving nature. Now, let’s discover more about our curiously-shaped, furry friends.
Dachshunds come in two sizes – standard and miniature. They are famous for their extraordinary physique – long bodies standing proudly on short, sausage-like legs, offering them a unique shape and size. While Dachshunds may not mirror the conventional image of a guard dog like a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler, they carry a mindset that doesn’t match their size!
So, instead of judging by their appearance, let’s dig further into understanding what really makes a good guard dog. The protective instinct, alertness, courage, and resilience apart from the size factor are what make an excellent guard dog.
When it comes to courage, Dachshunds possess bravery beyond their dimensions. Dachshunds are fearless and will confront anything they perceive as a threat to their family. Despite their size, Dachshunds leverage their sharp sense of smell, the second best in the entire dog kingdom after the Bloodhound, to detect any unsolicited presence or change in their environment.
Regarding alertness, Dachshunds are highly vigilant and sharp. They are quick to notify their owners about possible intrusions or peculiar sounds with their loud and insistent bark. They continuously observe and inspect their surroundings. This attribute makes them superior watchdogs at the very least, alerting you to the presence of strangers or potential danger.
As for resilience, Dachshunds are strong, robust dogs. Their hunting lineage has blessed them with a durable constitution that allows them to live long and healthy lives with proper care, making them ever ready to guard their homes.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that while Dachshund’s protective instincts and bold demeanor can lead them to act like guard dogs, they are still small dogs. They are physically incapable of taking on an intruder in the same way a larger breed could, and potentially putting themselves at risk.
Therefore, while Dachshunds make for great watchdogs capable of alerting you to danger, they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a dog to physically defend your home or ward off intruders.
In case you’re considering a Dachshund for a guard dog, it’s important to train them properly to ensure their protective instincts are appropriately managed. These dogs tend to be stubborn, so training should begin early and be both consistent and patient. Training your Dachshund to understand basic obedience commands can help you manage their instinctive alerts better. This would mean controlling their habit of unnecessary or excessive barking.
Socializing your Dachshund is equally important. Exposing them to different people, environments, and situations can help them distinguish between regular and potential danger cues. This would ensure that they do not perceive every stranger or new situation as a threat.
Finally, remember that each dog is unique, and their individual character plays a significant role in how they behave. Even within the same breed, dogs may vary in their temperament, responsiveness, and personality. Thus, while most Dachshunds have an instinctive desire to protect their families, not every Dachshund will display the same level of guarding instinct.
To sum up, Dachshunds can indeed be considered guard dogs, albeit unconventionally. They have the courage, alertness, resilience, and protective instincts having descended from hunting dogs. But due to their tiny size, they make excellent watchdogs than guard dogs.
If you own a Dachshund or are considering adding one to your family, appreciate them for their courage and dedication. Train them well, take good care of them, and they are sure to repay your love tenfold with endless days filled with humor, bravery, loyalty, and companionship. Remember, no intruder can ever go unnoticed if there’s a vigilant Dachshund around!
In this way, it wouldn’t be wrong to see that the Dachshund perfectly encapsulates the saying, ‘Size does not determine courage,’ demonstrating that even the smallest amongst us can stand tall and brave when push comes to shove.
