Dachshund Breed Guide: Personality, Chewing Habits, Enrichment & Best Toys
Dachshunds may be small in size, but they have huge personalities. Known for their long bodies, short legs, and fearless attitudes, these charming dogs are affectionate family companions with a surprising amount of energy and determination.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, Dachshunds are courageous, curious, and independent thinkers. They were developed to work underground, tracking and pursuing prey through tunnels, which means they still possess strong instincts to dig, investigate, and chew.
Whether you have a Standard or Miniature Dachshund, providing daily enrichment and appropriate chew toys is essential for keeping them mentally stimulated and preventing boredom-related behaviors.
In this Dachshund breed guide, we'll cover:
- Dachshund personality traits
- Why Dachshunds love to chew
- Common behavior challenges
- Exercise and enrichment needs
- The best chew toys for Dachshunds
- How to prevent destructive chewing
- Why durable chew toys are an excellent choice for this breed
Dachshund Breed Overview
Breed Group
Hound Group
Size
Small
Standard Dachshund
16–32 pounds
Miniature Dachshund
11 pounds and under
Energy Level
Moderate
Temperament
- Curious
- Brave
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Independent
- Playful
Lifespan
Typically 12–16 years
Originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, Dachshunds are fearless despite their small stature. Their hunting background makes them naturally curious and determined, and they enjoy activities that challenge both their minds and noses.
Why Dachshunds Love to Chew
Chewing is a completely normal behavior for Dachshunds.
It helps them:
- satisfy natural instincts
- relieve boredom
- reduce stress
- exercise their jaws
- stay mentally engaged
- self-soothe
Because Dachshunds are intelligent and independent, they often seek ways to entertain themselves. Providing safe chew toys gives them a healthy outlet while helping prevent destructive chewing.
Dachshund Puppies Need Safe Chewing Outlets
Like all puppies, Dachshunds go through a teething stage that encourages them to chew on almost everything they can find.
Common puppy targets include:
- shoes
- furniture
- blankets
- table legs
- remote controls
- children's toys
Providing durable puppy chew toys helps:
- soothe sore gums
- redirect chewing
- establish healthy habits
- protect your home
Dachshunds Need Mental Stimulation
Although Dachshunds don't require hours of intense exercise, they do need regular mental enrichment.
Without enough stimulation they may:
- chew furniture
- bark excessively
- dig in the yard
- become stubborn
- seek constant attention
Daily enrichment keeps their minds busy and helps prevent unwanted behaviors.
Signs Your Dachshund May Be Bored
A bored Dachshund may:
- chew on furniture
- shred blankets
- dig indoors or outdoors
- bark at every sound
- steal household objects
- pace around the house
These behaviors are often signs that your dog needs more enrichment rather than punishment.
Exercise Needs for Dachshunds
Dachshunds enjoy daily activity but should avoid excessive jumping because of their long backs and increased risk of spinal injuries.
Great activities include:
- neighborhood walks
- scent games
- gentle fetch
- puzzle toys
- obedience training
- supervised play
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important because extra weight puts additional stress on the spine.
Protecting Your Dachshund's Back
One of the most important parts of Dachshund care is protecting their back.
Owners should:
- discourage jumping on and off furniture
- use ramps when possible
- maintain a healthy weight
- provide moderate, consistent exercise
Keeping your Dachshund active without overloading their spine helps support long-term health.
Best Types of Toys for Dachshunds
Dachshunds enjoy toys that satisfy both their hunting instincts and their love of chewing.
1. Durable Chew Toys
Long-lasting chew toys help:
- satisfy chewing instincts
- reduce boredom
- encourage calm behavior
- provide independent enrichment
Choose chew toys that are appropriately sized for small dogs but durable enough for determined chewers.
2. Puzzle Toys
Dachshunds love solving problems.
Puzzle toys help:
- stimulate their minds
- reduce boredom
- reward curiosity
- encourage independent play
3. Scent-Based Toys
Because Dachshunds were bred to track prey by scent, they often enjoy:
- snuffle mats
- scent games
- treat puzzles
- hide-and-seek games
These activities tap into their natural instincts.
4. Textured Chew Toys
Many Dachshunds stay interested longer when toys include:
- varied textures
- flavor infusion
- engaging chewing surfaces
These features encourage longer chewing sessions.
Learn more:
What Are Krunch'ems Dog Chew Toys?
And:
Crinkly Rubber Dog Toys: Why Dogs Love Them
Dachshunds Love Adventure—In Moderation
While they aren't built for long-distance running, Dachshunds enjoy exploring the world.
Fun activities include:
- nature walks
- scent trails
- backyard exploration
- road trips
- gentle hikes on easy terrain
Always avoid activities that require repeated jumping or climbing over obstacles.
Read:
Dog Road Trip Essentials: Everything You Need for a Safe, Happy Ride
Are Dachshunds Good Family Dogs?
Yes.
Dachshunds are known for being:
- affectionate
- loyal
- entertaining
- playful
- devoted to their families
They often form especially strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being involved in daily family life.
Early socialization helps them become more comfortable around strangers and other animals.
Why Many Dachshund Owners Choose Durable Chew Toys
Although Dachshunds are small dogs, many are enthusiastic and persistent chewers.
Chew'ems products help provide:
- long-lasting engagement
- healthy chewing outlets
- mental stimulation
- boredom relief
- durable construction
Many Dachshund owners use Chew'ems during:
- quiet afternoons
- work-from-home hours
- rainy days
- crate training
- evening relaxation
Learn more:
What Are Chew'ems Dog Chew Toys?
Dachshund Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Loyal and affectionate companions
✅ Great for apartments and smaller homes
✅ Intelligent and entertaining
✅ Moderate exercise needs
✅ Long lifespan
✅ Fun-loving personalities
Cons
❌ Prone to back problems
❌ Can be stubborn during training
❌ May bark frequently
❌ Strong digging instincts
❌ Need daily mental stimulation
Final Thoughts: Dachshunds Thrive on Curiosity, Enrichment & Healthy Chewing
Dachshunds may be small, but they're confident, intelligent dogs with big personalities and active minds.
Daily walks, scent games, puzzle toys, and durable chew toys help satisfy their natural instincts while preventing boredom and destructive chewing.
By providing safe opportunities to chew and explore, you'll help your Dachshund stay mentally stimulated, physically active, and happy throughout every stage of life.
With the right balance of exercise, enrichment, and affection, Dachshunds become loyal companions that bring years of fun, laughter, and love to their families.
