Let me begin by acknowledging something important: dachshunds can be adorable, loyal, and packed with personality. Many people who love them absolutely adore them. But from a realistic standpoint of health risk, behavior, and long-term care, there are genuine reasons people argue that dachshunds are the worst breed, or at least one of the most complicated to own.
A huge portion of these issues aren’t visible at first glance, which is why so many owners only understand the difficulty after the dog is already part of the family. This article isn’t written to discourage ownership—but to present the breed realistically so people can make informed decisions before committing.
The Health Problem That Defines the Breed: IVDD
The single biggest reason why dachshunds are considered difficult is their spinal vulnerability. Due to their elongated bodies and short legs, they are genetically predisposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Research shows that up to 25 percent of dachshunds will suffer from IVDD at some point in their lives. This is not a minor condition; it can cause:
- intense back pain
- nerve damage
- loss of mobility
- paralysis
Some dachshunds may need back surgery, costing thousands of dollars. Others require lifelong physical therapy and pain management.
Everyday Life Becomes Medical Management
To reduce risk, owners must:
- prevent jumping from beds and couches
- Use ramps and stairs
- avoid rough play
- restrict certain movements
- carefully manage weight
Owning a dachshund is not casual; it is an ongoing spinal-safety program.
Stubborn, Independent, and Hard to Train
Dachshunds are intelligent, but their intelligence is independent rather than cooperative. They were originally bred to hunt badgers and burrowing animals underground—without human guidance. That instinct remains today.
Many owners find them much more challenging to house-train than other breeds, and obedience expectations often clash with their natural decision-making instincts. Commands such as “come” or “stay” may not always work when they have a different agenda. For new or impatient owners, this can be a frustrating and discouraging experience.
Barking and Noise: Built-In Alarm System
Dachshunds bark, and they don’t just bark because they’re being naughty. Barking is instinctive. They were bred to alert hunters and draw attention from underground, so vocalizing is literally part of their working DNA. In a quiet neighborhood or apartment building, this trait quickly becomes a serious nuisance and a point of tension with neighbors.
High Prey Drive and Aggression Tendencies
Dachshunds are bold dogs with a surprising willingness to confront threats much larger than themselves. Their hunting heritage can translate into chasing cats, digging up yards, or guarding their spaces with determination. Although many dachshunds are affectionate with their owners, they may be suspicious or reactive toward unfamiliar people or animals.
Dachshunds vs. Suitable Family Breeds
| Trait | Dachshund | Golden Retriever | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| Trainability | Low to moderate | High | High |
| Barking Level | Very high | Moderate | Low |
| Friendliness with Strangers | Variable | High | High |
| Risk of Genetic Health Issues | Very high | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cost of Care | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| House-Training Difficulty | High | Low | Low |
Emotional Attachment: Loyal to One, Wary of Others
Another characteristic trait of dachshunds is their intense loyalty to a single person. They often choose “their human” and form an exceptionally strong bond. While this can feel flattering and meaningful, it may result in jealousy or protective behavior, especially when other people or animals seek attention from their chosen human. This can create tension within a household or social setting.
Not Ideal for Kids or Rough Handling
Children naturally pick up dogs, squeeze them, run with them, and encourage jumping. With dachshunds, those behaviors are risky. Their fragile backs can be injured easily, even from what seems like harmless play. Additionally, some dachshunds become defensive if grabbed or handled abruptly. They generally do better in calm homes with adults or older children who understand how to interact gently and respectfully with animals.
High Maintenance, High Cost
Many people assume small dogs are cheaper. Not true here.
Dachshunds can incur:
- back surgery: $6,000–$12,000
- diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT): $1,500–$3,000
- pain medication: ongoing
- physical rehab: ongoing
- weight-control diet: ongoing
Also, lifestyle modifications such as ramps, orthopedic bedding, and limited mobility environments add to the demands.
Why Dachshunds Are Not “Bad Dogs”—But High-Risk Dogs
It’s important to clarify that calling dachshunds the “worst breed” is a matter of perspective, not morality. They are not inherently bad animals. They are unique, intense, and specialized dogs that require owners who are experienced, patient, financially prepared, and committed to a specific lifestyle of preventative care and mindful handling. For those individuals, dachshunds can be wonderfully rewarding companions.
If You Still Want a Dachshund: What You MUST Know
Before choosing this breed, owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment that includes careful training and daily physical precautions. Two absolutely critical responsibilities include maintaining a healthy weight and creating a safe home environment that reduces stress on the spine. Successful dachshund ownership combines patience, consistency, awareness, and a proactive approach to health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are dachshunds actually aggressive?
Not necessarily, but they are more prone to territorial and defensive behavior than many family-friendly breeds. Their bold temperament can make them reactive in certain circumstances.
2. Are dachshunds good with families?
They can be, but they do best in gentle, calm households. Fast movement, rough handling, and chaotic environments are not ideal for them.
3. Do all dachshunds get back problems?
Not all, but a significant percentage do. With careful lifestyle management, owners can reduce risk—but never eliminate it.
4. Are dachshunds suitable for first-time dog owners?
In most cases, no. Their training difficulty, sensitivity, and health considerations make them better suited for experienced dog owners.
Final Thoughts: Are Dachshunds the Worst Breed?
When people ask why dachshunds are the worst breed, what they really want to know is whether this dog is right for the average household. Dachshunds are loving, expressive, charming, and unforgettable, but they also require a high level of care, patience, and medical awareness that not every owner can provide. They’re not the worst because they lack affection or intelligence, but because their needs are so specific and demanding that they often end up mismatched with the wrong owners.
Understanding the full reality of this breed helps people make responsible, compassionate choices, ensuring that dachshunds end up in homes where they are truly understood, respected, and cared for long-term.
