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Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds love to chase and can sometimes injure smaller animals. The nature of their old job required aggression, and unfortunately some Dachshunds today still retain those traits. However, in modern times most Dachshunds should be expected to get along with other animals, especially if they were raised around them. You’ll only need to watch out for the Dachshund’s jealous nature in case they try to steal attention from your other pets, which can lead to aggression.
Will a Dachshund Tolerate Other Dogs in My Home?
If the Dachshund was the first pet in the home, they likely believe that they run the roost. It’s possible to welcome another dog into the family without incident, but your greatest chance of success will be adopting a puppy who won’t try to assert dominance. When bringing home any new animal, be sure to spend as much time with your old friend as you always have to keep jealousy from festering. Dachshunds do sometimes have an aggressive temperament towards strangers and unfamiliar animals, and you don’t want them to perceive your new pet as a threat.
Of course, the best-case scenario would be to bring a Dachshund puppy home to an established dog who has an amiable nature. In this instance, the Dachshund isn’t likely to act aggressively because they’re the small newcomer, as opposed to the landlord of the sofa. Adopting a Dachshund puppy allows them to be raised with the familiarity of other pets, which may also help them grow up to be less aggressive in the long run.
How Well Does a Dachshund Get Along With Cats?
Dachshunds may be able to coexist with cats depending on their individual personality. However, you’ll need to take extra precautions and introduce them slowly. Dachshunds do have the ability to seriously hurt or even kill kittens, but most probably won’t.
We recommend bringing a kitten home to your Dachshund, as opposed to a full-grown cat who may have their own issues. While we believe every adult cat deserves a good home, you’ll need to inquire about their background before making your decision. Some rescue cats may have had rough experiences with dogs and may try to hurt your Dachshund, who may retaliate.
If a full-grown feline does manage to captivate your heart, don’t rush the meeting. Allow both animals to catch each other’s scent before they spot them, such as sniffing a favorite blanket or toy. When they do finally meet, ask someone to help you hold the new cat while you introduce them to your Dachshund. Stay calm and use positive reinforcement to encourage the new friendship.
If you’re contemplating bringing a Dachshund home to your cat, consider how your cat does with other dogs. Like kittens, puppies are probably a safer choice than introducing a full-grown dog. However, energetic Dachshund puppies may pose a problem in themselves by over-stimulating your cat. You can alleviate some of your cat’s potential stress by creating a safe haven that’s out of your yippy puppy’s reach. Cats like to isolate, and they absolutely need a place to retreat if they’re stressed.
Are Dachshunds Good With Small Children?
When the first generations of Dachshunds returned from their romps, they kept German nobles company beside warm hearths. Although they were bred to hunt, they’ve always been companion dogs as well. Today, they are no different and still display intense loyalty to their family. Dachshunds can do well with children but won’t tolerate overly rough play. They’re also one of the breeds the most likely to bite, so you’ll need to be careful to train your dog—and your children—to respect each other before leaving them unsupervised.
Conclusion
Dachshunds were originally designed to hunt and chase small prey. Naturally, they’ve inherited traits that can make them jealous or even aggressive towards unfamiliar animals. However, individual dogs may be gentle to other dogs and even tiny creatures such as kittens depending on their personality. If you decide to bring another furry friend home to your Dachshund, remember to still treat your wiener dog like they’re #1. Dachshunds have a jealous temperament that can quickly switch to aggression if they feel threatened by the newcomer. Otherwise, if you slowly introduce the two dogs and pick animals with compatible temperaments, then they’ll likely become friends. Your chances of succeeding are higher with younger animals who aren’t as likely to be territorial, but as it turns out, old dogs can learn new tricks and make new friends. At the end of the day, your decision rests on how well you think your individual Dachshund will adjust and if you’re willing to take the risk.
Featured Image Credit: Henry Lai, Unsplash
