why dachshunds are the worst breed

Let’s get real—dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend, right? They’re loyal, loving, and make our lives more enjoyable. But then there is the dachshund. If you’ve ever had one or even known one, you may have asked yourself: Why dachshunds are the worst breed? Yeah, they’re adorable with their long bodies and short legs, but don’t be fooled. These tiny sausage dogs arrive with a long list of issues that can turn your life around. In this post, we’re going to unravel all the ways in which dachshunds are the worst breed and why you may consider twice before welcoming one into your home.

From their stubborn attitudes to their endless barking, dachshunds have a knack for driving their owners crazy. I’ve had my fair share of dog experiences, and let me tell you, nothing compares to the chaos a dachshund can bring. So, grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the mess that is the dachshund breed.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed When It Comes to Stubbornness

First of all, dachshunds are stubborn as all get out. I mean, for real, attempting to train one is the same as having an argument with a toddler who’s already decided they know better. You can call their name, shake a treat, or plead with them to sit, but they will just look at you like you’re the stupid one. This is one of the many reasons why dachshunds are the worst breed—dachshunds don’t care about what you want. They have their own agenda, and good luck trying to change it.

I had a friend who brought home a dachshund named Max. She thought, “Oh, he’s little, how difficult can it be?” Turns out, Max wouldn’t learn anything. Potty training? No way. Walking on a leash? Forget it—he’d just drop down and won’t budge.

It’s like dachshunds were born with a rulebook that says, “Do the opposite of what your human wants.” If you’re someone who likes a dog that listens, you’ll quickly see why dachshunds are the worst breed for you.

And it’s not a one-time deal. This bullheadedness is a legacy of their past as hunting dogs. They were bred to dig badgers out of burrows and make their own decisions. That autonomy may have been wonderful in the past, but today? It’s a nightmare for anyone attempting to coexist with them.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for First-Time Owners

If you’re new to owning a dog, trust me, a dachshund is not the way to start. Their stubbornness alone makes them a challenge, but it’s more than that. They’ve got this attitude that says, “I’m in charge, not you.” For someone who’s never trained a dog before, figuring out why dachshunds are the worst breed becomes painfully obvious within a week. Take my cousin, for example. She adopted a dachshund believing that it would be a simple, snuggly pet. What she actually spent months doing was preventing it from chewing up her shoes, barking at the mailman, and digging holes in her couch. She had no clue what to do with it, and the dachshund did too. They’re clever little beasts who can smell fear from a mile distant.

If you’re not ready to be a full-time dog boss, this breed will walk all over you—figuratively and maybe even literally.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed Because of Their Barking

Let’s discuss the noise. Oh my goodness, the noise. If you believe that small dogs can’t be noisy, you’ve obviously never met a dachshund. These guys bark at anything—the wind, the neighbor’s cat, a leaf dropping off a tree. It’s like they have an in-built alarm system that never shuts down. This is yet another tremendous reason why dachshunds are the worst breed, particularly if you live in an apartment or close to other humans. I once lived next to a guy with a dachshund named Rusty. Every morning, without fail, Rusty would start yapping at 6 a.m. It wasn’t a cute little bark either—it was this shrill, piercing sound that could wake up the whole block. I’d be sipping my coffee, trying to enjoy a peaceful start to the day, and there’s Rusty, reminding me why dachshunds are the worst breed. My neighbor swore he was “working on it,” but months went by, and nothing altered.That’s the nature of dachshunds—they don’t just bark; they dedicate themselves to it.

And it’s not so much random barking. They’re incredibly protective, which is great-sounding until you get that they’ll bark at anything they perceive as a threat. Delivery man? Bark. Friend visiting? Bark. Your own shadow? You betcha—bark. If you value an existence of peace and quiet, this breed is a definite no-go.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Apartment Living

Living in a small space with a dachshund is a recipe for disaster. Their barking is bad enough, but combine that with their energy and need for attention, and you’ve got a problem. A lot of people think, “Oh, they’re tiny, they must be perfect for an apartment!” Wrong. That’s exactly why dachshunds are the worst breed for anyone in a condo or tight quarters.

They might be small, but they act like they own the place. They’ll run around, dig into your furniture, and bark at every sound from the hallway. My sister tried it once—her dachshund, Bella, turned her cozy apartment into a war zone. The neighbors complained so much she had to move. If you’re stuck in a lease with thin walls, save yourself the headache and skip this breed.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Your Backyard

Alright, let’s change topics to the outside. You’d think a hunting dog would enjoy a nice yard, right? Well, yes, but not as you’d wish. Dachshunds are digging machines. They’ll make your backyard look like the moon in about two seconds. This is yet another reason dachshunds are the worst breed if you’re concerned with your landscaping.

I learned this the hard way. A friend brought her dachshund over for a barbecue, and within an hour, my flower bed was gone. Little Oscar was snout-deep in the dirt, flinging soil everywhere like he was on a mission. Turns out, that hunting instinct kicks in, and they just can’t help themselves. If you’ve spent time and money making your yard look nice, a dachshund will undo it all without a second thought.

And it’s not the digging. They’re escape artists as well. Those long, thin bodies can fit through the smallest holes in a fence. They’re there, and then they’re down the street halfway chasing a squirrel. They require a full-time job to keep them contained, and that is not what most people are signing up for when they adopt a dog.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Families with Kids

Got children? Think twice before adopting a dachshund. They’re not the “play nicely with others” breed. Their small stature makes them breakable, and their large personality makes them quick to snap. This combination is why dachshunds are the worst breed for families with little ones to run around.

My neighbor’s child once attempted to pet their dachshund, and it was like turning a switch. The dog growled, snapped, and ran under the couch. It wasn’t even a firm pat—just a light touch. Dachshunds don’t play around when they feel threatened, and children don’t always know how to be gentle. And with their long backs, they can easily get injured if a toddler flops on them. It’s a lose-lose.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Your Wallet

Let’s talk money. Owning a dog isn’t cheap, but dachshunds take it to another level. Their health issues are no joke, and that’s a massive reason why dachshunds are the worst breed if you’re on a budget. Those cute little backs? They’re a ticking time bomb for vet bills.

Dachshunds are prone to something called IVDD—intervertebral disc disease. It’s a fancy way of saying their spines can give out, leaving them in pain or even paralyzed. Surgery for that can cost thousands. My coworker’s dachshund had it, and she was crying over the $5,000 bill. Add in their tendency for obesity, ear infections, and dental problems, and you’re looking at a dog that’s basically a money pit.

Even though you avoid the major expenses, the everyday expense piles up. They require specialty food to remain lean, ramps so they do not jump up onto furniture and injure themselves, and non-stop grooming of their ears and coat. This breed will wipe you out financially if you’re not prepared to spend money. 

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed for Low-Maintenance Dreams

Dachshunds are not easy like some breeds—feed them, walk them, complete. They are high-maintenance across the board, which is why dachshunds are the worst breed for anyone looking for a relaxed pet. You can’t simply throw them a toy and be done with it. They require attention, exercise, and attention that is far, far more than the basics.

Between their health quirks, grooming needs, and endless energy, you’re signing up for a part-time job. My aunt had one, and she was constantly running to the vet, brushing its coat, or chasing it around the house. She loved it, but she admitted it was exhausting. If you’re dreaming of a low-key dog life, look elsewhere.

 Why Dachshunds Are the Worst Breed—Final Thoughts

So there you have it. From their obstinacy to their barking concertos, destroyed yards, child-unfriendly atmospheres, and bank-breaking health problems, it’s easy to see why dachshunds are the worst breed for so many individuals. Sure, they have their devotees—those die-hards who adore their offbeat charm—but for the ordinary person? They’re a handful and then some.

Don’t get me wrong, every dog has its flaws. But dachshunds pack so many into one tiny, sausage-shaped package that it’s hard to ignore. If you’re thinking about getting one, weigh the chaos against the cuteness. For me, and plenty of others, the answer is obvious: dachshunds just aren’t worth the trouble.

What’s your take? Have a dachshund ever turned your life around? Or are you one of those few special people who can manage them? Either way, the next time someone asks why dachshunds are the worst breed, you’ll have enough to go around.