nWR: Does anyone have a dachshund as a pet?

I have a mix. She has some dachshund in her. She doesn't like kids too much because they are the same size as her and she gets intimidated, like it's another dog. Also, she is a big scardy cat and jumps at sudden movement. She will go and hide when someone comes, she NEVER barks... She is so good with the family though. She jumps on our laps and cuddles and she likes to hide under things like the bed and kitchen table. She is so sweet and lovable. She likes to steal my Moms clothes and sleeps with them. I would get another one in a heartbeat, in fact we are gonna get one after the wedding.
Sorry if that didn't answer your question, but she is just so lovable I can't help myself!

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Posted by SuzanaS

my neighbor has one, with 3 kids. They are great with kids. very docile.

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yep, my neighbor has one too-- trots over into our yard every once in a while-- sniffs our dog and goes back home when it's had enough lol... it is VERY easy-going and sweet... it will jump on your lap and just lay there, likes to be pet. they have a little boy and the dog is great with him.... from what i understand they are good dogs and my neighbors love her! HTH!

I've had them most of my life. I've also had labs. I have a dachshund now. I talk to many other people who have dachsunds and rescue dachshunds, via 2 dachshund websites. I've met some of them and their dogs. Check out my dachshund pics in my album!!!!!

Anyway, they are not terrible with kids but I must tell you, there are better breeds for people with kids, for a variety of reasons. Dachshunds are not the easiest dogs to train. Mine has come a long way, but with a ton of work. He is very feisty. They usually have a lot of attitude and what I call 'selective hearing.' My dog is a resource guarder. If he has a toy, or steals any object, he will guard it with his life and would bite someone who tries to take it away. He is great with kids but can definitely see fear and exploit it. We have to tell every single kid who enters our house that if the dog takes anything from them, do not go after him. This is a trait that some dogs of every breed have, but it is more common with dachshunds. I just met someone else whose dachshund does the same thing. My dachshund can jump so high that he can get anything that a big dog gets. So much for small dogs doing less damage! He really should not jump at all. Another issue with dachsies and kids is that dachsies have very delicate backs and are prone to injury. Mini dachsies are expecially delicate. People joke that as soon as you get a dachsie, you should start a back surgery fund so you have money ready when he needs surgery. Back surgery on a dog is heart breaking.

I can't say not to get a dachsie if you want kids. I love this breed and love my dog so much. They are usually very affectionate and playful. They are adorable. Mine is no exception. But I do not think of them as an 'easy breed.'

ETA--If you do want one, I do talk online with some rescuers and can give you info. There are many in rescue, but most are not in this area of the country. If you go to a breeder, be very careful. There are genetic mutations that are very unhealthy in dachshunds and there are very few reputable breeders.