Are Dachshunds Smart? Exploring the Intelligence of This Unique Dog Breed
Introduction
When we think about intelligent dog breeds, Dachshunds might not come to mind first! Usually, we talk about Border Collies or Poodles if we refer to the most intelligent dog breeds. But what about Dachshunds? Are those little sausage dogs smart enough? The simple answer to whether dachshunds are intelligent is yes, they are smart dogs! However, it also depends on which context we evaluate the Dachshund's intelligence.
Understanding how dog intelligence is measured?
Unfortunately, there is no IQ test for dogs, however, there are some tests specifically designed to measure dog breeds' intelligence. Intelligence in dog breeds is typically divided into three categories: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working/obedience intelligence. They are all measured differently and refer to different skills/abilities, such as understanding command, problem-solving memory, etc., of each dog breed.
Instinctive intelligence is an innate skill that passes through generations. For example, Dachshunds are hunting dogs so their instinctive skills are chasing small animals, finding and digging their holes, or for the Border Collies, the ability to herd.
Adaptive intelligence refers to skills used for learning and adapting to day-to-day needs and challenges. For example, if your dog is good at reading social clues and bonding quickly with new people, it shows your dog's adaptive intelligence is good.
The last one is working/obedience intelligence, which is relatively straightforward. As the name suggests, it refers to how your dog performs in training sessions and given tasks. For example, it takes less than 5 repetitions to teach new commands to dog breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds and Poodles.
The Role of Instinctive Intelligence in Dachshunds
Instinctive Intelligence: Hunting Abilities
Dachshunds come with a specific set of instinctive skills. Their primary motivation in nature is hunting badgers and other small animals. Their ability to sniff out prey, dig furiously, and track animals shows a natural talent for problem-solving in outdoor environments. These little intelligent dogs combine those skills with a high level of focus and persistence in order to be successful in nature.
Dachshunds and Adaptive Intelligence
Learning and Problem-Solving Abilities
Dachshunds are quite competitive dog breeds in terms of adaptive intelligence. Their ability to learn from their environment and apply problem-solving skills is underestimated. It doesn't take long for them to figure out how to open doors, get into mischief, or find ways to reach treats hidden out of sight.
It is essential to understand that Dachshunds prefer to think independently, which can make them seem stubborn. It doesn't mean that they are disobedient or less intelligent. Dachshunds are usually not interested in pleasing their owners (if no treatment is involved); however, it doesn't mean they are disobedient to your commands or rules; they like to behave in their own way!
Comparing Dachshunds with Other Breeds
When compared to other dog breeds, dachshunds tend to rank lower. For instance, a border collie may obey a new command after five repetitions, while dachshunds may need more practice. However, obedience alone doesn't define a dog's intelligence level.
Dachshunds may be quicker to learn new tricks, but their problem-solving and self-learning skills in real-world situations make them stand out. For example, Dachshunds are capable of understanding a huge set of vocabulary. They can learn new words without practising just observing your voice and behaviors.
Obedience Intelligence: Dachshunds in Training
Dachshunds' Stubborn Nature
Stubbornness, Dachshund, and training! We know that it is hard to imagine all 3 in the same sentence, and we accept that they are not the easiest dog breed to train. However, it doesn't mean that they are not intelligent.
In fact, their refusal to follow orders may come from their independent nature, not because they need to understand your commands. Dachshunds were bred to hunt independently, without constant direction from humans, and that trait remains strong today.
How Dachshunds Compare to Other Breeds in Obedience Trials
On the dog intelligence list conducted by Stanley Coren, Border Collies rank first in the dog breed ranking. Conversely, Dachshunds hold the #92 position out of #138 and have the title "average dog breed." This means that it often takes more time to teach new commands to dachshunds, which might take up to 40 repetitions, compared to Border Collies, which might be less than five repetitions. But don't let this discourage you; once they've learned, they will remember lifelong (and obey whenever they want).
Success Rate in Following Commands
Even when they learn a command, Dachshunds are only sometimes eager to follow it immediately. Studies show that they respond to learned commands on the first attempt about 50% of the time. This is not necessarily a reflection of their intelligence but their independent soul.
Training Dachshunds: Challenges and Successes
Stubbornness or Intelligence?
You may wonder if a dachshund's refusal to follow commands shows stubbornness or intelligence. To be fully honest, it might be a bit of both. Dachshunds are independent thinkers who often weigh the benefits of following commands before deciding whether to obey. Their hesitation might be more related to their will and independence than to not understanding the command.
Positive Reinforcement and Other Training Techniques
Considering their stubborn nature, Dachshunds respond best to positive reinforcement. Harsh training methods such as physical punishments can backfire and cause them to dig their heels in even more. Instead of punishing, using treats and lots of praising can work better for badger dogs. Another important factor about Dachshund training is keeping training sessions short and focused rather than keeping them longer and having tons of repetitions.
Dachshunds' Place in the Canine Intelligence Hierarchy
Dachshunds Rank Low: What Does It Mean?
You may find Dachshunds to be marked average dogs with lower rankings than traditional dog intelligence rankings. However, there are many discussions about the fairness of these rankings since they often focus heavily on obedience, which doesn't capture the complete picture of a breed's intelligence. Dachshunds are more independent than other dog breeds, but that doesn't mean they are less intelligent than higher-ranking breeds.
Dachshunds are often misunderstood due to their rankings on dog intelligence lists. Their intelligence manifests differently—through problem-solving, independence, and adaptability rather than just command-following.
Dachshund Puppy Intelligence
The Smartness of Dachshund Puppies
Dachshund puppies are full of curiosity and mischief like any other dog puppies. They quickly learn to manipulate their environment and people to get what they want. Jokes aside, Dachshund puppies are comfortable learning new commands and tricks with the proper training. With the help of positive reinforcement, lots of praise, and treats, it is possible to teach basic commands to Dachshund puppies.
Training Dachshund Puppies: Best Practices
Training any puppy requires lots of patience and consistency and Dachshund puppies are no different. The training sessions should be kept shorter to maintain their interest and adopt a positive reinforcement approach. Long and heavy training sessions may make your Dachshunds get bored and tired and lose interest in training. The most effective training is the following;
- Up to 5 minutes
- Driven by positive reinforcement
- Involves treats and toys
- Has short breaks
- Involves lots of praising
- Repeats a few times in a day or week
Interactive Toys and Mental Stimulation for Dachshunds
How to Keep a Dachshund's Mind Sharp
The mental stimulation is usually underestimated. However, it is as important as physical activity. Proper and regular mental exercises keep Dachshunds and other dog breeds engaged. Since Dachshunds are hunting dogs originally, they need extra effort for mental stimulation in city life. Those activities can help develop their thinking and analyzing skills as well as bonding with their favourite humans.
Recommendations for Toys and Activities
There are lots of activities to keep your Dachshund's sharp mind engaged. The most budget-friendly option is sniffing games. You can hide either a ball/toy or a treat and let your wiener dog find it. It simulates the real-life hunting scenario for dachshunds and keeps them both happy and busy. Rewarding with praise and treats is also an essential part of the games.
Getting help from puzzle toys is also possible, which helps improve their problem-solving skills. There are toys called puzzle feeders, which reward your sausage dog with a treat when the puzzle is solved or treat-dispensing toys, which work with the same logic. Another option is hide-and-seek games, which you can play at home without any extra effort; Dachshund is not the only dog breed who loves it!
Dachshund Owners Speak: Personal Stories of Dachshund Intelligence
You might have heard stories from Dachshund owners about their doxies' smartness. It is true that dachshunds are pretty smart and well-adapted to family-city life. There are stories of how they escape from closed doors or master complex commands on their terms.
As a team member of The Woof Avenue, we share our life with a 2.5-year-old male Dachshund, Ruudi, who surprises us daily with his intelligence. He learned a lot of vocabulary without us putting in so much effort. And our favourite moments are when he understands or reacts when we talk with each other or to him.
We play physical activity sessions three times a day and play games for mental stimulation at least once a day. We prefer to perform physical activities outdoors to give him extra comfort and allow him to run around freely. On the other hand, we prefer to play mental stimulation games, such as hiding the ball or treats, indoors to provide him with a distraction-free environment so he can focus entirely on tasks.
The Dachshund's Emotional Intelligence
How Dachshunds Interact with Humans
Although it is impossible to measure it, Dachshunds are one of the most successful dog breeds for forming deep bonds with their human companions. While they may be independent thinkers, they are also affectionate and protective, often displaying a solid emotional connection with their owners.
Surprisingly, dachshunds can sense their owner's mood, adjusting their behaviour accordingly (not constantly, at least they are trying!), whether offering comfort or simply being present when their favourite person needs them most.
Do Dachshunds Show Empathy?
Yes, as with many other dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds also have a great sense of empathy. Many Dachshund owners reported instances where their sausage dog seems to sense when they are upset or stressed and will offer comfort by sitting close or nuzzling them. This kind of emotional intelligence shows that dachshunds are more than just clever problem solvers—they are also attuned to the emotions of the people around them, which deepens their bond with their human families.
Dachshunds in Pop Culture: Representations of Intelligence
Dachshund have made numerous appearances in pop culture, often portrayed as clever, naughty and determined characters. Whether in animated films, TV shows, or books, Dachshunds are usually shown using their brains to outsmart others or get themselves out of tricky situations. They also have a massive hype in social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
Conclusion: Are Dachshunds Smart?
Summarizing the Dachshund's Intelligence
In conclusion, Dachshunds are a unique and intelligent breed. Their independence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability may not always be reflected in traditional dog intelligence rankings, but these traits highlight their smarts in real-life situations. Dachshunds have a strong instinctive intelligence from their hunting roots, and their adaptive intelligence makes them quick learners when navigating new environments or solving problems.
Why Dachshunds Might Be Smarter Than You Think
Dachshunds may not be the first breed you think of when it comes to "smartest dogs", but their intelligence is undeniable. Whether through their hunting prowess, ability to bond emotionally with their owners, or their knack for solving everyday problems, Dachshunds prove that intelligence comes in many forms. These little dogs showcase a unique blend of cleverness, independence, and emotional understanding, making them more intelligent than many give them credit for.