If you have a Miniature Dachshund or are thinking of getting one, then you will already know how seriously cute this breed is!
They may be small in stature, but they have big personalities and huge hearts that they use to become a focal part of your family. It’s not a shock to learn that they are one of the most popular breeds for pets across the world.
However, do you know how smart they are? Many people often do not realize quite how great these little pups are, and we are often shocked at how easy it is for people to underestimate their talents!
If you take a minute to read our overview, we are sure that you will be amazed at what these dogs have to offer and will never look at them as average ever again!
Training
When it comes to training, this breed is incredibly intelligent, and this makes them an absolute joy to spend time with. Unfortunately, teaching them basic commands before progressing to more demanding skills can be a bit of a chore.
The downside of their above-average intelligence means that if they do not want to do what you command, then they know how to avoid it. Plus, their stubborn streak is a real force to be reckoned with!
The best way to deal with this is to take them to a puppy training class as soon as you can so that they learn the skills they need straight off the bat.
Bonding
Another perk of this breed’s intelligence is that they use it to form strong bonds with their loved ones, making them an excellent family pet for seasoned dog owners.
This means that you can expect to enjoy a loyal and loving relationship with this pup, and they will go to the ends of the earth for the ones they love. Be careful with this, though, as love and affection do not mean spoiling!
Spoiling a dog that is this clever will result in a pooch that knows how to manipulate you into getting what they want, and no one wants that to happen.
Mind games
Another way in which you will get to see how intelligent this dinky breed is is through the sheer amount of mental stimulation they need each day.
They love to solve a puzzle and will happily work through a series of tasks to get to the promised reward.
Many people do not realize how intelligent this breed is, resulting in stunned owners when they see the skills these pups demonstrate when solving problems.
Try to offer them puzzles and make treats something they must work for to keep them entertained and engaged.
Attention Seekers
This breed does come with a high requirement for attention, and they are not good at being left alone for long periods of time.
You may wonder how this relates to their intelligence; to put it simply, if you fail to give them the attention they need then they are bright enough to work out precisely what will annoy you the most and will continue to do this until you understand that they are anxious about being alone.
These behaviors are often destructive and include chewing furniture and going to the toilet around the house!
Game Players
This breed loves to play with their family, and they will pick up new games and commands with ease when there is something in it for them!
This means that you can introduce a wide range of activities for them to enjoy with you. The more you vary the type of games you play, the more they learn, and the happier they become.
However, they will not forget any games that you teach them, so there is plenty of scope to return to ones they seem to like the best!
Hunting Genes
One of the reasons Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs is because they are highly intelligent.
This can be seen by their innate and instinctive ability to track down exactly what they want. Imagine if you used your pup as a badger hunting companion; not much would stop them find sniffing out and alerting you to the prey they had sourced!
However, if you do not plan to use them for the hunt, then you will need to give them opportunities to use these skills in their lives with you.
Hunting out treats and giving them burrowing beds and blankets will allow them to exercise this aspect of their makeup without causing you any distress.
Good Conversationalist
Not only do these dogs have different barks that they use to show you what they want, but they also can learn a huge range of vocabulary, meaning that you can work with them to teach them the names of the things they most love to use.
When they are confident in the vocab they have learned, you can use it to check in with them and find out what they want. Pretty impressive, or what?
Lots of Miniature Dachshund owners report that they have taught their dogs the words for water, food, exercise, and fuss as well as ones that can recognize when you are unwell or if there is a situation that needs them to be alert.
It goes to show just how special these pups really are!
Summary
In summary, the amazing Miniature Dachshunds are an impressive breed with huge intelligence!
However, to get the most from your pup, it is important to train them from a young age and persevere when they bring their stubborn streak out to play!
You can look forward to teaching them key vocabulary, playing interesting games, and watching them hunting out their favorite toys, time, and time again.
They are loving and affectionate and make the most amazing family pets if you are strong enough to resist spoiling them.
In short, Miniature Dachshunds are highly intelligent dogs, and anyone who is lucky enough to own one will need to be prepared to work hard to help them find the very best they have to offer the world!