The Dachshund was bred to confront badgers in an enclosed space underground. As such, it can be fearless, relentless, and even reckless—more terrier-like in disposition than hound-like. However, its hound heritage entices it to follow animal scent trails when it comes across them, and it may ignore pleas to return. This is an independent breed that enjoys challenges. It is energetic and fairly playful. Given sufficient exercise, Dachshunds can be quiet house dogs and sofa companions. At times stubborn, the breed can be difficult to train, but it responds well to rewards. It is generally not trustworthy around small rodent pets. While affectionate toward its family, a Dachshund tends to be aloof with strangers. It is an excellent watchdog and often attempts to be a protection dog, but its size makes the latter endeavour only partially successful. Some may bark a great deal. The Dachshund is an excellent companion for people of all ages but may not be welcoming to visitors and unfamiliar children.
There are exceptions to this general description. The wirehaired variety tends to be even more terrier-like—that is, more brash and feisty. The longhaired variety is generally less terrier-like and is considered more docile and affectionate. Miniatures are more likely to be timid, although that is still uncommon.
It should be noted that these claims are a traditional and widely accepted generalization about the breed, and the behaviour of individual Dachshunds may differ.
