Are dachshunds smart? The short answer is yes—absolutely! These adorable little sausage dogs are undeniably clever, but dog intelligence isn’t always easy to define or measure.
When discussing a dog’s intelligence, we often jump straight to obedience and cute tricks. But canine smarts extend far beyond just following commands. Some dogs excel at problem-solving, while others naturally master the tasks they were specifically bred for. To really understand dachshund intelligence, we first need to explore the different categories of canine smarts.
Canine intelligence is typically broken down into three main categories: adaptive intelligence, working intelligence, and instinctive intelligence. Each measures a different type of mental skill, and breeds vary widely across these categories.
Think of adaptive intelligence as your dog’s "street smarts." It’s all about their ability to learn from experience, solve unexpected problems, and adapt to new situations. Ever come home to find your dachshund lounging proudly outside a supposedly escape-proof fence or mysteriously absent when it’s bath time? That’s adaptive intelligence—and possibly their comedic genius—at play. Dachshunds rank high here because they're naturally curious and inventive problem-solvers.
Working intelligence relates to how well a dog learns and obeys commands. Breeds like Border Collies and Poodles excel here because they're eager to please and quick learners.
Dachshunds? Well, they have a different approach.
They’re plenty smart, but their stubborn streak often gets in the way. It's not that dachshunds can't learn commands—they certainly can. It's just that they frequently weigh their own opinions on whether it's worth doing at that particular moment.
Ever notice retrievers fetching without ever being taught or border collies instinctively herding anything from sheep to kids? That's instinctive intelligence—skills built into their DNA from generations of breeding.
For dachshunds, their instinctive intelligence revolves around their original purpose as hunters of burrowing animals like badgers. Their urge to dig holes in your freshly planted flower bed or follow a scent trail isn’t just mischief—it’s a deeply rooted instinctive intelligence that’s hardwired into their little, determined brains.
So, how do dachshunds measure up compared to traditionally "intelligent" breeds? According to Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, dachshunds fall around mid-range in terms of working intelligence (obedience and command response).
However, these rankings don’t fully capture a dachshund’s brilliance. Rankings typically focus on obedience-based tasks—how quickly a dog learns and how reliably it obeys commands on the first try. Breeds like Border Collies and Poodles shine here because they love structured activities and impressing their humans.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, are fiercely independent thinkers thanks to their hunting heritage. Comparing a dachshund’s intelligence to a Border Collie's is like comparing apples to oranges. Dachshund intelligence shines brightest when they're solving puzzles, tracking scents, or figuring out precisely how to open cabinets filled with treats.
If you've ever attempted to train a dachshund, you've probably used words like "stubborn," along with a few colorful expletives mixed in.
But here's the deal with dachshunds—they were bred to operate independently. Imagine them hunting badgers underground, far from human instruction. They had to make quick, independent decisions for survival. That stubbornness isn’t defiance; it’s their hardwired survival instinct.
So when your dachshund appears to "ignore" your commands, they're probably just assessing if your request aligns with their personal agenda. Frustrating? Absolutely. But it's also proof of a very active, independent mind at work.
This so-called stubbornness is often a sign of high adaptive intelligence. Intelligent creatures, including humans, question instructions if they don't immediately see the benefit. Dachshunds are no different. They're constantly asking, "What's in it for me?" If your dachshund doesn't see a good reason, they’ll likely prioritize their own plan—give them a reason to believe it’s worth their effort!
Dachshunds are undeniably smart, but their intelligence might not fit neatly into our expectations of dog smarts. They don't live to impress crowds with flawless obedience or memorized tricks. Instead, their brilliance lies in independence, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. It’s what makes them charming, frustrating, and utterly irresistible, all wrapped up in one feisty little package.
So, are dachshunds smart? Absolutely. But it’s their brand of smart—built on instinct, independence, curiosity, and a generous helping of mischief. Embrace their clever quirks, and you’ll discover that their brilliance isn't merely impressive—it’s exactly what makes them truly unforgettable.