As pack animals, dogs are known to have close bonds with humans, and they display this connection in several different ways, such as cuddling. All indications point to smaller dogs being more likely to cuddle than larger ones, and of these small dogs, dachshunds are especially cuddly. So why do dachshunds like to cuddle?
Dachshunds like to cuddle for warmth and affection, and they are known to be particularly loyal and clingy. Also connected to their hunting ancestry, it’s in their nature to burrow under blankets. When they do nuzzle up to you to get warm, they’re also seeking to further bond with you.
Dachshunds have huge hearts, and it seems to be written in their DNA to cuddle, so let’s explore exactly what makes dachshunds particularly fond of cuddling.
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Why Dachshunds Are Well-Suited for Cuddling
Well, dachshunds are fun dogs, and cuddling is fun, isn’t it?. They bring light to the lives of their owners and, as a bonus, they are great cuddling partners.
Besides being amusing, these small, long-snouted creatures are also brave and always up to join in any fun activities. Bred to hunt badgers, they punch above their weight, belying their small size and funny shape.
But there’s much more to dachshunds than meets the eye. They have a confident and endearing personality. After all, they are secure in themselves, if not unique.
Their short little legs get them there just as quickly as they need, and no worries if they can’t jump onto the bed, there will always be some adoring admirer willing to oblige with a helping hand.
Affection and Warmth
Dachshunds are affectionate dogs, and their intelligence and loyalty are all tied into their cuddling behavior. While instinctively wanting to burrow to find prey or seek warmth, they naturally inclined to creep under blankets where they can cuddle.
With the bark of a big dog, dachshunds are alert and vigilant, making them fine watchdogs. But deep down, dachshunds are super cuddly and most often found sleeping under the blanket on the couch on a cold day.
It’s easy to think that a dachshund, with its short hair, likes to cuddle because it gets cold. Yes, the warmth a dachshund gets from cuddling is a factor, but it’s far more than that.
Is it All About the Burrowing?
It’s their burrowing behavior that gives part of the answer as to why dachshunds love to cuddle so much.
Originally trained to hunt badgers and moles, your dachshund will instinctively burrow. Their snout will nuzzle under a blanket or sniff the mole in the garden, and off it will go, exploring dark places.
While the motivation for both actions is different — blankets for warmth and company or even security and the mole for hunting — the motion itself is instinctive and natural.
Dachshunds Readily Show Their Emotions
Dogs generally let you know how they feel by showing emotions. While all dogs are different, there’s little doubt that a dachshund is packed with personality. This is all tied into their unwavering loyalty, proneness for separation anxiety, and need for body warmth.
Call them cute, call them engaging, when they look you in the eye, with their droopy, sad face, your heart will melt. Their pack mentality will keep them coming back to you, and their close bond will result in their oxytocin levels shooting up.
They also almost speak at times, responding to you with their funny little barks — well, which is sort of dachshund speak — and there’s a lot of debate whether they can understand words when humans talk. After all, why would you have to spell the word W-A-L-K rather than say to your dachshund’s face?
The Love Hormone, Oxytocin
It could be said that dachshunds are not for everyone, but those who love them really love them. A dachshund will creep deep into your heart, and it’s safe to say the cuddles are one of the main reasons for this.
Humans and dogs live in a symbiotic relationship. We keep them to get something back from them, but dachshunds deliver more than most. They will give countless hours of fun, photo opportunities, and funny videos.
Scientific research has found a chemical component to the love shown between humans and dogs. The “love hormone” called oxytocin was found to shoot up in a laboratory simulation of dog and owner gazing longingly at each other (source).
We don’t take the word “love” lightly either, but it’s easy to see how you can fall in love with a dachshund.
Photo by Christen LaCorte via Unsplash
Why Do Humans Choose Dachshunds for Cuddling?
The popularity of dachshunds is evident from their number 13 position on the hit parade in the vast kingdom of dogs (source). That’s surprisingly good, seeing that there are so many breeds of dogs from which to choose.
This tells us that there is really something special about a dachshund. Dachshund owners the world over are very loyal to the breed and, at some time, are likely to have always had one or more in the family. The general consensus among owners is that dachshunds are “simply adorable”(source).
If you need a loyal companion who is prepared to give you cuddles, keep you warm (and vice versa), and will give you unconditional love, a dachshund could well be the answer.
When you are feeling down or unwell, your dachshund will be the first to understand, to nuzzle in next to you, wet nose to your neck, giving you all the sympathy you never asked for.
The psychological support dogs provide to humans is well documented. The companionship they bring helps give us something to be responsible for, while at the same time bringing joy into our lives. This is especially true for the lonely or infirm, where they can make a big contribution to their lives.
A dachshund can bring a smile to your face when least expected. Their goofy personalities and crazy antics, fearless attitude, and devotion can brighten one’s mood and give you a sense of well-being when you need it.
Being little, they are well suited to small apartments and are easy to maintain. Their size makes them easy to pick up and carry around or take with you in the car.
If you are thinking of getting a dachshund for the first time, it’s advisable to do some research so that you know what you are in for.
While bringing you all the endearing aspects of a dachshund, it’s fair to say that it’s not all plain sailing with dachshunds. But then again, most dogs have their foibles, don’t they?
Let’s see what to look out for.
The Things We Do for Love
Similar to any good marriage, cuddles often come with some annoyances attached, and those of dachshunds are no different!
The Hunting Instinct
Firstly, never think you can get the hunter out of your dachshund. The hunting urge is deep down and burning fiercely. So, when you go out on a walk, expect the unexpected.
A dachshund is always on the lookout for prey, and once seen, those little legs will rev up and race after anything that looks like a squirrel, cat, badger, ferret, or something similar.
The Burrowing Instinct
Most of all, remember the reward of cuddling is related to the burrowing instinct. It’s cute when you are snug on the couch cuddling with your dachshund burrowing in next to you, but it’s not so cute when they’re burrowing later in your garden when you are not looking.
Yes, they love to use their little paddle-like feet to dig up anything within sight, which could be your newly planted flowers or your neat lawn.
Their Stubborn and Aggressive Side
Next, be aware that training a dachshund requires a good deal of patience. Dachshunds, as clever as they are, can be stubborn. House training is somewhat of a challenge, as dachshunds don’t exactly understand why humans insist it should be done outside.
They can also be a little ill-tempered at times, but which dog is perfect, really?
Activity Needs
Adventurous is another fitting description of a dachshund, so you had better be up for the exercise they need. Yes, they are super energetic. Dachshunds seem to be able to tell the time and won’t leave you alone when it’s time for a walk. Chances are you won’t be left in peace until you do something about it.
Diet and Health
The same applies to supper time, and dachshunds, given a chance, can overeat, so be aware! Those hungry eyes will stare up at you until they wear you down.
Lastly, be aware that dachshund health can be an issue. With a long back in a small body, combined with a big-dog attitude, back problems occur in one out of four dachshunds.
Image by mristenpart via Pixabay
Final Thoughts
As small dogs with big hearts, dachshunds are adorable, especially with the unconditional cuddles they love to distribute.
We have seen that it’s in the genes and in the heart, and when they come into your life, you can’t help but fall in love with them. If you want a dog that’s aloof, then a dachshund is not the dog for you. Enjoy your dachshund cuddles!
