The Dachshund, native to Germany and known as the ‘sausage dog’, is a medium-sized breed of hound. Whilst not traditionally recognized as a hunting breed, Dachshunds have become increasingly popular as hunting dogs thanks to their courage and determination.
Dachshunds have a long and storied history as a hunting breed, and were originally bred to hunt small animals such as badgers, rabbits, and foxes. They have an excellent sense of smell and are able to locate and track prey with ease. They possess an abundance of energy, and a sharp, alert mind. This makes them ideal for a variety of hunting tasks, including locating, tracking, and retrieving game.
A Dachshund’s physical attributes also make them an ideal hunting companion. Their long, low body shape gives them the perfect form for maneuvering through tight places and tough terrain. This makes them an excellent choice for hunting in dense brush or thick woods. Additionally, their short but strong legs and broad chest enable them to traverse difficult terrain with relative ease.
Dachshunds have a strong instinct to hunt and their prey drive is intense. Once they catch the scent of prey, their focus is unshakeable and they won’t give up until the job is done. Their courage and determination make them an excellent hunting partner, and their tenacity and fearlessness makes them a great choice for difficult hunting scenarios.
Training a Dachshund as a hunting dog is not overly difficult and can be done with relative ease. Dachshunds are intelligent, eager to please dogs and respond well to positive, reward-based training methods. Basic obedience, scent tracking, and retrieving can be taught to the average Dachshund with just a few weeks of practice.
Whilst they are not the most powerful or swiftest dogs, Dachshunds make excellent hunting companions in the right hands. With their intelligence, courage, and determination, they can be trained to hunt a variety of game and make superb hunting partners in all sorts of conditions. Therefore, if you’re looking for a loyal, hardworking hunting dog, then the Dachshund should certainly be considered.
