According to the American Kennel Club's most popular dog breeds list, the Dachshund is the second most popular small dog and in the top 10 most popular dog breeds overall. Dachshunds come in different colors and varieties, including Miniature Dachshunds and Long-haired Dachshunds, so we can see why any dog lover might be interested in adding a Dachshund to their family.
But if you live in an apartment, it's important to carefully consider what dog breed you get. You want to make sure they are comfortable and have the space they need. So that begs the question of whether Dachshunds make good apartment dogs? If you're considering getting a Dachshund for your apartment, you'll be happy to know that yes, Dachshunds are one of the best dogs for apartment living, provided that you can exercise them properly.
Why Are Dachshunds Good for Apartment Living?
Small Size
The biggest advantage that Dachshunds have that make them good for apartment living is their small sizes. Standard Dachshunds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while Miniature Dachshunds weigh less than 11 pounds. So, no matter which size you get, Dachshunds won't take up a lot of space like a Great Dane or another large breed would, and Dachshunds don't need a lot of space either.
Low Exercise Needs
Another characteristic that makes Dachshunds good for apartments is that they don't need a lot of exercise. Dachshunds need between 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise daily, depending on whether they are standard or miniature. But this is a lot less exercise than a larger breed would need. You can simply take them for a couple of walks daily, play fetch in the park, or even let them run up and down the hallways depending on the rules of your apartment complex.
High Trainability
Dachshunds are very trainable, which is what you want when keeping a dog in a smaller space or living so closely to other people. They are very intelligent and love to learn new things, so as long as you praise them and give them positive reinforcement, you should be able to train them easily.
Highly Adaptable and Social
Dachshunds are also highly adaptable dogs, so they can do well in a variety of living situations. They are also very social, so they do well with families and with people who might be coming in and out all day.
What to Be Aware of With a Dachshund in an Apartment
Although Dachshunds make good apartment dogs, there are some things that are important for potential owners to be aware of.
Energy
The first is that Dachshunds can be very curious and energetic, so they need an outlet for that energy. That's why it is important to give your Dachshund the exercise they need and play with them. However, you may also want to provide them with some form of entertainment to keep them busy while you're away. Otherwise, they may get into mischief.
Companionship
Because Dachshunds are so intelligent, curious, and social, they do best when they have a companion. Dachshunds get along really well with other Dachshunds, but they can also get along well with other dog breeds and even cats. Plus, getting them a companion can help keep your Dachshund busy while you're away. However, you may be limited as to how many pets and what size pets you can have in your apartment, so this is something to consider.
Barking
Despite their small size, Dachshunds are known to be big barkers. Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs, so they are known for being very alert and for barking to get your attention. This could be a problem when living so close to other people. Training to reduce barking can help some, but there isn't a lot you can do to completely stop a Dachshund from barking as it's in their nature.
So what do you think? Would you get a Dachshund if you live in an apartment.