This information is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian. This is given for informational purposes only and is advice that we offer from our own personal experiences, and what we have learned from our vet. If you are in doubt about any statement on this page, feel free to print it and show it to your vet.

A lot of people ask us this question: "How do I know if a male or female is right for me?"

There is no one perfect answer for this question, so we decided to post a few of the pros and cons for each sex. Hopefully this will help, but if there is anything you still need to know please feel free to contact us with further questions.

First of all, let's dispel the myth that females have better personalities than males. Sex does not determine personality type. Personality comes partially from genes, but mostly from environment. If your main concern is temperament, you need to ask questions about the breeding program but also be aware that you will be responsible for most of the behavior your dog will display. Dachshunds are frisky by nature and even the most docile of doxies can become aggressive under the right (or wrong) circumstances.
You can help shape your dog's personality with consistent discipline and reward, which should start at an early age. Also, be sure your dog is socialized. Give them opportunities to meet and become accqauinted with other dogs as well as people. Obedience commands should also be taught at an early age, like "down", "sit", "stay" and "come". Always be sure your doxie knows who is in charge. They are, by nature, eager to please and respond well to consistent authority.

The next thing most people want to know is if males are messier because of their habit of "marking" territory. Marking is usually at its worst when a male can smell a female in heat or when in unfamiliar territory. Even if you have no female dogs in your home, they can smell other neighborhood dogs. Here again, discipline immediately and exercise your authority. Some marking will still occur, it is instinct. If you plan on having your male neutered, this fixes the majority of this problem. Just be sure you do it at the earliest age your vet recommends. Old habits die hard, and the longer the habit is with the dog....well, you see what I mean.

"Humping" is also another habit that males have that people find offensive. But, neutering at an early age prevents and / or fixes a lot of this problem. If you are not going to have your male neutered, be aware that the first year of their life is a lot of humping. Humping anything and everything. Again, this is instinct and hormones. Use discipline and authority when the humping is inappropriate, for instance if the "humpee" happens to be your leg. Some of this is a display of dominance, and is purely a test of your authority.

So to sum this all up, males have a reputation for "bad habits", but a lot of it can be attributed to upbringing.

The thing that most people want to know about females is, how messy their heat cycles are. The truth is, they are messy! If you do not plan to breed your dog, spaying is the best option. If you have no intention of ever breeding your dog we highly recommend spaying or neutering. A female in heat can be messy, especially if she refuses to keep a pair of sanitary pants on. You also have to be very careful to never leave her unattended for even a moment. Do not assume that because your yard is fenced she cannot be bothered by a neighborhood male. Males can be very determined and resourceful, and at the right time of her cycle the female will do anything to help him out. If you cannot be sure that your female will never get out of your yard, or never need to be left unattended, please opt for a male puppy. A female doxie that has been bred by a a large dog has a high risk of death if she should whelp unattended.

The point that we really like to drive home is this: Doxies are trackers by instinct! Male or female, a dachshund will take off running after cats, birds, other dogs, people or any other thing that catches their eye or nose. Once they are off and running they won't come back until they are good and ready. Once your doxie is off on a "hunt" and out of your control, there are many dangers lurking. Traffic, aggressive dogs, poisonous substances and cruel humans. The most obedient, well-trained doxie will not obey a command once their instincts take control. PLEASE DO NOT EVER ALLOW YOUR DOXIE OUTSIDE OF A WELL FENCED YARD. DO NOT TAKE THEM OUTDOORS WITHOUT A SECURE LEASH. MAKE SURE THEY ARE TRAINED AT AN EARLY AGE TO STAY AWAY FROM THE DOOR WHEN IT IS OPENED. TRAIN THEM EARLY TO NEVER EXIT A VEHICLE WITHOUT A SPOKEN COMMAND. Doxies also like to dig A LOT. Be aware of any areas that your doxie may dig at around the fence, and fix it ASAP. They can dig very quckly, and if you have a problem digger you may need to sink the lower portion of your fence below the ground. These are just a few of the tips you need to know. Your doxie will teach you as well. Be sure to learn from their behavior! Correct unacceptable behavior promptly!