Introduction
Dachshunds are widely recognized for their adorable, long-bodied appearance—but many don’t realize they were specifically bred for hunting. Originally developed in Germany to track and flush out burrowing animals like badgers, these small but mighty dogs combine intelligence, stamina, and fearless determination.
Today, dachshunds continue to serve as effective hunting companions for both small and medium-sized game. In this article, we explore why dachshunds are excellent hunting dogs, how hunters use them, and the step-by-step process to train your dachshund for hunting.
Are Dachshunds Still Used for Hunting?
Despite their small stature, dachshunds remain popular among hunters across Europe and the United States. Both standard and miniature dachshunds are actively used to hunt various prey, from badgers and foxes to rabbits and squirrels.
- Standard dachshunds: Best for larger animals such as badgers and raccoons.
- Miniature dachshunds: Ideal for smaller game like rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs.
Some hunters even train packs of dachshunds, allowing dogs to work together to cover multiple entrances to burrows, increasing hunting efficiency.
“A hunter near Vermont uses a pack of dachshunds to track animals on his property. It’s incredible to see their coordination and persistence.” – Reddit user
Why Dachshunds Are Great Hunting Dogs
Dachshunds possess unique physical and behavioral traits that make them outstanding hunting companions. Here are the top 7 reasons:
1. Exceptional Sense of Smell and Vibrations
As part of the hound family, dachshunds rely heavily on their sense of smell and underground vibration detection. Hunters refer to this as their “spoor sense” (tracking scent) and “reverberatory sense” (feeling vibrations). These abilities allow them to locate prey even when hidden underground.
2. Loud, Distinctive Bark
A dachshund’s piercing bark alerts hunters when prey is discovered. This unique trait allows hunters to track their dog and identify prey locations efficiently.
3. Strong Claws for Digging
Dachshunds are natural diggers, capable of burrowing into tight animal dens. Their long, muscular bodies and strong claws make them excellent at reaching animals in confined spaces.
4. Impressive Lung Capacity
Their elongated backs provide extra room for lungs, giving dachshunds the endurance to hunt for extended periods without tiring.
5. Strength and Powerful Jaws
Despite their size, dachshunds are strong, balanced, and agile. Their low center of gravity allows stability on uneven terrain, and their jaws are powerful enough to capture or hold prey securely.
6. Natural Hunting Instinct
Dachshunds have a built-in hunting drive, making training easier compared to other breeds. They instinctively track, dig, and retrieve prey, which allows hunters to focus on fine-tuning obedience and commands.
7. Versatility in Prey
Dachshunds are capable of hunting a wide range of animals, including:
- Small mammals: Rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs
- Medium animals: Badgers, foxes, raccoons
- Birds: Pheasants
- Wounded large animals: Deer (in tracking scenarios)
Choosing the Right Dachshund for Hunting
- Wirehaired Dachshunds: Preferred for tracking due to persistence and scenting ability.
- Longhaired/Shorthaired: Can hunt effectively but may require additional training to match wirehairs’ efficiency.
Training Your Dachshund for Hunting
Training a dachshund to hunt requires patience, consistency, and a structured approach. Starting early is crucial. Below is a 5-step method to develop a skilled hunting dog:
Step 1 – Obedience Training
Before hunting, your dachshund must respond reliably to basic commands:
- Sit, stay, come, heel, and release commands
- Group classes or online courses (like Spiritdog) help with socialization and command reinforcement
Step 2 – Familiarize Your Dog With Hunting
Introduce your dachshund to the sights, sounds, and prey they will encounter:
- Small animals like rabbits and squirrels
- Sounds: Gunshots, shouting, decoys
- Scent exposure: Prey scent trails and hides
Step 3 – Develop Their Tracking Ability
Train your dog’s sense of smell:
- Hide small food pieces inside and outdoors
- Use the command “hunt” consistently
- Gradually reduce assistance to encourage independent tracking
Step 4 – Outdoor Training
Once indoor exercises are mastered, move to outdoor scenarios:
- Place food or scent strategically above or below ground
- Praise and reward successes to reinforce the behavior
Step 5 – Hunt With Live Animals
Begin with smaller prey before advancing to larger or more aggressive animals:
- Point your dog toward fleeing prey and use the release command
- Practice repeatedly to develop skill and confidence
- Consider pairing with an experienced hunting dog for initial sessions
- Optional: Use GPS or transmitter collars to track dogs in the field
Tracking and Hunting Techniques
Tracking
- Preferred in Europe and the US for wounded game
- Wirehaired dachshunds excel due to persistence and ability to follow complex scent trails
Hunting Prey
- Standard dachshunds hunt alone for smaller prey
- Packs are preferred for larger or more aggressive animals like badgers
- Miniature dachshunds may avoid large prey due to size constraints
Tips from Experienced Hunters
- Always start hunting training early
- Reward success frequently to reinforce hunting instincts
- Maintain patience and consistency—skills develop over months
- Use safety equipment like collars and GPS tracking for fieldwork
- Observe your dog’s temperament—aggressive or timid dogs may require tailored training
Common Challenges
- Miniature dachshunds may be injured by larger prey
- Distraction by domestic animals or scents
- Overexcited or untrained dogs may run off, requiring experienced supervision
FAQs
Q1: Can dachshunds hunt large prey?
A: Standard dachshunds can hunt medium prey like badgers or foxes, but miniature dachshunds are better suited for smaller animals.
Q2: How long does it take to train a hunting dachshund?
A: 6–12 months for full obedience, scent tracking, and hunting confidence.
Q3: Which dachshund type is best for tracking?
A: Wirehaired dachshunds excel in tracking due to focus, persistence, and scenting ability.
Q4: Are dachshunds suitable for family pets and hunters?
A: Yes! Early training ensures hunting skills and obedience coexist with family life.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are more than cute companions—they are skilled hunters with a long-standing history of tracking and retrieving prey. With proper training, both standard and miniature dachshunds can become exceptional hunting partners. By leveraging their natural instincts, strong physique, and intelligence, hunters can enjoy a reliable and devoted hunting companion.