What do dachshunds love the most?

The defining characteristic of the Dachshund, often summarized in one breathless sigh by their devoted owners, is their profound capacity for love—though that love is often directed toward very specific, very cozy things. These long, low-riders are miniature powerhouses of personality, and understanding what brings them genuine joy moves beyond simple affection; it taps into their history, their physical needs, and their almost comically dramatic internal worlds. A Dachshund’s greatest loves are usually tangible, centered around comfort, a primary attachment figure, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, a good snack. ^[1][4]

# Warmth Seeking

If there is one universal truth among Dachshund owners, it is the breed's intense, almost pathological, love for burrowing and warmth. ^[1][7] They adore being covered up. This isn't mere preference; it is an instinctual drive rooted deeply in their history as earth dogs bred to hunt badgers deep within underground tunnels. ^[8] For a modern Dachshund, simulating that environment is paramount to their happiness.

This manifests in a variety of ways. They will happily disappear under blankets, piles of laundry, or custom-made fabric tunnels. ^[1][4] Owners frequently report that buying expensive, orthopedic dog beds results in the dog ignoring the bed entirely in favor of burrowing deep into the corner of the couch cushions or nesting under a discarded sweatshirt. ^[1] If you offer a Dachshund a choice between an open, airy resting spot and one where they can tuck themselves in completely, the dark, covered space will almost always win. ^[7] This need for enclosure makes them natural cuddle bugs when they finally decide to rest. ^[1]

It is helpful to realize that for a short-haired Dachshund, particularly in a cooler climate, this isn't laziness; it’s thermal regulation mixed with instinctual comfort. ^[1] A common observation among long-term owners is that while you might buy five different dog beds throughout their life, the dog usually dedicates its primary loyalty to the single, threadbare fleece blanket you bought years ago, which perfectly mimics the weight and texture of earth they instinctually seek to tunnel through. ^[4] Providing accessible, soft barriers and warm spots is key to satisfying this essential need.

# Favorite Person

While Dachshunds enjoy comfort and attention generally, their affection is rarely spread thinly across the household. They tend to fixate on one individual, becoming what many affectionately call a "velcro dog". ^[9] This chosen human—often the person who feeds them, comforts them when scared, or simply spends the most time engaging with them—receives the bulk of their intense, unwavering loyalty. ^[2]

This focus can lead to entertaining, if sometimes inconvenient, behavior. The favorite person finds themselves followed from room to room, an ever-present, low-riding shadow. ^[2] If the chosen human sits down, the Dachshund must be touching them, preferably draped across their lap or nestled tightly against their leg. ^[5] This attachment is deep; the bond between a Dachshund and their person can be remarkably strong, leading to significant distress if the favorite person leaves the vicinity. ^[9]

It’s worth noting the distinction between how they treat their favorite versus others. While they can be friendly or tolerable with the rest of the family, the chosen person receives the full, intense spectrum of Dachshund adoration, often demonstrated through insistent pawing or persistent demands for immediate cuddles. ^[2] This hyper-focus means that while they are deeply loving dogs, they require management to ensure they don't become overly possessive or anxious when their anchor is out of sight. ^[9]

What is the difference between Alpine Dachsbracke and Dachshund?

# Digging Behavior

Tying back into their hunting heritage, many Dachshunds absolutely love to dig. ^[4] This behavior isn't just destructive; it’s an expression of their core identity as a scent hound developed to root out game. ^[8] When a Dachshund is digging in the yard, they are engaging in profoundly satisfying ancestral work.

This instinct often translates indoors. If they cannot access the dirt, they will dig at carpets, blankets, or furniture upholstery. ^[4][7] This digging isn't usually about creating a perfect resting spot (that’s the burrowing love); it’s about the action of excavating. Owners must respect this urge by providing safe outlets for it. For instance, one effective strategy is establishing a designated "dig box" filled with soft earth, sand, or even balled-up paper, where they are allowed to enthusiastically pursue their digging passion without damaging property. ^[4]

A comparative look at their drives shows an interesting hierarchy. While they love a good walk, if that walk involves encountering a patch of particularly interesting scent-marked earth, the dog's instinct to investigate and potentially dig can override basic recall commands. ^[8] Their brains are simply wired to follow the track, making patience and understanding necessary when dealing with their determination to investigate the ground level. ^[8]

# Food Drive

If you are looking for a simple way to achieve immediate, enthusiastic affection from your Dachshund, present them with food. The motivation provided by treats and meals is immense, often surpassing their desire for play or even immediate obedience training rewards. ^[7] They are notoriously food-motivated, and this appetite is something owners must actively manage. ^[4]

This intense focus on eating means that a high-value treat can often break through their characteristic stubborn streak when training or redirection is needed. ^[4] If they are refusing to move on a walk, for example, a quick presentation of a favorite cheese cube or dried liver piece can snap them back to attention in a way a simple verbal command cannot. ^[7]

When considering what brings a Dachshund the most intense, short-term joy, the moment of receiving food rivals the joy of snuggling into a fresh pile of laundry. If presented with the choice between an extra fifteen minutes of playtime or a substantial, desirable treat, the treat often wins hands-down for the average Dachshund, illustrating that their primal needs for sustenance and comfort are closely balanced in their hierarchy of desires. ^[4] Understanding this powerful drive is not just about managing weight; it is about understanding one of their most reliable sources of happiness and engagement. ^[4]