What are the personalities of a dauchshund and a greyhound?

Question

I might be getting one of these dogs from the local no-kill pound, and I want to compare these personalities so I know which would make the best pet.

Answer 1

I had a wonderful Greyhound. She lived fourteen years. She was a retired track dog. She had some problems in the first year or two, but she overcame all of them. She was a great dog and I miss her to this day. I was a friend of someone who had two dachshunds. Both were wonderful little dogs. She did not have small children though. One was particularly good at going hiking with her and her two German Shepherds. He was a great little dog. Her other dachshund was always running off on her. She could not take that one hiking without a problem.

I would take a greyhound over a dachshund anyday, but of course I did not own one. But I can say that over the dozens of dogs I have owned in my lifetime, my Annie the greyhound and Ginger, a Brittany, stole my heart. Both were rescued dogs.

Good luck on whatever dog you choose. It is a tough decision.

Dachshunds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who...

Comes in a variety of sizes (all smallish)
Comes in a variety of coat types and colors
Is comical and entertaining
Doesn't need a lot of exercise
Makes a keen watchdog
Is sociable with other family pets, especially other Dachshunds
Lives a long time
A Dachshund may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...

Suspiciousness or sharpness toward strangers when not socialized enough
Scrappiness toward strange dogs
Stubbornness
Notorious housebreaking difficulties
Digging holes
Barking
Regular brushing/combing (Longhaired)
Regular clipping/trimming (Wirehaired)
A distinctive doggy odor
Serious back/spinal problems
A Dachshund may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Dachshund...


My major concerns would be:


Suspiciousness or sharpness. Standoffish by nature, Dachshunds need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become suspiciousness, which could lead to biting.

Scrappiness toward strange dogs. Dachshunds are usually very good with their own family's pets, but they can be scrappy toward strange dogs, especially strange LARGER dogs.

Dachshunds cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs.


Mind of his own. Dachshunds are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. They can be manipulative, and some are willful and obstinate. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

To teach your Dachshund to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Dachshund Training Page discusses the program you need.


Defensive reactions. BUT...you need to be careful with your corrections. If you need to physically chastise a Dachshund, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, in my experience this breed is more likely than many other breeds to growl or snap. It may be because they were bred to become more fierce when their prey fought back, i.e. Dachshunds are apt to "return pain" if they "receive pain." As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on a Dachshund for a correction.

If you have small children, I do not recommend a Dachshund. First, children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Dachshund puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. The Dachshund's long back is especially fragile and prone to damage when he is picked up incorrectly or dropped. Second, even Dachshund adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. Finally, some Dachshunds simply do not tolerate any nonsense from children and will bite if pushed too far.


Housebreaking. As a behavioral consultant, I would put the Dachshund on my Top 20 List of "Hard to Housebreak." Consistent crate training is mandatory. Sometimes a doggy door is necessary. And some owners never do get their Dachshunds fully housebroken.

Barking. Dachshunds are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. Dachshunds should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised.

Grooming. Longhaired Dachshunds need brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. Wirehaired Dachshunds need regular clipping.

Shedding and odor. Smooth and Longhaired Dachshunds shed more than you might think. Also note that Dachshunds, particularly the Smooth variety, tend to have a distinctive odor that some people find offensive.

Serious back/spinal problems. An alarming number of Dachshunds become crippled or paralyzed in middle age when they develop disk diseases in their long back.

To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Dachshund Health Page.


Greyhounds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who...



Has a tall, slender, elegant build
Has a sleek easy-care coat that comes in many colors
Is extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights
Has a calmness and quiet dignity that is often likened to a cat
Is polite with people and other dogs
Is readily available through the many Greyhound rescue organizations for ex-racing dogs
A Greyhound may be right for you.



If you don't want to deal with...



Providing a safe enclosed area where he can occasionally gallop
Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run
Fearfulness and timidity when not socialized enough
An independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training
Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule
Slowness to housebreak
Serious health problems
A Greyhound may not be right for you.



If I were considering a Greyhound...


My major concerns would be:


Providing enough running exercise. Greyhounds don't need miles of running every day, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy a few times a week. Otherwise they will become restless and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing.

Greyhounds need access to a large fenced area -- fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Greyhound involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes.


Timidity. Standoffish by nature, Greyhounds need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or fearfulness, which is very difficult to live with.

Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are -- or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. They could seriously injure or kill your neighbor's cat or toy dog. In today's society, the legal liabilities should be considered.

Fortunately, most Greyhounds today are placed in their new homes by Greyhound rescue organizations who have already done rigorous screening to evaluate and determine each dog's behavioral tendencies. These groups are usually experienced at predicting whether a given Greyhound will be reliable around small pets.


The independent temperament. Greyhounds are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. Many Greyhounds are stubborn. They can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

To teach your Greyhound to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Greyhound Training Page discusses the program you need.


Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Greyhounds are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with severe digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Sighthounds are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home.

Housebreaking. Some ex-racing dogs are easily housebroken, while others learn much more slowly.

Health problems. Greyhounds are extremely prone to a life-threatening digestive syndrome called bloat. In addition, an alarming number of Greyhounds die early of cancer.

To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Greyhound Health Page.



Not all Greyhounds are alike!



There are energetic Greyhounds, and placid Greyhounds.
Hard-headed Greyhounds, and sweet-natured Greyhounds.
Serious Greyhounds, and good-natured goofballs.
Introverted Greyhounds, and Greyhounds who love everyone.

If you acquire a Greyhound puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm."


If you're considering an adult Greyhound...


There are plenty of adult Greyhounds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.

Answer 2

both are nice dogs in general. ive only worked with a few dauchshunds but lots of greyhounds (i work in a rehoming centre)i find that greyhounds are so placid and laid back. anything for a lay by the fire and snuggled up. very affectionate, loving, friendly,trusting,great best mate. in fact thinking about it i havent came across a greyhound that didnt mix well with other dogs. as for exercise many people assume they need lots but infact they dont 2-3 times a day just the same as any other dog. overall a very caring and loyal dog. dont really no much about the other breed sorry.

Answer 3

I would go with the greyhound. Every dachshund I've ever known gets a serious little dog complex where they think they are tougher than they are and can be nippy and aggressive toward other dogs. Also, they are bred to hunt small prey and don't really mix well if you have other pets besides dogs (cats, rabbits, etc). ALso, because of their conformation, they can develop serious back problems if the get even a little overweight.

Answer 4

I don't know much about dauchshunds, but grayhounds are extremely affectionate. They are extreme couch potatos. Because theye do not have any body fat or thick fur, they need to be provited a pillow or bed to lay on. They require exercise. If you have a dogpark nearby that would be perfect. We have a Whippet that we LOVE and he is a great dog, they are much like grayhounds. Remember that the grayhound is a sighthound and can't be trusted off a leash unless in an enclosed area. They are sensitive dogs, but NOT good guard dogs. They don't bark much either.

Answer 5

Retired racers CAN live with cats -- some of these greys are still trained with live rabbits on the courser -- and most are trained with an animal tail or piece of fabric -- when you get your grey make sure that your grey has been cat tested meaning a real cat out of a crate -- you see a lot of rescues just walk them by a cat in a crate but it is different when the cat runs and moves in a house setting -- I have three greys and all of them are fine with my kitty -- but the one grey I had to really let her know that the cat was mine and not a toy -- now as far as outside -- yes the run of the cat will be different as they see it and do not think that it is the family pet -- it is an object that moves and they are trained to get that object and many house cats that venture outside with the family grey has died as they are not faster than the grey --- so be wise in your rescue group -- good luck & they are great

Answer 6

I know several people who have a dachshund. From my experience with them, they are very, very energetic dogs. The ones I know are so excitable that they all pee...all the time...especially when someone new comes into the room. I personally do not like them and I think a person considering getting one needs alot of time and patience.

Answer 7

Greyhound - most are calm and low maintenence. I love them and recommend them often to people. And they don't require as much exercise and most people think. Every dog is different of course - but most are calm and laid back.
My parents have one and he could care less if he ever runs. He likes to go on walks and ride in the car tho!

Answer 8

Dachshund: very loving, very demanding in terms of attention, sweet, comical, adoring, high-energy, playful... however, they can be diggers and tend to chase furry things that run away, be it mice, squirrels, or cats. They can also become spoiled and nippy if they are overindulged.

Greyhound: very calm, low-key, sometimes shy or timid, not always overtly affectionate. most rescued greyhounds are retired racers who haven't gotten much human interaction and don't always know how to take it. they are typically laid-back couch potatoes if they are indoors, and not as likely to harrass you for more play time.

Both are wonderful breeds, good luck with whichever you choose!

EDIT: I'm glad so many people are here to give intelligent responses as opposed to searching for errors in other people's instead. Hound or terrier, they still dig, and they still chase small furry creatures, so thanks for pointing out a silly mistake that has no bearing whatsoever on my answer. Morons. If you don't have anything intelligent to add to the discussion, shut up and get a life.

Answer 9

LMFAO!!!! Does anyone have one of those DaushTERRIERS??

WHY would anyone think they are TERRIERS?????? Even the name says HOUND!!!

EDIT...Aren't you glad people can edit the stupid things they said once someone points them out!!!!!!!!!!!!

And as for spelling Greyhound with an "A'????? Here is a link to the Kennel Club in England.....still isn't an "A".

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/28

Answer 10

we have a mini doxie named HoneyBun, a very sweet,affectionate dog who will be two years old this coming Jan. we have so much fun with her and shes such a stress reliever with her antics and playfulness, so i'm partial to a dachshund, the whole family can pet her at once, lol.
Sharon T. from oHIo

Answer 11

i have dashhound and he is the best dog i have ever owned he is sweet and everyone loves him he is also very very smart as in he know everything i say to him ..he is 10yrs old now and i got him at 5 wks i wouldnt trade him for anything in the world