From stubby little legs to that famous wagging rear end, Dachshunds have stolen hearts around the world. But while their looks are undeniably adorable, it’s how they show love that truly makes them unforgettable. Dachshunds express affection in ways that are both deeply touching and often laugh‑out‑loud funny.
This guide explores why Dachshunds love so fiercely, the unique ways they express affection, the science behind canine love, and what each behavior means. Whether you’re a new Dachshund parent or a seasoned “Doxie dad or mom,” you’ll discover dozens of hilarious and heart‑melting signs that your little sausage dog absolutely adores you.
🐾 Section 1: Understanding Dachshund Love — A Little Canine Science
Before we dive into cute behaviors, let’s talk about why Dachshunds love the way they do.
Dogs — including Dachshunds — bond with humans through affectionate behavior that stimulates feel‑good hormones like oxytocin in both species. Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” because it promotes bonding and trust. When a dog makes eye contact with you, for instance, both you and your dog release oxytocin, deepening your emotional connection. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Moreover, Dachshunds were originally bred as pack hunting dogs for badgers, meaning early interactions depended on close cooperation and communication — qualities still apparent in their emotional bonds with humans today. Nahf
🐶 Section 2: Cuddling — Literally Saying “I Love You” With Their Body
One of the funniest yet sweetest ways Dachshunds show love is through cuddling — even if they sometimes burrow into the most awkward places.
The Lap Plop
Dachshunds are lap dogs at heart. If your Doxie leaps into your lap without warning — sometimes mid‑sentence or mid‑snack — they’re not being cheeky, they’re saying “this is where I belong next to you.” Dachshund Friends
Burrow Buddies
Dachshunds are notorious for burrowing under blankets, pillows, or even your sofa cushion to get as close as possible to you. This isn’t just comfort seeking — it’s a behaviour rooted in their hunting instincts and their desire for closeness and warmth. Nahf
Cuddle Interruptions
Ever been cuddling someone and had your Dachshund plop right between you and them? According to plenty of owners, Doxies will intervene in human affection moments — not to be rude, but to be included. (Reddit pet owners often report this exact hilariously persistent behavior.) Reddit
Cuddle behaviour isn’t just cute — it reflects trust. A dog who feels safe sleeping beside you or on you is showing vulnerability, which in canine body language is a sign of deep love.
😛 Section 3: Licking — Doggie “Kisses” That Are Hilarious and Heart‑Warming
Dachshunds use licking as one of their most common affection cues. Whether it’s a rapid barrage of licks when you come home or gentle kisses when you’re relaxing, this behavior has roots in canine puppyhood.
Why Dogs Lick
Licking is instinctive from puppyhood, when pups lick their mother and littermates as a sign of affection and bonding. Many Dachshunds continue this into adulthood — with humans instead of littermates. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Face Licking
Some Dachshunds will try to lick your face — with gusto! Though not everyone loves face‑licking, it’s widely recognized as a friendly social gesture in dogs. The Puppy Mag
Ankle and Hand Licking
Not just faces! Dachshunds sometimes lick ankles, knees, or hands as if they are saying, “I see you, and I love you.” This can also be a form of gentle pet grooming. Dogs derive pleasure from licking and it releases endorphins, strengthening their emotional link to you. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Fun or funny? Absolutely, especially when a tiny Doxie tries to cover your whole face in slobbery love!
🐾 Section 4: Tail Wagging and Happy Dances — The Doxie Wiggle of Love
While all dogs can wag their tails, Dachshunds are famous for the whole‑body wag — sometimes called the Dachshund wiggle dance.
Whole‑Body Tail Wag
Unlike simple tail flips, Dachshunds often wag their entire back end when excited to see you — especially after you’ve been gone. This goofy dance is one of the most unmistakable expressions of canine joy. iHeartDogs.com
Happy Wiggles
Some Dachshunds add little hops, spins, and back‑and‑forth wiggles to their tail movement. It’s their way of saying “I’m thrilled you’re here!” Dogs express joy physically, and Doxies are some of the most expressive in this category.
The next time your Dachshund does a little dance when you walk in the door — cherish it! That’s love in motion.
👁️ Section 5: Eye Contact — Silent But Deeply Intimate
In the canine world, direct eye contact with humans carries a special meaning. While dogs often avoid staring at other dogs (as it can be seen as a threat), making eye contact with a human they trust is a powerful sign of affection and bonding.
When your Dachshund gazes at you with soft, relaxed eyes, it’s a way of saying “You matter to me.” This visual cuddling releases oxytocin — the bonding hormone — in both of you. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Dachshunds might stare at you during play, at meal times, or when they just wants attention — but that gentle, unwavering look is pure love.
👣 Section 6: Following You Everywhere — Your Shadow With Paws
If your Dachshund follows you room to room, it’s not because they’re bored — it’s because they want to be near you.
Doxies often hike along behind their person during daily routines, whether you’re heading to the bathroom, making coffee, or sitting at your desk. This behavior shows attachment, trust, and desire for presence — they want to be part of your world. Nahf
Some Dachshunds even lie outside the bathroom door while you’re inside — a humorous but heartfelt sign they don’t want to be left out!
💤 Section 7: Sleeping Close — The Ultimate Cozy Love Gesture
Many Dachshunds will select your bed or your lap as their preferred sleeping spot — even if that means curling up in your shoes or burrowing at your feet.
Sleeping close isn’t just about warmth. For a dog, choosing to fall asleep near you means they feel safe and anchored by your presence. Dogs will only expose themselves to deep sleep in environments where they trust they’re protected — and for Dachshunds, that often means next to you. Nahf
Whether your doxie snores beside you, curls into a donut shape at your feet, or chooses your pillow over their own, this behavior is a clear sign of love.
🧸 Section 8: Sharing Toys and Treats — Giving You Their Favorites
Another hilarious — and deeply affectionate — behavior is when a Dachshund brings you a toy or treat. They might drop it at your feet like a gift, nudging it toward you with their nose.
Sharing something they value (like a favorite toy) means:
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They trust you with their prized possessions.
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They want to share joy and playtime with you.
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They see you as a companion and playmate.
This gesture is especially heartwarming because many dogs are protective of toys and treats, so sharing them is a big deal.
🐕🦺 Section 9: Excited Greetings — Barking, Dancing, and Wiggles
When you come home, your Dachshund might greet you with an excited mix of behaviors: barks, wiggles, zooms, leg jumps, and even bouncing off walls.
These greetings aren’t random; they are emotional expressions of joy and affection.
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Happy barks signal excitement.
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Back‑end waggles express pure happiness.
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Zoomy spins show they’re over the moon you’re back.
Yes, it can be a bit noisy and chaotic — but that enthusiasm is their version of a warm hug.
🎉 Section 10: Playful Antics — Love Through Laughter
Dachshunds often show love by being utterly goofy during playtime. Their playful energy isn’t just fun — it’s an expression of positive emotional state and affection toward you.
From playful wrestles with their toys to zoomies around the house and even dramatic flop‑overs for belly rubs, Doxies make playtime a shared experience.
Engaging in regular play:
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Improves emotional connection.
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Reinforces trust and joy.
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Strengthens bond through shared fun.
Even when they bring a toy and give you that cute head‑tilt — that’s them asking, “Let’s share happiness!”
🐾 Section 11: Body Language That Screams “I Love You!”
Some subtle but meaningful Dachshund gestures include:
Leaning on You
When your Dachshund leans their weight against your leg or body, it’s like getting a canine hug — a sign of trust and closeness. Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
Rolling on Their Back
Exposing the belly is a vulnerable position — and if your Dachshund does this while looking at you with relaxed eyes and tail wagging, it’s a sign of trust and love.
Soft Paw Touches
A gentle paw on your knee or hand isn’t just attention‑seeking — it’s a tender gesture that your doxie feels connected to you.
Nudging You With Their Nose
This is one of the gentlest ways dogs communicate: a little nudge or boop to say, “Hey, notice me!” Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
❤️ Section 12: What Dachshunds Don’t Mean When Showing Love
It’s important to understand context. Not every behavior means love — some could be:
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Seeking attention because they’re bored.
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Anxiety or stress cues.
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Demanding food or playtime.
Love behaviors usually come with relaxed body language, gentle gestures, and calm eyes.
🎁 Section 13: Why Dachshunds Are So Lovable
Dachshunds often form deep emotional attachments — sometimes described as “velcro dogs” because of how closely they stick to their humans. Their expressive faces, quirky antics, and dramatic love displays make them one of the most endearing breeds. Nahf
Here’s a short recap of the funniest ways Dachshunds show love:
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Cuddling in awkward places
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Face and ankle licking
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Wiggle dances and tail wags
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Following you everywhere
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Sharing toys and treats
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Excited greeting antics
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Playful zoomies
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Nose nudges and paw taps
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Sleeping beside or on you
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Gentle eye contact that melts your heart
Each behavior is a tiny love letter from your Dachshund — hilarious, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable.
📌 Wrapping Up — Decoding Doxie Love
Dachshunds communicate affection through playful, affectionate, and often laugh‑inducing behaviors. From cuddles and licking to excited dances and calm, trusting gazes, these loyal little dogs have a unique love language full of personality.
Understanding these behaviors helps you:
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Strengthen your emotional bond
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Respond more confidently to your dog’s needs
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Appreciate their quirky and humorous ways of expressing love
Your Dachshund might be small in size, but the humor and heart they bring into your life is enormous.
💛 After all, when your little sausage dog gives you a goofy grin, wiggly dance, or affectionate lick, they’re simply saying one thing: “I love you — in the funniest way possible!”
📚 Sources & Further Reading
For deeper insights into canine affection and Dachshund behavior, see:
🔗 Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle? — Dachshund Friends (explains bonding and cuddle behavior) Dachshund Friends
🔗 Why Do Dachshunds Lick So Much? — PetsCare (explains licking as affection) Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
🔗 How Do Dachshunds Show Affection and Love Daily — NAFH (detailed behaviors) Nahf
🔗 Dachshund Affection — The Puppy Mag (5 ways they show love) The Puppy Mag
🔗 How Dogs Show Affection — PetsCare guide (general canine love language) Veterinary Care at Your Fingertips
🔗 How Dogs Show Affection — Petto blog (canine loving cues) Petto – Luksusowe akcesoria dla psów
FAQs and Answers
Dachshunds are one of the most expressive, personable, and hilariously dramatic dog breeds on the planet. Their ways of showing affection are a blend of comedy, chaos, devotion, and unmistakable charm. They don’t simply wag their tails—they perform entire theatrical interpretations of love. They don’t just follow you—they supervise your every move like a tiny sausage-shaped security team.
Below is a FAQ section that dives into the funniest, sweetest, and most unique ways Dachshunds express love—along with expert explanations behind their quirky behaviors.
1. Why do Dachshunds follow their owners everywhere—even to the bathroom?
Dachshunds are notorious shadows. If you get up, they get up. If you walk to the bathroom, they’re already there, nose first.
Reasons behind this clingy (but adorable) behavior:
✔ Pack Instinct
Dachshunds were bred to hunt in small groups, relying heavily on teamwork and constant communication. Following you feels natural to them.
✔ Separation Sensitivity
They’re famously attached to their humans and hate missing out on anything, even routine tasks.
✔ Curiosity
Their high curiosity means they always want to know what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and whether it involves snacks.
✔ Affection
To a Dachshund, being close to you = love and safety.
✔ Guard Duty
They think they’re protecting you—yes, even from the toilet.
If your Dachshund follows you everywhere, including awkward moments, consider it one of their most sincere declarations of love.
2. Why do Dachshunds burrow under blankets—especially with their humans?
Blanket burrowing is one of the classic Dachshund love languages.
Reasons they do it:
✔ Instinct
Dachshunds were bred to chase prey into underground tunnels. Burrowing is genetically natural to them.
✔ Warmth
They get cold easily due to their small size and short legs. Your body is the perfect heater.
✔ Comfort & Bonding
Snuggling against you provides emotional security.
✔ “You’re mine” behavior
Burrowing next to you (or inside your hoodie) is their way of claiming their favorite human.
If your Dachshund burrows into your blankets, blankets inside blankets, or your clothes—it’s one of the warmest, coziest signs they love you deeply.
3. Why does my Dachshund stare at me so intensely?
You know the look: the dramatic, unblinking Dachshund stare that feels like they’re reading your soul.
This stare usually means:
✔ Love
Dogs show affection through eye contact. Dachshunds take it to an extreme.
✔ Communication
They’re trying to “speak” with their eyes:
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“Are you getting snacks?”
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“Are we going for a walk?”
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“Why did you stop petting me?”
✔ Connection
Gazing at their human releases oxytocin—the bonding hormone.
✔ Curiosity
Dachshunds are always analyzing you. Always.
An intense Dachshund stare isn’t a threat—it’s their dramatic, heartfelt way of saying, “I adore you, now feed me.”
4. Why do Dachshunds bring toys and drop them on my lap?
This playful gesture is one of the most hilarious (and heart-melting) signs of affection.
It usually means:
✔ They want to bond
Playtime strengthens emotional ties.
✔ They trust you
A Dachshund won’t give their prized toy to just anyone.
✔ They want interaction
Not all Dachshunds want cuddles, but many love play-based affection.
✔ They see you as their teammate
In their mind, bringing you a toy is like inviting you on a hunting mission.
Sometimes they bring you:
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a torn plush
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a squeaker that has seen better days
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a sock they stole
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something you definitely wish they didn’t find
Either way, it’s love.
5. Why does my Dachshund roll around on my clothes or sit on my belongings?
Oh yes—the classic “claiming their human’s stuff” move.
Why they do it:
✔ Your scent is comforting
You are their safe place. Your clothes smell like love.
✔ Marking behavior
They’re mixing their scent with yours to say:
“This human is MINE.”
✔ Nesting instinct
Clothes often make a warm, soft place to relax.
✔ Attention
They know sitting on your laptop gets immediate results.
From shoes to pillows to laundry piles, Dachshunds leave their love all over your belongings.
6. Why does my Dachshund bark at me when they want attention?
Dachshunds are vocal—sometimes wildly so.
When they bark at you lovingly, it usually means:
✔ They want your attention
Dachshunds hate being ignored.
✔ They are excited
Especially during play.
✔ They’re expressing emotions
Dachshunds communicate loudly and proudly.
✔ They’re talking
Yes—your Dachshund believes they’re talking to you. They’re wrong… but also a little right.
A Dachshund’s affection often sounds like barking, singing, squealing, or full-on opera.
7. Why do Dachshunds lick so much? Is it a sign of love?
Many Dachshunds are serial kissers.
They lick because:
✔ Licking is bonding
It’s how puppies interact with their mothers.
✔ Attention-seeking
Your reaction encourages them to continue.
✔ Taste
You’re salty. They like that.
✔ Grooming instinct
Licking you = caring for you.
✔ Submission
Gentle face or hand licks can be a sign of affection and respect.
If your Dachshund insists on giving you a daily face wash, it’s one of their clearest expressions of love.
8. Why does my Dachshund sleep on my head, neck, chest, or stomach?
Because Dachshunds respect zero personal space.
Sleeping on you (not just near you) is elite-level Dachshund affection.
Reasons include:
✔ You’re warm
They always seek heat.
✔ They want to be as close as possible
Snuggling is their love language.
✔ Bond reinforcement
Sleeping near you deepens trust.
✔ Comfort
Your heartbeat helps them relax.
✔ Possessiveness
They’re claiming their favorite human.
If your Dachshund chooses you as their mattress, congratulations—you’re loved.
9. Why do Dachshunds zoom around the house when excited?
Zoomies are a joyful explosion of energy that Dachshunds use to celebrate their favorite people.
They do zoomies because:
✔ They’re overwhelmed with happiness
Seeing you after hours is the biggest event of their day.
✔ Love energy overload
Zoomies are like:
“OH MY GOSH YOU’RE HOME I MISSED YOU I LOVE YOU LET ME RUN AROUND UNTIL I COMBUST!”
✔ Stress release
Zoomies help them release stored emotion.
✔ Play invitation
They want you to chase or cheer them on.
The Dachshund zoomies—short legs moving at lightning speed—are pure comedy and pure affection.
10. Why does my Dachshund nibble on me with tiny teeth?
If your Dachshund gently nibbles your hands, clothes, or hair, you’re experiencing a special kind of affection.
These “corn cob” nibbles mean:
✔ Grooming
Dogs groom those they love.
✔ Playful affection
Nibbling is how puppies bond with littermates.
✔ Attention
A Dachshund will use all tools available to get your focus.
✔ Excitement
Nibbling often happens during happy emotional moments.
As long as it’s gentle, this behavior is harmless—and surprisingly loving.
11. Why does my Dachshund lean against me or press their body close?
Leaning is one of the most sincere, understated ways Dachshunds show love.
It communicates:
✔ Trust
They rely on you physically and emotionally.
✔ Security
Your presence is calming.
✔ Claiming
They’re saying: “This human is mine.”
✔ Desire for cuddles
They’re nudging you to start petting.
Anyone who has been used as a Dachshund pillow knows how affectionate this breed can be.
12. Why does my Dachshund bring me random objects?
Not toys—random things.
Like:
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socks
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paper towels
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sticks
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underwear
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a shoe
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half their bed
This is affection, Dachshund-style.
Why they do it:
✔ Gift giving
In dog language, gifting = caring.
✔ Seeking approval
They’re looking for your reaction.
✔ Sharing resources
Dogs share with those they trust.
Sometimes the gifts are… inconvenient. But the intention is sweet.
13. Why does my Dachshund get jealous when I pet other pets or people?
Dachshunds are deeply attached, so their jealousy can be intense—and hilarious.
Jealous Dachshunds may:
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bark
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push between you and the “competitor”
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stare with betrayal
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nudge your hand away
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sit on top of the other pet
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dramatically sigh and sulk
Why jealousy happens:
✔ Strong bonding
They view you as “their person.”
✔ Resource guarding
Affection is a valuable resource.
✔ Fear of losing attention
Dachshunds can be sensitive.
✔ Personality
They simply want to be first in your heart—and lap.
Their jealousy is one part funny, one part dramatic, and two parts love.
14. Why do Dachshunds sniff me like they’re investigating a crime scene?
Your Dachshund wants to know everything you’ve done since they last saw you.
They sniff to:
✔ gather information
Where you went, who you touched, what you ate.
✔ connect with you
Scent exchange strengthens bonds.
✔ reassure themselves
Your scent = comfort.
To a Dachshund, sniffing you is like catching up after a long day—they “read” your scent like a newspaper.
15. Why does my Dachshund act dramatic when I leave—but ecstatic when I come home?
The Dachshund emotional spectrum is BIG.
When you leave:
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whining
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crying
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staring at the door
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pacing
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sighing tragically
When you return:
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zoomies
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kisses
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squeals
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tail wagging at full speed
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full-body wiggles
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bringing toys
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dancing
This two-part performance means:
✔ You’re their entire world
They love deeply and loyally.
✔ They don’t like being apart
Even for 20 minutes.
✔ They’re expressing genuine joy
Your return is the highlight of their day.
Their dramatic greetings are one of the most heartwarming signs of Dachshund love.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds express affection in some of the most unique, funny, and wonderfully dramatic ways of any breed. Their love is loud, expressive, and often hilariously over-the-top—from burrowing under your blankets to insisting on joining you in the bathroom to bringing you “gifts” you never asked for.
Understanding these little quirks makes their behavior even more endearing. In their own sausage-shaped, opinionated, emotionally intense way, Dachshunds show their love with every zoomie, cuddle, stare, and silly antic.
