Dachshunds are a fun loving dog and can be excellent companions for the right owner. If you believe this little "hot dog" is the pal you've been waiting for, you need to carefully think over the reason you would like a dachshund and also take the time to learn what they are all about. You may learn that you are quite compatible, or that you are not yet ready to face the demands of owning and caring for this particular breed.

What should you know about dachshunds? These dogs are...

Pack animals - Like most canines, dachshunds do not like being separated from their pack - you. They can become destructive and even depressed if left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, if your dog would be alone for more than 8 hours every day, you will need to think about paying someone to dogsit or walk your dog. You may also consider obtaining a second dachshund, or another well-matched canine companion.

Stubborn and clever - Dachshunds are very intelligent and will try to be the leader of the pack if you do not establish your authority. These dogs need dominance training, so if you are a first-time dog owner, you should take your canine for obedience training so you learn the proper way to teach, reward and discipline your dog.

Hunters - This breed was bred to be natural born hunters, a trait you will not be able to train out of your dog. This is why dachshunds are long and low to the ground, because their primary prey were badgers. What does this mean for you? It means...

• Your dog will love to dig in your garden and grass

• Chase after and attempt to catch wild rodents

• Will not be able to live peacefully with birds, cats or small rodent pets

• Bark and howl to alert you to noises

Suspicious of outsiders - While not an unfriendly dog, a dachshund can be wary of people outside of his pack. Thus, you need to ensure you socialize your pup and make people and other dogs a regular part of his life.

Not tolerant of teasing children - Dachshunds enjoy children, but toddlers and small kids must be supervised with the dog, and taught how to properly interact and play with him. Your pet will not take kindly to being teased, poked, or abused by children and will have not hesitate to snap at them.

Prone to back injury - finally, dachshunds are prone to back injury, so you will need to ensure your dog does not jump up on couches and beds or other high places. Either pick your dog up, or purchase a special ramp that provides him with easier access.