Why Do Dachshunds Lick Your Face? Dachshunds are adorable little dogs with big personalities, and their penchant for licking faces is both endearing and puzzling. So, why do these sausage-shaped pups insist on slobbering all over our cheeks? Let’s explore the reasons behind this behavior.
- Affection and Greeting:
- Affectionate Creatures: Dachshunds are affectionate and sociable dogs. They love being surrounded by family and showering their humans with love.
- Warm Welcome: When you come home, your dachshund might give you a warm, slobbery greeting. Even if you’ve only been out for a short time, they’ll happily lick your face to show how much they’ve missed you.
- Endorphin Boost: Licking your face can also give dogs a rush of endorphins, making it a comforting and bonding experience.
- Submission and Pack Instincts:
- Pack Animals: Dachshunds have strong pack instincts. In a pack, lower-ranking dogs lick the mouths of higher-ranking dogs as a form of submission.
- Submitting to You: Licking around your mouth could be your dachshund’s way of submitting to your leadership.
- Natural Instinct:
- Puppy Behavior: Dachshund puppies instinctively lick their mother’s mouth when they’re very young. This behavior encourages the mother to regurgitate solid food for them.
- Licking Your Mouth: Your dachshund might continue this natural instinct by licking your mouth.
- Communication:
- Signaling Discomfort: Sometimes, excessive licking can be your dachshund’s way of telling you something is wrong. Pay attention if they suddenly start licking more than usual.
In summary, dachshunds lick faces for various reasons—affection, submission, instinct, and communication. So, the next time your little wiener dog plants a wet one on your cheek, know that it’s their way of saying, “I love you!”