Rarely do you ever see someone walking a lone Dachshund. These long little doggies always seem to come in pairs, triples, or squads. If you have any doubt as to why people seem to get Dachshunds in packs, here’s ten reasons why you can’t get just one:

1. Dachshunds Come In All Flavors.

Whether your favorite coat color is sleek and black, ruddy brown, or you’d prefer the rarer mottled merle, cream or even brindle, there’s a color of Dachshund you’ll fall in love with. They also come in short, long and wire-haired coat varieties. Of course, it only makes sense to have one of each!

2. There’s So Much Belly To Rub.

If you can’t resist rubbing a dog’s warm, sparsely coated belly, you’re going to love a Dachshund. That extra long torso means you have miles of belly to rub. This cuddly little canine will happily snuggle into your arms and flip over so you can reach their prime rubbing spots. Don’t forget behind the ears, at the base of the tail, and around the neck!

3. The Zoomies.

Even if you can’t make it to Cincinnati or Orange County for the famous annual Wiener Dog Races, your own troop of Dachshunds will regularly circle your furniture for no apparent reason at all. These dogs are speed demons, don’t let those stubby little legs fool you. That long body is super aerodynamic, practically built for flying from the couch, to the sofa chair, to the stairs, down the hall, and through your legs before you can say, “look at that wiener fly!”

4. They’re The Little Dog For The Big Dog Person.

If you grew up with large dogs, but have to adopt a smaller one for any reason – maybe you live in an apartment now – the Dachshund is the perfect transitioning dog. Though most weigh under 25 pounds, would-be intruders would never know it when they hear that ferocious warning bark. Full of energy and just as good as enduring hikes, sports and adventures as any larger dog, you’ll never want to leave your little hound at home.

5. They’re Meant For Sleeping In Your Bed.

Bred to go through tunnels after small animals, a Dachshund is practically bred to burrow under your covers. They tend to take on awkward sleeping positions, and their favorite is between your legs, using your butt as a pillow. Their short legs are slightly less likely to kick you in the middle of the night… just slightly. And pretty soon, you won’t be able to sleep any other way.

6. Dachshunds Are Excellent Gardeners.

In the early spring, you can depend on your wiener dog to help you create optimal holes for planting seeds and seedlings. It’ll take a bit more training to convince them not to rearrange your garden for the rest of the year. Even so, you can’t blame a dog for wanting to help aerate the soil. By providing a designated area for digging, you can redirect this natural instinct, rather than trying to extinguish it.

7. You Become Part Of An Exclusive Club.

Before you become a Dachshund owner, you’ll rarely notice them in the street. But once you have one of your own, you’ll start seeing them everywhere. People who see yours, but have theirs at home, will constantly come up to you to show you pictures and tell you stories about theirs. You may even find a local Dachshund group in your city that you never knew about before.

8. They Really Do Train You.

Everyone wants a “smart” dog until they have one. Even so, you can’t help but be impressed with our your Dachshund will pick up on words and cues, and sneak food the moment you stop watching them. Luckily, they’re very trainable, especially when motivated with treats, and have a sharp mind that makes them great at learning complex tricks. Take the time to teach them, or they’ll use those powers for mischief!

9. Dachshunds Have A Sense Of Humor.

Though they don’t always do it on purpose, your Dachshund will have you laughing every single day. Whether they’re demanding an early dinner by dousing your face with licks, or tripping over those stubby little paws, your Dachshund will have you cracking up, even on your worst days.

10. They Live A Long Time.

Like most small breeds, the Dachshund can live a long time, up to 20 years. Even that isn’t enough time for all of the snuggly moments, I Love Yous, and midnight snacks in the world. Those years seem to fly by like a racing wiener dog, and all you can really do is appreciate every moment together.