Werner is an adorable 3-4-year-old Dachshund mix weighing about 15 pounds, with a classic black-and-tan coat and a personality that is 100% Dachshund. He's quirky, opinionated, affectionate, hilarious, and just a little bit complicated-and honestly, that's a big part of what makes this little dude so entertaining. Werner is very much a "things happen on MY terms" kind of guy. In many ways, he reminds me of a cat. He absolutely adores the people he chooses and trusts, but he also has very specific opinions about how, when, and for how long they should show him affection. Pet him too much? He may get annoyed. Don't pet him enough? He may also get annoyed. But underneath all those big feelings is a very sweet little dog who has formed wonderful bonds with his foster family and brings them an incredible amount of joy and love.

Werner is fantastic with other dogs. He currently lives with eight other small- and medium-sized dogs of different ages and physical abilities, and he does beautifully with them. He's respectful of his canine roommates, enjoys playing and chasing with them, and seems very comfortable being part of a pack. He also loves toys and treats-which, unfortunately, extends to other dogs' unattended meals. If there's food within reach and nobody is watching, Werner may decide that it belongs to him! Because Werner is a Dachshund mix, keeping him at a healthy, lean weight is especially important. He isn't a fat boy, but a little weight management will help protect his long back and reduce unnecessary stress on his spine, hopefully helping him stay healthy and active for many years to come.

Now for the important part: Werner is still learning his manners and needs an adopter who understands and respects his boundaries. He can push the envelope to see what he can get away with, and he has learned that sometimes being a little pushy with his people gets him what he wants. He is generally good about giving a growl when he is uncomfortable or disagrees with something, but if that warning is ignored, he may escalate to a snap. When Werner first arrived at the shelter, he bit a volunteer who attempted to pick him up and remove him from her lap. This happened during their very first encounter, when he did not yet know or trust her. His behavior needs to be taken seriously, and his future family will need to understand that a growl is communication, not something to punish or ignore.

We believe many of Werner's behaviors are learned and that, with patience, consistency, appropriate training, and a clear understanding of Dachshund behavior, he can continue to make progress. He needs people who will respect his boundaries while also helping him learn that he doesn't have to be in charge of every situation. For this reason, Werner will not be placed in a home with resident children or frequent visiting children. He would do best in an adult home with people who have experience with Dachshunds or similar strong-willed, opinionated little dogs and who are willing to continue working with him.

Werner isn't going to be the right dog for everyone-and that's okay. He's looking for someone who will appreciate that he's not a cookie-cutter dog. He's a quirky little guy with a huge personality, a mischievous streak, a soft side, and a whole lot of love to give once you've earned his trust. If you're an experienced dog person who understands that sometimes the most rewarding relationships come with a few quirks, Werner just might be your guy. He's complicated, he's funny, he's wonderfully weird, and he's very, very lovable.

If you're interested in welcoming Werner into your home, please visit our website and fill out an adoption interest application.
Primary Color: Tri Color
Secondary Color: Brown
Weight: 14.2
Age: 4yrs 3mths 2wks