Dachshund Goes Into 'Meerkat' Mode Waiting For Dad To Return And It's Too Funny
Whether you're a grown-up human or a cute little puppy, waiting is never easy. In an amusing TikTok video with "when dad leaves the car to go into the store" written across it — which has been viewed more than 3.8 million times and liked over 944,000 times — a miniature dachshund puppy named Otis sits up on his haunches in the backseat of the car and watches anxiously for his owner's return. It's impossible to miss his sense of impatience as he waits for his beloved human.
@weenieotismo I think dad forgot something in the car.... #minidachshund #minidoxie #dachshund
Viewers tried to guess what the darling doxie was thinking while waiting. "He's coming back right? RIGHT?" one wrote, while another joked, "So I'm an orphan now?" Several netizens noted a resemblance between Otis and a certain small mongoose found in Africa. "I've had many dachshunds who do this and we always call it meerkating," one person shared. Another demanded, "Is this a new species of meerkat??? If so, I need my Animal Planet documentary NOW!!!"
Is it harmful for a dachshund to sit on its haunches?
Miniature dachshunds are definitely one of the cutest small dog breeds in the world, and one of the most endearing personality traits of dachshunds is their loyalty to their owners. One of the viewers of the TikTok video pondered, "Why does every dachshund need to assert vertical dominance?" However, should meerkat or prairie dog behavior like Otis's be encouraged? The long shapes of their bodies, coupled with their short legs, make dachshunds (along with basset hounds and corgis) high risk for developing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This neurologic condition can cause pain, weakness, and even paralysis. A doxie may suddenly show signs of IVDD after an extreme jump, twist, or fall.
To reduce a dachshund's risk of developing IVDD, the owner should feed the dog a well-balanced diet and ensure the dog gets plenty of exercise to help the animal maintain a healthy body weight. Due to dachshunds' tendency to develop back problems such as IVDD, the dogs shouldn't be encouraged to sit upright — even if they look darned cute while doing so — but if a dachshund does this behavior only occasionally, it shouldn't be a cause for worry.
Want to see more adorable sausage dogs? Check out this rare single dachshund puppy who gets to stay with his mom, and this dachshund who serves as ring bearer for his parents' wedding.