Are you looking for a dog breed that makes an excellent adventure buddy? You will love the miniature Dachshund.
Recognized as a purebred, the Dachshund comes in two varieties comprising of the standard and miniature size, and are available in three coat types such as long-haired, smooth-haired, and wire-hired. The smooth Dachshund variety, which comes with a short and shiny coat, is the most popular in the United States among the three.
Also known as a Dachsie and Weiner Dog, the Dachshund has a goofy but endearing nature that makes it charming. In addition to their downright cute appearance, these pooches are fiercely loyal and energetic.
In 2018, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranked the Dachshund as the 12th most popular dog breed in the United States. Miniature Dachshunds ranked 10th place in the AKC and Kennel Club UK for being the most registered dog breed in 2018. Statistics show that this is increase over the last 5 years.
Typically, a Dachshund stands 5 to 6 inches tall at the shoulders with a weight of between 9 and 11 lbs.
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Miniature Dachshunds Puppy
If you have seen miniature Dachshunds puppies, you can attest that they are the most adorable pups you will ever come across.
From one litter, you can expect to get either a long-haired, smooth, or wire-haired miniature Dachshund puppy.
A smooth miniature Dachshund puppy has glossy, soft fur that is easy to take care of. Long-haired miniature Dachshund puppies have either a wavy or straight coat and need regular bathing than the smooth variety. The wire-haired have a coarse topcoat and softer undercoat and are easier to groom than the soft variety but more demanding than the long-haired.
Despite the difference in the coat texture, these pups have great personalities that make them excellent companions and family dogs.
Although there are many two-colored miniature Dachshunds colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), black and tan, expect these pups to come in a blend of colors such as black, tan, chocolate, and blue, cream, fawn, and white. Wild boar or chocolate boar are also possible colors.
Miniature Dachshund puppies love to eat, and they consume a lot of food which makes them potentially prone to obesity. Since they were bred for hunting, expect these canine buddies to have an independent streak.
Miniature Dachshund puppies will grow their first milk teeth when they are approx. 3 weeks. When they are 8 weeks, they will grow 28 milk teeth. They will begin losing these immediately and, by the time they are 8 months old, they will have a full set of 42 adult teeth.
Miniature Dachshund Breed History
The history of the Dachshund can be traced back to the 15th century. However, it was developed as a dog breed in the 17th in Germany. Dachshund is a German name that translates to ‘badger dog’ and it was created as a hunting dog. Its short body made it specifically meant to hunt badgers in burrows.
According to an AKC article, the miniature Dachshund was developed following an increase in the rabbit population in Germany. As of 2019, Dachshunds ranked 11th position among the AKC breeds. Miniature Dachshunds, as per the AKC standards, are supposed to be 11 lbs. or under and they come in three types long-haired, smooth, and wire-haired.
Appearance
Typically, the Dachshund is not the type of dog breed that you will mistake for any other breed whatsoever.
The appearance of the miniature Dachshund is similar to that of a standard Dachshund version. Generally, the miniature Dachshund features an elongated body with short, stout legs that are powerful enough to dig. Expect their muzzles to be long with floppy ears and they have a slender tail.
The miniature Dachshund comes in a range of cute solid colors and combinations with black and tan being the most common.
Possible solid coat colors include cream, red, wheaten, wild boar sable, and dapple.
Bi-color coat colors for the mini Dachshund are black and cream, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, blue and cream, fawn and tan, fawn and cream, or chocolate and cream with/without brindle.
Some miniature Dachshunds will also be piebald.
Miniature Dachshund Length and Weight
Unlike the standard Dachshund (7 to 12 inches), the miniature Dachshund stands 4 to 7 inches and weighs 10 to 12 lbs. Due to their miniature size, they tend to live longer than the standard version.
Miniature Dachshunds Long Hair
The long-haired miniature Dachshund is probably the most adorable of the variety.
Imagine the beauty of this pooch with a long back and short leg and a long shiny, silky coat that is either slightly wavy or straight. The coat of the long-haired Dachshund creates feathering on the ears and legs. Expect to see this hair formation on the tail as well.
Despite its small size, the miniature Dachshund’s long hair variety is well-built with a deep, wide chest and strong legs.
When it comes to grooming, the miniature long-haired Dachshund is considered a moderate shedder. So, they are not as demanding. However, they must be brushed thoroughly at least once a week. This will help keep their long coats healthy and shiny while getting rid of the dead hair.
Trim the hair between the long-haired miniature Dachshund’s pads as required. Pay special attention to their droopy ears to keep them clean as they are more likely to get ear infections. The long-coated Dachshund can sometimes get food on their long ears, so these may need additional cleansing.
If you are interested in buying a miniature Dachshund with long hair for sale, you can try the Lancaster Puppies here in the US. Their prices start at $1,300 for a male miniature Dachshund puppy. Of course, the price will vary significantly from one breeder to another.
Miniature Dachshund Temperaments
The type of temperament your dog will have differs significantly from one puppy to another even for pups from the same litter. The different Dachshund varieties have their definition of charm, especially based on the individualities of their parents.
However, there are some that are common in all Dachshunds such as a strong sense of smell as well as being average intelligent pooches among others.
So, what are the miniature Dachshund’s traits?
Owners of the miniature Dachshund describe it as a loyal and friendly pooch. Thanks to their affection and high spirit, they are great family dogs, especially for older children. Early socialization is recommended nonetheless so your mini Doxie and your kids can get to know each other. Introduce them when they are still puppies.
These dogs are playful, active, and lively. They will make your day lively and put a smile on your face. On the flip side, miniature Dachshunds tend to be aggressive and will bark loudly at unfamiliar persons. It is, however, possible for them to be tolerant if they are allowed to meet new people. Although rare, these dogs can end up biting intruders that seem to disturb them by taking their things or seem like a threat to their families.
Since they were bred as hunting dogs, miniature Dachshunds are courageous which makes them excellent companions and watchdogs. Unfortunately, this bravery can escalate to a point of what many owners call recklessness. In addition, these pooches have an independent streak and high spirited which means sometimes they want to follow their own will.
The miniature Dachshund is ever-alert and has facial expressions that are easy to understand. Due to their hunting instincts, these canine pals possess a great sense of smell that makes them good for tracking prey. Additionally, Doxies are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Make sure that you train them on how to stay home when you are away.
These dogs are always devoted to their owner’s families. In fact, you can even travel without any trouble you are their best friend. If you are looking for a dog with an instinct to guard your family, the miniature Dachshund is an excellent choice.
Be warned, however, that miniature Dachshunds tend to jump a lot and bump into any passer-by. Sometimes these behavioral problems may make them impulsive even to you as their owner.
How to Care for your Miniature Dachshund
Proper care for your miniature Dachshund starts with feeding your miniature Dachshund a diet that meets their nutritional requirements. In addition, take them for regular vet visits and make sure that they get adequate exercise to keep fit and healthy. Lastly, groom them appropriately.
Miniature Dachshund Diet
An ideal miniature Dachshund régime should meet dogs’ nutritional needs. In simple terms, it must comprise the 6 essential nutrients that are crucial to your dog’s health. This includes water, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All these vital nutrients must make up your dog’s regular diet for proper growth and optimal health.
Miniature Dachshunds are very active dogs and need to eat satisfactorily. According to the AKC, feeding your dog the proper amount of food promotes their overall health. Too little food, on the one hand, leads to nutritional deficiencies while too much might lead to obesity. The nutritional needs of your miniature Dachshund will change gradually from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age.
That being said, a miniature Dachshund should be fed ½ to 1½ cups of high-quality dry kibble per day that is formulated for small dogs with high energy levels. Split this meal into two small meals.
If you are dubious about the amount of food to feed your miniature Dachshund, talk to your vet. They know your canine friend best and will help you come up with the best feeding schedule.
Miniature Dachshund Training
The miniature Dachshund is considered an average-intelligent dog. These dogs are smart enough to understand commands and learn new tricks, especially when you show them affection.
On the flip side, the stubborn streak and independent nature can make training the mini Doxie a challenge. For this reason, using positive reinforcement, verbal praises, and treats will make them more cooperative during training sessions. Being harsh will make them more stubborn as they are very sensitive. Persistence and patience are crucial.
Early socialization is key to helping your miniature Dachshund relate well with your family, visitors, strangers, and other pets in your household. If you can train these dogs in a place with few distractions, especially food scents, the better.
Miniature Dachshund Exercise
Despite their small size, miniature Dachshunds are lively, active, and active pooches that need adequate daily exercise to keep fit and healthy. In addition, this helps them build strong muscles to support their long backs.
A miniature Dachshund should walk for 30 minutes a day divided into two sessions. Because of their short legs, never allow them to jump on furniture or stairs as they are prone to injuries.
These intelligent creatures also need sturdy toys to play with as well as play a game of fetch in the backyard to keep them mentally stimulated. This also helps build a strong bond.
Miniature Dachshund Health Issues
What problems do miniature Dachshunds have?
One of the most common health issues with all Dachshunds is that they are susceptible to back problems due to their long backs. This is why you are advised against your mini Doxie jumping up and down. This health issue is known as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Other possible health issues include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, degenerative eye disorder, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), deafness (dapple patterned coats), and obesity. Epilepsy, Cushing’s Disease, bloat, and diabetes are also likely health problems.
You can read more about the miniature Dachshund’s health.
Remember to attend all scheduled vet visits.
Miniature Dachshunds Grooming
All Dachshunds are considered moderate shedders, fairly clean, and have little or no body odor. This dog breed’s grooming requirements differ significantly from the three coat varieties.
For instance, smooth-coated Dachshunds are rather to groom as they need little care. Just wipe them with a towel or dog glove to look well-groomed.
Long-haired Dachshunds, on the other hand, may require more frequent brushing than the smooth-coated variety. It depends on the thickness of the coat.
The wire-haired coat can be trimmed by a professional groomer or hand-stripped a few times a year to look its best. When at home, wire-hired miniature Dachshunds are easy to maintain with occasional trimming of the beard and eyebrows. Make sure that you also brush or comb their coarse coat once or twice a week.
Typically, all Dachshunds should have their nails trimmed every month and their teeth brushed every day or three days in a week. Their floppy ears also need special attention to prevent infections that could lead to infections and bad odors.
Miniature Dachshund Teeth
Miniature Dachshund puppies will grow their first milk teeth when they are approx. 3 weeks. When they are 8 weeks, they will grow 28 milk teeth. They will begin losing these immediately and, by the time they are 8 months old, they will have a full set of 42 adult teeth.
These dog breeds are famous for their musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by their long bodies. Unluckily, miniature Dachshunds also have narrow, extended muzzles that make them more liable to develop periodontal pockets.
Miniature Dachshund Names
Are you looking for the best names for your miniature Dachshund?
Here are a few names for your little Sausage Dog girl: Angel, Coco, Daphne, Duchess, Daisy, Fern, Greta, Gisele, Lizzo, Luna, Wilma, Sage, Piper, Queenie, and more.
If you have a mini Doxie boy, here are a few name suggestions: Archie, Benji, Bruno, Charlie, Crusoe, Cooper, Dash, Gus, Hugo, Max, Ibis, and more.
Miniature Dachshund Harness
According to most Dachshund owners, a harness is safer and more comfortable for containing your canine buddy than a collar, especially when walking them.
This is because a collar tends to pull on the neck which can result in trauma on your mini Doxie neck or back. Miniature Dachshunds have a strong sense of smell and a high prey drive. This, particularly, is problematic if you have to pull your Doxie hard in walks to keep away from cars, street hazards, or other pooches.
Miniature Dachshund Life Expectancy
Typically, all Dachshunds are classified as small dog breeds and they tend to have longer lifespans than large dogs. Miniature Dachshunds, however, live shorter than their Standard variety cousins.
That being said, expect a miniature Dachshund to have a life expectancy of between 13 and 16 years.
Miniature Dachshund for Sale
If you live in the US, UK, or other regions and are looking for a miniature Dachshund for Sale, make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder. Here in the US, you can try Lancaster Puppies or AKC Marketplace. You can also search Miniature Dachshund for sale near me on your browser.
Because mini Dachshunds are small, they do not have many pups in a litter, may be up to 4 pups. This, plus other factors such as high demand, make mini Doxie pups very costly at around $1,000 to $4,000. You can also try the Dachshund Club of America, Inc.
Do not buy your pups from some sites such as Craig List and eBay because most of the sellers are not bred to the best standards.
Miniature Dachshund for Adoption
Adopting a miniature Dachshund is always better and cheaper than shopping, especially when you do not know where to find a responsible and reputable breeder. Therefore, start by asking workers from your local shelter whether this mixed breed is available.
We recommend adopting a miniature Dachshund from Dachshund Club of America, Inc.
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