Miniature Dachshund Picture
“Oscar (Oski)”

  The Miniature Dachshund is long and muscular with short legs. It is just like the Standard Dachshund, only it is smaller and was bred for rabbit hunting rather than flushing out badgers.

The Miniature Dachshund is quite a lively little companion dog. They are very similar to the Standard Dachshund which is the same breed but larger. Miniature Dachshunds are active and entertaining pets, as well as loyal to their owners and protective. They can be quite forward and are often mischievous, but Miniature Dachshunds do make excellent traveling companions. All Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so it is important to be aware of this when choosing one. They may also develop ailements such as heart disease, diabetes, eye problems, epilepsy, or urinary tract problems.

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Canidae
  • Genus: Canis
  • Species: lupus familiaris

Common Name(s)

Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Weiner Dog, Doxie’s Miniature

Breed Type

The Miniature Dachshund is a hound breed that was bred for rabbit hunting, while the Standard Dachshunds were bred to flush badgers,

Background

The Dachshund of today originated in Germany, but this breed has a long history. There are references found in books dating back to the early 1700s. Originally Dachshunds were much larger than they are today. Over time breeders developed them into dogs with shorter legs, so more suitable for digging. This breed first came into the United States in the late 1800’s.
As well as Miniature Dachshunds, there are Standard Dachshunds and Dachshunds distinguished as long-haired, wired-haired, and short-haired. Some breeders today are also developing Toy or Mini Dachshunds, though they are not yet recognized by kennel clubs . These smaller dogs weigh 8 pounds or under and are less than 12 inches.

Description

The long and muscular Miniature Dachshund has short legs, a long head and long ears, and dark eyes. The Dachshunds coat may have short, long, or wiry hair. Color variations include solid tan or yellow, bi-colored black, brown, gray, or chestnut, and piebald, speckle-streaked, or harlequin. The term ‘Dapple’ describes Dachshunds with merle coloration and the term ‘Wild Boar’ describes Dachshunds that are dull gray intermingled with black in color.
Miniature Dachshunds are up to 14 inches tall and weigh around 9 pounds. The Standard Dachshunds are larger, between 14-18 inches tall and around 20 pounds.

Care and Feeding

Many breeders suggest feeding Miniature Dachshunds puppy food throughout their lives. Their diets should include horse meat, beef, wheat, and yellow corn. The Dachshunds are prone to obesity, so overfeeding should be avoided.
The amount and frequency of grooming depends on the dog’s coat. Brush Long-haired Dachshunds every day. Wire-haired Dachshunds should be brushed regularly and trimmed twice a year. Short-haired Dachshunds can simply be rubbed down with a damp cloth.
Get regular checkups to keep your Miniature Dachshunds healthy. Vaccinations should be given on the following schedule:

  • 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
  • 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
  • 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
  • Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster

You will need to vacuum regularly as this breed will shed moderately. Miniature Dachshunds also have a bit of an odor, so regularly cleaning of the furniture will also be necessary.

Housing Your Dog

Miniature Dachshunds are usually kept indoors. They do well in a small space and are active both indoors and out.

Social Behaviors

Miniature Dachshunds get along well with people they are familiar with. Even though they are friendly and outgoing, they are best suited to adults and older children. Dachshunds generally get along fairly well with other pets, but they can get jealous of them.

Handling and Training

Miniature Dachshunds are difficult to housebreak because they are willful dogs, and they need training that is consistent.

Activities

Provide them with walks and play sessions every day. This will keep their weight and health optimal. Because of their elongated bodies, MIniature Dachshunds can hurt themselves with too much jumping around, so you should discourage this type of behavior.

Breeding/Reproduction

Like all Dachshunds, Miniature Dachshunds are prone to the hereditary problems of epilepsy, Cushings disease, thyroid problems, and certain eye conditions. Check the bloodlines of potential mates for these problems.

Common Health Problems

The back problem, intervertebral disk disease, is quite common. Back problems in general are perhaps the most common health concern for the Miniature Dachshund. They are also easily injured because of their long spines. Take precautions to keep them from getting hurt and discourage too much jumping about..

Availability

The Miniature Dachshund is extremely popular, which makes them a favorite of breeders. Consequently they are usually available, but prices vary. Usually they are between $350 and $700.

References

Dachshund“, Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
Dachshund“, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed a Dachshund“, Referenced online, 2008
Dachshund Puppies for Sale“, Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
Dachshund Club of Metropolitan Atlanta, “Site Glossary“, Copyright 2003, Referenced online, 2008


Featured Image Credit: David Pecheux, Shutterstock