Characteristics, History, Care
Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
The Miniature Dachshund, also
called the Mini Dachshund or Mini Doxie, is the smaller of the two sizes of the
Dachshund breed (the larger being the Standard Dachshund). The Dachshund also
comes in three coat types, which means the breed comes in six different combinations
of size and hair coat: Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, Miniature Smooth
Dachshunds, Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, Standard Longhaired Dachshunds,
Standard Smooth Dachshunds and Standard Wirehaired Dachshunds.
At just 11 pounds or less, the
Mini Dachshund is considerably smaller than the Standard Dachshund, which
weighs about 16 to 32 pounds, but the two size varieties should look exactly
the same other than size. Like Standard Dachshunds, Mini Dachshunds are long
backed with short legs—this low-to-the-ground body shape earned the breed the
affectionate nickname of “wiener dog.”
Mini Dachshunds are friendly with
people of all ages, including gentle children. However, due to the Mini
Dachshund’s small size and fragile back, adults should supervise all
interactions between young children and the dog. Though Mini Dachshunds tend to
get along well with other family dogs, they may get a little scrappy with
strange dogs. This tough-dog attitude can be to the Mini Dachshund’s detriment
should it decide to get into a skirmish with a much larger dog. Some Mini
Dachshunds get along with family cats, but others may see kitty as something to
chase.
Breed Overview
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GROUP: Hound |
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WEIGHT: 11
pounds or less |
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HEIGHT: 5
to 6 inches tall at the shoulder |
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COAT: Longhaired:
Sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy longhair. Smooth: Short, smooth and
shining. Rough: Short, thick, rough, hard outer coat with a finer, somewhat
softer, shorter undercoat; coat forms a beard and eyebrows. |
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COLOR: All
coat types come in a variety of colors, including one-colored, two-colored,
dappled, brindle, piebald and sable. |
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LIFE
EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years |
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Characteristics of the Mini Dachshund |
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Affection
Level |
High |
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Friendliness |
High |
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Kid-Friendly |
Medium |
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Pet-Friendly |
Medium |
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Exercise
Needs |
Medium |
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Playfulness |
High |
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Energy
Level |
Medium |
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Trainability |
Medium |
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Intelligence |
High |
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Tendency
to Bark |
High |
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Amount
of Shedding |
Medium |
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History of the Mini Dachshund
The Dachshund originated in the
18th century in Germany where it was originally used to hunt badgers by
“going to ground” (digging and squeezing itself into underground dens in
pursuit of its prey1). In fact, in German, the breed name means “badger dog.”
The Dachshund’s loud and persistent bark could be heard above ground, so the
human hunters could follow the dog’s progress.
With its long body and very short
legs, the Dachshund’s unusual body type allowed it to fit into small spaces.
However, despite being short, the Dachshund is strong and muscular, which aided
its efforts to dig and crawl through tight spaces, traversing tree roots, rocks
and other obstacles. The Dachshund also needed a bold and courageous
temperament in order to face down ferocious badgers. Today, the Dachshund
remains fearless and determined in everything it does, though its most
important job is that of loyal friend and companion.
Mini Dachshund Care
Grooming requirements for the
Mini Dachshund vary depending on the type of coat. Smooth Mini Dachshunds are
wash and wear. Brush weekly with a hound glove or rubber curry brush to remove
loose hair. Brush and comb the longhaired and rough varieties a few times a
week with a soft slicker brush, taking care to untangle the longer hair on the
ears, belly and tail (and beard, for rough Dachshunds). These varieties may
also need occasional trimming by a professional groomer. For all coat types,
bathe your Mini Dachshund when it becomes dirty and trim the nails every other
week. Regularly check inside your Mini Dachshund’s ears and clean them using a
pet safe ear cleaner if they look
dirty.
Though Mini Dachshunds are smart,
they can be a little stubborn so it’s important to use the right training
methods. Positive methods like clicker training tend to work well. Dachshunds
love food, so tasty treats help get good results. Though Mini Dachshunds are
active, those short legs mean they can get ample exercise with a few walks a
day and off-leash games of fetch in the yard. Your Mini Dachshund may also
enjoy training for dog sports and activities like flyball, tracking, earthdog
and nosework. Always keep your Mini Dachund on a leash or in a safely enclosed
area or it may run off when it catches the scent of squirrels or other furry critters
to chase.
Common Health Problems
Most purebred dogs have certain
inherited health disorders in their family history. One issue that has been
identified in the Mini Dachshund is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, a
collective name for a group of degenerative eye diseases). Due to the breed’s
physical build, Mini Dachshunds are also susceptible to intervertebral disc
disease, which can cause pain and mobility issues2. Mini Dachshunds with severe
back injuries can even become partially or completely paralyzed. To prevent
back and neck problems from developing, keep jumping to a minimum by using
ramps to help your Dachshund access the couch or bed. Also, hold and carry your
Mini Dachshund carefully, keeping its back horizontal (as if holding a
football) while using your hands to support the dog’s chest and
hindquarters.
Diet and Nutrition
It’s important to keep your Mini
Dachshund at a lean weight in order to prevent the development or worsening of
back problems, as well as preventing other joint disorders like elbow dysplasia
and other health problems like diabetes1. Feed measured meals twice a day
rather than free feeding (leaving food out all the time). Check with your
breeder or veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your Mini
Dachshunds, as well as an ideal target healthy weight for your dog.
Pros
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Small and portable
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Good with gentle kids
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Active family companion
Cons
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May bark and dig
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Not reliable off leash
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Prone to back problems
Where to Adopt or Buy
If you’re hoping to add a Mini Dachshund puppy to the family, look for a reputable breeder. The Dachshund Club of America, which is the national parent club for the breed in the United States, is a good place to start when looking for an ethical breeder. Responsible Mini Dachshund breeders don’t have puppies available all the time, so you might have to wait a bit for a puppy. If you like the idea of adopting, search out Dachshund-specific rescue groups or check your local animal shelter.
