Mini Dachshund Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
Do you have a preference for dogs that express a high level of affection and friendliness? Or are you looking for a distinctive dog breed? – Then continue reading this blog. In this blog, we discuss the German-originated dog breed famously known as Mini Dachshund. These dogs are known for their typical long body with short, stubby legs.
Mini Dachshunds are also known as mini weenie dogs. They are intelligent and vigilant, have considerable barking abilities, and are independent hunters.
Let’s dig more into the lives of Mini Dachshunds.
Table of Contents
Mini Dachshund Dog Overview
Breed Group: Hound
Height: 5 to 7 Inches
Weight: 16 to 32 Pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Coat: Smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired
Color: Black & tan, Chocolate & tan, cream, wheaten, wild boar, red, blue & tan, fawn, isabella & cream
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, and alert
Needs of Grooming : Low
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Germany
History
The Mini Dachshund, often known as the miniature Dotson, originated in Germany and was initially bred to hunt burrow-dwelling animals.
In the 17th century, the breed was found and developed to be closely tied to large Dachshunds. The name Dachshund is derived from German and translates as “Badger Dog.”
Due to its unique characteristics of long body and short legs, Dachshund is well-suited for navigating through narrow tunnels and burrows-like places. Hence, as hunting became a popular sport among European nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries, this breed was brought to Europe.
In Europe, various types of Dachshunds were developed and used in hunting sports at different sports carnivals. The smallest among such breeds were used to hunt rabbits and other smaller prey.
In the 20th century, the breed was further refined with a focus on size, temperament, and distinctive appearance. Thus, the breed gained popularity not only as a skilled hunter but also as a friendly, beloved companion.
Further, with constant refinement in breed, Miniature Dachshunds became popular household pets due to their friendly, affectionate, and lovely characters. Today, they are recognized by kennel clubs worldwide and are enjoyed as both hunting dogs and delightful family companions.
Appearance
Typically, Mini Dachshunds have long bodies, short legs, and distinctive elongated appearance. The long, elongated shape of their body makes them unique and sets them apart from other breeds.
Their head is well-proportioned to their body, and they often have an alert and intelligent expression in their sharp eyes. Commonly, Dachshunds come with three coats: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired.
The smooth coat is soft and loose enough that it does not get pulled while tunneling in tights to chase prey.
Their ears are typically medium in size and are either floppy or stand erect, depending upon the coat type. Despite being small in size, this breed has strong muscles and big jaws that help them dig ground more quickly.
Coat and Color
Apart from their charming and distinctive looks, Dachshunds come in a variety of coats and colors. The three main coat types of miniature Dachshund are as follows:
1. Smooth Coat:
The smooth coat lies close to the body and has short and sleek fur. Such satiny and short fur brings a smoothness and a shiny look to a miniature dachshund body that enhances its overall appearance.
2. Long-haired Coat:
The long-haired mini Dachshund has a softer and more flowing coat than other types. The longer fur can be found on the ears, chest, and underside of the body, contributing to a more elegant look.
3. Wire-Haired Coat:
The wire-haired variety carries a dense, wiry coat that provides a more rugged and textured appearance. The facial hair often forms a beard, and the eyebrows are pronounced.
About the color: Mini Dachshunds come in varieties of color and shades that include:
- Red
- Cream
- Chocolate
- Black and Tan
- Isabella
- Dark Brown
Characteristics and Temperament
Mini dachshunds have playful characteristics and love to chase and engage in lively activities.
However, as this breed was initially used for hunting purposes, they have a keen sense of chasing small animals. As predominant hunters, Mini dachshunds are often stubborn, and making them train is a bit challenging.
Further, Dachshunds have loud vocals and are aggressive to strangers and other dogs. Some Dachshunds are very loud,bark a lot and need training. At the same time, some Dachshunds do not bark much and have a quiet temperament.
Many Dachshunds are not familiar with strangers and may growl and bark at unknown entities. Dachshund is not everyone’s dog. A bored, untrained Dachshund can be destructive; hence, proper training and socialization at a young age is mandatory.
However, Dachshunds can be the best pet for children, like any dog. If they are adequately trained at an early age, they can be good companions and help you guard your family.
Health and Nutrition
Mini Dachshunds are prone to gaining weight quickly; careful diet and regular exercise are advisable to maintain a healthy weight.
Their nutrition depends on their age, size, activity level, and weight. But it is preferable to make water accessible for your Mini Dachshund all the time. Further, an adult Dachshund needs 1 1⁄2 or 2 cups of high-quality food twice a day.
The food that you serve to Dachshunds should consist of a good amount of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fats that support their overall health.
As discussed, Dachshunds have a tendency to gain weight quickly, which leads to health issues that include back problems. Hence, one must monitor their weight and choose food that has low-calorie options.
About their health, Mini Dachshunds have the risk of spinal problems. Due to its long spinal and short rib cage, Mini Dachshund may face the disease called Intervertebral disk disease ( IVDD).
Obesity, jumping, rough handling, or vigorous exercise can exacerbate the risk of IVDD by placing increased strain on the vertebrae.
Mini Dachshunds are an active breed, so engage them in play and short walks to manage their health requirements. Engross Dachshunds in regular exercise to keep their weight maintained and to keep them active.
Dachshund’s physical activities, diet, and food portions vary depending on age and weight. Mini Dachshund puppies require food frequently and need special attention to make them train appropriately. At the same time, a senior Dachshund needs an adjustable diet so that it does not affect their overall health. Hence, it is preferable to consult your vet to determine the correct food quantity, exercise level, and physical activity level.
Refer to the table to get a quick overview of the diet of your Mini Dachshund:
| Mini Dachshund Types | Number of Cups | Number of Times |
| Puppies | 1/2 to 1 Cups | Multiple times a day |
| Adults | 1 to 2 Cups | Two times a day |
| Seniors | Adjustable feeding | Two times a day |
Common Health Issues of Dachshunds Include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Obesity
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Epilepsy
- Patellar Luxation
- Cushing’s Disease
- Allergies
- Diabetes
Kindly note not all Dachshunds experience such health issues. A proper diet, the right exercise, and a healthy atmosphere will help you keep your pet healthy.
Behaviour and Training
Mini Dachshunds are often known for their independent and unique nature. Hence, early socialization is important to make them feel comfortable with people, family members, and environment.
While in training be consistent in your commands and make sure you use rewards to reinforce desired behaviour. Mini Dachshunds are stubborn by nature hence inconsistency in training may lead to challenges and slower progress in their learning.
Further, as these dogs are active in nature they regularly need exercise and mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys to keep them engaged. One of the most important things about Mini Dachshunds is their barking, they are loud but proper training and command help you manage their excessive barking.
Grooming Needs
Mini Dachshunds have moderate grooming needs; you can follow the table mentioned below to establish a regular grooming routine tailored to their specified coat.
| Dachshunds Grooming Needs | Number of times |
| Brushing | Regular Brushing prevents matting |
| Bathing | 2 times a week |
| Ears Cleaning | Regularly once a week |
| Teeth Cleaning | Everyday |
| Nails Cleaning | Trim them when needed |
| Skin and Coat Inspection | Regularly twice a month |
| Ears | Check and clean regularly |
| Anal Glands | Done by vet if needed |
Are Mini Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
No, Mini Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic. They have a moderate amount of dander and can still trigger allergies in susceptible individuals. It is preferable to spend some time with a Mini Dachshund before deciding to bring one into the home. Spending time with Mini Dachshund beforehand will help you identify if an allergic reaction occurs or not.
Price
The price of a Mini Dachshund may vary depending on the age of the Dachshund. The purchase price of a Mini Dachshund from a well-known breeder can cost you around:
| Type of Dachshund | Price |
| Mini Dachshund Puppies | $500 to $1050 |
| Mini Dachshund Adult | $500 to $3050 |
However, if you adopt or buy a Mini Dachshund for sale, it may cost you around $150 to $500. Adopting or buying Mini Dachshund puppies for sale may cost you approximately $150 to $350.
Life Span
Mini Dachshunds have one of the lengthiest life spans compared to other dog breeds, with an average range of 14 to 16 years. This longitude in the lifespan of a Mini Dachshund provides enough time for owners to forge lasting bonds and share countless cherished moments with their pets. Regular checkups, healthy food, and a good atmosphere contribute to your pet’s overall well-being and optimal growth.
FAQs
Is a Miniature Dachshund a Good Pet?
Yes, miniature Dachshunds are good pets as well as perfect guardians if they are well-socialized from a young age. Dachshunds can be perfect companions for your children and cats.
How Big Will a Mini Dachshund Get?
Mini Dachshunds are known for their typical long body and short legs; the maximum height they can achieve is around 5 to 7 inches.
Is Dachshund a good family dog?
Yes, Dachshunds can be excellent family dogs if they are socialized and trained at a young age. However, they can have stubborn and independent personalities when it comes to training. Hence, make sure you have a good trainer for your Dachshund.
Wrapping Up
Here, we conclude our blog about Mini Dachshund; we hope the information provided in the blog will help you choose your pet wisely. However, Mini Dachshund is one of the cutest dog breeds. Hence, bringing them home will add joy, companionship, and a plethora of adorable moments to your life. Make sure you purchase Mini Dachshund from a well-known breeder so that you can be confident about dog health, vaccinations, and breed standards.
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