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 Regular 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. Rough: Short, thick, rough, hard outer coat with a finer, somewhat softer, shorter undercoat; This tough-dog attitude can be to the Small 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 GROUP: Hound WEIGHT: 11 Pounds Or Less HEIGHT: 5 To 6 Inches Tall At The Shoulder COAT: Longhaired: Sleek, Glistening, Often Slightly Wavy Longhair. Smooth: Short, Smooth And Shining. Though Mini Dachshunds Tend To Get Along Well With Other Family Dogs, They May Get A Little Scrappy With Strange Dogs. Coat Forms A Beard And Eyebrows. COLOR: All Coat Types Come In A Variety Of Colors, Including One-Colored, Two-Colored, Dappled, Brindle, Piebald And Sable. LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 16 Years |
Characteristics of the Mini Dachshund
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | High |
| Amount Of Shedding | Medium |
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 prey ). 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 trims 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 could 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 Small Dachshunds are active, those short legs mean they can obtain ample exercise with a few walks a day and off-leash games of fetch in the yard. Your Mini Dachshund may also enjoy instruction for dog sports and activities like flyball, tracking, earthdog and nosework. Always keep your Mini Dachshund 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. 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. 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 issues. Mini Dachshunds with severe back injuries can even become partially or completely paralyzed.
Common Health Problems
Most purebred dogs have certain inherited health disorders in their family history. 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 complications like diabetes . Feed measured meals twice a day rather than free feeding (leaving food out on a regular basis). Check with your breeder or veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your Small Dachshunds, in addition to an ideal target healthy weight for your dog.
Pros
- Small and portable
- Good with gentle kids
- Active family companion
Cons
- May bark and dig
- Not reliable off leash
- Prone to back problems
Where to Adopt or Buy
If you’re hoping to add a Mini Dachshund puppy to the family, search for a reputable breeder. The Dachshund Club of America, which is the national parent club for the breed in the United States, can be a good place to start when looking for an ethical breeder. Responsible Mini Dachshund breeders don’t have puppies available continuously, 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.
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
If you like the Mini Dachshund, you might also like these breeds:
- Basset Hound
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Otherwise, check out all of our other dog breed articles to help you find the perfect dog for you and your family.