Mini Dachshund Basics

Mini Dachshund is taking the world by storm – and having in mind the breed’s many qualities, it’s only to be expected. The Dachshund is one of the most recognizable and loved dog breeds in the world and the same is true for their miniature version. Yup, you heard it right – lovingly called the “sausage dog”, these small puppers can be even smaller! The Mini Dachshund is selectively bred to be smaller in size, but they are actually the same as a regular dachshund – only tinier and cuter. Of course, it’s not all about the looks with these petite charmers. The Mini Dachshund is a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that will win you over in an instant.

Anyone who is looking for a family pet that is loyal, affectionate, goofy, and smart, cannot go wrong with a Mini Dachshund. They have such a wealth of character and having them around can really brighten your day. However, they will require your attention and affection, so make sure you can provide both in ample amounts. Let’s learn more about the wonderful Mini Dachshund before you adopt one. 

Origin

The Dachshund is one of Germany’s most popular and recognizable dog breeds. Yet even so, their exact origins are not known for certain. The earliest mentions of the breed date to the early 18th century, when the earliest descriptions of the Dachshund were made. Initially, the breed was not so short and had normal-sized legs. But over time, as its role as a hunting dog evolved, the legs became much shorter due to selective breeding. This meant that the Mini Dachshund could easily slip into badger burrows, cornering the prey during the hunt. 

Over time, the breed became loved as a pet as well. When not trained for hunting, the Mini Dachshund proved to be the loveliest lap dog with an affectionate, sweet nature. The breed’s unique appearance became a symbol of Germany, and it is seen as somewhat of a national mascot of that nation – but in no time the breed spread around the globe. Today, the Dachshund is one of the most popular dog breeds in all sizes, miniature included. And its future is looking as bright as ever!

Pedigree

As an old and respected dog breed, with a clearly defined breed standard and hundreds of high-quality breeders across the globe, the Mini Dachshund boasts a top-notch pedigree. Depending on the breeder, a miniature Dachshund can have a lengthy family history, and you can learn a lot about its ancestry. Of course, if a detailed pedigree is not an important factor for you, there’s always the option of adopting a Mini Dachshund and giving a pooch without a home a second chance. You’ll get a loyal friend and you’ll save a life in the process!

Food/Diet

The Mini Dachshund will require a diet specifically formulated for its size and activity levels, with balanced nutrients and made from wholesome ingredients. Kibble that is high in protein, and enriched with vitamins and minerals should be the staple of their diet. Go for formulas that list real meat as the first ingredient on the list, followed by other natural ingredients that are also sources of complex carbs and healthy fats. Of course, in addition to the food’s quality, you will need to pay attention to quantity as well. Portions will have to be perfectly measured according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Feed them too much and too often, and you risk obesity. For a Mini Dachshund, this can be a big issue, especially as it places a lot of pressure on their joints. 

Naturally, if you are ever in doubt about the diet your pet needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with a vet. After a thorough exam, they can give you tailored advice on the type of diet your Mini Dachshund requires. That way, you can rest assured that your four-legged best friend is getting the best nutrition you could possibly offer. 

Training

A traditional hunting companion, the Mini Dachshund is such a smart doggo – and a quick learner to boot. The Miniature version of the Dachshund was originally bred for the purpose of rabbit hunting, and they had to figure out things fast in order to excel at their job. Still, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak, being so tiny and all, so training can sometimes be a power struggle if you’re inexperienced. But if you start training early on and remember to adopt that alpha attitude, you’ll have no problem showing your Mini Dachshund who is the “hunt leader”. Add to that a few tasty treats and positive reinforcement, and training should be a breeze. You should never use harsh language and punishments – the Dachshund can quickly shut down and refuse to learn.

Weight

The Mini Dachshund – just as its name suggests – is a small breed of dog. They will weigh around 11 lbs on average, and grow to a height of just 5 to 6 inches. These are tiny guys!

Temperament/Behavior

If you want a tiny pet dog that boasts an incredible wealth of character, the Mini Dachshund will not disappoint. These tiny doggos have so much to offer to every type of owner, and will never fail to surprise you with new aspects of their personality. They are fun and goofy and will bring a smile to your face each day. They are also energetic and love to play, so they make a perfect match for families with children. And best of all, they can also be relaxed and affectionate, forming deep bonds with their owner(s), and showing a fierce and protective side when faced with strangers on their territory. Needless to say, these tiny cuties make great family pets, dogs for solo owners, and even seniors.

Even though endlessly charming, the Mini Dachshund can show a bit of a stubborn side at times, as is common with tiny dogs with big personalities. You should not be surprised to spot freshly dug holes in your yard: the inherent natural hunting instincts of the Dachshund can sometimes float up to the surface. These dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell (they can pick up a scent that is more than a week old) and if they get a whiff of some critter deep down in the ground, they won’t hesitate to do some digging with their forepaws. Still, all this is a small price to pay for such a wonderful and goofy four-legged friend with whom you can create a ton of lasting and wonderful memories. 

Common Health Problems

In general terms, the Miniature Dachshund is a healthy and sturdy breed. Even though they are quite small, they are surprisingly resilient throughout their lives. Of course, no dog is impervious to some health issues throughout their life. The Mini Dachshund can suffer from ear infections and disc and back problems. The former often happens to dogs with large floppy ears like Dachshund’s. To keep this issue at bay you will need to regularly clean their ears and make sure that you visit the vet regularly. 

On the other hand, back issues are a known issue of all Dachshunds, due to their long spinal column and short ribcage. Intervertebral disk disease is one health hazard that happens to up to 25% of Dachshunds, especially if they had been handled roughly, or are obese. The disease is, however, treatable, and can be prevented with appropriate care. Other possible hereditary issues that occur less frequently are epilepsy, dental problems, allergies, and thyroid problems. 

Life Expectancy

The Mini Dachshund has an average life expectancy ranging between 12 and 15 years. Quite a considerable number, since the average maximum lifespan for most dogs is 15 years! 

Exercise Requirements

The Mini Dachshund is a tiny ball of energy. They just aren't satisfied with snoozing and relaxing all day – they want to have fun! Naturally active and inquisitive, they will need a reasonable amount of daily exercise. Plan at least one hour of walking per day, and some playtime in-between. Whether you’ll go out to the park for a game of fetch, play tug of war with your pet, or give them an interactive toy to play with – the choice is yours. Just make sure that they are not cooped up all the time, as that can lead to a variety of behavioral issues, like apathy, anxiety, aggression, and loss of appetite. 

Luckily, due to their diminutive size, the Mini Dachshund can thrive in a variety of homes. From tiny houses and smaller apartments, all the way to spacious homes with a backyard – this breed will fit right in. This means that even owners with limited living space can enjoy the company of this wonderful breed. Just make sure that their exercise requirements are always met. If your schedule is too full for daily walks and playtime, then a lazier breed might be better suited for you. 

AKC

Thanks to its long and well-preserved heritage, and due to its popularity, it is no wonder that the Miniature Dachshund (just like its standard-sized version) is accepted and registered with many leading global dog breed registries. One of these is the American Kennel Club (AKC) which says that “the word “icon” is terribly overworked, but the Dachshund with his unmistakable long-backed body, little legs, and big personality is truly an icon of purebred dogdom.”

Coat

The Mini Dachshund can have a smooth and short coat or a shaggy and wiry one. Depending on the type, grooming, and care will naturally be entirely different. The short-haired Dachshund is simple to care for ––regular light brushing should be done throughout the week in order to keep their coat tidy and soft. During the shedding season there might be a few extra loose hairs, so keep up the pace with grooming. Avoid excess baths as short-haired dogs can suffer from irritation and skin infections if their skin dries out due to over-bathing. 

The long-haired Dachshund will require a bit more work. Make a steady weekly routine of daily brushing and combing, and visit the groomer’s salon at least once per month. A bit of trimming will keep their coat neat and healthy. Of course, shedding will be greater in the season, so be prepared for those loose hairs around the house. Other than this, you will quickly learn that coat care for a Mini Dachshund is not all that complex, no matter the coat type.

Puppies

The puppy stage is when you lay down the foundations for the upbringing of a happy, well-behaved dog. If you want your Mini Dachshund puppy to grow up into a friendly pooch with a lovely personality, you will have to get to work almost immediately. First things first, however, since in the first few days and weeks a puppy will require your constant care and protection. When they are still puppies, Mini Dachshunds are very cute but very fragile. You will have to shelter them from eager hands and large crowds. This could stress them out and cause trauma later on. But, as soon as the fragile period is over, you should start socialization. And that means that you will have to introduce the puppies to friendly strangers and dogs, other pets if you have them, and children that are old enough to play safely with them. When socialized on time, your dog will grow up to be friendly and easygoing in all kinds of scenarios.

Keep in mind that without socialization you risk a number of behavioral issues in your pet’s adulthood. Issues such as nippiness, resource guarding, lashing out, anxiety, aloofness, and depression can all emerge as a consequence of improper socialization early on. Likewise, basic training should be started as early as possible. Young dogs soak up all that information with ease, so use the period to your advantage and teach your pet where to go potty, how to walk on a leash, and other essentials. 

Photo credit: Tori555/Shutterstock, Shedara Weinsberg/Shutterstock, James Player/Shutterstock