Miniature Dachshund

The Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund is easy to identify: they are small, have long bodies, short legs, and a lively personality, which is why they are often called “hot dogs.” Even though they are tiny, Miniature Dachshunds are strong and sturdy, featuring a wide chest and strong front legs. Their coats are short, thick, and smooth, available in many lovely colors that enhance their cute look.

Quick Info

Size

Small

Colours

Solid colors like red or cream; two-colored such as black, chocolate, grizzled, blue, or fawn with tan or cream markings; dappled

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

4 to 5 inches

Type

Hound

Hypoallergenic

Weight

9 to 11 pounds

Family

Scenthound

Personality

The small Miniature Dachshund is brave and inquisitive, always eager to explore. They love to chase things, dig around, and play games that involve their sense of smell. Although they can be a bit independent, they really enjoy being part of family fun when they can. Dachshunds usually get along well with kids in their own households, but some may require gentle introductions to new children.

History

Clear proof of the Dachshund breed dates back to the sixteenth century, where it was mentioned as a “short, bent-legged” dog known as the Little Burrow Dog, Dacksel, or Badger Dog. The term “Dachshund” was introduced later, translating to badger (dachs) dog (hund) in German.

Ideal Owner

The Miniature Dachshund is not as sturdy as the standard version of the breed. While this makes them simpler to lift, it also increases the chance of tripping, so they may not be ideal for homes with small kids. Owners should be somewhat active and enjoy engaging in playful training sessions. This breed struggles with stairs, so they thrive in single-level homes or places with lots of ramps to keep them safe and comfortable.

Exercise Needs

The Dachshund is lively, but it only needs moderate walks on a leash and some playtime in the yard to stay active. They can adjust well to living in the city or in an apartment, yet they still have a lot of energy and love being outdoors.

Space Requirements

The Miniature Dachshund is a small dog that doesn’t require a lot of room, but it does need outdoor time for exercise and bathroom breaks. A small yard would be nice for them, but it’s not necessary. Because of their fragile backs, they are at risk for injuries. They thrive in a one-story house or a bungalow since stairs can be challenging for them.

Training

Dachshunds may not pick up new things very fast, but it's essential to teach them basic skills like walking with a harness and leash. It's also crucial for them to interact with people and other pets, as they can be shy and may seem unfriendly to those they don't know.

Grooming

Mini Dachshunds come in three different coat types, each with its own grooming requirements. The smooth coat needs very little grooming. In contrast, the long coat needs to be brushed or combed once or twice a week, along with some trimming of loose hairs now and then. The wire coat, on the other hand, should be brushed or combed about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and a process called stripping to get rid of dead hair twice a year.

Suitability for Family Life

The Miniature Dachshund may not be ideal for homes with small kids. Although they have lively and strong personalities, these tiny dogs are fragile and can easily get hurt. They might also have a quick temper and aren't fans of rowdy play. Typically, they form a strong attachment to just one person instead of the whole family.

Did You know?

A well-known saying by journalist H. L. Mencken describes the Dachshund breed. He remarked that a Dachshund is “half a dog tall and a dog and a half long.” Besides being known as hot dogs, wiener dogs, and sausage dogs, these dogs are also referred to as Doxies and Dashies. Dachshunds tend to bark a lot, as they were initially trained for that purpose.