The Miniature Dachshund

Miniature Dachshund
Weight: Miniature Under 11 lbs
Weight: Standard is 16 — 32 lbs
Height, Miniature 5” — 6”
Height, Standard 8” — 9”
AKC Rank 2008 #7
Lifespan: 15—18 yrs
Group Hound
Origin: Germany

Dog Breed Info — Miniature Dachshund

Breed Overview

The original function of the Dachshund was to flush badgers and rabbits out for hunters. The dog is low enough to the ground to go into caves and other low places including holes and burrows.

Trainability

Difficult. The Miniature Dachshund is strong-willed and can be quite stubborn, set in his ways. PATIENCE and REPETITION will pay off with the training commands you want. Stubborn dogs require time. The BEST method is clicker training with positive reinforcement for difficult dogs. They respond very well.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Miniature Dachshund? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your Mini Dachshund puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Miniature Dachshund puppies can be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Temperament

The Dachshund is bold and curious. He likes to HUNT AND DIG. They track by scent. This dog is independent but wants to be part of family activities. Dachshunds may snap at strangers or at least be reserved. Some bark..

The long haired Dachshund may be quieter and less “terrier like.” The wirehair version is more outgoing and noisy. Miniatures are more likely to be timid.

If you happen to get a Miniature Dachshund with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Moderately so. We meet Dachshunds on the trails and they mix with other dogs around us.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Varies. This could be a problem.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No, Miniature Dachshund’s have a hard time meeting strangers. Barking and backing off is what I’ve noticed mostly. If the dog was socialized properly at a very young age, he gets along better in public.

Playfulness

Not overly playful. They are better companions than playmates. Dachshunds are fun-loving and quite energetic around family, but not really “playful” as such.

This is a kind, gentle dog, loving, actually. They are a bit temperamental but loyal to family.

Good with children

The Miniature Dachshund is good with children in it’s own family but may snap at strange kids. Advise older kids only and no rough play, as the back and spine of the ‘Dachshund is easily damaged. A child falling across the back of the dog could inflict permanent, serious harm.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes, the Mini Dachshund is a good choice for a seniors. Watch that 18 year longevity! If you get a puppy that will live 18 years and you are 75 now, you’re asking for a problem. Find a Miniature Dachshund Rescue group and get a dot 3 or 4 years oldthat is house trained and knows a few commands. You’ll same a lot of headaches for the senior.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, city life are all OK. Not terribly sensitive to hot and cold so air conditioning not necessary. It is ideal if you have a doggie door leading into a fenced yard. THIS IS NOT AN OUTDOOR DOG!

Energy level

Pretty energetic little dog. “6 bars out of 10” (This breed has done a lot of hunting so has stamina.)

Exercise needs, daily

Exercise needs don’t match the energy level. The Dachshund can do with just normal play around the house or yard and maybe a moderate walk on leash each day.

Excellent! The Dachshund is very alert and quite a mouth! He’ll let you know loud and clear when something is not right!

No. He’s built too close to the floor to do any damage to an intruder.

Short hair (smooth) version sheds. Brush him bi-weekly to get out loose hair.

Wirehair and long hair versions, brush daily to prevent mats.

Miniature Dachshund Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Miniature Dachshund puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Dachshund Breeders with puppies for sale.

Miniature Dachshund Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of an older dog and are looking for a Miniature Dachshund Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Miniature Dachshund Rescue
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site but if you don’t find what you want, go online and look for Miniature Dachshund Rescue groups, pets, kennels or foster homes to find more choices..

Health Issues For The Miniature Dachshund
Below are the illnesses or medical problems listed for the Miniature Dachshund by various vets.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Intervertebral disc disease—Biochemical changes in a young dog of certain breeds can cause at least one diseased or mineralized disc in the spine of a dog. A disc that is not functioning properly will cause pain, problems walking, stumbling, severe neck pain and even paralysis. The Miniature Dachshund has an 80% chance of having this problem. Treatments can go from non-invasive doses of anti-inflammatory steroids, muscle relaxants and bed-rest to surgery. Pain meds are also given as needed. Mess with the spine and you have a serious situation and it’s tough on the dog!

Other problems could occur with your Miniature Dachshund. If you notice any problems with your pet, take it to the vet immediately. This website is for general information only and is not intended to, in any way, be a medical guide.

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