Miniature Dachshund

The miniature dachshund is not its breed, but a variant of the famous standard dachshund. This stubborn little dog is very popular as a family and companion dog.

Appearance: typical dachshund, but in mini format

While the normal dachshund has a thoracic perimeter of more than 35 centimeters, the miniature version has it off 30-35 centimeters. But this does not mean that it is the smallest variant. The kitchen dachshund variant has a chest circumference of fewer than 30 centimeters.

The exact assignment cannot be made until 15 months by measuring chest circumference. In practice, this was very important to these burrow hunters. The kitchen dachshund (rabbit) is not so-called because of its size, but because it can enter tiny rabbit hutches.

All sizes of dachshund can have the three usual coat versions:

• Short hair, i.e. the classic braco shape

• Wire-haired dachshund, with a rough coat from crosses with terriers

• Long-haired dachshund, with long, silky fur

The dachshund can have many shades of brown, like those similar to the wild boar, but not black and white. The most typical of the breed is the proportion of the short legs concerning the long body.

character and training

Like his big brother, the miniature dachshund has a lot of personalities.

Small, but beware: with a lot of character

For a dog like a dachshund to hunt a badger, a lot of self-confidence is required. This is exactly what the toy dachshund has leftover.

As far as character is concerned, it is the same as the normal dachshund. All dachshunds are stubborn and are considered excellent hunters. In this sense, the coat variant can influence. Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds are very adventurous and show a passion for hunting. They owe this to their terrier heritage.

Long-haired miniature dachshunds are usually the most attached to humans and very sensitive. There may be exceptions to the rule, but what is clear is that they all have a gigantic personality.

Training

The path to the obedience of any dachshund requires perseverance, affection, and patience. The same thing happens with the miniature and kaninchen versions. They need clear commands and, despite their graceful size, plenty of exercise and entertainment.

Since what they like most is hunting, you will have to spend a lot of time training to control the hunting instinct. The specimens that are used for hunting begin to train professionally as hunting dogs from a young age.

Important things about tenure

Do these authentic lamb-eyed little ones fit into any home? Yes, but only if you don't underestimate the breed requirements.

Is it very difficult to take care of the fur?

The easiest coat to care for is that of the miniature short-haired dachshund. Long hair requires a little more time because it tends to get tangled if not combed regularly.

A cared-for wire-haired dachshund hardly sheds. However, if you decide to adopt this dog you will have to invest some time in this care. An alternative is to take it to the dog groomer. The hair on the ears, between the legs, on the belly, and under the tail tends to tangle quickly.

Also, this miniature dachshund requires shearing every two to three months. Otherwise, dead hairs remain in the coat, which can lead to itching _ Ask a professional to teach you how to do it or take it to the dog groomer.

City life or country life?

A miniature dachshund that gets enough exercise can live in a city flat as well as in the countryside. However, you will need to spend several hours outside with him. Walks in the park are not enough for this hunting dog.

Do you live in a fifth without an elevator? Due to its anatomy, the dachshund should not climb stairs frequently. Logically, an adult specimen can climb stairs daily. However, if there are many steps and you are not sure, it is better to carry them in your arms.

The miniature dachshund and not very young children can get along very well if the dog is well socialized. Of course, make sure that the children do not overwhelm him too much and that he can take refuge.

Can you live with cats? This can work if the dachshund gets used to them from an early age. Although the difference in size is laughable, a cat running away can awaken its hunting instinct.

How to entertain the miniature dachshund

As small and cute as they may be, both the Miniature Dachshund and the Kaninchen dig and hunt by nature. It is common for those who have dachshunds to explain how their dog goes on an expedition in the forest.

This is not to be taken lightly. On the one hand, the dog could be poached. On the other hand, he might come into conflict with wild animals or get stuck in a foxhole. If you don't use your miniature dachshund for professional hunting, offer alternatives, such as games of track and seek. In addition, intelligence games and learning little tricks amuse many of them.

The dachshund loves to be in nature and is not a lover of the sofa. Due to their size and short legs, Dwarf and Kaninchen Dachshunds do not make good jogging partners. However, an adult dachshund can take long walks without problems.

Miniature dachshund health

If you are looking for a miniature dachshund or kitchen, focus on responsible breeders. This is important because the toy dachshund can have some health problems.

It can already be seen at first glance: the dachshund's back is disproportionately long compared to its legs. The cause is an ancient mutation called chondrodysplasia. This disease causes the growth plates to ossify in the legs before growth is complete. The consequence is that the legs remain short. Given the disproportionate length of the spine, dachshunds often suffer from a specific type of disc herniation, dachshund paralysis.

overweight and insufficient exercise increase the risk of suffering from this ailment. Make sure you keep your miniature dachshund fit and that he doesn't gain weight. Miniature dachshunds and kitchens can live up to fifteen years.

purchase advice

Have you already decided that you want to adopt a miniature dachshund? We give you some tips on where to buy it.

Breeding: Short-legged Pointers

The dachshund is a descendant of medieval painters. A chance mutation that made the legs too short made the famous breed possible. The oldest variant is the short-haired one, which was followed by the long-haired one. The wire-haired dachshund, which arose from crossing with terriers, is preferred for hunting.

The miniature dachshund and kitchen variants appeared more than a hundred years ago in inbreeding because they fit better in the burrows of wild animals.

Although litter numbers are declining in Germany, dachshunds of all varieties are not uncommon. In 2019, 5,921 puppies from German breeders were registered. In that country, the dachshund is the second favorite dog after the german shepherd

Where to buy a miniature dachshund

If you have fallen in love with the miniature dachshund, you will find quite a few breeders. Some are specialized in one hair variant and others breed various sizes and types of hair.

The important thing is that they are recognized breeders and that they deliver their puppies with the corresponding pedigree. For example, you can look for one in the Dachshund Club of Spain.

If you want to give an older miniature dachshund a home, you can search in shelters or on pages like SOS Dachshund Spain. There are also other websites for older miniature dachshunds looking for families, such as the SIPADAN dachshund section.

Regardless of where you adopt your Dwarf Dachshund, find out about the hunting instinct of the furry first. Dachshunds from hunting pups are usually given only to hunters.

alternate races

Dachshund lovers say that these dogs are unique and incomparable. However, those who are open to other small breeds will find dogs similar to the Miniature Dachshund in the terriers. For example, the Sealyham terrier was used to hunt badgers. It is a very social animal for a terrier and does not weigh more than nine kilos.

The Norfolk Terrier and the Norwich Terrier are also friendly hunters in mini format. Another example is the Skye Terrier, with short legs and a strong personality.

Miniature dachshund: small dog with a big character

As much as the miniature dachshund will steal your heart with its lamb-like gaze, don't underestimate it. Dachshunds of any size have a great personality with a more or less marked hunting instinct. If you value this character and know-how to take it on the right path, with a Dwarf Dachshund you will enjoy a wonderful friend.