Miniature Dachshund
The lively Miniature Dachshund has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Origin
The Miniature Dachshund is a smaller version of the Dachshund. The Dachshund was originally bred in Germany during the early 1600s and created to hunt badgers. The Dachshund’s long body and short legs were instrumental in helping them dig into the earth and catch their prey. The Dachshund is believed to be a mix of the Schweisshund, Basset Hound, Bloodhound and Pointer. In the 1800s, breeders began to develop a smaller version of the Dachshund and eventually the Miniature Dachshund emerged.
Size
The Miniature Dachshund measures 5 to 6 inches and weighs 11 pounds or less.
Grooming Needs
The Miniature Dachshund has three coat types: shorthaired, wirehaired and longhaired. The shorthaired Miniature Dachshund has a flat, smooth coat that should be brushed once a week and bathed when needed. The wirehaired Miniature Dachshund has a short, rough coat that should be brushed and bathed regularly as well as hand stripped a few times a year. The longhaired Miniature Dachshund has a slightly longer, wavy coat that should be brushed daily and bathed regularly.
Like all dogs, the Miniature Dachshund also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Miniature Dachshund is energetic and determined.
Temperament
The Miniature Dachshund has a natural curiosity about the world around them and likes to be a part of everything. The Miniature Dachshund is feisty and full of adventure. Although they have an independent streak, Miniature Dachshunds are devoted and loyal to the people they love.
Miniature Dachshunds are affectionate and playful with their families, but reserved with new people. They tend to be wary of strangers, and will bark loudly when one approaches. Miniature Dachshunds were bred to scrap with vermin and like to think of themselves as big and bold. However, they do tend to warm up to new people after getting to know them.
Training Needs
The Miniature Dachshund has a willful nature and prefers to do things in their own way, on their own time. The Miniature Dachshund is smart and likes to learn, but has to be given a reason to obey a command. They respond well to treats and praise, and require lots of patience and consistency.
Activity Level
Miniature Dachshunds are quite active as puppies, but slow down as they mature. They should have a daily walk for their health and time to run around and play. Miniature Dachshunds do like being outside and especially like rolling around in muck.
