By Avatar photoShiloh Nevada Last updated: 10th February 2023

Miniature Dachshund

By

Avatar photo Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 10th February 2023

The Miniature Dachshund (pronounced: US /ˈdɑːkshʊnt/ DAHKS-huunt or US /ˈdɑːksənt/, UK /ˈdæksənd/), also known as the Zwergteckel Dachshunds, is a breed of miniature or mini dachshund hounds, widely-kept as a pet dog. They were mainly bred to hunt down small animals like to sniff, dig out and chase off underground animals like badgers. They have a typical weight of 8 – 11 pounds, with a robust, muscular structure, standing very close to the ground with short legs and a black nose, giving them a keen sense of smell over many other dog breeds.

Miniature Dachshund Pictures

Quick Information

Dog BreedMiniature Dachshund
CoatLong, medium, short, water-resistant, thick
ColorSolid color or combinations of white to silver, red, tan, yellow to blonde, chocolate, brindle, black, grey, blue (rarely) or, dappled
Group (of Breed)Hound
Lifespan12 to 14 years
Weight8 to 11 pounds
Height (size)
Small; 5 to 7 inches
SheddingMinimal
TemperamentSocial, aggressive, loyal
Good with ChildrenModerately
Litters3 to 4 puppies at a time
Gestation Period58 to 63 days
Health ConcernsCanine Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism), Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Epilepsy, Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)/Bloat/Torsion, Deafness
Originated inGermany
DroolingYes
SnoringYes
HypoallergenicNo
Competitive RegistrationFCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, DRA, NAPR, ACA. For standard variety: ANKC, CKC, APRI, ACR

Video- Miniature Dachshund Puppies:

History

Used to hunt down smaller animals, this breed of dogs evolved in Germany, probably in the 16th century. Initially, these dogs were mated with the individuals of the same breed. However, it was long after that the mixes with other dogs like the pinschers and the toy terriers began, which continued till the early 20th century.

Rules of Variations and Mixes

At present, the rule of individual breeding has been set according to the variation of the type of coats:

  1. The long-haired miniature dachshund is made to breed with the Papillion,
  2. The wire-haired miniature dachshund is made to breed with the Miniature Schnauzer,
  3. The smooth-haired miniature dachshund is made to breed with the Miniature Pinscher.

Temperament and Behavior

The miniature dachshund is, at the same time, loyal, aggressive, social, and courageous. Being a hunter dog, they are independent by nature and have a high spirit. They would bark loudly at strangers. However, they would be tolerant of them once the introductory period is over. They are always alert and have self-explanatory facial expressions. They have a good sense of trailing by its keen nose. The different varieties have their definition of charm, depending upon the qualities of their parents. Since they are not too good with kids, they are suitable for those with relatively older children. They are devoted to their owner’s families and can even travel well with their owners. They have an instinct to guard their families, making them a good guard dog as well. Intruders intercepting into their objects of defending might end in getting bitten, though rarely. They tend to jump a lot and stumble upon any passer-by. These behavioral issues, at times, might make them unpredictable to even their owners.

Care

Exercise

The miniature dachshund needs sufficient exercise for physical and mental stimulation. It is good for them if taken for long walks (half a mile every day) or some equivalent amount of jogging daily. They are dogs with lots of zeal and stamina and enjoy running or playing sessions in parks or open areasThey are dogs with lots of zeal and stamina, and enjoy running or playing sessions in parks or open areas.

Grooming

The breed is an average shedder. The short-haired group needs a routine rundown, while the long-haired ones require regular combing and brushing. The breed is not suitable to live in kennels and love to live in the homes of their owners. Occasional trimming of the nails and checkups of their teeth, eyes, and ears are necessary. Some people love to ‘dress up’ their miniature dachshunds, for which apparels for the dachshunds like harnesses, sweaters, holiday clothing, etc. are available in the dog stores around.

Health Problems

This breed is prone to getting overweight and lazy. Hence proper care must be taken to ward off such possibilities. They are also vulnerable to a spinal disc problem typically named as the ‘dachshund paralysis.’ Other common conditions include urinary tract infections (UTI), mast cell tumors, cardiac issues, diabetes, deafness, Cushing’s disease, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or, bloat/torsion), epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), canine diabetes mellitus (CDM/DM), etc.

Training

Impart the Miniature Dachshunds socialization, obedience, and housetraining since their puppy days to help them shape their personality in a better way.

Feeding

Feed the miniature dachshund with dry, good-quality healthy dog food. The recommended amount is ½ to 1 ½ cups per day, divided into two regular meals.

Difference: Standard Dachshund Vs. the Miniature Dachshund

As the names suggest, the difference between the mini dachshund and the standard dachshund is primarily in their sizes. Whereas the miniature breed weighs no more than 8-11 lbs and stands at 5-7 inches, the standard dog is 16-31 lbs with a height of 8-11 inches.

Interesting Facts

  • The miniature dachshund dog has many strange nicknames like the wiener dog, the hot dog, and the sausage dog.
  • The conflict between little children and this breed is prevalent, during which the dogs lose most of the time and take refuge in the shelter.
  • The miniature dachshund is very anxious about being separated from its master.
  • This breed is an excessive barker.
  • The very name ‘dachshund’ comes from two German words: ‘Dachs’, which means badger, and ‘hund’ meaning dog.

51 responses to “Miniature Dachshund”

  1. EB says:

    Thank you for this website, it was very helpful!

  2. Tammie says:

    We are getting 2 miniature dachshund puppies March 24th!! We are so excited!!

  3. Stephanie Lawrence says:

    I am looking for a mini long haired female dachshund puppy. I lost my Maggie Mae one year ago and am ready for a new little one to love. If you have one or know of one, please reply.

    • Diana Allen says:

      Hi There,
      We have a sweet mini “chocolate pie” doxie that we got (from a referral). Ronni is a dog breeder in Montana, and truly knows her dachshunds. She is well connected, so you should go online and look up Rocky Mountain Dachshunds! There is one out there waiting for you, either a newborn or a rescue. 🙂
      Good Luck, Diana Allen in Cody, WY

  4. Stephanie Lawrence says:

    I am looking for a mini long haired female dachshund. I lost my Maggie Mae one year ago and have lived with a broken heart all this time. I am now ready to love a new little love. There is no better than a doxie. Please, anyone, respond if you have one or know of any. Color is no problem.

  5. Jessica says:

    I have a couple?s not sure were elice two turn I’ve read a lot of stuff online my husband and i have a 12 week old mini he dose not like two be away from me at all of i crate him at night all he dose is cry any sugustens … next hes not house broke and we live in Maine and it’s really cold out and we have alot of snow right now even with a sweater on he shakes and about frezzes two deth so taking him out side right now really is not a operation we try news paper but he rips it up and eats it I’ve tryed the wewe pads that u rap around them but he gets them off so I’m forever washing my floors im at this point put of ideas and my husband and i are very attached two him and love him very much im just not sure what two do

    • Genevieve says:

      I realize this is a while ago but I might help others eventually. We had a very cold and snowy/icy winter and I had a 8 week old mini dachshund.

      Limit his space with a kiddie pool in your house with a puppy pad in the pool. Make the space small enough that he doesn’t have a choice but to go there. When he pees on the pad, reward him. Next day, increase the space. Watch him continuously for 2 weeks and keep increasing space. He will eventually learn that peeing on the puppy pad, in the pool will get him a reward.

      Only reward him when he pees on the puppy pad.

  6. Julie says:

    Dachshund’s are the best dog ever!!! I’ve had them for years & wouldn’t know how to raise any other kind of dog!!! I’ve never had a problem with their behavior & we have four!!! A broken coat red dapple, a long haired black & tan, a piebald & a solid black!!! And they have wonderful lives & gets lots of attention & gets their teeth brushed

    • Bailey says:

      I have a 10 months old female mini and she really likes to bite, specially me… any advise???

      • Michele says:

        I have had dachshunds for about 16 years. When training them i use a small size dog treat and when they do as told they get one. Take your index finger and tap her on the nose and tell her No in a very assertive voice. Keep doing this whenever she bites. Ususlly they catch on quickly.

  7. Shauna says:

    Our lil man Pepper Jack is ball of awesomeness! He’s well behaved and we didn’t have any trouble potty training him. He’s tons of fun and never ceases to cheer me up. He’s my lil nugglebug and follows me everywhere. He loves playing fetch and going on car rides. He gets along great with our other two dogs and loves our two cats. Everyone we’ve met likes him and he likes them too????

  8. Laura says:

    Just was given a male mini chocolate colored. He’s adorable!! Need some help on potty training! He pees and poos on the pad and then comes back and marks in front of pad! Any advice?? He’s 20 weeks old

  9. Janet Scharffenberg says:

    I had a dachshund and had to put him in foster care when going to assisted living. I loved him so much and miss him a lot. I did not bring him home because he became attached to the children there. He is a very happy dog where he is. I would be selfish of me to take him away from all that. Now I desperately

  10. Joyce closurdo says:

    Just love my mini doxie. Lost our other one in March and had to have another rescue. We got our dapple Dixie the end of March. What a love bug. Just having issues getting her to let me know when she needs to go out. She is around 3 and was a breeder dog. She is a very very loving girl to both me and my husband. Once you have one you have to have another.????

  11. Donna says:

    I have a mini, long haired dapple, female. She barks a lot when I’m not home so I got her a citronella collar, problem solved. She was pee, pee pad trained as a puppy and uses them in the House only. She does shed, I bath and brush her once a week. She loves to swim, go for walks, and is very playful and affectionate. She is extremely expressive as well. She had one health problem at ten years old, a partial mastectomy-all is well now and back to normal, I feed her better food now. When I lived with others she got along great with children and never bit anyone, I brought her for nursing home visits as well, now that I live alone and she’s older she is protective and has nipped at the maintenance man and one other. She’s my first dachshund and I would highly recommend them. She is a joy!

  12. RHONDA LUCE says:

    I need a wheel chair for a mini dashhounds he’s about 15 lbs any thoughts?

  13. MomOfAlexis says:

    We are getting one for our 9 year old this Saturday. I cannot wait to meet him!

  14. Donna says:

    My husband & I love smooth coat miniature doxies! They are intelligent, funny, protective & affectionate. We now have a second doxie male pup (a blue & tan reverse dapple) since our 14 yr. old black & tan male passed a over a month ago due to old age. House training has its challenges, but no different than any other breed. Many years ago, our black & tan boy saved my life. I have diabetes & had fallen asleep with him next me. At some point he woke me up by vigorously licking my face. When I woke, I felt dizzy & overall awful. I took my blood sugar to discover it was dangerously low. If our boy hadn’t woke me, I wouldn’t be here today.

  15. Rachel Shaw says:

    I’m going to look at 1 this weekend, never had a daschund…. am I doing the right thing? I’ve heard so many health problems and about house and potty training?? Please reply or help thanks

    • Wendy says:

      I’ve had mini dachshunds for 45 years and love them. If you own one, you have to be the boss, hard sometimes because they’re so adorable. My last two dogs I switched to crate training and it made a world of difference. House breaking was much easier and the crate is their den, their safe place. Remember that potty training takes a lot of your time. Plan on bringing them out every couple hours for several months and be happily surprised if they’re ready sooner. Praise and reward, never punish. They love to be praised and you’ll be rewarded with tons of puppy love.

  16. Kevin says:

    Looking for a mini dashound long haired female

  17. Connie says:

    My imini dach shades like crazy. Is the change in food all I need to do?

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hi,
      Yes, some dog food items do affect dogs’ health in many different ways, including shedding. This is indeed a matter of concern since this breed is not known to shed too much! For that, it’s advisable that you consult your nearest vet and inform him/her the details of your dog’s daily diet.
      Best of luck!

  18. Jo Ann says:

    People..please consider rescuing rather than purchasing. I have two mini doxie rescues and they are awesome.

    • Regina Wilson says:

      Does your doxie bark a lot? Is it affectionate?

      • Karen says:

        my doxie barks at about everything! I sure feel so safe with her around; she’s
        an excellent little watchdog@

      • Genevieve says:

        She does not bark alot but we also got her young and never encouraged the behaviour. We would “un-un” the behaviour right away and reward when she was quiet.

        She is the most affectionate dog I have ever met or owned. She LOVES snuggling and chilling on the sofa or curling up next to us in bed.

    • Bre says:

      Do you know of any miniature doxies looking to be rescued by a caring and loving family? 🙂

  19. Pat says:

    TO: Charlie and HaHa

    Both of you are disgusting creatures! Creatures like you should not be honored to have any kind of pet – maybe the two of you can move in together and sent to Siberia to kill each other off.

    Yours truly,

    Animal Lover

  20. HAHA says:

    I do not understand how anyone even likes these nasty pieces of shit.

    • here to kick your ass says:

      You must be a dumb freaking liberal to even have that type of remark against a Datsun I have on three and I love them more than any other head out there so whoever you are you need your ass slapped your ass beat and someone had to come up to you and say haha and whip your ass there you go

    • Olga says:

      To make such a comment about any pup only tells me that you are the nasty p… of sh…
      Horrible person!

  21. charley says:

    This is the most nasty, disgusting, non-altruistic animal on the planet. They are dirty, mean, nearly untrainable, and they poop and pee on EV.ERY.THING. They are loyal to their owners ONLY and will not mind any other person. People who own them have attention complexes. They own them so people will coo over these disgusting weasels. They should be put in weenie pens in Siberia and left to kill each other off.

    • Doxies Lover says:

      Obviously you have never owned one of these dogs. They are smart, loyal, beautiful creatures. They are great guard dogs. Sure, they take some time to potty training but what dog doesn’t? Who wouldn’t want a dog that is waiting for you when you got home from a long day at work. These dogs know when you are not well and they just want to cuddle with you to make you feel better. I find you to be a very sad human being to talk this way. Did you want one as a child and we’re denied? Cruelty like yours is scary and I truly hope you do not have any children. Try to remember the old adage, if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all…

    • Barbara says:

      My dachsund didnt pee in the hoise ever evn when she got really sick. Go back to yoir trailer park and shut the door with attitude i dont think you should even own a cockroach.

      • Rachel Shaw says:

        Hi I’ve read so much about health problems in mini’s I’m going to look at 1 at the weekend Sunday, am I doing the right thing? The health problems put me off or is this only a percentage of them?

    • Leebert37 says:

      Dear Charley,

      Most dog trainers will tell you that many dog problems are caused by the owner (their lack of knowledge/ability to train and care for the dog properly).

      So if your miniature dachshund (or friend’s, etc.) was “the most nasty, disgusting, non-altruistic animal on the planet.” It was “dirty, mean, nearly untrainable” and it pooped and peed on “EV.ERY.THING.”, then you might want to take a look at the owner.

      “ATTENTION COMPLEXES”……… I think you meant “People who own them are ATTENTION SEEKERS”. Attention seeking behavior could be a symptom of a more “COMPLEX” mental health issue, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I am sure there are people who use pets to fill their own needs (consciously and unconsciously). There are a lot people in the world that have problems that we cannot possibly understand. I certainly do not think we can judge them based on their choice of pets. As long as the pets are well taken care of, loved, and everyone’s needs are met, why is it an issue for you?

      *There are always those people who cross the line and let their pets impede on other’s space, property, etc., but that is a completely different topic.

      Speaking of ATTENTION SEEKERS… YOUR comments suggest that YOU are seeking a bit of attention. I believe you are purposely posting such negative comments about mini dox on a website where animal lovers (particularly those that love miniature dachshunds would seek information). I am aware that I am giving you attention. I am okay with that. I am taking my time to write this in hopes that maybe you will take a look at yourself and your needs, and then maybe try to find self-fulfillment without lashing out at others (human and animal kind).

    • john says:

      I had to put my longhaired down a few years ago and now I have a mini. I love these dogs that mini lays on the couch with me to watch tv. I never had a problem with her going inside the house. we rescued her and a maltese mix which both grew up together and they never went inside. hope charley doesn’t get a dog he seems too mean to care for one

    • Julia says:

      Wow. What an insecure, arrogant tiny little asshole you are ????

  22. vicki says:

    would like information on dapple miniature dachshund

    • Sergey Uhanov (Certified Veterinarian) admin says:

      Hello,
      There is not much difference, except the coat color. Dapple miniature dachshunds are found in combinations of 2, 3 or more different colors including black, brown, tan, as you can also see in our photo gallery.

  23. joannie says:

    I love this little puppie u hsve on u site

  24. joannie says:

    I am looking for a short hair puppy dachund my little one passed away in mar h of this year i miss her so much so if you can help me please me know

  25. Sandy Chumack says:

    I am interested in purchasing a solid all-black female mini dachshund puppy with smooth short-hair coat. I would appreciate your response. Thank you

  26. Tracine Layton says:

    I realy like your selection you have here showing now I wish to buy one of you black and tan mixed with a brown and tan
    Miniature dachshund I love this breed of dog please send me your price for a puppy thank you I appreciate your time

  27. Kim Floyd says:

    I AM INTERESTED IN A MINATURE SHORT HAIR RED DACHSHUND. IF YOU COULD EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE A LITTER THAT IS READY AND THE AMOUNT. THANKS

  28. Tommie jones says:

    The dimple in picture with blue eyes how much

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