Mini Dachshund: Comprehensive Guide on Care and Training

Published July 20, 2023 | By lennykrizan

If you’re a devotee of petite pooches with outsized temperaments, the mini dachshund is probably one of the dog breeds on your radar. Originally bred as hunting dogs, these compact canines pack quite a punch in their small size and big personality. With their unique skeletal structure characterized by short legs and long bodies, they are often fondly referred to as sausage or wiener dogs.

Our exploration into the world of miniature dachshunds will delve deep into their history, role as hunting dogs and global popularity. We’ll also shed light on their distinct physical features, coat varieties & colors, mental stimulation needs and more.

We’ll discuss temperament traits that make them popular family pets along with tips for effective obedience training. Health concerns specific to this breed such as risks associated with obesity will be covered. We will debunk the myth that exercise increases the risk of back injury (in our section on regular exercise guidelines).

Finally we’ll guide you through age-specific care requirements including dietary considerations and grooming routines for keeping your beloved mini dachshund happy and healthy.

Table of Contents:

Mini Dachshund’s History and Popularity

The Miniature Dachshund, a small yet spirited hound breed, has its roots in Germany. These dogs have an intriguing history that adds to their charm.

Origin of Miniature Dachshunds

Bred in the 17th century as hunting dogs, they were designed to dig into badger dens – hence the name ‘Dachs’, which means ‘badger’ in German. By the 18th century, German foresters and hunters started to breed what became known today as the Dachshund. Their long bodies and short stature gave them an advantage in tunnels.

Role as Hunting Dogs

In addition to badgers, mini dachshunds were used for hunting rabbits and foxes. Mini dachshunds are determined hunters, not hesitating to take on a difficult task. The dangerousness of this task required them to be bred with specific characteristics.

The need to operate in holes underground required this dog to have short stubby legs with a slight curve around the ribcage. Their feet had to be tight and compact, to push dirt behind them. The shoulder and upper arm had to feature a range of motion to help in digging, while developing a prominent breastbone and chest.

The dog’s ribcage needed to be large enough to provide for the lungs and heart required for the endurance to keep up in battle. The underside of the ribcage needed to extend past the elbow to protect the internal organs from objects sticking out of the ground. In order to deal with head on battle the forehead had to have a prominent bridge bone.

Global Popularity

  • America: The first recorded miniature dachshund was imported into America around 1885. They’ve grown immensely popular with dog lovers across the country.
  • Eurozone: In Europe, especially Germany, these little canines continue to be adored by many households.
  • Oceania & Asia: Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries have seen a steady rise in adoption rates.

Their popularity transcends age groups and geographical boundaries. Whether you’re young or old, city dweller or countryside resident, owning a wiener dog brings joy to any household.

Characteristics and Personality Traits of Mini Dachshunds

If you’ve ever seen a Miniature Dachshund, you know they’re unforgettable. These small, elongated dogs have a unique skeletal structure – long spine, short legs. Talk about a dog with a backbone.

Physical Features

Mini Dachshunds may be small, but they’re mighty. Weighing 8-11 pounds and standing at 5-6 inches tall, they’re like pocket-sized bundles of joy.

Coat Varieties & Colors

These pups come in three coat varieties: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. They’re like the fashionistas of the dog world, always rocking different styles.

And their colors? From reds to blacks, chocolates to creams, they’ve got it all. A dapple dachshund features a spotted pattern on its coat.

Unique Skeletal Structure

What makes dachshunds stand out?

Their elongated bodies and stubby legs. It’s like they were designed for underground adventures. No wonder they’re called “badger dogs” in German.

Mental Stimulation Needs

Mini dachshunds are not only adorable, but also highly intelligent. These curious creatures need mental stimulation and daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. So, let’s get those puzzle toys and interactive games ready for some brain workouts.

Temperament & Trainability – Making them Family-Friendly Pets

For those looking for an entertaining and amiable pet, Mini Dachshunds are a great option suitable for all types of households. They’re great for families and singles alike. Watch out for their jealousy and possessiveness, as you need to put a stop to it once you see it or else it’ll become a bad habit that’s tough to break.

They may have a sharp and persistent bark when they meet strangers due to their history as watchdogs. This is another behavior that you need to put a stop to early on in order to have a well-behaved dog.

These are stubborn dogs that like to have their own way, becoming irritable when pushed too far. This makes it important to use positive reinforcement while offering treats and praise to reward good behavior.

Another unfortunate habit you may experience with your mini-dachshund is digging, due to their history as badger dogs. Try to prevent this by walking them twice a day and play with them using active toys as a distraction from the urge to dig. The humane society offers advice on how to prevent a dog from digging.

Socialization is Key

To raise a happy Mini Dachshund, socialize them early. Let them meet new people, explore different places, and experience new things. It’ll make them confident and adaptable.

  • Introduce your pup to new faces regularly.
  • Take them on walks to see the world.
  • Puppy classes are great for making furry friends.

Obedience Training Tips

Mini Dachshunds are trainable too. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise to teach them good manners. Here are some tips:

  1. Keep training sessions short and sweet.
  2. Redirect bad behavior to something acceptable.
  3. Reward good behavior promptly.

Stanley Coren ranks the Dachshund 49th on obedience intelligence, making them average in this regard.

Your Mini Dachshund will be a well-behaved companion with time and effort. They have the ability to respond to commands with careful training featuring patience and consistency. They are very devoted to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety, so care must be taken to give them the proper time and attention they need.

Health Concerns & Lifespan – What Potential Owners Should Know?

Bringing a Mini Dachshund home? Watch out for their unique health concerns. These little sausages are prone to obesity, thanks to their long spines and short rib cages.

Keep them fit and fabulous.

Mini Dachshunds are vulnerable to cancer, heart failure, glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, intervertebral disc disease, acanthosis nigricans, and Lafora disease. Let’s discuss these last 3 conditions as they are not well known to first time pet owners.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease is a slipped disk that affects about 25% of Dachshunds. The disc ruptures in the middle of the back. It is a degenerative disk disease from the progressive degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

These disks provide the cushioning that separates each of the vertebra. The degeneration causes calcification and the loss of shock absorbing capability. Forceful movements cause the rupture.

The best ways to reduce the chances of IDD are preventing obesity and avoiding spaying or neutering too early. As this is a genetic issue, consult your breeder to make sure your pup’s parents did not carry IDD.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin disorder in dogs involving dark hyperpigmentation in the folds of the skin. There are two types, type one is hereditary (mostly occurring in Dachshunds and rarely in other breeds), and type two is caused by a number of different underlying conditions.

Type 1 is incurable, but simple treatments help if caught early, preventing progression of the disease.

Type 2 is curable and may be caused by a yeast or bacterial infection, mange, allergic dermatitis, hypothyroidism, or obesity.

The vet will need to look at your dog’s history, so make sure to keep a detailed history. Skin scrapings, impression smears, testing for adrenal disease, and thyroid dysfunction may be ordered.

Anti-seborrheic shampoo, corticosteroid ointment, oral vitamin E, or antibiotic therapy may be prescribed by your vet in addition to weight loss. Always make sure to follow your vets instructions, as stopping them could cause reinfection. It is recommended that you do not breed dogs with type one as the condition could carry on to the next generation.

Recovery prognosis for type 2 is dependent on curing the underlying condition. Type 1 has to be managed with shampoos and ointments.

Lafora Disease

Lafora disease is a type of myoclonic epilepsy, which means that it produces a jerking motion. It is inherited and comes about spontaneously after the age of 5 and is most often found in miniature wirehaired Dachshunds. It’s progressive nature gradually results in neurological changes over years which may include ataxia (loss of muscle control), dementia and blindness.

Lafora disease features rapid shaking or jerking in a backwards motion of the head. The dog may have high pitched vocalizations indicating panicking. Seizures may result with dementia, blindness and loss of balance as other symptoms to watch out for.

In Lafora disease, there is a genetic deviation preventing the manufacturing of a specific protein whose job it is to clean up other proteins the brain no longer needs. As these junk proteins build up, the cells of the brain loose function. Unfortunately, there is no current test to detect this condition beforehand.

Your vet will require a detailed history of your dog to diagnose this condition. Knowing your dog’s family history is helpful. A physical exam and blood work with tissue samples will be required.

Lafora bodies found in the liver, muscle, and nerve samples will confirm a diagnosis. An MRI of the brain could rule out other conditions.

Potential treatments include putting your dog on a low glycemic index diet because starchy and sugary foods may aggravate it. There are also medications to treat the epilepsy which include phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam. Sudden sounds and movement, and flashing lights could trigger episodes of this epilepsy, so it will be recommended to keep your dog away from these.

This condition is not generally fatal, but it is debilitating. Unfortunately, the progression of the disease will cause many owners of these dogs to make a difficult decision to euthanize their pet.

Risks Associated With Obesity

Extra weight can lead to serious back problems in Mini Dachshunds. Check out this American Kennel Club article for tips on preventing obesity through diet and exercise. Let’s keep those spines in shape.

Other risks associated with obesity include, shortened life span, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, skin problems, orthopedic problems, and osteoarthritis.

Proper Handling Techniques To Prevent Injuries

Handle your Mini Dachshund with care to avoid unnecessary strain on their backs. Learn the right way to pick them up from this helpful guide from the farmers dog. Safety first, folks.

Put your arm between their front legs and under their chest. As you lift them up, use your other arm to tuck their legs into your body, and keep them in a horizontal position. This is the proper technique to prevent injury to the dog or to yourself.

Do not pick them up by their neck or their legs, as this will strain their ligaments. A well-cared-for miniature dachshund can live up to 16 years or longer. Keep them healthy and happy.

Average Lifespan

To help your dog live a long and happy life, and live 16 years or more, follow this plan for lifelong vet checkups.

  • Puppyhood: Regular vet check-ups are a must for vaccinations and overall health assessments. Let’s start them off right.
  • Adulthood: Annual veterinary visits for booster shots and routine examinations keep adult mini dachshunds in tip-top shape and help catch any problems early on.
  • Senior Years: As they age, bi-annual vet visits become important to catch age-related diseases. Let’s keep them comfortable.

Needs By Age For Healthy Living Of Your Pet Dog

A balanced canine diet is vital for the overall health and wellbeing of your Mini Dachshund. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times and follow a comprehensive plan for your dog’s dietary requirements based on different life stages.

The Importance of a Balanced Canine Diet

A balanced diet for your canine friend is essential, consisting of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals – just like humans. A high-quality commercial dog food that meets AAFCO standards usually provides all the nutrients your mini dachshund needs.

  • Proteins: Essential for growth and repair of body tissues.
  • Fats: Provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: Necessary for various bodily functions.

Dietary Requirements Based On Life Stages

Your mini dachshund’s nutritional needs change as they age. Puppies have different dietary requirements than adult dogs or seniors due to their rapid growth rate. Adult dogs need maintenance diets while senior pets may require special diets catering to specific health issues.

Remember, every dog is unique, so consult with your vet before making significant changes in your pup’s feeding regimen. Having said that, it is useful to start out with a general set of guidelines and then adjust these numbers as circumstances necessitate.

A mini-Dachshund up to two months old will typically weigh about 2-3 pounds. They may need 1/4-1/3 cup per day of food, consisting of 248-700 calories. After that, use this guide:

  • At 3-4 months old, they should weigh 4-7 pounds, needing 1/3-2/3 cup per day consisting of 300-800 calories.
  • At 4-5 months old, they should weigh 6-8 pounds, needing 1/2-3/4 cup per day consisting of 300-800 calories.
  • At 6-7 months old, they should weigh 8-10 pounds, needing 3/4-1 cup per day consisting of 300-548 calories.
  • At 8-12 months old, they should weigh 10-12 pounds, needing 3/4-1 cup per day consisting of 548-900 calories.
  • At 1 year+, they should weigh 11-13 pounds, needing 1/2-1 1/2 cups per day consisting of 548-900 calories.

Up to 3 months old, feed them 4 times per day. At 5 months drop it down to 3 times per day. After that, reduce it to 2 times per day.

Being that this is just a guide, the best practice is to seek your vet’s recommendation, as that should be followed over any general recommendations.

Exercise and Grooming Regime for Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy

A healthy lifestyle for your Mini Dachshund is not just about a balanced diet. It also involves regular exercise and grooming to ensure their overall well-being. Let’s delve into the details of these essential aspects.

Regular Exercise Guidelines

For your Mini Dachshund, daily physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous; simple activities such as fetching a toy or going on short walks are sufficient. Simple activities like playing fetch or hide-and-seek with toys, going on short walks, or even running around in your yard can keep them active and engaged.

Mini Dachshunds can withstand hours’ worth of exercise, but 30 minutes per day is a good minimum for these dogs. Consult your vet for guidance on a specific plan based on your dogs’ individual needs, especially for dogs with medical conditions.

Puppies should get 5 minutes per day for every month they age. Adult Dachshunds should exercise at least 30 minutes per day or more depending on how healthy they are and how much energy and eagerness they have for it. Seniors should generally keep up with 30 minutes or more, but with 2-3 sessions in a day and possibly with a slower pace.

In an apartment setting, indoor games are equally effective in keeping them entertained while providing the necessary exercise. Interactive puzzle toys are excellent tools for mental stimulation too.

Keep in mind the needs of your mini dachshunds back health. Back injuries in these dogs are a genetic condition from their history of how they were bred. A study published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology in 2015 concluded that Dachshunds should not be discouraged from jumping, using stairs, or exercising more than 30 minutes per day for the sake of their back health.

In other words, it turns out that these dogs need good amounts of exercise, and problems with their backs are associated more with inactivity. This goes against much conventional wisdom about these dogs.

Grooming Routine Recommendations

Grooming is another critical aspect of caring for your Mini Dachshund – it helps maintain a neat appearance while preventing potential infections and diseases.

  • Coat Brushing:Regular brushing keeps their coat clean and shiny, regardless of whether they have smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired coats. A weekly brush should suffice for most mini dachshunds, but those with longer hair may require more frequent attention – perhaps 2 or 3 times a week or daily to prevent matting and tangling.
    • Dachshunds do not generally like being groomed, so it is crucial to get them accustomed to this early on.
    • Short haired Dachshunds shed moderately, but often. Choose a soft-bristled brush to prevent irritation. If you use a pin brush, make sure the tips are rounded.
    • Wirehaired Dachshunds have thick undercoats which require special brushes with wire pins when stripping their coat (strip their coat twice per year). Choose a good bristle brush for ordinary brushing.
    • Longhaired Dachshunds coats are soft and silky and should be brushed daily. Pin or bristle brushes work well, while using your fingers or a comb to remove mats.
    • Separate their hair with sectioning clips so you don’t miss any tangles.
  • Bathing: Bath time depends on how dirty your dog gets. Generally speaking, though, bathing once every three months should be enough unless they get particularly muddy or smelly. Learn more about bathing your Mini Dachshund here.
  • Nail Trimming: Their nails need trimming approximately every two weeks to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort when walking. Cut the nail to about two millimeters away from the quick, which is the darker part of the nail.
  • Dental Care: Just like us humans, dogs need dental care too. Regular teeth cleaning using canine toothpaste can help prevent oral health issues such as gum disease and bad breath. Check out these dental care tips for dogs.
  • Ear Checks: Ears must be checked regularly (especially if you own a long-haired variety) because any excess wax build-up might lead to ear infections. Here’s what you need to know about checking ears properly.

Remember that each task must be carried out gently without causing stress or discomfort so that grooming becomes a positive experience rather than something both pet owners dread. Gradually introduce them to your tools and use positive reinforcement with praise and treats.

Key Takeaway: 

To keep your Mini Dachshund happy and healthy, make sure to provide regular exercise through activities like playing fetch or going on short walks. Additionally, maintain a grooming routine that includes brushing their coat, trimming their nails, cleaning their teeth, and checking their ears for any potential infections. Remember to approach these tasks gently to ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet.

FAQs in Relation to Mini Dachshund

What are some facts about mini Dachshunds?

The miniature Dachshund is a small breed originally bred for hunting, with unique skeletal structures and various coat varieties and colors. Their average lifespan is 16 years. They have a propensity to chase small animals due to their history as badger dogs, so supervision is required in these situations.

What are miniature Dachshunds good for?

They are playful, clever, lively and loyal to their owners. They are good in families with young children, however they need to be supervised and introduced gently from a young age to ensure everyone gets along and proper socialization can be had. This is a stubborn dog, so consistency and patience is needed in training.

What is the personality of a mini Dachshund?

These are energetic dogs that can get destructive when they are allowed to get bored. These dogs have aggressive tendencies if not socialized properly. If trained properly from an early age, these dogs can fit in nicely for families that love them and give them the attention they deserve.

Conclusion

The small but mighty breed with a big history as hunting dogs. These adorable pups come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, making them a visual delight. Dapple dachshunds even have a spotted pattern coat. 

These popular family pets will bring joy to anyone’s household.

But don’t let their small size fool you – mini dachshunds need proper training and obedience to be family-friendly. Watch out for their delicate skeletal structure and keep them at a healthy weight to avoid health issues.

With a balanced diet, regular exercise, and grooming routines, your mini dachshund will live a happy and healthy life.

Make sure to check out Poodlestore.com to get FREE reports on many important topics related to dog breeds, products, conditions & behaviors!


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