Miniature Dachshund

miniature dachshund dog breed
Miniature Dachshund dog breed. Photography © James Player | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
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Quick Facts

  • Weight: up to 11 pounds
  • Height: 5 – 7 inches

The Look of a Miniature Dachshund

The Dachshund “look” is hard to miss: low, long and short with a body that somehow stays solid and balanced in spite of its squat frame. Its convex head is erect and alert with ears that hang low and a pair of friendly oval eyes. The base of the neck slopes down to a protruding chest and a tighter abdomen, and the tail follows the line of the back. Miniature Dachshunds come in three varieties— smooth, longhaired and wire-haired—and colors can vary from solids of red, tan or yellow or combinations of chocolate, black and gray (among others).

Related: The Dogster Guide To Small Dog Breeds

Traits

  • Small, long and short
  • Tenacious and high-spirited
  • Bold and clever
  • Lovable
  • Loyal

Ideal Human Companion

  • Singles
  • City dwellers
  • Families with older children

What They Are Like to Live With

Dachshunds may look cute and cuddly, but they are tirelessly energetic, clever and curious—some might even say “intense.” Always up for a walk or a game in the park, they can easily get bored when left to their own devices for too long. Sometimes, that can involve chewing things.

Though very loyal to their owners, Miniature Dachshunds can take time to warm up to other people. This is not always bad: Their (sometimes) relentless barking at the sign of strangers makes them an extremely handy-albeit tiny-guard dog.

Dachshunds, true to their hunting lineage, love the outdoors. With a decent-sized yard to run around, they will frolic: chasing small animals, fervently barking and possibly digging a few holes. They will also be happy in an apartment (they are among the most popular city dogs), but require lots of play, interaction and regular walks to stay in physical and mental shape.

golden Miniature Dachshund
Miniature Dachshund dog breed. Photography © gyro | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Things You Should Know

Dachshunds are proud and bold. With proper attention, positive reinforcement and training, they will surprise you with a lovable and dependable temperament. They thrive with single people or families with older children. Very young children could lack the necessary patience and maturity required with Dachshunds.

Miniature dachshunds are prone to back problems, due to their relatively long spine and short rib cage. If allowed to jump down from a bed or couch, they can easily slip a disk. For this reason, it is also important to hold them properly, supporting their full frame.

Also, be sure to ration their food appropriately: Dachshunds can gain weight quickly, causing more back problems and other issues.

A healthy Miniature Dachshund can live as long as 16 years, providing years of fun and companionship.

Miniature Dachshund History

A breed dating back to at least the Middle Ages, Dachshunds-coming from the German dach, which means “badger,” and hund, which means “dog” – were used widely in 17th century Germany as hunting dogs. Their short, sleek frames and an incredible sense of smell allowed them to hunt above ground, below ground and track animals for days at a time. Various sizes were developed over the years-i.e., smaller Dachshunds for hunting foxes and larger Dachshunds for hunting boar-and in 1895 the Dachshund Club of America began to promote the breed in the U.S. Dachshunds can be found in three sizes: Normal, Miniature and Toy.

17 thoughts on “Miniature Dachshund”

  1. I have a mini short hair girl named paisley she tries to be vicious when all she can do is bark and hope for the best. I have never seen her dig she would rather be cuddling than outside they didn't mention that they are good cuddle buddies but when you cuddle they are like a furnace. In my experience with my dog I would get one.

  2. I have a long haired miniature boy, got him from a dog flipper which I didn’t know when I got him. He never leaves my side an doesn’t like anyone lol especially my son he love my grandson and my one granddaughter that lives with us . Hes the happiest when I’m home an pouts when I go to work. Loves walks an recently loves to ride in the car
    He barks at people walking we don’t have a sidewalk on our side of the street. Whines to me when he wants something. I just love him I can’t sleep if he isn’t in bed with me. Hes about 5 years old

  3. I have my first miniature dachshund. I got him when he was 8 weeks hold, he’s 2 1/2 now. Best puppy I ever had. He basically housetrained himself. He’s very loving. He sleeps with us, curled up against one of us. He never chewed on anything. I would definitely buy one again.

  4. Mazie is the 1st dachshund I have owned. Or shall I say she owns me. She is absolutely adorable. She is a pie bald in white and medium brown. Mazie is a beggar. She looks longingly at me with those beautiful dark almond shaped eyes claiming she hasn’t eaten for days! She may even fake a shiver to appear more pitiful. What an actress. She often sits up on her haunches for attention. She loves to dash from place to place like a bouncy ball. She even taunts my lab to chase her. Mischief is her middle name. Mazie is good with adults. She only tolerates children.
    She likes to perch (especially on my breasts) to survey her environment. Oh how I love my 12 yr old baby.

  5. I have one. Best dogs ever. They do chew alot when puppies if they don’t have constant company. They are definitely mischievous and fun, extremely affectionate . My boy never leaves my side and constantly wants cuddles. He sleeps with me and has to be touching me at all times. Oddly enough mine does not bark alot but will whine and whimper if you leave him alone for more than a few minutes. .
    So he is a great fit for me but if you dont have time to spend with your Doxie this isn’t the breed for you.
    Oh and yes they steal everything and hide what they take lol. Super fast and can get in the tiniest of spots.
    My doxie is suppose to be a miniature, we did get him as a puppy from a breeder but he is more like what they call a tweener . In between mini and normal size. Anyway he is the love of my life. Best choice I ever made in a pet.
    Hope this helps someone

  6. I have one. Best dogs ever. They do chew alot when puppies if they don’t have constant company. They are definitely mischievous and fun, extremely affectionate . My boy never leaves my side and wants constantly wants cuddles. He sleeps with me and hs to be touching me at all times. Oddly enough mine does not bark alot but will whine and whimper if you leave him alone for more than a few minutes. .
    So he is a great fit for me but if you dont have time to spend with your Doxie this isn’t the bread for you.
    Oh and yes they steal everything and hide what they take lol. Super fast and can get in the tiniest of spots.
    My doxie is suppose to be a miniature, we did get him as a puppy from a breeder but he is more like what they call a tweener . In between mini and normal size. Anyway he is the love of my life. Bes choice I ever made in a pet.
    Hope this helps someone

  7. I have the adorable mini Dapple. This article is spot on for me. He is 10 months old and keeps me busy. We have a large yard. He has me running around since he was 4 months old. Benji goes out twice a day for an hour or more. He digs (I covered 11 holes recently. Chases squirrels, leaves, anything that moves. We play ball… then when we go in, after his nap and eating he is ready for more play. He is super smart! Activity games levels 3! He has character and determined to get his way. Loves my neighbors but very loyal to me. He is friendly but has anxiety if I am not there. He is not a cuddler. I try..he snuggles but then is very independent. What a joy.

  8. I disagree with so much of this article! I have two minis who are not at all related. They are both lazy and happy to cuddle all day. They don’t like walks unless it’s chilly or cold out. We live in FL so they don’t walk a whole lot. They only bark at squirrels, other dogs on the street (again, rarely!), and visitors at the door, but they hush up when I tell them to. They are THE BEST!!

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