Dwarf dachshund (miniature dachshund, mini-dachshund)

The dwarf dachshund is a small breed with a big personality. It is also referred to as the miniature dachshund or mini-dachshund. These little dogs are renowned for their lively, playful personalities and inquisitive attitudes despite their small stature. Their keen sense of smell and tenacity, which were originally developed for hunting small game, make them excellent explorers.

The long body and short legs of the mini-dachshund, which frequently earn them the moniker "sausage dog," are among their most distinctive characteristics. Their distinct form, along with their lively eyes and perceptive ears, makes them a beloved pet among canine enthusiasts.

The dwarf dachshund is an excellent choice for apartment living since it is compact and requires daily exercise to maintain good health. These dogs become devoted companions and build strong bonds with their families, whether they are playing fetch or cuddling on the couch.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Small, typically weighing between 8-11 pounds
Coat	Comes in smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired varieties
Temperament	Friendly, curious, and playful, but can be a bit stubborn
Exercise needs	Moderate, they enjoy daily walks and some playtime
Lifespan	Around 12-16 years with good care
Training	Can be trained, but requires patience and consistency

Questionnaire

Photo of a dwarf dachshund

Characteristics

Interesting facts and features

What distinguishes the miniature dachshund from other breeds and its relatives? First and foremost, the following characteristics should be noted:

• This small body hides a strong-willed character and self-esteem. A miniature dachshund will not mind even fighting for a place as a leader in the family;
• Considers itself a real hero, so it will protect you from everyone and everything, again, regardless of its size;
• Does not like temperature changes. In winter, you must definitely buy warm clothes for the dachshund;
• And another of its weak points is the spine. The dog cannot jump, and when it is still a puppy, then it cannot go down or up the stairs on its own. Do not drag it by the scruff of the neck;
• As a puppy, a miniature dachshund resembles a mischievous child. You will need to hide expensive shoes, shampoos and creams, wires, otherwise it will chew everything;
• And on a walk, its hunting instincts will make themselves known. It will not pass by a hole or a tunnel without finding out what is in it.

A lively little dog, the miniature dachshund is always willing to jump to save the world—and, of course, its owner. She is active all the time, exploring and hunting prey, and she is not lazy. She will, however, begin to play hunter with other pets or toys at home, where she needs to be less active.

History of origin

The origins of the dwarf dachshund can be traced back to the 16th century, when southern Germany started breeding burrow breeds specifically intended to hunt badgers. Nonetheless, some historians assert that the dachshund is older, with pictures of the canine species with short legs found in Egyptian tombs supporting their claims. However, there has never been official confirmation of this theory.

The breed’s original name, "dachshund," was a combination of two German words: "badger" and "dog." However, because the word was hard to pronounce, only "dakel" remained. The Braki, which are short-legged hound dogs, are thought to be the ancestors of the dachshund. Only animals with a low landing were left after a rigorous selection process; like their ancestors, they were fervent before hunting but also managed to squeeze through a small opening with ease. Towards the start of the 17th century, the marriage line had split into "duckels" and low hounds.

The diminutive one was born subsequent to the typical one. It was bred with utility in mind. The typical dachshund was large enough to fit through a rabbit hole, but otherwise hunted and survived well against foxes and badgers. Breeders then started crossing the dachshund with other small canines. Due to their thin skeletons, the pinscher offspring proved to be challenging to hunt, thus the experiment proved to be unsuccessful. The smallest members of the breed were then chosen, and they were crossed. This is how the dwarf dachshund and the even smaller rabbit were born.

In the 18th century, the dwarf dachshund made its appearance in our nation, but its purchase was restricted to the wealthy and aristocratic. The mini-dachshund found no use as a hunter in modern times, and it was only kept as a pet.

Appearance

There is one standard for three dachshunds: standard, miniature, and rabbit. And it makes sense—dogs are basically the same in terms of size and personality. A small dachshund should weigh between 4 and 5 kg and stand 30 centimeters tall at its tallest. It’s crucial to maintain a balance between a miniature dachshund’s height at the withers and body length, which should not be less than 1: 1.8.

Head

Elongated, but not pointed, with a flattened skull. The eyebrows are noticeably drawn. Stop is small.

Ears

Take a tall, flexible, and slightly elongated seat.

Eyes

They are small, oval, and reasonably spaced apart from one another. The tiny dachshund has a serene yet lively expression. Any shade of brown can be seen in the iris. The blue eyes are not what you want.

Nose

Long and narrow in the upper part. The medium-sized earlobe is well-developed.

Jaws, teeth

Robust, well-opened, and shutting. Bite as though they were scissors. Dental formula in full: 42.

Dry and elastic, lips should cover the entire lower jaw.

Neck

Average in length, tall, and clearly scruffy. Its muscles are robust and devoid of folds.

Body

Like any other dachshund, it is elongated. The harmony between the lines is preserved at the same time. The elongated loin and straight back flow into the croup with ease. Furthermore, the croup itself is lengthy, broad, and slightly sloping.

The chest is impressively shaped and oval, with prominent side depressions that face the viewer. The abdomen is drawn in.

Limbs

The front limbs are robust, erect, and angled correctly. Their contours are dry, and the bones are robust. Tightly compressed against the chest are the long, sloping shoulder blades. The shoulders are close to the ribs and have good development. Short forearms are present. There is no plumb line or slope on the pasterns. The angles of the rear pair of limbs are also distinct. The thighs are robust and medium in length. The knees are quite big. The hocks have sinew and are dry.

The hands are Little Dachshunds have round toes and thick pads. Although the dog does not use its fifth toes, they are left in place.

If you look at the front paws, the miniature dachshund moves fluidly and widely. It uses the back paws to push off effectively.

Tail

It can be shaped like a saber, has a high set, and is an extension of the straight back.

Coat and color

The hair of a miniature dachshund can be long, hard, or smooth.

If the dog has smooth hair, there are no bald patches and the hair is shiny and short. It can be one of four colors: red, red, fawn, or black with black hair. or two hues: brown tan and black. Marble and brindle are also acceptable. White areas are not permitted. The dachshund’s color must match the earlobe and claws.

If the hair is stiff, it resembles wire and fits the body nicely. The dog has thick eyebrows, a mustache, and a beard on its muzzle. The hair is not as coarse and is shorter on the ears. Its color is the same as that of tiny dachshunds with smooth hair.

The dachshund’s straight double hair, which grows longer on the neck, lower body, ears, and back of the legs, is indicated by long hair. The color is the same as the two kinds that came before it.

Reasons for disqualification

If a miniature dachshund exhibits any of the following characteristics, it may be excluded:

1. Behavioral deviations – aggression or cowardice;
2. Incorrectly folded chest;
3. Incorrect bite;
4. Incomplete dental formula;
5. Legs stand like a goat"s;
6. Improperly shaped tail, there are kinks;
7. The coat is black, but without tan markings;
8. White coat with or without tan markings;
9. Shoulders and shoulder blades move too freely.

Character

There will be a difference in both size and personality between a regular and miniature dachshund. The baby has a more volatile personality. In addition, a small dachshund keeps all of its functional traits and applies them wherever possible. For instance, because of the hunter’s instinct ingrained in its genetic makeup, the dog will defend you multiple times a day.

A dwarf dachshund will create an adversary for itself and bark at it if it needs to expend energy immediately and there isn’t a victim nearby. When out for a stroll, this breed stays focused on its goal and starts examining each hole it comes across. It doesn’t bother its smaller brothers, the frogs, rats, and birds, without it either.

A miniature dachshund can act like a true wrecker when they are puppies. Low activity, quick walks, and loneliness are the causes. You should consider your options if your dog has begun to destroy shoes and furniture in search of something else to chew on. The fact that the tiny dachshund was forgotten and kept inside a house is probably more to blame than its personality. The dog won’t become a sofa protector as it gets older, but its energy level will start to decline as soon as it does.

The tiny dachshund adores kids, energetic walks, and games. However, only if the latter do not begin to turn against the manager. The infant feels in her heart that she is superior to her owner and that the other members of the family are inferior. Furthermore, there are a lot of artists in this breed, particularly when it comes to punishment. A miniature dachshund will display universal sorrow when chastised, so it is worth scolding it. Avoid being duped.

Education and training

Cynologists suggest only using "carrots" when training a dachshund. This is not to say that you can’t correct it; just remember that any negative response impedes the achievement of a favorable outcome. On the other hand, a treat or a kind word can motivate a dwarf dachshund to achieve great things. It’s crucial to avoid trying to teach the dog everything at once. It is best to concentrate on education during the initial months rather than participating in any kind of training.

The baby should start learning your home’s rules as soon as he arrives. Wean the dwarf dachshund to sleep in your bed with you, to complain about things without cause, to stay up late at night and sleep during the day with patience. Increase the frequency of calling the dog by name until it learns to respond. Additionally, assign it a space with a bed and its preferred toys. In order for the puppy to establish a routine, you must also feed them on time.

Teeth problems are another issue that needs to be addressed with a mini dachshund. She enjoys playing by snatching an arm or leg. Repeatedly break this habit by gently grabbing her nose or firmly telling her that she can’t accomplish that. The most important thing is to avoid using force; even if your dachshund injures you, it wasn’t her intention.

A tiny dachshund quickly becomes accustomed to the litter box. After going to bed, several times show her where it is, and the dog will remember. However, it will take her about four months to start requesting to use the restroom outside. Keep in mind that the puppy may leave a puddle behind because she does not yet know how to control her urination.

It is best if the initial training sessions are not conducted at home and can begin as early as three months of age. It’s crucial to expose the tiny dachshund to new people, locations, sounds, and scents. In this manner, she will cease being afraid of the unknown and swiftly adjust to the reality that her home is not the entire world.

As a rule, dwarf dachshunds are not used for hunting now, since they are too small for a fox or a badger. And it is quite difficult to buy a mini dachshund from our hunter line. If you managed to find such a puppy, you can try your hand at baiting. But before that, you need to go through the stages of socialization, education and training of simple commands with the dog. It is also worth remembering that baiting is not yet the education of a hunter, but an attempt to awaken the instinct of a hunter in an animal. You can start such classes when the puppy is six months old, not earlier.

Care

A tiny dachshund may reside in a home or an apartment. It will require frequent toy replacements because it enjoys games and entertainment. Additionally, it is preferable to offer one gift at a time, trade them amongst themselves, or refrain from giving them all at once. A mini dachshund freezes in the winter, so you’ll also need to dress the toys warmly. Use the least restrictive leash possible to prevent adding more strain to your pet’s already fragile spine.

A miniature dachshund can be brushed once a week, and during the shedding season (fall and spring), more frequently. For this procedure, a damp cloth or even a rubber mitten will work. Use a brush to remove any long or hard hair from your dwarf dachshund.

The type of dog’s hair also affects how frequently they should be bathed. A smooth-haired dachshund is good for dry cleaning, and you should only take it to the washroom if it is extremely filthy. Bathing should be done once a month for dwarf dachshunds with long, hard hair.

Once a month, trim their claws with a nail clipper for small breeds. It is preferable to check their eyes each day. Dust and mucous can be removed with a cloth soaked in tea leaves. Once a week, use cotton pads and lotion to treat their ears.

Never neglect to brush your teeth. Several times a week, this should be done using a brush and dog-specific paste.

Nutrition

Given that your dwarf dachshund enjoys eating, you can give it dry food that is high in protein.

Meat (beef, chicken, turkey) and offal should make up the majority of your natural menu. It can be served both raw and boiled; occasionally, boiled sea fish can be used in its place. Add in fruits (apples), vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, zucchini), cereals (rice, buckwheat, rolled oats), chicken eggs, crackers, and yogurt. Additionally, remember that the dachshund needs access to clean water at all times.

Crucial! A dwarf dachshund should take dietary supplements containing chondroprotectors at any age to prevent spinal issues.

The dwarf dachshund, also known as the miniature dachshund or mini-dachshund, is a small yet spirited breed known for its long body and short legs. Despite their small size, these dogs have big personalities, combining playful energy with a strong hunting instinct. They make loyal companions and adapt well to different living environments, though they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid weight gain. With proper care and attention, dwarf dachshunds are loving pets that thrive in families or as solo companions.

Health

The majority of dwarf dachshund illnesses include discopathy, black acanthosis, and epilepsy.

Choosing a puppy

First and foremost, don’t consider purchasing a dwarf dachshund from an online advertisement or a bird market. A dog that looks similar to you may be tricked into buying it, but it won’t be purebred. Alternatively, you might purchase a puppy about whose illnesses you know nothing.

Selecting a puppy from a specialized nursery is the right decision. Additionally, the following advice will help you select a healthy miniature dachshund:

1. Ask the breeder for a litter report to choose the strongest baby;
2. Check the puppy"s back to make sure there are no humps or deflections;
3. Watch how the mini dachshund moves. It may still be clumsy, but there should be no obvious lack of coordination;
4. If the puppy has spots, they should contrast well with the main color.

Cost

Vaccinations and a metric tiny dachshund will set you back between 20,000 and 40,000 rubles. If the dog is flawed, the price range is 8,000–15,000 rubles.

The tiny dachshund, despite its diminutive stature, makes a delightful companion. It is a pleasure to be around due to its lively, playful personality, and both families and individuals find it endearing due to its loyalty and affection.

Although they’re small, mini-dachshunds have the heart of a much larger dog. They are courageous and sometimes a bit stubborn, but with the right training, they make wonderful pets for those who can handle their independent streak.

Any home can benefit greatly from the love, joy, and companionship that the dwarf dachshund breed offers, whether it is as a playful playmate for kids or an obedient companion for adults.

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