Miniature Dachshund Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

The Dachshund has been a beloved dog around the world for ages. Luckily, for people who have a love of smaller dogs, the Miniature Dachshund is just as beloved and adorable. These little dogs have high levels of energy and are easily one of the funniest dogs around. With a background for hunting, they love the outdoors, running, and simply playing their days away.

Breed Overview

Also known as wiener dogs and Mini Doxies, these adorable pooches make great members of the family. If you’ve been considering bringing one of the bundles of energy into your home, read on below to learn more about this amazing dog breed and why they make the perfect companions.

Miniature Dachshund Characteristics

Miniature Dachshund Puppies

It’s hard to resist the appeal of the Miniature Dachshund, this is especially true when you see the puppies. While the idea of bringing home one of these adorable, yet tiny, pooches is hard to resist, you should have an idea of what it may be like beforehand.

Mini Dachshunds are full of energy. If you’re a couch potato, this may not be the dog for you. They need play and exercise to excel and be happy. They’re also relatively social animals. It may take them a bit of time to come around, especially with a new family, but once they do, they are completely loving and loyal. As you see, they are trainable, but it’s important to start early. Don’t be surprised, however, if your Mini Doxie still has issues with barking at strangers. They may be small but still want to protect their families.

Mini Dachshunds are fairly healthy with decent lifespans. They do have hereditary issues that may appear so staying on top of their veterinarian visits is key for a long, happy, and healthy life with you.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Dachshund

Miniature Dachshunds are highly intelligent pets. They take direction from their owners most of the time, but considering they have a sizable stubborn streak, they will decide whether the time is right to ignore you completely.

The little dogs are extremely active and full of energy. They want to constantly play, whether it’s outside or in the house, they’ll always be up for playful interaction and engagement with you. They are even known as little pranksters, so be ready for a good time when you bring one of these pups home.

These minis are also very loving dogs. Once they get to know their families, they want to be with them at all times. Separation anxiety is very possible with this breed. If they feel they aren’t getting enough attention they may show symptoms like unnecessary barking and pacing.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, overall Mini Dachshunds are great with families. They love activity, being outdoors, and loads of attention. It is important to be careful if you have young children in the home. Mini Doxies are small and have delicate backs. Any child who is in contact with them should be extremely gentle. As with all pets, small children should be supervised by an adult when around this dog breed.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

When socialized early, Miniature Dachshunds can easily get along with most pets in your home. They are feisty and brave enough to run with the bigger dogs although they are pint-sized. They also get along with the cat, in most instances. Considering they are roughly the same size as a cat, they may make great friends with the felines roaming the home.

Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Dachshund:

Bringing home a Miniature Dachshund requires dedication, time, and money. Here are a few things you should know before you welcome the newest member of your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Considering this breed’s tendency to develop back issues, keeping them at a lean weight is necessary. Free feeding is not a good idea with this breed as they have been known to get chunky. Feed them measured meals, twice daily. It is best to feed your Mini Dachshund high-quality dog food with only the best ingredients to keep them at their best.

Exercise 🐕

These dogs are full of energy. Allowing them to spend time out in the backyard running and playing is a great way for them to exercise. If you don’t have a large area for them to run, take your Miniature Dachshund on walks throughout the day. These walks mixed with in-house play like fetch will help them get the exercise they need each day.

Training 🎾

Miniature Dachshunds are intelligent and fairly easy to train. If you start training early and make it clear that you’re the boss, there should be no issues. Keep in mind, though, these dogs can be stubborn. If they feel it isn’t the right time to train, they simply won’t take part.

Grooming ✂️

Miniature Dachshunds may have smooth hair, rough hair, or long hair. If you have a smooth hair Dachshund in the house, grooming is simple. Brushing once a week will keep your dog looking great. Rough and long hair Dachshunds require a bit more attention. More brushing is required as their hair may tangle. You may also need to have them trimmed occasionally to keep unwanted hair away from their ears. When grooming your Mini Doxie, always check their ear to ensure they are clean and free of any infection.

To stay on top of your Mini’s nail care, trim them every other week. Always avoid cutting into the quick as this is painful to your pup and results in excessive bleeding.

Brush your pup’s teeth daily using a soft doggie toothbrush and safe doggie toothpaste. This will help them avoid painful oral issues as they grow older.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Like with all dog breeds, Miniature Dachshunds have a few inherited health issues that must be paid close attention to. Possibly the most important to keep in mind is their backs. Due to their unique shape and small size, jumps and falls can seriously injure this dog breed. Always keep a close eye on them to help avoid these dangerous incidents.

• Related Read: 10 Best Dog Ramps for Dachshunds 

Male vs Female

The biggest difference you’ll find between male and female Mini Dachshunds, other than the obvious, is temperament. Male Mini Doxies are more loveable, easy-going, and even-tempered. Females of this breed tend to be more independent, moody, and temperamental.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Dachshund

Now that we’re learning a bit about the Mini Dachshund, here are three facts you most likely didn’t know.

1. The Dachshund Came Before the Hot Dog

These little dogs are often called wiener dogs due to their shape, but did you know that hotdogs (the food) were originally named Dachshund sausages? One of your favorite foods was named after this adorable dog breed.

2. A Dachshund (Kind of) Went to the Olympics

The first official mascot to the Olympics was a Dachshund. Waldi, a cute and colorful Dachshund shined as the official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

3. Dachshund Races Are Held

While it isn’t a serious sport, watching these little dogs race can be fun. The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals have been taking place in California since 1995.

Final Thoughts

The Miniature Dachshund is an amazing pet to make part of your family. They bring love, adoration, fun, and laughs into any home they are part of. These dogs are great for singles and families, as long as you have the time and energy to devote to them. With the right amount of attention, training, and earmuffs to block out the barking, these little handfuls will win their way into your hearts and become one of your most beloved family members in no time.

• Related Read: Fawn (Isabella) Dachshund: Pictures, Facts, History & Origin

Featured Image Credit: NORRIE3699, Shutterstock