Miniature Dachshund Dog Breed Characteristics, Information, Pictures

Miniature Dachshund Temperament

The Miniature Dachshund is a breed that is very curious, lively, and affectionate, usually outgoing, very intelligent, and full of love and devotion for his family. However, this breed can also be willful, strong-minded, and a little tenacious.

These dogs have a strong curious streak, as well as a protective streak when it comes to their owners/families. Although they get on okay with other pets and older children, they also possess a jealous streak, which can make them irritable and snappy in some situations.

Miniature Dachshund Physical features

The Miniature Dachshund has a long and low body, with short legs and a muscular structure. Its head is also elongated with a long muzzle. The oval eyes of the Miniature Dachshund can be brown-black or dark red, and lend the dog a very wise, regal, yet friendly expression.

The coat of the Miniature Dachshund can come in three varieties, which are short-haired, long-haired, or wire-haired, and colorings can vary, and include solid tan or solid yellow, black, grey, or brown, with chestnut markings, speckle-streaked, or even harlequin. The weight of the Miniature Dachshund is around 9 pounds and the height up to around 14 inches.

Is he right for you?

The Miniature may not be the right choice for those with younger or boisterous children but may be suited to those with older, well-behaved children. He tends to get on okay with other family pets, but do bear in mind he can get irritable through jealousy.

This is a good traveling dog, so if you do tend to travel and have no objection to taking your pet along, this could be the dog for you. If you are an allergy sufferer, you may want to think twice as the dog is an average shedder rather than a low one.

Miniature Dachshund Health Problems

Amongst the health problems that can affect the Miniature are: heart disease, spinal problems, diabetes, and urinary tract problems. Weight gain is also a higher risk with this breed, which can lead to one of a range of related health problems.

Miniature Dachshund Grooming requirements

The level of grooming required for your Miniature Dachshund will depend on his coat. With a long-haired Miniature Dachshund, you will need to brush his coat daily. The short-haired Miniature Dachshund will benefit from regular rubdowns with a damp cloth to keep his coat sleek. With the wire-haired variety, twice-yearly professional trimming is required.

Miniature Dachshund History

Originating from Germany many centuries ago, the Dachshund was first bred to hunt badgers. Hares and stoat were also hunted by the smaller Dachshunds. The breed dates back to around the 16th century,

Dachshunds greeted the judge with the largest entry of the breed in its history in Chicago. Not only was this the banner year numerically but also in quality, making very close going between the many competitors and making thereby an unenviable task for the judge.

The consistent breeders of these little workmen are following the precedents set for them by the German veterans and are directing their efforts toward a working dog, giving the highest valuation to conformation, strength, and agility and putting less weight on the type. With the exception of one or two, there were no really unsound or weak dogs in the entire entry.

Popularity

Dachshunds came in at number 6 on the AKC popularity rankings in 2006, which is the same position that the breed held in 2005.

While the top 10 dog breeds are the same as they were on the 2011 list, large dog breeds have gained popularity overall.“Bigger breeds are making their move,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. The Labrador Retriever retained its position as top dog for the 22nd consecutive year, tying with the poodle for the most popular breed of all time.

The popularity of “portable pooches” appears to be waning, Peterson reports. There were no toy breeds in the top five for the first time since 2003, which was the last time Yorkshire Terriers were not in the top five. In 2012, Yorkshire Terriers swapped places with Bulldogs, falling to sixth. Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Pomeranians all dropped some notches on the popularity roster last year.

Dog group

The Miniature comes under the AKC Hound group.