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 love smaller dogs, the Miniature Dachshund is just as adorable. They are energetic, playful, and easily one of the funniest dogs. With a background in hunting, they love the outdoors, running, and playing.

Breed Overview

Also known as wiener dogs and Mini Doxies, Miniature Dachshunds make excellent family pets. If you’ve been considering bringing one of the bundles of energy into your home, keep reading to learn more about this amazing 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, especially when you see the puppies. Mini Dachshunds are full of energy. If you’re a couch potato, this may not be the dog for you. They need several play sessions and daily 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 loving and loyal. They are trainable, but it’s essential to start early. Don’t be surprised, however, if your Mini Doxie still has issues with barking at strangers. They may be small, but they still want to protect their families.

Mini Dachshunds are fairly healthy and have long lifespans. However, they can develop hereditary issues, so it’s vital to stay on top of their veterinarian visits.

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 stubborn streak, they will decide whether the time is right to ignore you completely.

As energetic canines, they want to play constantly, whether it’s outside or in the house. They are even known as little pranksters, so be ready for a good time when you bring one of these pups home.

Miniature Dachshunds are also very loving dogs, and when 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’ll get anxious and start barking and pacing around.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

Yes, overall, Mini Dachshunds are great with families. They love playing games, being outdoors, and getting attention from their owners. 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 interacting with Mini Doxies.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

When socialized early, Miniature Dachshunds can quickly 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 cats in most instances. They are roughly the same size as a cat, so 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 the Miniature Dachshund’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 Miniature Dachshund high-quality dog food with only the best ingredients to keep them at their best.

Exercise 🐕

Miniature Dachshunds are incredibly energetic and playful. Allowing them to spend time in the backyard running and playing is a great way to keep them in shape. 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 relatively easy to train. If you start training early and clarify that you’re the boss, there should be no issues. Keep in mind, they can be stubborn. If they feel it isn’t the right time to train, they simply won’t take part.

Grooming ✂️

Miniature Dachshunds can have smooth hair, rough hair, or long hair. If you have a smooth hair Dachshund in the house, grooming is simple. Brushing them once a week will keep your dog looking great. Rough and long-haired Dachshunds require more attention. Brushing them daily is ideal, and 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 infection-free.

To maintain your Mini’s nail care, trim them every 3 to 4 weeks. For their dental health, you must brush your pup’s teeth daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for canines. This will help them avoid painful oral issues as they grow older.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Like all breeds, Miniature Dachshunds have a few inherited health issues, including back problems. Due to their unique shape and small size, jumps and falls can seriously injure them. Always keep a close eye on them to keep them safe and prevent injuries.

• Related Read: Best Dog Ramps for Dachshunds 

Male vs Female

The most significant difference you’ll find between male and female Mini Dachshunds, other than the obvious, is their temperament. Male Mini Doxies are more loveable, easy-going, and even-tempered. Females can be more independent, moody, and temperamental. However, their upbringing, health, and environment can affect their temperament more than their sex.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Dachshund

Now that we have discussed the care requirements of the Mini Dachshund, here are three facts you most likely didn’t know.

1. The Dachshund Came Before the Hot Dog

Dachshunds are often called wiener dogs due to their shape, but did you know that hotdogs (the food) were initially named Dachshund sausages?

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

The first official mascot for 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 Dachshunds race can be fun. The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals have been taking place in California since 1995.

Final Thoughts

The Miniature Dachshund is an exceptional pet. They bring love, adoration, fun, and laughs into any home they are part of. They are great for singles and families as long as they have the time and energy to devote to them. With the right amount of attention, training, and earmuffs to block out the barking, Miniature Dachshunds 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