Small dogs with notably short limbs and long bodies, Miniature Dachshunds are often called hot dogs, wiener dogs, doxies, and little sausage dogs. They are the tinier version of the regular Dachshund dog breed. Get to know these adorable canines and find out why they make great pets.
What Do Miniature Dachshunds Look Like?
Appearance-wise, Miniature Dachshunds look no different from their traditional Doxie cousins. They boast a cylindrical, long body that stands very close to the ground with their short legs and muscular paws.
As one of the toy breeds, a mature Miniature Dachshund can weigh between 4.5 and 5 kilos according to the UK Kennel Club’s breed standard. These canines can stand between 13 and 18 centimetres.
You may also like: How Big Does a Miniature Dachshund Get?
Are These Small Dogs Low Maintenance?
The level of maintenance a miniature sausage dog requires will depend on his coat type. The breed can be classified into 3 different coat types:
- Long-Haired Miniature Dachshund
- Wire-Haired Miniature Dachshund
- Short-Haired Miniature Dachshund
In general, small Dachshunds are below-average shedders. When it comes to Dachshund grooming, the long-haired variety requires regular combing or brushing, whilst the other two do not demand much grooming.
Bear in mind that smooth-haired Miniature Dachshunds may not need as much grooming but will need the comfort of a coat or jumper during winter or cold weather. Be sure to keep their eyes clean and free from hair or dust.
You may also like: Dog Grooming: Should You Do It Yourself?
How Active Are Miniature Dachshunds?
These small sausage dogs have retained their strong prey drive to chase anything that catches their attention, especially a tennis ball, at top speed. Their small bodies are full of vigour and energy and they love to play. However, as much as they love a good workout, Miniature Dachshunds also enjoy napping. They can be a bit lazy if you let them be. It is important to encourage them to exercise regularly or play indoor games for their mental stimulation and fitness.
Ideally, Miniature Dachshunds should be given 30 minutes to 1 hour of physical and mental exercise daily to keep them in top condition.
Are They Noisy Canine Companions?
Are Miniature Dachshunds Loyal Pets?
These small pooches are loyal companions and are known to be very attached to their owners. Thus, they are dubbed as one-person dogs.Because of their sense of protectiveness, Miniature Dachshunds make good watchdogs when given proper training.
How Trainable Are Miniature Dachshund Puppies?
Mini Dachshund pups are highly intelligent canines capable of learning quickly. However, they can be stubborn at times.
Thus, training a Miniature Dachshund puppy requires patience, consistency, and firmness in every command. Let your Doxie understand when he exhibits any bad behaviour. Being too lenient with him may cause the development of behavioural problems at an early age.
You may also like: Do’s and Don’ts When Raising a Miniature Dachshund Puppy
Do These Pooches Love to Eat?
Despite their small size, Miniature Dachshunds have a big affinity for food. Dog owners can use this to their advantage during training to make their Mini Doxies more cooperative. On the other hand, the big appetites of these canines can pose a problem as they tend to overeat. It increases their risk of obesity, which contributes to the development of other health problems like intervertebral disc disease.For this reason, Miniature Dachshund owners should be strict with their dog’s diet. Overfeeding must be avoided and exercise should be given regularly.
Moreover, holding these small dogs should be done with care and caution to keep their backs safe from injuries. For this reason, Miniature Dachshunds are a better fit for older children who understand the importance of gentle handling.
How Long Do Miniature Dachshunds Live?
Miniature Dachshunds can live as long as 17 years, provided that they are tended with proper care and diet.
This is a sturdy breed, but he is known to suffer from hereditary and congenital health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and patella luxation. Upon noticing apparent signs of any disease, your Miniature Dachshund must be checked by a veterinarian.
You may also like: Miniature Dachshund Health Problems and Prevention
FAQs About the Miniature Dachshund
1. Do Miniature Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Mini Dachshunds can bark a lot if not taught early to rein in this behaviour. Dog lovers must put in time and effort in training these pooches to prevent them from developing nuisance barking. If trained properly, they fit in well to the role of being a watchdog.
You may also like: How to Stop Nuisance Dog Barking
2. Can Miniature Dachshunds Be Left Alone?
Mini Dachshunds can be left alone, but not for extended periods. People-loving canines such as these dogs may become distressed if they are left to their devices for many hours.
We do not recommend leaving these small dogs for more than 6 or 8 hours.
3. Are Miniature Dachshunds Good With Long Walks?
Some Miniature Dachshunds like long walks, but pet owners should be careful not to overindulge them. Due to their physique, the limbs of these dogs may not take well to prolonged strolls.
It puts too much strain on the legs of Miniature Dachshunds, which may cause the early development of joint and bone disorders. For their safety, divide their daily walks into shorter sessions.
4. Are Miniature Dachshunds Snappy?
Well-bred and well-trained Miniature Dachshunds are not snappy. This type of behaviour can be a result of a painful undiagnosed illness or a behavioural issue caused by a bad experience with a certain stimulus.
With this in mind, it would be best to take snappy Miniature Dachshunds to the vet to rule out potential underlying illnesses.
If they do not harbour any ailments, the next step is to ask for guidance from a certified canine behaviourist or a professional dog trainer on how to correct this behaviour.
Conclusion
Miniature Dachshunds are small, spirited dogs with a love for life. They are vivacious, fun-loving, and deeply affectionate canine companions.
Although they have a few quirks in their personality such as stubbornness and noisiness, having the right knowledge in training can help teach these pooches to minimise these behaviours.
