Miniature Dachshund Frequently Asked Questions
Miniature Dachshunds are among one of the most popular toy breeds in the UK as well as the rest of the world and for good reason. They are adorable looking, have wonderful personalities and are great fun to have around. If you are thinking about sharing your home with a Miniature Dachshund and would like to know more about the breed, the frequently asked questions below could help you make up your mind.
How much is a miniature dachshund?
Because Miniature Dachshunds are such popular pets in the UK, a well-bred, Kennel Club registered puppy can command a lot of money which can be anything up to £1,450. A non-Kennel Club registered Miniature Dachshund can cost up to £1,077. It’s really important to contact a responsible breeder who routinely health checks parent dogs for known hereditary and congenital disorders because it is the only way of reducing the risks of puppies being born with health issues.
How big are Miniature Dachshunds?
Miniature Dachshunds are a toy breed and they should weigh anything from 3.6 kg to 5 kg when fully grown and they stand between 13cm and 18cm at the wither. Because of their long bodies and short legs, like their larger counterparts, the Dachshund, they are called sausage dogs, hot dogs or wiener dogs. It is important to keep an eye on a Mini Dachshund’s weight because if they carry too much, it can put too much pressure on their backs and hearts which could end up shortening their lives by several years.
What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Dachshund?
Miniature Dachshunds, being a toy breed have long lifespans when they are well cared for and fed an appropriate diet for their ages. They can live anything from 14 to 17 years, however, it is really important not to let a Miniature Dachshund jump up or down from furniture or go up and down stairs when they are puppies. The reason being that it puts too much pressure on their spines at a young age when their bones and joints are still developing and could lead to a Mini suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD).
Do Miniature Dachshunds suffer from lots of health issues?
Miniature Dachshunds like their larger counterparts the Dachshund are known to suffer from quite a few hereditary and congenital as well as acquired health issues some of which are due to their bone structure. They are also known to suffer from some skin issues and allergies which can be difficult to clear up even when caught early and treated by a vet. Some of the health issues known to affect the breed includes the following:
- Lafora disease (Miniature Wirehair)
- Dachshunds (MWHD)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD)
- Progressive retinal atrophy cord1
- Idiopathic Epilepsy – (Miniature Longhaired Dachshund)
- Distichiasis – (Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds)
- Acanthosis nigricans(Dark Patches of Skin)
- Pattern alopecia
- Vitiligo
- Thyroid problems
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Obesity
Are Miniature Dachshunds easy to house train?
Like many toy breeds, the Miniature Dachshund can be difficult to house train. It takes time and a lot of patience bearing in mind that owners often have to put up with lots of “accidents” along the way. Many breeders and experienced dog owners recommend crate training Dachshunds when potty training them. It is also crucial not to tell a Miniature Dachshund off when they get it wrong which would just end up frightening them and making the situation that much worse. Patience, perseverance and lots of positive guidance is the best way to house train a Miniature Dachshund.
Should I get a male or a female Miniature Dachshund?
Miniature Dachshunds whether male or female are much the same when it comes to temperament and size. One disadvantage of owning a female is that she will come into season twice a year and may even go through “false pregnancies”. The solution is to have a female spayed when they are old enough, but then it is essential to keep an eye on a female’s weight because some Minis plough on the pounds once spayed. Another thing that happens when a female is spayed is that sometimes their coats change, they become woollier and softer to the touch. Male Miniature Dachshunds tend to be more energetic and fun-loving by nature and don’t tend to be quite so food oriented. The downside to sharing a home with a male Mini is that they can be a little antisocial and will “lift a leg” wherever and whenever they feel like it.
Do Miniature Dachshunds bark a lot?
Miniature Dachshunds are known to like the sound of their own voices and will bark at the slightest thing. With this said, some Minis are noisier than others depending on their lines. It takes a lot of time and patience to teach a Miniature Dachshund not to bark just for the sake of it which must be done when they are young, bearing in mind that even then a Mini might be a barker anyway.
