Ten things you need to know about the miniature Dachshund before you buy one

The miniature Dachshund is often mistaken for the slightly larger standard Dachshund by people unfamiliar with the two breeds, and whilst these two breeds naturally have a lot in common, there are a number of key differences between them too.

If you’re looking for a small dog breed to choose as your next pet and the miniature Dachshund has pinged your radar, there is a lot to learn about the breed as a whole before you can make an informed decision on whether or not to make a purchase.

Owning a dog is a serious commitment and you need to know what you’re getting into before you make it, and every dog breed is different, and comes with its own core traits, and pros and cons.

The miniature Dachshund is no different, and with this in mind, this article will introduce you to ten important things you need to know about the breed – before you go ahead with a purchase. Read on to learn more.

How the miniature Dachshund measures up in the size stakes

Most people think of the standard Dachshund as being quite small, and their bulk often takes people by surprise – and the miniature Dachshund is of course a smaller alternative. But how do the two breeds measure up?

Standard Dachshunds stand on average between 20-27m tall at the withers and weigh from 9-12kg, whilst miniature Dachshunds stand on average between 13-18cm tall at the withers and weigh from 3.6-5kg, so they are around half the size of a standard Dachshund.

Why the miniature Dachshund has such an unusual conformation

The miniature Dachshund’s long body and short legs is an expression of canine dwarfism, resulting in a normal-sized trunk with abnormally short limbs.

This is an unusual but not unique breed trait, which is also seen in the standard Dachshund, and some other breeds too including the Welsh corgi and the Bassett hound.

The potential issues that can accompany the miniature Dachshund’s build

Every dog breed has its own health challenges, and many of these are hereditary due to either the DNA or conformation a pup inherits from its parents. The short legs and long body of the miniature Dachshund increases their risk factors for spinal problems like intervertebral disc disease and Dachshund paralysis, and problems of this type are more common in dogs whose back is significantly longer than their leg length ratio.

Miniature Dachshunds are expensive dogs to buy

Buying a dog isn’t usually cheap, but some breeds are much more expensive to buy than others – and the miniature Dachshund is one of them.

The average asking price for pedigree dogs of the breed is around £1,364 each, and for non-pedigrees, £995. These averages are higher than that for the standard Dachshund, and even non-pedigree miniature Dachshunds tend to cost more than the average pedigree dog of most other breeds, which is something to factor in if you’re starting to budget for your purchase.

…But they’re reasonably economical to keep

Whilst the purchase price of a miniature Dachshund may be prohibitive for many owners, they are actually fairly economical dogs to keep. Due to their small size, the cost of caring for a miniature Dachshund on a day to day basis is fairly low, as they need small portions of food, small accessories, and even flea and worming treatments and surgical procedures tend to be cheaper for smaller dogs than large ones too.

Grooming a miniature Dachshund may take more time than you expect

Miniature Dachshunds come in several different coat variants, some of which are quite long. Dogs with long coats need to have their fur brushed and groomed regularly to keep it in good condition, and even dogs with shorter hair benefit from regular brushing and grooming too.

Ear cleaning and tooth cleaning should be incorporated into your dog’s grooming routine too.

Miniature Dachshunds are quite bold and confident

Despite their small size, miniature Dachshunds tend to be plucky and confident dogs, which reflects their historical working roles as hunting dogs of animals that live in setts and burrows.

They are rarely daunted by larger dogs or people they don’t know, and tend to stand up to potential threats rather than backing off – the miniature Dachshund may be miniature, but nobody told them this!

They need appropriate training and management

When it comes to small dog breeds, it is all too easy to neglect the importance of training and managing them properly, and providing them with the appropriate lifestyle that a dog needs to thrive.

Miniature Dachshunds need to be walked, socialised and trained properly, and they also need to be fed an appropriate diet and taught good manners and behaviour within the home. Treating your dog like a baby or being overly protective of them can result in dominance issues, which can be hard to resolve further down the line.

Double-dapple miniature Dachshunds have a heightened risk of health issues

Miniature Dachshunds come in various different colours, but one of them can be harmful to dogs that inherit it, because this heredity also comes with a greatly heightened risk of hearing and vision problems.

This colour is called double dapple, and double dapple miniature Dachshunds cannot be registered with the Kennel Club.

Miniature Dachshunds can be a good choice for a first-time owner who does their research

The miniature Dachshund can be a complex breed to own despite their small size, and they’re not the right fit for everyone. However, even if you’ve never owned a dog before, a miniature Dachshund might be the right pick for you if you are sure that you’ve considered all of the pros and cons, and know what you’re getting into.

You need to do plenty of research before you can make an informed decision on a purchase, and go out and meet lots of miniature Dachshunds too. Don’t forget to explore the breed’s health and health challenges as well, as these can have a significant impact on the dog’s future health and quality of life.