Miniature Dachshund Facts

A German breed, the Miniature Dachshund is a down-sized version of the standard Dachshund. These dogs were bred to hunt badgers in their dens. Their long, low bodies are designed to help them easily pursue vermin into their holds. In German, "dach" means badger and "hund" means hound, and this is how the breed got its name. Currently, the National Miniature Dachshund Club is working toward gaining separate breed recognition.

Miniature Dachshunds have the same conformation as Standard Dachshunds, but they weigh 11 pounds or less.

Minis come in three different coat types:

• Longhaired - Fringe should be brushed a couple of times a week to remove tangles and debris
• Smoothhaired - Requires very little grooming
• Wirehaired (Pictured left) - Requires brushing, and excess coat can be removed with a stripping comb

The most common colors include red, black/tan and wild boar, but some of the more unusual Doxie colors include:

• Wheaten
• Chocolate
• Blue and cream

Additonally, these dogs can carry different coat patterns including:

• Brindle
• Dapple (Pictured left)
• Sable
• Piebald

Mini Doxies are intelligent, courageous and adventurous. They can be very independent and don't mind spending time on their own, but they are also very affectionate and playful. Additionally, digging comes naturally as part of these dogs' badger hunter history. They should also be monitored around small pets like birds, guinea pigs, etc.

A well cared for Miniature Dachshund should live an average of ten years, perhaps a little more.

Health problems facing these dogs include:

• Back problems
• Heart disease
• Urinary tract disease
• Diabetes

If you enjoy learning about other miniature dog breeds, be sure visit Miniature Greyhound.