Miniature Dachshund Breed Info
Dachshunds are scent hound dogs bred to hunt badgers and other tunnelling animals, rabbits, and foxes. Hunters even used packs of Dachshunds to trail wild boar. Today their versatility makes them excellent family companions, show dogs. They are very eager to please.
But don’t let this pup fool you with those eyes you just cannot get enough of. Dogs of this breed might be, as legendary literary critic and humorous journalist H. L. Mencken said, “half a dog high and a dog and a half long,” but this small, drop-eared dog is tough enough to take on a badger. In fact, that’s how they got their name (Dachs meaning badger; hund meaning dog).
Dachshunds are known for being lively and enjoy chasing other small animals, birds, and toys. The breed standard — a written description of how the Dachshund should look and act — probably describes their personality best, saying “the Dachshund is clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above and below ground work, with all the senses well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault.”
Dachshunds often bond closely with a single person. They may even become jealous of their owner’s attention and can, if not properly trained and socialized, become snappy. We strive to properly socialise and stimulate all of our puppies before they leavy through extensive outdoor activities such as noise, other animals and strangers.
They are popular with urban dwellers because of their small size and ease of care. They generally are active indoors and also enjoy going on walks. Just be careful not to let them get too fat or allow them to injure their backs by jumping off furniture. Also, be sure to support their backs when you are holding them. Because of their long backs, they are susceptible to slipped or ruptured (herniated) disks in their backs, which can result in partial or full paralysis.
Dachshunds may look cute and cuddly, but they are tirelessly energetic, clever and curious—some might even say “intense.” Always up for a walk or a game in the park, they can easily get bored when left to their own devices for too long. Sometimes, that can involve chewing things.
Though very loyal to their owners, Miniature Dachshunds can take time to warm up to other people. This is not always bad: Their (sometimes) relentless barking at the sign of strangers makes them an extremely handy-albeit tiny-guard dog.
Dachshunds are proud and bold. With proper attention, positive reinforcement and training, they will surprise you with a lovable and dependable temperament. They thrive with single people or families with older children. Very young children could lack the necessary patience and maturity required with Dachshunds.
Also, be sure to ration their food appropriately: Dachshunds can gain weight quickly, causing more back problems and other issues. I recommend a raw and high quality kibble diet, fresh bones and fish oil supplements. I use a pre-biotic in my dogs twice a week.
Dachshunds enjoy a routine and will respond well to a consistent life style with regular feed, play, toilet and sleep times. A healthy Miniature Dachshund can live as long as 16 years, providing years of fun and companionship.
