The Ultimutt Miniature Dachshund Handbook

As you might be able to tell by the name, this breed was originally bred in Germany, with the name translating to ‘badger dog’, largely reflecting its purpose as a hunting dog. Both the Standard and Miniature Dachshund breeds date back to the 15th century in Europe, though their formalisation came about in 17th-century Germany. As a hunting dog, it had the perfect shape to dig into badger dens as well as the dens of other burrowing animals like rabbits and foxes. The Standard Dachshund was more suited to larger prey such as badgers whilst smaller varieties were developed for smaller prey. 

The ‘Miniature’ Dachshund came about by selecting breeding smaller standard Dachshunds, which eventually led to a distinct variety by the 19th century. With their unique appearance and charming personalities, it was, of course, only so long before they became a companion animal. This happened in the late 19th century as they began to be bred for more than just hunting purposes. Whilst their determined nature can still be seen to stem from their hunting roots, today Miniature Dachshunds are cherished members of many a family and continue to grow in popularity.

Testament to their hunting heritage, Miniature Dachshund’s love to burrow. Whether that’s under blankets or clothing, they love a cosy space. This breed, whilst intelligent, is also well-known to have a stubborn streak. Whilst they can be trained, they enjoy doing things on their own terms. Again, this independence comes from their hunting heritage where they needed to make quick decisions without waiting for commands from their humans.

Miniature Dachshunds are generally healthy and hardy but it’s important to be wary of some of the health risks they’re susceptible to. The first is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This affects their spine, and is due to their long backs and short legs which means they are at a higher risk of spinal injuries. IVDD occurs when discs between the vertebrae degenerate or herniate. This can lead to pain, loss of mobility or even paralysis. To avoid the risks of IVDD, avoid activities that put strain on their spine (e.g. jumping off furniture or running up stairs) and keep them at a healthy weight to reduce spinal pressure.

If their diet isn’t carefully managed, Dachshunds also have a strong tendency to become overweight. This will affect not only their spine but their overall health, leading to joint problems, diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, always feed them a balanced, portion-controlled diet.

The daily exercise requirement for a Miniature Dachshund is about 30-60 minutes a day. This is best split into two or more sessions, ideally in the morning and evening. The exact amount of exercise will vary according to your dog’s age, health and energy levels. They love walks and being outdoors, which satisfies their natural hunting instincts. It’s important to consider letting them set the pace if you notice they’re tiring or getting older. 

They love staying mentally stimulated too, so the usual games (fetch, tug-of-war, chasing after toys) as well as other ways of mentally stimulating them (e.g. hide-and-seek) are recommended. As advised above, do keep in mind that whilst your pooch may love to be active, high-impact activities will put a strain on their backs, so be careful to avoid rough play.

Miniature Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. For the former, there’s little grooming required, with their short and sleek coat. A brush once a week with a rubber grooming mitt is adequate for removing loose hair or dirt. Long-haired Dachshunds do require frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats. For them, a brush 2-3 times a week with a pin brush or a slicker brush is beneficial, paying attention to tangle-prone areas such as behind the ears and under the legs. Wire hair is more coarse: this requires special care, including hand-stripping to maintain the coat’s texture. A brush 1-2 times a week, using a bristle brush, plus hand-stripping every few months. With regards to bathing, for all three types of coat, once every 4-6 weeks is adequate, or less as needed if they get particularly dirty or smelly. Always use a dog-friendly shampoo to avoid irritating and drying out their skin. Like other breeds, Dachshunds have floppy ears so regular cleaning of them will help to avoid ear infections. Gently wipe the outer part of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in cleaning solution, and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.

As with all dogs, a balanced and nutritious diet is key to health, energy and longevity. High-quality dog food is essential, and ingredients to look out for include animal protein (meat, poultry or fish), healthy fats (such as fish oil or flaxseed), carbohydrates from wholesome sources (sweet potatoes, barley etc.) and any fruit or vegetables on top of that. Miniature Dachshunds can digest grains, but if your dog shows signs of grain sensitivity then you can choose a grain-free option. When you’re feeding your Miniature Dachshund puppy, 3-4 times per day is advisable. Frequent meals will help support their rapid growth. 

Adults should be fed twice a day, with meals evenly spaced. Into their senior years, your pooch may require smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion. Miniature Dachshunds can be prone to obesity, especially if they aren’t exercised enough. Ensure proper portion control - smaller, more regular meals will help weight management and improve digestion.