Miniature Dachshund

A Miniature Dachshund is a variety of the breed. The height of the Miniature Dachshund is 12 to 14 inches at the withers; they weigh up to 11 pounds at the age of 12 months. Other size varieties of the Dachshund are Standard and Toy. The Standard Dachshund stands 14 to 18 inches at the withers and weighs over 11 pounds. The Toy variety is up to 12 inches at the withers and weighs about 8 pounds. The Toy Dachshund is also named tweenie, dwarf, teacup or micro-mini. This breed variety is not registered by the AKC, but it’s accepted by the FCI and some other European registries.

A Miniature Dachshund appeared for hunting hare and stoat. It’s unable to hunt badgers and other animals that live in underground dens. Today, the Miniature Dachshunds are used as family companions and watchdogs. They are prized for their appearance and friendly personality. Miniature Dachshunds differ from full-sized dogs only by their size. Most kennel club standards determine the difference between breed varieties by chest circumference in addition to weight and wither height.

A Miniature Dachshund retains all typical characteristics of the Standard Dachshund. It has an elongated body, long head, short legs, long tail, and long pendant ears. All Dachshunds have large oval-shaped eyes with an intelligent expression. Besides size varieties, there are three coat varieties of the Dachshund: smooth coat, long coat, and wire-hair. Smooth coats are widely spread, as it’s the original coat variety. Long coats appeared from a cross with the Spaniel. Such dogs are calmer than Dachshunds. Wire-hairs are very rare. They only recently appeared in breed standards, and many people mistake them for other breeds.

As the Dachshund originally appeared as a working breed and was selected for hunting instincts and working abilities, a variety of coat colors and patterns is accepted in this breed. Dachshunds can be solid-colored, two-colored, and parti-colored. The most common colors in Dachshunds are red and black. Solid-colored dogs also may come in chocolate, gray, and cream. Two-colored dogs often have markings over the eyes and on the points. A Miniature Dachshund can also be brindle, dapple, or sable.