Miniature Dachshund

 

Summary:

• Dachshund Shorthair is a lively, inventive and energetic dog with a big heart, despite its small size.
• The breed is versatile and works well as a hunting and tracking dog, but requires activity and company.
• Dachshunds come in nine different breed varieties with three layers of hair and three sizes. Find out which variant is best for your application.
• The Dachshund has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and is known as one of the most versatile and useful hunting dogs of modern times.
• Grooming varies depending on the coat, but in general Dachshund Shorthair is a breed with minimal grooming.

History:

The Dachshund Shorthair has its country of origin in Germany, and the name “dachs” refers to its original purpose of hunting badgers. The breed developed from a mutant gene that resulted in short legs on an otherwise normal physique. The dachshund was bred from duster breeds that were specialized in hunting. It has now achieved recognition worldwide as a versatile and useful hunting dog.

Characteristics and mentality:

The miniature dachshund is used today as a hunting dog, driving dog, tracking and search dog. It is particularly well suited for deer hunting and proves to be a skilled game finder that hunts at a comfortable pace for both the game and the hunters.In addition to its hunting skills, the dwarf dachshund also works well as a family dog and walking companion. It shows its energy, charm and radiance at exhibitions and often has a prominent position among the best in the competition. The dachshund has various hunting tests and utility tests that give the right to championship, and it actively participates in dog shows.The Dachshund is an active and entertaining family dog. It can choose its favorites among acquaintances and exploits them to get extra treats. It is comfortable in its environment and likes to lie high to have an overview. When it needs rest, it often prefers to lie under or inside something, preferably hidden under the duvet.

Size and appearance:

The dwarf dachshund comes in nine different breed variants. They are divided by size: standard, dwarf and rabbit. The largest variant should weigh around 9 kilograms according to the breed standard. The smaller variants have no weight limits, but are classified according to the chest measurement. The chest measurement is measured around the chest just behind the front legs. The rabbit dachshund can measure up to 30 cm in chest girth, while the dwarf dachshund can measure from 30 to 35 cm.The breed is also divided according to coat, and there are three varieties: straight-haired, long-haired and short-haired. The shorthair has a smooth, dense and wiry fur with underwool, while the longhair has smooth and shiny fur with longer hair under the neck, on the underside of the body and especially on the ears. The shorthair has short, dense, shiny and attached fur without visible bare spots.

Health:

The dwarf dachshund is generally a healthy breed that has a good life expectancy. The focus of the breeding work is to breed mentally and physically healthy dogs. Spinal prolapse is more common in dachshunds compared to other breeds, and this disease is taken into account in the breeding work. The incidence of PRA (eye disease) is very small, but many dog owners still choose to examine their dogs’ eyes before breeding. Other health aspects are described in the RAS document.

Fur care:

The dwarf dachshund rarely has fur problems and has a normal shedding in spring and autumn. Breeders can provide guidance on grooming, but in general, the short-haired variety requires minimal grooming. The straight-haired variety, on the other hand, may need trimming and brushing.

Want to learn more?

If you wish to learn more about the breed, it is recommended to contact the Dachshund breed club. The breed standard also provides a description of the breed’s physical and mental traits, and is useful reading for those considering getting a puppy of this breed.Good luck!