The Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund is beloved worldwide, known for its charming appearance and joyful personality. With their short legs and long bodies, these "sausage dogs" are packed with energy and spunk, making them delightful companions.
Compact Size: Due to their small size, Miniature Dachshunds are perfect for apartment living, making them a great choice for city dwellers.
Affectionate Nature: These dogs form close bonds with their owners, providing plenty of affection and companionship. They are known to be loyal and loving pets.
Distinctive Appearance: With their sleek, short coats and long bodies, Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds are easily recognisable and wear their uniqueness with pride.
When considering getting a Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired), it's important to keep in mind several factors to ensure that you are prepared for the responsibilities that come with this unique breed.
Compact Living: Being a miniature breed, they are well-suited to apartment living, but they still require space to move around. It's important to provide them with regular exercise and opportunities to stretch their legs.
Daily Activity: Despite their small size, Dachshunds need regular physical activity. They enjoy exploring and should be given the opportunity to walk and play daily.
Stubbornness: Dachshunds can be stubborn, making training challenging at times. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work best.
While all varieties of Dachshund share common ancestry, the Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund is distinguished by its short, sleek coat and smaller size. This variant was cultivated to retain the hunting prowess of its standard-sized counterpart but in a more compact form, suitable for hunting smaller vermin or simply for being a versatile companion. Over time, their charming appearance and spirited nature have made them beloved pets around the globe.
In the United States and Great Britain, Dachshunds are classified in the hound group or scent hound group, but they have their own group in countries affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Despite their small stature, Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds are known for their bold and lively temperament, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice for both hunting and companionship.
Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds are quite diminutive in size, standing at approximately 13-18 cm at the withers. Despite their small stature, they carry themselves with pride and confidence, an echo of their hunting dog origins.
A fully grown Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund typically weighs between 4 and 5 kg, making them a lightweight breed that's easy to handle and carry. Their small, compact size makes them ideal for a home setting, and they adapt well to larger family environments or apartment living.
Due to their small stature, they are not particularly effective as guard dogs, as they lack the physicality to deter intruders. Despite this, they will certainly alert their owners to any unfamiliar activity or trespassers with their vocal nature.
Dachshunds, including the miniature variants, are known for being quite vocal. They often bark more than other breeds, making them less suitable for environments where excessive noise might be a concern.
Dachshunds are intelligent and can learn commands and tricks with consistency and patience. However, they are also notoriously stubborn, which can complicate training processes. They require an owner who can be equally persistent and provide positive reinforcement to successfully train them.
Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds typically have a life expectancy of around 12 to 16 years. Their longevity can largely be attributed to good breeding practices and attentive care.
This energetic breed requires regular daily exercise. About 30 minutes to an hour of activity, such as a walk or playtime, is beneficial in maintaining their physical health and wellbeing. Due to their long backs, it is important to avoid activities that could lead to back injury, such as excessive jumping.
The following are common health issues often seen in Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Due to their long spine, Dachshunds are susceptible to disc damage which can lead to pain and mobility issues.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location.
Dental Issues: They can be prone to dental problems due to their small mouths and crowded teeth.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic disease that leads to blindness.
Obesity: Due to their small size, they are at risk of becoming overweight if not properly exercised, which can exacerbate back issues.
Epilepsy: Some Dachshunds may be genetically predisposed to seizures.
How much does it cost to keep a Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds can vary significantly in price, but typically the cost ranges from around £500 to £1,000 from a reputable breeder.
Other costs (Vet, Food, etc.): Expect to spend around £80-£100 per month on average for ongoing costs such as food, insurance, regular veterinary check-ups, and grooming.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
