Dachshund (miniature)

Newborn dachshund puppies are normally proportioned; only after 3-4 weeks do their bodies lengthen to their characteristic hotdog or sausage shape, which, thanks to depictions in cartoons, earned this breed the nicknames “hotdog” and “sausage hound.” Also, coat colors change at about 2 months; black and tan dogs retain their color, but red coats may lighten and cream ones may change to golden or red.

Sharp-scented dachshund were originally bred to hunt badgers (the breed name is German for “badger hound”), and the miniature variety was created to hunt rabbits out of their burrows. In their native country, they are called Zwerg Teckel.

Long-haired dachshunds are the result of breeding with spaniels; schnauzer and terriers were mated with other dachshund to produce the wirehaired variety. The “golden ratio” of the dachshunds is 2:1 ; the body length should be twice its height at the shoulder.

These dogs are generally jovial, winsome, and a bit self-willed, and, although they are small, they are very brave. Also, because they have an unexpectedly low, loud bark, and they bark often, they should be trained not to do so at random; keeping dachshunds calm restricting access to windows and doors will also make them less likely to be provoked to bark by outside activity.

In addition, despite their size, they need much exercise, and they enjoy chasing moving objects, as well as digging holes, so these behaviors need to be monitored. They also eat indiscriminately, including their own stool, so their living areas should be kept clear of food and small objects.

Origin : Germany
Size : (male) Height 8-10 inches ; weight less than 11 pounds
(female) Height 7-8 inches ; weight less than 10 pounds
Coat : Smooth, long, or wiry, depending on variety. Colors include red, mahogany red, black, and tan, chocolate and tan, dapple, tiger, and brindle; additional acceptable colors for wirehaired dachshunds are wild boar and salt-and-pepper.