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Miniature Dachshund

A black and tan, smooth-haired miniature dachshund.

The miniature dachshund is a breed of dog that originated in Germany around the 1500s. As the smallest dog in the hound breed group, the mini dachshund typically weighs around 8 to 11 pounds with a height of 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder. What the breed lacks in size it makes up for in personality, making it one of the most popular breeds in America. The average life expectancy of the miniature dachshund is 12 to 15 years.

History

The miniature dachshund was originally bred as a hunting dog. The breed's long body and short legs were developed to hunt badgers and rabbits in their burrows, while the standard sized dachshund was more often employed than the miniature to hunt the larger and more aggressive badger. Despite their history as hunting dogs, the modern miniature dachshund has developed an unofficial reputation as a lapdog.

The word dachshund, in its native German language, is translated to "badger dog." This name was temporarily used in America and Great Britain following World War II to avoid associations with Germany. According to the American Kennel Club's Registration Statistics, the miniature dachshund is now one of America's most popular breeds.

Appearance and characteristics

The miniature dachshund has short legs, a long body, and robust muscular development. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment or condo living.

The breed comes in three different coats: smooth, wire-haired, and longhaired. Within these three coats there are multiple colours and markings available. The following is a list of colours recognized by the American Kennel Club:

A red wire-haired miniature dachshund.

• Black and cream
• Black and tan
• Blue and cream
• Blue and tan
• Chocolate and cream
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Fawn (Isabella) and cream
• Fawn (Isabella) and tan
• Red
• Wheaten
• Wild boar

The three AKC recognized markings are brindle, dapple, and sable.

Temperament

Due to its loyal and protective nature, the breed tends to form a strong bond with one owner -- as opposed to a Labrador retriever that can form a bond with anyone -- and be skeptical of strangers. Despite their size, their loud, often relentless barking makes miniature dachshunds great guard dogs. The breed can be known to snap at young children or other dogs it does not know, but is typically accepting of those in its own family.

A red and black, longhaired miniature dachshund.

The miniature dachshund is often described as clever, energetic, courageous, and extremely determined, which are all characteristics that stem from its hunting origin. The popular phrase "little dog syndrome" is often applied to this breed, implying that the miniature dachshund often has a tough persona and acts like it is triple its actual size.

Health and care

Like all dog breeds, there is always a chance of genetic health issues. The miniature dachshund is prone to epilepsy, skin conditions, eye disorders and diabetes. If a dog's parents both have dapple markings, it may also suffer from deafness.

The biggest health concern among dachshunds, due to their unique bodily structure, is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD is a condition where the discs between the dog's spinal vertebrae herniate into the spinal cord space, which can eventually lead to nerve damage and paralysis. Activities like jumping off of furniture, such as sofas and beds, can induce and aggravate the condition. Treatment can range from the use of anti-inflammatory drugs along with periods of rest to emergency surgery in which parts of the affected vertebrae are removed.

Miniature dachshunds do not require vigorous activity but should be walked daily, as they are prone to weight problems.