The Small Weiner Dog Breed Explained

The Small Weiner Dog breed, also known as the Miniature Dachshund, typically weighs between 11 and 16 pounds.

They are a small, energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their short legs and long bodies make them prone to back problems, so it's essential to provide them with a comfortable and supportive living space.

Small Weiner Dogs are known for their big ears and curious nature, making them great companions for families with children.

The Long Haired Miniature Dachshund has its roots in 15th Century Germany, where they were bred to go to ground after badgers. Their name is a translation error, as 'hund' means 'dog' and not 'hound'.

The standard sized Dachshund has been around since at least 1735, and was likely crossed with working French Basset types to create a longer, lower dog that could be followed on foot. This cross was likely made because hounds and terriers were often worked together.

The breed became popular in England, particularly with royalty, and was selectively bred down to create a smaller dog that could go to ground after rabbits.

The name dachshund is of German origin, and it literally means 'badger dog'. The name is derived from the German words "Dachs" meaning badger and "Hund" meaning dog or hound.

In German, the pronunciation of the name is [ˈdaks.hʊnt], but in English, it varies. You might hear it pronounced as /ˈdɑːks-/, /ˈdæks-/, or /-hʊnt/, /-hʊnd/, /-ənd/.

Interestingly, the dogs are more commonly known as Dackel in modern Germany, while working dogs are sometimes referred to as Teckel.

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The Long Haired Miniature Dachshund's origins date back to 15th Century Germany. Bred to go to ground after badgers, they were initially classified as hounds, but that's a translation error - 'hund' actually means 'dog'.

Their earth-dog role required them to go down holes and hold quarry at bay until hunters could dig to them. This made them more like terriers than hounds.

The standard sized Dachshund is recorded as early as 1735, but they were likely around for longer than that. At certain times, they were crossed with working French Basset types.

It was normal to work hounds alongside terriers, making it easy to see how this cross came about.

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A typical Dachshund is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs. Its front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging.

Their skin is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. The Dachshund's long low-slung body once enabled them to enter and move freely inside the confines of a den or tunnel.

Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (German for "rabbit"). A full-grown standard dachshund typically weighs 7.5 to 14.5 kg (16 to 32 lb), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 5.5 kg (12 lb).

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A typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs.

Their front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging.

Their skin is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey.

Their snout is long.

Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth coat, long-haired, and wire-haired.

Longhaired dachshunds have a silky coat and short featherings on legs and ears.

Wire-haired dachshunds are the least common coat variety in the United States.

Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns, with red being the most common one.

Their base coloration can be single-colored, tan pointed, or in wire-haired dogs, a color referred to as wild boar.

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Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen, which is German for "rabbit".

The standard and miniature sizes are recognized almost universally, but the kaninchen size is not recognized by clubs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A full-grown standard dachshund typically weighs between 16 to 32 pounds.

The miniature variety normally weighs less than 12 pounds.

The kaninchen weighs between 8 to 11 pounds.

Kennel club standards note that the miniature (and kaninchen, where recognized) differs from the full-size only by size and weight.

Offspring from miniature parents must never weigh more than the miniature standard to be considered a miniature as well.

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Some kennel clubs, such as in Germany, measure chest circumference in addition to height and weight to determine the difference between sizes.

The standard Dachshunds weigh up to 35 pounds and were used to hunt badgers and wild boars.

The miniatures weigh up to 11 pounds.

A size that falls between the miniature and the standard size is becoming increasingly common as a family pet, and is often referred to as a "tweenie".

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The Dachshund's height is a unique feature that allows them to move freely inside tight spaces. Their long, low-slung body was originally bred to fit into dens and tunnels.

Their low-slung body is a direct result of their original purpose as hunting dogs, where they would follow badgers into their underground burrows.

Dachshunds can be stubborn and refuse commands, especially if chasing a small animal. They have a keen sense for chasing smaller animals, which makes them a challenge to train.

As the owner of a dachshund, I can attest that they can be aggressive to strangers and other dogs. Despite this, they are rated as an average working dog with a persistent ability to follow trained commands 50% of the time or more.

A Japanese study found that Miniature Dachshunds have higher rates of refusing to move whilst on a walk, barking at outside noises whilst inside, and barking at strangers visiting their home. They also tend to have separation anxiety, inappropriate elimination, and aggression towards family members.

Dachshunds can be standoffish toward strangers, but they are utterly devoted to their owners and make for extremely loyal companions. They are also good with children and cats, provided they are well socialised from a young age.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when training a dachshund:

It's also important to note that dachshunds can be easily distracted, so it's essential to keep training sessions engaging and fun. With patience and kindness, you can help your dachshund become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Dachshunds can be stubborn and refuse commands, especially if chasing a small animal, which they have a propensity for. They're often stubborn, making them a challenge to train.

Dachshunds can be aggressive to strangers and other dogs, and may require training to stop barking. A Japanese study found the Miniature Dachshund to have higher rates of refusing to move while on a walk, barking at outside noises while inside, and aggression towards family members.

They can have a loud bark, and some may need training to stop. Dachshunds can be standoffish toward strangers, and may even dis obey their owners when they want to do something.

According to the American Kennel Club's breed standards, "the dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness." They will challenge a larger dog, and may become snappy or extremely obstinate if indulged.

Here are some key temperament traits to consider:

Despite their challenges, dachshunds are utterly devoted to their owners and make for extremely loyal companions.

Training is an important part of owning a Dachshund to help keep them safe and secure. As scent hounds, Dachshunds are hardwired to pick up smells and chase prey, so good recall and lead training from an early age is recommended.

Dachshunds can be easily distracted, so training sessions may be more successful in short bursts. This means you'll need to be consistent and patient, breaking up training into manageable chunks.

For a small breed, Dachshunds have a lot of energy, which can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors if not properly addressed. Regular playtime combined with at least a 60-minute walk should be about right for an adult Dachshund.

Try to stop your Dachshund from running up or downstairs and jumping up a lot, as this can cause back problems, a common issue in the breed. This will help prevent long-term health issues and keep your Dachshund happy and healthy.

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Here are some key exercise and training tips to keep in mind:

Dachshunds are often referred to as Dackel in Germany, but among hunters, they're mainly called Teckel.

This distinction is largely due to the different breeding goals of kennels, with some specializing in breeding hunting dachshunds for their working ability.

In fact, there are kennels that focus on "hunting-related performance breeding" or "working dog breeding", which is a key factor in the Teckel designation.

Artists have also taken notice of this distinction, with works like Adolf Eberle's "Die Dackelfamilie mit Jäger und Magd" and Jean-Baptiste Oudry's "Dachshund with Gun and Dead Game" showcasing the Teckel's hunting prowess.

Interestingly, the term Teckel is sometimes misunderstood as a mark for passing a test for a trained hunting dog in Germany, known as the "VGP" or "Verband-Gebrauchsprüfung".

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To keep your small weiner dog healthy, it's essential to get their nutrition right. Adult dogs require two meals a day, and the portion size will depend on their size.

Stick to the recommended portion on the food packaging, and if in doubt, consult your vet. Feeding a high-quality pet food will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to remain healthy.

For toy-sized dogs like your small weiner, it's best to feed small-breed foods that are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths.

Dachshunds come in three main coat varieties: smooth, longhaired, and wire-haired.

The smooth coat is the most popular and the original coat type, with a short hair that requires minimal grooming.

Longhaired dachshunds have a silky coat with short featherings on their legs and ears.

Wire-haired dachshunds are the least common in the US, but the most common in Germany, and have a unique color referred to as wild boar.

The wire-haired coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

Dachshunds can be single-colored, tan pointed, or have patterns like dapple, sable, brindle, or piebald.

The Dachshund Club of America and American Kennel Club consider Double Dapple to be out of standard and a disqualifying color in the show ring.

In fact, the DCA excluded the wording "double-dapple" from their standard in 2007 due to its association with blindness and deafness.

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Dachshund Grooming is a must for these adorable dogs. They come in three varieties: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired, each with its own unique grooming needs.

The amount your Dachshund will shed depends on their coat type, but as a breed they only shed moderately, if at all. This means you don't have to worry about excessive hair around the house.

The short-haired Dachshund requires very little brushing. In fact, it's almost too easy - they'll be clean and shiny with minimal effort.

The long-haired variety, on the other hand, need almost daily grooming to prevent matting, particularly around their ears and legs. This is where a regular brushing routine comes in handy.

The wire-haired variety requires brushing their bushy beard, which can be a fun and quirky part of their grooming routine.

To keep your long-haired Dachshund looking their best, aim to brush and comb them at least once a week. This will help prevent matting and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.

Here's a quick rundown of the grooming needs for each Dachshund coat type:

By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your Dachshund looking and feeling their best.

To keep your Dachshund healthy, it's essential to feed them the right amount of food. Adult dogs require two meals a day, and the portion size will depend on whether you have a standard-size or miniature Dachshund. Stick to the recommended portion on the food packaging and if in doubt, consult your vet.

Feeding your Dachshund high-quality pet food is crucial to ensure they get all the nutrients they need to remain healthy. Vets recommend this to prevent any potential health issues.

Toy-sized dogs, like Dachshunds, have a fast metabolism, which means they burn energy at a high rate. This is why they must eat little and often to keep their energy levels up.

To make mealtime easier, consider using small-breed foods that are specifically designed with smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Dachshunds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, ranking 12th in the 2018 AKC registration statistics.

They're a great fit for urban and apartment dwellers, as they're among the top 10 most popular breeds in 76 of 190 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.

With organized local dachshund clubs in many major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago, it's easy to find a community of fellow dachshund lovers.

Dachshunds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, ranking 12th in the 2018 AKC registration statistics.

Their popularity can be attributed to their adaptability, as they rank among the top 10 most popular breeds in 76 of 190 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.

They are particularly well-suited for urban and apartment dwellers, which is why you'll find organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities.

In fact, you can find local dachshund clubs in cities like New York, New Orleans, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

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The Mini Long Haired Dachshund is not ideal for busy families with young children, as they prefer a quieter home with fewer comings and goings.

They are rather delicate with their long backs and very easy to trip over, so extra care is needed to prevent accidents.

All dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together.

Dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature. The standard Dachshunds weigh up to 35 pounds. They were originally bred to hunt badgers and wild boars. The miniatures, on the other hand, weigh up to 11 pounds.

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Small weiner dogs are known for their compact size, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds and standing 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder.

They come in a variety of coat types, including smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired, each requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their short stature and weight make them prone to back problems if not handled carefully, so it's essential to lift them gently and support their back when picking them up.

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Dachshund races started in Australia in the 1970s and have since spread around the world.

The Wienerschnitzel Weiner Nationals has been going on every year in Southern California since 1995.

It’s not the most serious sport, since Dachshunds were never meant to be racing dogs, but it sure is a hoot.

Dachshunds have a remarkable reputation for being one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Many Dachshunds have held the Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog, including a Dachsie named Chanel who held the record until 2009.

Dachshunds like Chanel have lived up to 21 years old, setting an impressive example of longevity in the canine world.

Another Dachshund named Scolly also held the title, living to be 20 years old in 2013.

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