| History of the Miniature Dachshund | | | | Dachshunds are extremely intelligent, though are not |
| The history of these Miniature Dachshunds mirrors that | | | | necessarily easy to train as they have a real mind of |
| of their larger relatives; Dachshunds can be traced | | | | their own! Early training and socialisation is of real |
| back to Germany for many years, back to around the | | | | benefit to these dogs; their hunting instinct is deeply |
| 15th Century, athough many believe that ancient | | | | ingrained so good control of these dogs off lead is |
| Egyptian art depicts images of dogs similar to | | | | essential. |
| Dachshunds; perhaps their ancestors. | | | | Socialised early with children, these dogs make good |
| Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers ("Dachs" | | | | family pets. Children must be taught to handle these |
| means Badger). Badgers were a formidable prey and | | | | dogs with respect, as they will sulk if they are treated |
| Dachshunds were bred to have courage and bravery | | | | unfairly. Dachshunds have a tendency to bond |
| bordering on the reckless! Their size and shape makes | | | | particularly strongly with one member of the family. |
| them perfect for hunting both above and below | | | | Grooming a Miniature Dachshund |
| ground. | | | | Miniature Dachshunds come in a variety of coat types; |
| The breed club was set up in 1888 to standardise the | | | | long haired, wire haired and smooth haired. A |
| breed characteristics and to ensure that these dogs | | | | moderate amount of grooming is necessary, |
| had beauty to match their intelligence. | | | | particularly in the long haired Miniature Dachshund. |
| Miniature Dachshunds were used instead of ferrets to | | | | Miniature Dachshund Exercise Requirements |
| drive rabbits out of their warrens. | | | | Although they are small, Miniature Dachshunds were |
| Appearance of the Miniature Dachshund | | | | bred as hunting dogs and as such, they enjoy their |
| In appearance, the Miniature Dachshund really is just | | | | exercise! Miniature Dachshunds require a moderate |
| like a dwarf version of the standard Dachshund. They | | | | amount of exercise; perhaps 20 - 40 minutes a day. |
| are found in the same coat varieties; long haired, | | | | Care must be taken when allowing these dogs off |
| smooth haired and wire haired. | | | | lead because of their natural hunting instincts. If they |
| With their long, low bodies Dachshunds are one of the | | | | detect a scent, they may well try to go to ground, to |
| most instantly recognisable breeds. Often called | | | | dig out they 'prey'! |
| "Sausage dogs" by children, it is easy to see why! | | | | A well fenced, secure garden is a must for Miniature |
| Despite their miniature proportions, Dachshunds are | | | | Dachshunds - they are world class diggers and may |
| strong and muscular dogs with broad shoulders and | | | | well dig themselves to freedom given the opportunity! |
| hindquarters. | | | | As a result of their elongated spine, Miniature |
| The Dachshund has beautiful almond shaped eyes | | | | Dachshunds should be limited in their access to stairs |
| that are set into a perfectly proportioned, long face. | | | | to prevent spinal damage. |
| Dachshunds come in an enormous variety of colours; | | | | Miniature Dachshund Health Problems |
| tan and black are perhaps the most widely seen | | | | The main health concern with Miniature Dachshunds |
| colours although many variations exist. | | | | relates to their elongated spines. Ruptured discs are a |
| Temperament of the Miniature Dachshund | | | | common problem. Care must be taken to avoid these |
| Dachshunds are faithful and good tempered though | | | | dogs using stairs or jumping on and off furniture, to |
| they can be wary of strangers. | | | | minimise the risk of damage. |