Miniature dachshunds are simply smaller versions of the standard dachshund. These mini dogs weigh under 11 pounds and usually stand around 5-6 inches at the shoulder. They come in three coat types: smooth, wiry, and long, as well as many different patterns and colors. Despite being small, they have very big, determined personalities and are sometimes described as being a bit bossy.
Mini dachshunds are rather small, so they don’t take as long to reach their full size as some other breeds. Usually, these dogs reach their full height around nine months, but it may take a few more months for them to “fill out” and develop more muscle. Like many breeds, they tend to reach their adult height before their adult weight.
During their puppyhood, mini dachshunds should be fed quality puppy food. Because they are so small, it’s often best to feed them three meals a day to prevent problems with their blood sugar. Follow the feeding directions on the dog food package and divide how much food they need evenly across all three meals.
Regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure your puppy is growing properly. Furthermore, your puppy will also need vaccinations several times during their first year of life. Their first vaccinations usually start around 6-8 weeks and continue for several months. Speak with your vet about the best vaccination schedule for your canine.
Typically, these canines grow to around 8 – 11 pounds. The AKC defines miniature dachshunds at less than 11 pounds, though, so they could technically be even smaller than 8 pounds. Some breeders do produce smaller dogs, but it’s important to note that very small dogs may be at a higher risk of certain health issues.
The height is more well-defined at between 5 to 6 inches from the dog’s shoulders.
Of course, there are many factors that go into how big your dog might get. Genetics plays a large role, but so does nutrition.
When your miniature dachshund should be spayed or neutered depends largely on who you talk to. Some vets think that dogs should be spayed and neutered right away to eliminate the chance of pregnancy. Not only does this prevent overpopulation, but it also lowers the chance of a female getting pregnant before she is even done growing herself. Plus, spaying and neutering your dog may also lower the risk of certain health problems.
That said, others believe that these surgeries should wait until after the dog is done growing. Hormones produced by the sex organs do play a role in growth, and a higher risk of joint problems has been reported in dogs that are spayed and neutered early. However, these negative effects mostly only affect larger dog breeds, and the miniature dachshund obviously doesn’t fit into this category.
In the end, you’ll need to talk to your vet to determine when to spay or neuter your dog. Sometimes, breeders may require buyers to spay or neuter their dog at a younger age to prevent pregnancy, especially if you do not purchase breeder rights.
Mini dachshunds are very small dogs, which also means they have a smaller bladders. For this reason, it typically takes longer for them to be housebroken. They have to go outside more, and most dog owners are simply unable to take their puppy outside every thirty minutes. Therefore, you often have to wait until these dogs start reaching their full size at around six months to complete potty training.
Once they have a larger bladder, the process is often a bit smoother. Still, as small dogs, housebreaking them is usually more challenging than it is for larger dogs. That doesn’t mean you should start potty training early, though.
You should establish a potty routine right away. Be sure to take your dog outside after meals and before bedtime. You should also take your dog outside as much as possible outside of these times. The more opportunities your puppy has to use the bathroom outside, the faster potty training will go.
Choose a designated spot where your puppy will use the bathroom every time. “Outside” can be a bit of a vague concept for puppies, so you’ll often need to narrow it down to a very specific place outside. Using the same spot will also leave behind a smell that will encourage your puppy to go there again.
Whenever your dachshund successfully uses the bathroom outside, heap on plenty of praise and treats. You want your dog to associate using the bathroom outside with positive feelings, as this will make them go there again.
Whenever your puppy is inside, supervise them closely. When you notice signs that your dog needs to use the bathroom, take them outside right away. Consider confining your dog to a smaller space when you can’t supervise them directly.
Accidents are bound to happen, especially with these small dogs. Clean up accidents right away with a powerful, enzymatic cleaner to help prevent further accidents from occurring. If a dog smells where they’ve previously used the bathroom, they’re more likely to go in that same spot again. Don’t punish your dog for having an accident. Punishment may only make them hide when they need to use the bathroom, which will make it harder to housetrain.
You should switch your miniature dachshund over to an adult formula after they have finished growing, which usually occurs around 8 to 9 months. That’s quite a bit earlier than other dog breeds, but it’s because small dogs tend to stop growing earlier than large dogs. Once they’re done growing, dogs no longer need the extra calories and nutrients provided by their puppy food.
If you continue their puppy food for too long, your dog may gain excess weight. Even a few extra ounces can cause health problems for a mini dachshund, especially for their back. Therefore, it’s vital that you switch them to adult food as soon as they’re done growing. You can work with your vet to figure out exactly when that is, but it should be by nine months for most mini dachshunds.
You don’t want to switch these dogs off of their puppy food too early, either. Taking away their puppy food before they’re done growing can lead to deficiencies and health problems. Puppies simply require more calories and nutrients to support their growth.
When you do decide to switch, do so gradually to prevent messing with your dog’s stomach. Slowly incorporate more of their adult food and less of their puppy food over a week or so.