Miniature Dachshund Breed Guide

A Beloved Little Character

Miniature Dachshunds — affectionately called “sausage dogs” — are one of the UK’s most recognisable and loved small breeds. With their long bodies, short legs, and bold personalities, they’re both charming lap dogs and lively little adventurers. Despite their small size, they have big personalities, making them a favourite for families, couples, and city living alike.

History & Origins

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Their very name means “badger dog.” The breed’s long body and short legs allowed them to go deep underground, while their courageous temperament helped them face prey much larger than themselves. Today, they’re mostly companions — but that digging instinct and fearless streak remain strong!

Appearance & Coat Types

Adult Miniature Dachshunds weigh around 4.5–5.5 kg and stand 13–15 cm tall at the shoulder. Their distinctive shape is matched with three coat varieties:

• Smooth-haired – Sleek, shiny coat, minimal grooming.
• Long-haired – Elegant, flowing coat, daily brushing needed.
• Wire-haired – Rugged look with bushy eyebrows and beard, requires hand stripping every few months.

Colours & Patterns

Dachshunds come in a stunning variety of colours and markings. Popular shades include:

• Solid colours: Red, cream, chocolate.
• Two-tone: Black and tan, chocolate and tan, blue and tan.
• Patterns: Dapple (merle effect), brindle, piebald, shaded.

Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, and affectionate. Key traits include:

• Loyal companions – They bond strongly with their family, often attaching to one person.
• Curious and alert – Natural watchdogs, they’ll quickly alert you to visitors.
• Stubborn streak – Independent thinkers, they need patient and consistent training.
• Affectionate – Love cuddling on the sofa after a walk.

They thrive in homes where they aren’t left alone for long stretches, as they can become anxious or vocal if lonely.

Exercise Needs

Don’t be fooled by their size — Dachshunds need daily activity to stay healthy:

• Two short walks per day (20–30 minutes).
• Sniffing and digging games to satisfy their hunting instincts.
• Avoid high-impact exercise (jumping or stairs) to protect their long spines.

Puppy Carrier Bag

👜 Why Use a Carrier Bag for Your Miniature Dachshund?

Q: Why should I use a carrier bag for my Miniature Dachshund?
A: Miniature Dachshunds have little legs and long backs, which makes them prone to tiring quickly and puts extra strain on their spines. A carrier bag helps keep them safe and comfortable, especially before their second vaccination.

👉 Our Heritage Stripe Dog Carrier in Taupe is the perfect choice:

• Protects little legs – prevents fatigue and reduces pressure on their spine.
• Ideal for puppies – keeps paws off the ground until fully vaccinated.
• Safe & secure – designed with a snug fit to make your Dachshund feel cocooned.
• Luxury styling – made with our signature Heritage Stripe fabric to match our bedding and crate sets.

Training & Crate Training

Dachshunds are intelligent but can be headstrong. Start early with positive reinforcement training. Crate training is essential for this breed — it helps with house training, prevents destructive behaviour, and provides a safe den to retreat to.

👉 We recommend our Luxury Crate Bedding Sets , which turn a standard crate into a warm, inviting space. A 24-inch crate is perfect for Miniature Dachshunds — roomy enough for comfort but still den-like for security.

Grooming Needs

Each coat type has different grooming requirements:

• Smooth-haired – Weekly brush and occasional bath.
• Long-haired – Daily brushing to prevent tangles, more frequent grooming.
• Wire-haired – Regular brushing plus hand-stripping every few months.

All Dachshunds benefit from regular nail trims and dental care.

Feeding & Nutrition

Q: What food is best for my Miniature Dachshund ?

A: Dachshunds can be prone to weight gain, which increases the risk of back problems. Keeping meals measured and high in quality is essential. Our carefully formulated  Small Breed Food & Treats are designed for petite breeds like Dachshunds — offering the right balance of protein, joint support, and easy-to-chew kibble size. Perfect for maintaining a healthy weight and supporting their long-term spinal health.

Living Environment

Mini Dachshunds adapt well to both apartments and houses. They don’t need a huge garden, but they do need time outdoors and plenty of human company. Provide a cozy bed or crate where they can feel safe and secure.

👉 Our Heritage Stripe Slumber Bed is the perfect choice for Miniature Dachshunds.

Q: What size crate is best for my Miniature Dachshund puppy? A: Q the Medium size (24") crate will take your puppy right through to adulthood, ensuring they have adequate space but still feel cosy and secure.

Cold Weather & Your Miniature Dachshund

With their low-slung bodies and short coats, Dachshunds feel the cold more than most breeds. Damp grass, frost, or winter winds can quickly make walks uncomfortable.

Q: What size coat for my Miniature Dachshund?

A: 👉 Our  Luxury Sherpa-Lined Puppy & Small Dog Coat is a fantastic fit for Dachshunds thanks to its longer cut that covers their unique shape.

• Puppy : Small size suits puppies from 12 weeks, 

• Adult: Medium size is perfect for most adult Miniature Dachshunds.

Health & Care

Miniature Dachshunds are generally healthy but have some breed-specific risks:

• IVDD (spinal issues) – Avoid jumping and keep weight under control.
• Obesity – Strict diet and regular exercise are key.
• Dental disease – Regular brushing and dental chews help.
• Patellar luxation – Knee issues can appear in some lines.

With proper care, Mini Dachshunds live 12–15 years, often remaining active well into their senior years.

Family Suitability

Dachshunds make loving family companions but may not tolerate rough handling from very young children. They’re usually good with other Dachshunds and small dogs but may be wary of larger breeds. Early socialisation helps prevent excessive barking or guarding behaviours.

Is a Miniature Dachshund Right for You?

If you want a small, affectionate, and courageous dog with a unique look and a big personality, a Miniature Dachshund could be perfect. They thrive in loving homes that understand their exercise needs and take steps to protect their long backs.