Miniature Dachshund

Like every breed, the Miniature Dachshund is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based training and start early.
• Set clear boundaries, be consistent and be very patient.
• Socialise them widely from puppyhood, especially with strangers.
• Teach good lead and harness walking.
• Start early if you want to discourage barking for no reason.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  The discs that cushion the bones of the spine can become abnormal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing back pain, weakness or paralysis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends spine screening under its IVDD scheme before breeding.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited condition causing gradual loss of sight. A DNA test for PRA (cord1) is recommended, along with eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Angular limb deformities

  Uneven growth of paired leg bones can make the legs look bowed or twisted and may cause pain and lameness.

• Heart disease

  PDSA lists heart disease as a concern in the miniature varieties.

• Dry eye and Cushing's syndrome

  PDSA lists dry eye among the conditions Dachshunds may develop. Cushing's syndrome is where the body produces too much cortisol, causing signs such as excessive drinking and tiredness.

• Lafora's disease

  In Miniature Wire Haired Dachshunds, the Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for Lafora's disease before breeding.

• Dapple to dapple matings

  The Royal Kennel Club does not register puppies from two dapple parents, because of the risk of impaired vision and hearing linked to the dapple gene.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Miniature Dachshund home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Miniature Dachshund home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Miniature Dachshund suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Miniature Dachshunds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.