Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Dachshund is identical to the Standard in all characteristics of temperament, coat, and type, differing only in size.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Germany
Lifespan
12–16 years
Weight
Under 5 kg (11 lbs)
Height
13–18 cm (5–7 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — small-breed kibble; very prone to obesity, strict portion control essential
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Miniature Dachshund is identical to the Standard in all characteristics of temperament, coat, and type, differing only in size. Originally bred in Germany to hunt smaller quarry — rabbits and other small burrowing animals — miniature Dachshunds were achieved by selectively breeding smaller Standard Dachshunds. In some countries a third, even smaller "Kaninchen" (rabbit) size is also recognised. The Miniature Dachshund has become one of the most popular toy breeds globally, combining the beloved Dachshund silhouette with an even more apartment-friendly size.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical in proportion and type to the Standard Dachshund but weighing under 5 kg (11 lbs). The same three coat types — smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired — and all Standard colours are available in Miniature. The proportionally larger head relative to body size gives Miniature Dachshunds a slightly more domed skull appearance.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1-2x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
The Miniature Dachshund carries every characteristic of the Standard in a smaller body — the same boldness, stubbornness, devotion, and vocal confidence. Many owners note that Miniatures can be slightly more nervous than Standards, with a tendency toward anxiety if not adequately socialised. They are particularly prone to becoming possessive of their primary person. Their hunting instinct remains fully intact — they will pursue small animals and follow scents with single-minded determination regardless of size.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
8°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, trembling, aggression, hiding, back arching
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Same precautions as Standard Dachshunds regarding IVDD, but the risk is if anything higher in the miniature size as their spines are proportionally more fragile. Ramps instead of stairs, no jumping from heights, and strict weight management are essential. Their small size means caloric intake must be carefully monitored — even a few extra hundred grams represents a significant percentage of body weight. Teeth must be brushed daily; dental disease is a leading cause of early tooth loss in the breed.
Nutrition Notes
Even stricter weight control than Standard — smaller frame means proportionally higher IVDD risk per extra gram. Feed small-breed kibble. Dental disease more prevalent than Standard due to smaller jaw.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Same IVDD risk as Standard (possibly higher due to proportionally longer spine). Luxating patella also common. Dental extractions often needed by age 7-8. Smaller size means anaesthesia risk higher — choose experienced vet.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
450 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
350 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same health profile as Standard Dachshund with IVDD as the primary concern. Additionally, Miniatures have higher rates of patellar luxation, cardiac disease (mitral valve disease in older individuals), and are more prone to hypoglycaemia. The dapple (merle) pattern, if doubled (double dapple), is associated with blindness and deafness; reputable breeders never breed two dapple dogs together.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Miniatures generally slightly more expensive than Standards. Same double-dapple warning applies. Longhaired Miniatures most expensive variety in most markets.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$75 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Kaninchen (rabbit) Dachshund is so small it was literally bred to enter rabbit warrens — at under 3.5 kg, it is among the smallest working dogs ever developed.
Dachshunds of all sizes have the highest rate of owner-directed aggression of any breed studied in a University of Pennsylvania survey — a finding attributed to their independent, reactive terrier heritage rather than any inherent viciousness.
Pablo Picasso had a beloved Miniature Dachshund named Lump who appeared in several of his paintings and was reportedly treated as a family member.
