Dachshund miniature wire-haired

In my own words

Did you know my kind are hunting dogs from Germany and us miniatures were bred to get rabbits from their warrens? I still have my burrowing instinct so I do love burrowing into blankets at home. There’s nothing like snuggling up in a nice blanket when I’m tired! I’m not just a cuddly dog though, I am fierce and courageous! I make a great watchdog so you never have to worry with me in the house. I love my family and I’d do anything for them but you do have to excuse me if I see a little bird or something. I can’t help but want to chase it!

Information essential about the Dachshund miniature wire-haired

Kennel Club Group:

Hound

Size:

Small: Weight 10 – 11 lb (4.5 – 5 kg)

Chest Girth: 12.2 – 13.8” (31 – 35 cm)

Popularity:

Dachshunds are very popular in the US and ranked as the seventh most registered breed in 2008. The breed regularly ranks in the top ten across cities of America but remains most popular in Europe.

Breed History:

The Dachshund can be traced back to 15th century Germany although evidence of Dachshund type dogs has been seen in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art. There has also been the remains of a Dachshund type dog found in an Italian shipwreck dating back to the 1st century AD.

 

The breed standard was developed in 1879 and the breed club established in 1888. Prince Albert brought the dogs to Great Britain where they became popular in both Britain and America in the 19th century. The breed lost popularity during WWI due to its Germanic roots but since then the breed has become a favoured family pet and hunting companion. Miniature Dachshunds are used to get rabbits out of their warrens.

 

There are three coat varieties – long haired, smooth haired and wire haired and two sizes – standard and miniature.

Character:

The Dachshund is friendly and playful but can be stubborn as it’s a hunting dog. They have a tendency to chase small animals, birds and balls and can be very focused and fierce in doing so. They are intelligent but can be difficult to train. They are extremely devoted to their owners and can develop separation anxiety, becoming destructive if left alone for too long.

 

Temperament:

This breed is lively and intelligent but can be stubborn to train and difficult to housebreak. They are devoted and loyal to their family but are weary of strangers, needing early socialisation to prevent this. Some have a tendency to bark a lot and will need training out of this whereas others do not bark much at all. The Dachshund is a burrower and will enjoy burrowing into blankets and other items when they are tired or bored. They are courageous and friendly and they usually give the impression that they are unaware of their small size. They can be energetic and when bored will become destructive so training is encouraged. They are not the best dog for small children unless they have been socialised early, otherwise they can be aggressive, particularly towards a child that teases them. They can be tolerant and loyal to children within their family but all children must be mindful of their vulnerable back.

Conformation:

This breed is long and low but with a well muscled body that clears the ground. The front feet should be broad, big and well arched and the jaw should be powerful with strong teeth. If the breed has an excessively long back it can lead to problems with back disease so ensure the ribs extend well back. The head should be long and tapered and the eyes should be almond shaped and dark in colour. The ears are long, high set and rounded at the tip.

Coat:

The coat of the Miniature-wired variety should be short, straight and harsh with a dense undercoat. The chin should have a beard, the eyebrows are bushy and the hair on the ears is almost smooth. The coat texture can vary but most wire coats will need to be hand stripped a couple of times a year.

 

Colour:

The coat comes in black and tan, red (ranging from cream to shaded red), chocolate and tan and silver dapple.

 

Training:

This breed is intelligent and independent with a mind of its own which can make training difficult. They require firm, consistent training to overcome their natural tendency to dominate. If unfairly treated this breed has a tendency to sulk at length. Early socialisation is required to help them get used to children, strangers and other animals as they are less friendly with strangers. They can be difficult to house train and patience and consistency is required in this area.

 

Care:

The wire haired variety needs their coat hand stripped once or twice a year by an experienced groomer. Weekly grooming with a comb and stiff brush is essential, paying particular attention to the facial hair. Ensure that the coat is plucked/stripped and not clipped as this will ruin the texture of the coat. It is important to regularly check and clean the ears to prevent infection. This breed is an average shedder.

Health:

The lifespan of a healthy individual is about 15 years or more. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur.  Due to their long back they can be prone to spinal problems and injury. Take care with Dachshunds jumping off furniture and stairs.  Spinal injuries can lead to paralysis so care must be taken. The breed can also suffer patellar luxation where the kneecap becomes dislodged. In some double dapple varieties there can be varying amounts of vision and hearing loss. Other health problems can include hereditary epilepsy, dental problems, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid problems, allergies and eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and PRA.

 

Exercise:

This breed is an active dog and typically will take as much exercise as you can give them. While at home they are devoted family pets, off the lead they quickly turn to their hound instinct, following scents and will ‘go deaf’ when it suits them. They require a good daily walk and access to a securely fenced yard. They can be difficult to train but benefit from a consistent handler. Some Dachshunds will participate in earthdog trials.

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