The History of Miniature Dachshunds

Miniature dachshunds are a common variety of dachshunds popular throughout the world. Although originally bred for hunting, they make ideal house pets for apartment dwellers. They're often noted for their intelligence, energy and frequent barking.

Description

Dachshunds are short, long dogs with stubby legs and large, floppy ears. Their hotdog-like shape accounts for their nickname as "wiener dogs." While standard dachshunds stand about 14 inches tall and usually weigh between 14 and 30 lbs., miniature dachshunds are a couple of inches shorter and usually weigh less than 14 lbs. They have either smooth short hair, sleek long hair, or a wiry short hair. Dachshunds of all kinds are usually red, tan or yellow. Other color combinations include chocolate, black, gray and many others. Some areas of the world also distinguish between miniature and the even smaller toy dachshunds.

History

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany for use as hunting dogs. Their name literally means "badger dog." Larger dogs were used for hunting badgers and boars, while the smaller varieties were used for hunting foxes and rabbits. The American Kennel Club first accepted the dachshund as a breed in 1885 and 10 years later The Dachshund Club of America began promoting the breed at large. The popularity of dachshunds in the U.S. took a dip during World War II, due to anti-German sentiment, but they regained popularity shortly thereafter.

Temperament

Generally playful and inquisitive, dachshunds are similar to small terriers. They're also stubborn and proud animals that insert themselves into every situation and demand a lot of attention. The flip side of this is that they're quite loyal and grow attached to their owners.

Training

Training should begin at a young age and involve food and games. Dachshunds tend to bark a lot and should never be rewarded for it. They're notoriously difficult to housetrain, often resulting in the lifelong use of puppy pads. They're an intelligent breed and can be taught many tricks.

Health Issues

Dachshunds' long backs and short ribcages make them highly susceptible to spinal injuries, and as such shouldn't be handled by small children. Moreover, they shouldn't be allowed to jump down from heights as this can cause a slipped disc. Dachshunds are also prone to obesity and should be regularly exercised.