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This is a long-backed, short-legged dog of diminutive height that everybody recognises. While small, the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund breed is still muscular and powerfully built with a deep, broad chest and well-developed forelegs. They have a short, dense, smooth coat that comes in a range of colours.
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 4.5–5kg |
| Height: | 12–15cm |
| Colours: | Miniature Dachshunds can either be solid colours such as red or cream or two-coloured such as black, chocolate, grizzled, blue or fawn with tan or cream markings. Some may be dappled too |
| Size: | Small |
| Kennel Club group: | Hound |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
This dog can be very independent and needs kind, consistent, patient training. Early socialisation is required in order to acclimate Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds to children, strangers and other animals. They are a breed that becomes quite attached to their family and usually one family member in particular, but they can be reserved with strangers.
The Dachshund will suit an owner who may not have much space but wants a strong-minded, determined, one-person dog who will go everywhere with them - as the Dachshund does not like being left.
Dachshunds can be traced back to 15th century Germany. However, Dachshund-type dogs have appeared in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art, and remains of a similar dog were found with shipwreck remnants in Italy, dating back to the 1st century AD. The German breed standard was set in 1879 and the breed club established in 1888. Dachshunds were exported to Great Britain with Prince Albert and became popular in Britain and America throughout the 19th century. Miniature Dachshunds were used in lieu of ferrets to hunt rabbits out of their warrens.
