Miniature Daschund Puppies
A Few Facts About Miniature Dachshund Puppies
There are a couple of things one needs to know in caring for dachshund puppies that may differ a bit from the care, feeding, or training of other breeds of puppies, but in most cases the differences are slight. Miniature dachshund puppies are not a separate breed in the strictest sense. The American Kennel Club recognizes only one breed of dachshund, but recognizes two types within that breed, Standard and Miniature, though the breed can also be found in the so-called "toy" size.
Excellent Little Watchdogs - Miniature dachshund puppies will grow to a size of 11 pounds at most, and will attain this size when they are around one year old. Miniature puppies that weigh more than 16 pounds after one year's time are no longer classified as Miniatures, but as Standard dachshunds The two sizes for the most part share the same characteristics when it comes to temperament, appearance , including coloration, energy and enthusiasm, and an incredible sense of smell. The dachshund is a hound, and has in the past been used as a hunting dog. Miniature dachshund puppies will usually grow up to be excellent, though tiny, watchdogs, as although they are usually quite friendly, are often slow to warm to strangers. Dachshunds will usually bark at strangers, and often continue barking, for some time.
Handle With Care - Because it is short, long, and low to the ground, the dachshund is somewhat prone to back injuries, especially if jumping down from a place that is more than a few inches high. Miniature dachshund puppies are especially prone to such injuries, more so than adults or Standard dachshunds Don't let your puppy be on the sofa or on a chair unless under careful supervision. If it should jump down, it risks incurring a slipped disk, probably requiring a trip to the vet. Miniature dachshund puppies need to he held and handled carefully for the same reason.
Coat And Coloration - As far as hair length and color is concerned, the Miniature dachshund is no different from the Standard dachshund Miniature dachshund puppies can be smooth haired, wire haired, or long haired. A dachshund may be a single color, most often red or creme, two-colored, including black, grey, fawn or chocolate with tan or cream markings, or dappled. Dappled dachshunds are a little uncommon, but a great favorite of dachshund lovers. The longhair dappled dachshund is a particularly attractive little dog. A dachshund may have a small patch of white on their chest. This will not disqualify it as a show dog, but such a patch is considered undesirable, and when present could incur a penalty in show.
Not The Easiest Breed To Housebreak Or Train - Miniature dachshund puppies can be slow at times to respond to training. They are intelligent little animals, but when young, instinct often rules rather than obedience. Housebreaking can take some time, often more so than with many other breeds. If the owner is patient, and willing to accept the fact that accidents are going to happen once in awhile, and probably quite frequently at first, by the time the puppy has grown it can be as obedient and trustworthy as any other breed of dog.
The miniature dachshund is a very large bundle of energy in a very small package. It is definitely not a stay-in-my-basket-all-day type of dog, but thrives on exercise and attention. While a good pet to have if one lives in an apartment, most dachshunds love being outdoors, and will definitely benefit from having a daily walk. Don't let the short legs fool you. The dachshund can go and go and go.
Miniature dachshund puppies will grow into adults which can provide entertainment and loyal companionship for a long time. They have, on the average a life span of 16 years.