Daschunds can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. Their name is derived from two German words ‘dach’ meaning ‘badger’ and ‘hund’ meaning ‘dog’.
They were great hunting dogs with their keen sense of smell allowing them to hunt both above and below ground, tracking animal scents for extended periods.
Over the years, different sizes emerged and in the U.S., there are three main sizes: the Normal, Miniature, and Toy.
Overview of Mini Daschund
- Common coat colors: chocolate, blue, tan, black & tan
- Coat types: long-haired, wire-haired, smooth hair
- Average weight: 4kg to 5kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Sociability: medium
Exercise
A miniature Daschund requires around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. This breed has a lot of energy in spite of their seemingly little frame, and as a result, requires quite a bit of activity to tire them out. Keeping them in a secure environment where they can run off leash is one sure way to keep them healthy and happy. Ensure that they do not have occasion to jump a lot such as over holes and streams because dachshunds may experience back damage easily.
Diet
A diet with sufficient basic nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals is a requirement for your miniature Dachshund. You should typically explore dog food formulated for small breeds to ensure that they get their required nutrition. For pups, 3 to 4 small servings during the day would suffice rather than two major meals. As your pup grows older, you could limit them to two major meals.
Training
Training miniature dachshunds may take a little while because they are quirky and require a lot of patience when being trained. They have an affinity for responding to rewards and good feedback. They may also get distracted very easily when they see something that really interests them.
Conclusion
Mini Dachshunds are a family-friendly breed that adapt as well to houses as they do apartments. They also work well for single individuals.
