Breeds / Miniature Dachshund

Breed guide

Miniature Dachshund

Q: How big do Miniature Dachshunds get?

Most Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds or less and stand approximately 5-7 inches tall.

Q: Do Miniature Dachshunds shed?

Yes, but shedding levels vary depending on coat type - smooth-coated Dachshunds generally require the least grooming.

Q: Are Miniature Dachshunds easy to train?

They are intelligent but can sometimes be independent and stubborn. Positive reinforcement and consistency work best.

Q: How long do Miniature Dachshunds live?

The average Miniature Dachshund lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years.

Q: Are Miniature Dachshunds good with children?

Yes, particularly with respectful children who understand how to handle smaller dogs gently.

The Miniature Dachshund is one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world. Known for their long bodies, short legs, expressive eyes, and fearless personalities, Miniature Dachshunds have been winning hearts for generations. At IBar Canine Companions, we love Miniature Dachshunds because they are affectionate family companions, entertaining personalities, and devoted best friends that bring joy wherever they go.

At a glance

Breed overview

A small dog with a big personality — bold, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining, with the courage of a hunter twice its size.

Breed groupHound Group

SizeUp to 11 pounds

Height5–7 inches

Lifespan12–16 years

TemperamentLoyal, brave, curious

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsVery Good

Good with other petsVery Good

Honest fit check

Is a Miniature Dachshund right for you?

A great fit if you want…

A loyal companion dog

A smaller breed with a big personality

A playful and entertaining pet

A dog that enjoys being part of family life

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Loyal & devoted

Form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship and daily involvement.

Brave & confident

Their hunting heritage gives them a fearless attitude and willingness to take on challenges.

Intelligent & curious

Enjoy exploring, learning, and investigating their surroundings.

Playful & entertaining

Many owners describe their Dachshund as a comedian, with playful antics and expressive personality.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Long body with short legs

Available in Smooth, Longhaired, or Wirehaired coats

Wide variety of colors and patterns

Compact size suited to apartments through acreage

Recognized coat colors

Red

Solid warm red

Cream

Soft, pale cream

Black & Tan

Black with tan points

Dapple

Mottled, marbled pattern

Grooming & care

Keeping a Miniature Dachshund healthy

Smooth coats

Weekly brushing is enough to keep a smooth coat healthy.

Longhaired coats

Need more frequent brushing to prevent tangles.

Wirehaired coats

Benefit from hand-stripping or trimming to maintain their texture.

Routine care

Regular baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming round out the routine for every coat type.

Training

Trainability

Intelligent & curious

Highly intelligent and enjoy exploring, learning, and investigating.

Can be independent

Sometimes stubborn — positive reinforcement and consistency work best.

Protect their back

Training routines should limit jumping and stairs to protect their long spine.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

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