How to Raise Mini Dachshunds

Miniature dachshunds are the smallest dachshunds recognized by the American Kennel Club as a separate variety. The standard for these dogs states that they must not weigh more than 11 pounds at adulthood. Miniature dachshunds are fearless companions that were carefully bred down from standard dachshunds. Like their larger counterparts, these short-legged, long-bodied dogs were bred to hunt ground rodents, specifically badgers. There is no difference between the standard dachshund and the miniature dachshund except for size difference. Raising these little dogs can be challenging for the novice, so contacting a nearby breeder for advice in a tight spot is recommended.

Instructions

    • 1

      Acclimate the miniature dachshund to the new way of life. When a dog is first at home, it may have accidents or have a hard time adjusting. Give the dog time.

    • 2

      Train your miniature dachshund to behave within your rules. Hire a dog trainer if you have never trained a dog before. Training your dog will help you bond with it. A dog is never too young to start training.

    • 3

      Socialize the dog from an early age, and continue to socialize it as time goes on. Socializing your dog includes letting it meet people, other dogs and other animals. If a dog is not socialized, it will react with fear or aggression to situations it does not understand, which can put everyone involved in the situation at risk.

    • 4

      Feed your miniature dachshund the allotment of food stated on the back of the dog food bag each day.

    • 5

      If your dog appears sore, supplement its diet with glucosamine. Because of their long bodies, a miniature dachshund can get arthritis in its back and legs very early in life.