Also known as the Miniature Hot Dog, Miniature Wiener Dog, and the Toy Dachshund, the Miniature Dachshund is an intelligent, playful, and affectionate breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Miniature Dachshund can be traced back to late 18th century Germany. The Miniature Dachshund was developed by selectively breeding the Standard Dachshund, in hopes of creating a smaller and efficient hunting breed.
Throughout its history, the Miniature Dachshund has been most commonly used for hunting rabbit and other burrow-dwelling creatures, and kept as a companion, proving its superior abilities to work endlessly and enthusiastically while providing warm and gentle companionship.
The Miniature Dachshund is bred in three coat types: smooth, long, and wirehaired.
Today, the Miniature Dachshund has attained a world wide popularity as a family pet and companion.
Personality Traits
Best known for its playful and spunky nature, the Miniature Dachshund is a genuinely happy breed that is full of character. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and love to play the role of lap dog during down time. This breed is very intelligent and generally easy to train. As a pet, the Miniature Dachshund is obedient, loyal, loving, and very affectionate. The Miniature Dachshund adapts well to full-time indoor and apartment living, yet still enjoys spending time outdoors, playing games such as fetch, and taking long and leisurely walks.
Train-ability
Due to its obedient attitude and need for human attention, the Miniature Dachshund generally responds well to basic training and commands. This bright breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Miniature Dachshund. These dogs can be somewhat sensitive to criticism and respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Miniature Dachshund. These energetic and playful dogs are always on the move, and often very amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. This breed is very intelligent, obedient by nature, easy to train, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Miniature Dachshund gets along well with children and other pets, known for its sweet and gentle approach to small children and its ability to make friends quickly with other pets due to its social nature. These dogs are alert, aware of their surroundings, and possess and incredible sense of smell, thus serving as effective watch dogs by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors. This breed adapts well to full-time indoor and apartment living. The Miniature Dachshund is obedient, loyal, loving, and very affectionate, making an excellent hunting dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Miniature Dachshund. Like many companion breeds, the Miniature Dachshund is known to suffer from separation anxiety. Individuals wishing to purchase this breed that travel frequently, have full-time work, or are away from the home on a daily basis are advised to begin researching another breed. During an attack of separation anxiety, the Miniature Dachshund will act out of nervous destruction and may destroy property, chew, dig, bark, and whine.
The Miniature Dachshund’s powerful sense of smell can sometimes lead to trouble. It is not unusual for this breed to dart out of doors or tear open bags of garbage in order to track a scent. Proper training can reduce these behaviors in the Miniature Dachshund.
Common Health Concerns
While the Miniature Dachshund is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: Degenerative Disk Disease and other spinal conditions, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, Renal Cortical Hypoplasia – a condition in which the kidney does not fully develop, hearing issues – sometimes leading to deafness, cleft palate, progressive retinal atrophy, inflamed cornea, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, dry eye, Conjunctival Dermoid – hairy growth on the eye, and various dental issues.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Miniature Dachshund? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.petmedsonline.com/dog-breed-health-dachshund.html
http://www.miniaturedachshundpuppy.net
