Did you know?

Disney created a girlfriend for Pluto, named Dinah the Dachshund.

Miniature Wire-haired Dachshund

Dachshunds are ideal dogs for small children, as they are already stretched and pulled to such a length that the child cannot do much harm one way or the other. – Robert Benchley (1889-1945)

Ch Joskip’s Petula Lark MW
“Thistle”

Medieval European books on hunting described dogs who possessed the tracking ability of hounds and the proportions and temperament of terriers. Because they hunted badgers they were called “badger-dogs” after the German words “dachs” meaning badger and “hund” meaning dog.

The original dog was the Standard Smooth Dachshund and all other Dachsies were developed from this dog.

By the late 19th century, German hunters were breeding down Dachshunds who could be used to track smaller game such as the European hare which lived in smaller burrows than the badgers and foxes hunted by the larger Dachshunds. These “miniature” Dachshunds were bred small enough to be able to go down into the rabbit’s burrow.

Generations of selective breeding have produced the miniature Dachshund we know today. Sometimes called “weiner dogs”, “hot dogs”, or “sausage dogs”, the Dachshund is divided into three different varieties reflecting three different coat types.

Photos displayed courtesy of Jo Reeves, Joskip Perm Reg’d, British Columbia

The Miniature Dachshund weighs no more than 11 pounds (4.5 kg). This dog comes in three coat types. The Wire-Haired Dachshund has a short, straight, harsh double coat and can be any colour. This coat type gives the Miniature Wire-haired Dachshund the look of a terrier. He also sports a beard and bushy eyebrows. This breed has other terrier-like qualities, and likes to be the boss! He may be stubborn, dominant, and a challenge to train. However, the Dachshund is also friendly, playful, alert, and spirited, and makes a terrific companion.

The Miniature Wire-haired is the most active and the most stubborn of the three miniatures. He will benefit from early and consistent training with a strong, patient, take-charge master to avoid becoming snappy. Training can be difficult and may require extra time and patience. Early socialization is a good idea. The Miniature Dachshund makes a good watchdog as he can make a surprising amount of noise when barking!

This dog has a great nose, and must be fenced in so he doesn’t wander off after an interesting smell! They require regular exercise to fight a tendency to become overweight. The Dachshund’s body shape does not support extra weight well.

If regularly exercised, this dog can live in an apartment. However, the neighbours may not appreciate his watchdog instincts! Children should not be allowed to roughhouse with the dog.