The Miniature Wire Haired Dachshund is a small and unmistakable member of the Hound Group of dogs. The Dachshund comes in a number of other varieties: Standard Smooth-Haired, Standard Wire-Haired, Standard Long-Haired, Miniature Smooth-Haired, Miniature Long-Haired and Miniature Wire-Haired. There is also another variety, only recognised in certain countries, known as the Rabbit or Kaninchen Dachshund, a variety bred for hunting rabbits.

History:
Opinions differ as to the true origins of the Dachshund, but the generally accepted view is that the breed was created in Germany during the early part of the 17th century by mixing German, French and English hounds and terriers.

Bred to hunt badgers, the original Dachshund (Dachs=Badger, Hund=Hound) was considerably larger than the breed we know today. Hunting in packs, the original Dachshund was even capable of taking on wild boar and wolverine!

Today's shorter Dachshund is believed to be the later result of introducing other elements into the breed which allowed the Dachshund to go underground to flush out its prey. Miniature Dachshunds were later introduced to allow them to burrow for rabbits, hare and stoats.

Care:
Dachshunds love their food, but an obese Dachshund is likely to be susceptible to back problems as a result of its long back. Give your Dachshund only the food manufacturer's daily recommended amount and no more.

Temperament:
Dachshunds can be playful, fun-loving, affectionate and protective little dogs, but early socialization and training are important. If not properly trained and socialized the Dachshund can become over-protective, unpredictable, aggressive and even destructive if left to its own devices for too long.

Suitability:
Dachshunds make wonderful family pets and companion dogs.

Suitable Environment:
Any.

Health Issues*:
Acanthosis Nigricans, Adenocarcinomas, Alopecia, Atlantoaxial Subluxation, Blepharitis, Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia, Cutaneous Histiocytoma, Cataracts, Congenital Deafness, Corneal Dystrophy, Corneal Ulcers, Cryptorchidism, Cushing’s Disease, Dermoid Cysts, Diabetes Mellitus, Distichiasis, Ear Infections, Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, Entropion, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Hernias, Hypothyroidism, Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anaemia, Intervertebral Disk Disease, Lipomas, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Malassezia Dermatitis, Mast Cell Tumours, Melanoma (Limbal), Mitral Valve Disease, Narcolepsy-Cataplexy, Pannus, Patella Luxation, Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Pemphigus Foliaceus, Persistent Pupillary Membranes, Pododermatitis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Pyoderma, Retinal Detachment, Sebborhea, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Thrombocytopenia, Urolithiasis, Vasculitis and von Willebrand's Disease

(* The fact that this breed may be susceptible to these conditions does not mean that all dogs of this breed will be affected by them. They are listed here purely as a guide.)

Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) Products:
Recommended Dachshund books:
* Dachshunds for Dummies by: Eve Adamson
* The Essential Dachshund by: Howell Book House
* A New Owners Guide to Dachshunds by: Kaye Ladd
* The Dachshund Handbook by: D. Caroline Coile
* The Dachshund by: Susan M. Ewing and Wayne Hunthausen
* The Everything Dachshund Book (A Complete Guide to Raising, Training and Caring for Your Dachshund) by: Joan Hustace Walker

Website: Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired)

Return to dog breed selection screen