Are you torn between getting a Dachshund or a Mini Dachshund?
If you have fallen in love with this dog breed, you are confronted with a tough choice of either bring home the standard-sized one or its miniature counterpart.
But what is the difference between Dachshund and Mini Dachshund, more than simply the size?
Popularly coined as “Weiner dogs”, the Dachshund is a beloved breed known for its charm and adorable character. They are amazing burrowers, mainly because their body shape and size allow them to do so!
So if you cannot decide which of these two types is the right fit for you, keep reading to learn more about these lovely Dachshund varieties.
Quick Facts about the Dachshund Dog Breed
Dachshunds are small dogs with a distinctive appearance. They have short legs and long bodies, as they were bred to scare off badgers deep within their tunnel networks underground.
Present-day Dachshunds, however, are interested in a different kind of burrowing. They enjoy burrowing into your bedsheets to find a cozy little nook for a delightful nap. These dogs are sweet and affectionate creatures – no wonder many people love them as pets!
But if you think Standard Dachshunds are small, you probably have not seen their miniature counterparts. They are nearly 50% smaller and lighter!
For instance, an average standard-sized Dachshund measures about 9 inches long. On the other hand, miniatures are only about 5 to 6 inches. They also weigh about 11 pounds while standard-sized ones can go up to 16 to as much 32 pounds.
As for this breed’s historical background, it has been around since the 15th century. Dachshunds originated in Germany but they have also been found in Ancient artwork in Mexico and Egypt.
Dachshunds are also grouped in different categories based on the color and quality of their coats. There are long-haired, short-haired, wire-haired Dachshunds and Miniature Dachshunds. So it is a matter of deciding on the features you like best in addition to their size.
Dachshund Coat Quality and Color
Aside from their pleasant personality, Dachshunds appeal to many canine lovers because of their coat. They have a hypoallergenic coat as they do not shed as much and they have less dander overall.
The short-haired Dachshund coat is quite fascinating as it contributes to the neat and smooth contours of the dog’s body. The topcoat is short while the undercarriage has longer hair. The ears are soft and leather-like.
As for the long-haired variant, it is a cross between a Spaniel and the original Dachshund. The hair appears to be slightly wavy or straight. It is also much longer behind the legs, on the undercarriage, around the ears and neck. Moreover, longer-haired dogs are not hypoallergenic.
Wire-haired Dachshunds are a result of combining short-haired variants with Terriers that are wire-haired. The sole purpose behind this cross-breeding is to give this dog breed more protection for when it is out hunting.
Although the undercoat of a wire-haired variant is softer, the outer coat is rough, short, and dense. They are low-maintenance Dachshunds with hypoallergenic coats.
The coat color varies between reddish or cream. However, there may be some stray black hairs spread out in those with a reddish coat. There are also two-toned variants with a combination of chocolate brown and blackish-gray, or brown with some cream streaks like that of a wild boar.
Maintenance and Care of a Dachshund
With their innate spunk, it is not difficult to love a Dachshund. But aside from this endearing personality, this dog breed is a popular choice among families because of ease of maintenance. They are suitable for people with allergies because they do not shed as much and they produce minimal dander.
Bathing is not a frequent affair among short-haired and wire-haired Standard or Mini Dachshunds. They only need a once-a-month bath. As for grooming, you only need to remove dead hairs about once per week.
Long-haired Dachshunds could use more frequent bathing. This is also particularly true when they spend most of their time outdoors.
See also: Why Is Your Dog Acting Weird After Grooming? What You Need to Know
Health and Lifespan of Dachshunds
Standard Dachshunds live up to 13 years while their smaller counterparts reach up to 14 to 17 years. The projected lifespan of either one of these breeds depends on certain factors including their diet, living condition, and physical activity, to name a few.
A dog’s anatomical structure has an impact on its health and longevity. This is also true with Dachshunds. With their short legs and overall weight, Dachshunds are predisposed to spinal problems.
The size of their legs are unable to support their weight, but it is more manageable with miniature Dachshunds. The leg and back length’s ratio is much better than with the Standard Dachshunds. This helps to improve their lifespan.
See also: Dachshund Common Health Problems Every Potential Owner Needs to Know
Conclusion
Dachshunds are affectionate and loyal dogs. They are also very easy to maintain and will require minimal grooming unless it is a long-haired variant.
So be sure to keep these things in mind when deciding whether you should get a Dachshund or Mini Dachshund to ensure the perfect match for your unique requirements.