Mini Dachshund
A Mini Dachshund is one of the size varieties of the breed. It’s up to 14 inches (35 cm) at the withers and up to 11 pounds (4.9 kg) in weight. Other size varieties of the Dachshund are Standard, with the height between 14 and 18 inches (35-45 cm,) and Toy, standing up to 12 inches (30 cm) at the withers. The Toy variety of the Dachshund is not accepted by the AKC breed standard, but it can be registered by the FCI and other European registries.
A Mini Dachshund differs from the standard variety by the size only. It retains the body structure and personality of the breed. Actually, a strange-looking dog like a Dachshund is a result of a long selective work. Dogs with elongated body and short legs were designed for hunting badgers and other vermin that live in underground dens. These courageous and strong little dogs followed the prey into the narrow dens and used their paws to dig through the tunnels. If the dog could not get out, the hunter could save it by pulling it by the tail.
Beside an elongated body, the Mini Dachshund has a long head. The muzzle is long and refined, with a convex skull, arched eyebrows, and tight lips. The eyes of the Dachshund are oval, dark brown or reddish in color, with an intelligent and friendly expression. The ears are long and pendant. The coat of the Dachshund can be smooth, long, and wire-haired. A vide variety of coat color is accepted in this breed. Dachshunds come in solid colors: black, brown from crème to chocolate, all shades of red from blond to deep auburn, and gray or blue. Bi-colored dogs come in black and tan, chocolate and tan, black and crème, chocolate and crème, blue and tan, and crème and blue. The tan and crème appears over the eyes and on the points (a typical hound pattern.) Other patterns in the Dachshund are brindle, dapple, and sable.
The typical Dachshund personality was designed for hunting; these dogs are very intelligent, self-assured, and able to make independent decisions. All Dachshunds are proud, bold, and very energetic. A Mini Dachshund needs a strong-willed owner who can provide a dog with enough exercise.
