Dachshund (Miniature) (long, smooth, wirehaired)

Lifestyle Needs

Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund

The Miniature Dachshund is a long bodied dog with very short legs.  He weighs around 5 kilograms (whereas the larger version can weigh as much as 12 kilograms).  He will suit almost any type of home environment and would make a suitable family pet.  However care should be taken that young children are taught how to handle and respect him.  Although diminutive in size the Mini Dachs is often described as a large personality in a small frame and he needs exercise just like any other dog.  All three coats require regular grooming.  More coat care will be needed with the long-haired coat, and the wire-haired coat will typically need to be ‘stripped’ a couple of times a year.

Inbreeding Coefficient - COI
(Should be as low as possible)

The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 7.5% (longhaired), 7.7% (smoothhaired), 9.9% (wirehaired) - see 'A Beginners Guide to COI'

Effective Population Size - EPS

EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.

Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)

• The Dachshund’s short legs (Hypochondroplasia – dwarfism) are associated with Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).  It is reported that between 20% and 25% of Dachshunds are likely to suffer some degree of back problems during their life.  This can range from minor back pain through to severe spinal cord  damage and paralysis.
• The extreme short legs limit a Mini Dachshund’s ability to run, jump and communicate with other dogs, eg play bows.

BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs

• Eye disease: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (longhaired, smoothhaired) (annual testing); Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) (longhaired) (litter screening); Persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) (wirehaired) (litter screening)
• X-ray screening for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) between the ages of two and four years  Grade 0-3

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs

DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds

Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.

Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)

Mini Smooth-haired:

• Cushings disease
• Various skin problems (eg, pattern baldness, ear pinna alopecia, Malassezia dermatitis)
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Pes Varus

Mini longhaired:

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Epilepsy
• Eye conditions: Distichiasis
• Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
• Pes Varus

Mini wire-haired:

• Various skin problems (eg, pattern baldness, ear pinna alopecia, Malassezia dermatitis)
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Pes Varus

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Or the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders Scheme Standard and Guidance:
Standard PDF | Guidance PDF

List of Dog Breeds