Dachshunds are an adorable breed of dogs that will make your family happier. But if you’re wondering what type of dachshund you should get, worry no more!
We took note of the similarities and differences that standard and mini dachshunds have.
Knowing a little more about them will help you decide which type is meant to be your best friend for life.
Similarities and Differences of Standard and Mini Dachshund
There are a few similarities between the standard and mini dachshunds such as being hard to train, having various coats, colors, and patterns. However, dachshunds and their mini counterparts have a lot to differ in terms of their weight, height, activity levels, proneness to certain diseases, popularity, and price.
Size
Maybe the reason why you’re interested in a dachshund is that you like to have a small dog. Then, knowing their standard sizes will be helpful for you.
The weight of standard dachshunds is typically between 7 kg to 15 kg. Meanwhile, a mini dachshund normally weighs less than 5 kg.
Standard dachshunds are also taller since they can grow up to 8-9 inches in height. Mini dachshunds, on the other hand, can only reach up to 5-7 inches tall.
There is a third kind of dachshund called the teacup, and it is smaller than the regular mini ones. Their height is less than 5 inches and they only weigh about 3.6 kg.
Dachshunds can only reach their maximum size and height when they are 1 year old, so to estimate a puppy’s future size, you should look at its parents or grandparents.
Coat Varieties
Both standard and mini dachshunds come in different types of coats, and we listed the famous ones here.
Smooth Dachshunds
These types of dachshunds are famous for their rich and glossy coat since their coats are nice to stroke and touch.
Longhaired Dachshunds
This dachshund variety features a coat that is sleek, slightly wavy, and flowy. The fur appears longer on their ears, chest, under the body, and neck, as well as behind their legs.
Wire-haired Dachshunds
Compared to the first two dachshund types, the wire-haired ones have expressive facial features, scruffy beards, and thick bushy eyebrows. Their coat is waterproof and pleasingly rough to stroke.
Colors and Patterns
Both standard and mini dachshunds also come in various beautiful colors, most of which are listed below.
- Cream
- Red
- Wild boar
- Tan and black
- Cream and black
- Cream and chocolate
- Chocolate and tan
- Tan and blue
- Cream and blue
- Tan and fawn
Aside from their interesting coat colors, it’s not unusual for our dachshund friends to also have a variety of coat patterns. Here’s the list of those beautiful coat patterns.
- Sable
- Brindle
- Dapple
- Double dapple
- Piebald
Level of Activity
Just like other dogs, dachshunds also require the right amount of exercise for them to stay healthy and happy.
Dachshunds would love to take part in activities such as field trials, agility, hiking, and swimming.
However, due to their size differences, the activity levels of standard and mini dachshunds also differ.
Standard dachshunds can enjoy longer and faster walks as compared to the mini ones. However, when they get tired, mini dachshunds are easier to carry since they’re lighter.
Standard and mini dachshunds both can walk twice a day for about 30 to 45 minutes.
While both types of dachshunds can walk for the same duration, there’s a considerable difference in the distance they can attain per day.
While standard dachshunds can walk up to 3 to 5 km per day, the mini ones can only walk for 2 to 3 km per day.
Trainability
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs but they are hard to train because they are stubborn and independent. They normally do things that they want instead of following orders.
They are also sensitive dogs so harsh training will not be effective for them. Instead, positive reinforcement should be used.
You should train them while they are still young. However, it’s hard to potty-train dachshund puppies because they have small bladder capacities.
Crate training should be used for this problem. You should also allow your dog to relieve itself after every sleep, play, meal, and training session.
Common Health Issues
Healthy standard and mini dachshunds can live for about 12-16 years. For them to live long, dachshunds should be given appropriate food, exercise, love, and care.
However, due to their physical appearance, they are prone to many health problems. Their short legs cannot support their long spine, and this is bad for their body.
But, here’s a more thorough take on the different health issues that both the standard and mini-dachshunds can have.
Acanthosis Nigricans
This condition affects the dachshunds’ skin by making it thicker and darker. This disease is very common in short-haired ones.
The clinical signs that a dog has this disease is when it has rougher areas and bald patches on its skin. There should also be areas with light brown to black in color.
Acanthosis Nigricans greatly affects the groin and legs of the dog.
Eye Diseases
There are many eye diseases that a dachshund may have, which includes: cataract, dry eye syndrome, and glaucoma.
A dachshund may also have Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which can eventually cause blindness.
Studies show that early signs of visual impairment may affect longhaired mini dachshund and wire-haired standard dachshund.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
This disease happens when the disc material goes beyond the spinal column. It can cause nerve damage, pain, and paralysis.
Studies in 2015 pointed out that standard smooth dachshunds were over 3 times more prone to IVDD as compared to standard wire-haired dachshunds.
Lafora Disease
This disease falls under late-onset progressive epilepsy and is due to gene mutation. Lafora disease may cause a dog to have dementia, seizures, paralysis, and death.
Mini wire-haired dachshunds have the highest risk of having this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Standard and Mini Dachshunds
Which type of dachshund is the most popular?
Mini dachshunds are more popular than standard ones because there is high demand for small designer dogs. The short-haired coat is the most popular in terms of dachshund’s various coats.
Which is more expensive between standard and mini dachshunds?
Since mini dachshunds are more famous recently, they are currently more expensive. Another reason that they’re more expensive is that they have smaller litter sizes, and breeders will increase the prices of mini dachshunds to cover their expenses.
Conclusion
Standard and mini dachshunds have their own pros and cons, so it’s better to think carefully before getting one.
However, no matter what similarities or differences they have, they are still both great to have and they will surely make your lives more cheerful.