I heard of this thing called a “toy” Dachshund last week. I admit I was a bit taken aback by this categorization but, ultimately, dismissed it. However, a reader left a comment to one of my articles the other day and said she wants her next Dachshund to be a “Toy”. What is a toy Dachshund?? It seemed like this term was spreading like wildfire so I wanted to get to the bottom of it.
I’ve been studying Dachshunds for over 10 years. First as a interested pet parent that wanted to know everything about the dog I had (I knew nothing about Dachshunds when I inherited Chester). Second, as a blogger. I’ve been blogging about Dachshunds, and running a 500-member Dachshund club, for 6 of those years. Last week was the first time I had ever heard of a “toy Dachshund”.
SPOILER ALERT: NO, A “TOY” DACHSHUND IS NOT A REAL THING AND YOU SHOULD NOT PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR ONE. KEEP READING TO FIND OUT MORE.
First, What is a Rabbit Dachshund?
A rabbit, or kaninchen (the German word for rabbit), Dachshund is a smaller subset of miniature Dachshund. While a miniature Dachshund is defined as being 11 lbs or under at 12 months of age, the rabbit Dachshund is under 8 lbs, and has a chest circumference less than 12 inches, at 1.5 years old. While the miniature Dachshund is recognized by every breed registry around the world, the rabbit Dachshund is not.
According to the World Canine Federation (WCF), “While the 83 countries of the World Canine Federation separate Dachshunds into three classes (standard, miniature and kaninchen), the kaninchen is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or clubs in the United Kingdom. Clubs in these countries only recognize the larger standard Dachshund, which it defines as dogs weighing between 16 and 32 lbs, and the miniature Dachshund, which is defined as a Dachshund weighing less than 11 lbs.”
“In Germany the Dachshund is divided into three categories based on the size of the hole it can enter (they were bred for hunting). The first category is the standard Dachshund; while the second and third consist of the miniature Dachshund which is further split into two categories.” (EasyPetMD)
Historically, the standard, miniature and rabbit (in most countries) are the three sizes of Dachshunds that exist.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/ch_ch
Is the Toy Dachshund a New Size?
According to the Wikipedia page on toy dogs, “Dogs referred to as toy, or teacup, dogs are found in the Toy Group of breed registries.” However,, “No major or reputable dog registry recognizes the term “teacup” dog, thus the toy/teacup boundary remains fuzzy. The standard size for a toy dog ranges from 4 to 7 pounds; anything smaller than the standard size of a toy dog may be a runt of a litter… There are no specific teacup dog breeds, but popular types for breeding teacup dogs include: Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Pug, Maltese, Pomeranian, and Silky Terrier, among others.”
I was curious about the term “major or reputable dog registry”. Since Wikipedia can be edited by common people like myself. “reputable” may be subjective. The largest and “most reputable” registry that comes to my mind in the United States is the American Kennel Club (AKC). I checked their website and “toy Dachshund” is not not listed on their page of AKC recognized toy breeds.
The other US registry that comes to mind is the United Kennel Club (UKC). They only recognize two sizes of Dachshunds – the miniature at 11 lbs. and under and the standard at 11 to 25 lbs. (note that the AKC recognizes the Standard to be 16-32 lbs).
The United Canine Association (UCA) was the only registry in the world I could find that recognizes a “toy” subcategory of Dachshund. The UCA is an “elite all-breed dog registry” willing to register breeds, and dogs with certain physical characteristics, that are not recognized by the traditional breed registries. The UCA recognizes three sizes of Dachshunds – toy, miniature, and standard. They say the miniature Dachshund is 8-11 lbs and the toy is 3 lbs or less. (More about this organization in the next section)
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/ch_ch
What is a Toy Dog?
“Toy” and “teacup” breeds are a newer, or at a least newly popular, classification of dog. They are considered a “designer breed”. Designer breeds are not recognized by the AKC and UKC, or other reputable registries with a long history in the United States. Designer breeds can make good pets but can not be shown since they are not recognized by these organizations. They are often chosen by pet owners for their novelty.
Note: many people are skeptical of “designer dogs” but, as the Designer Breed Registry urges, “We must remember that at one time all of todays recognized/established breeds in other registries were once a breeder’s vision… A designer dog”. While I admit I am skeptical myself, there is some truth to that.
None of the major and longstanding breed registries recognize the “toy Dachshund” but the United Canine Association (UCA) does. So who is the UCA? I had never heard of them before so I did a little research. I will admit I was skeptical of them and it’s possible to find information to support any belief. Being skeptical of new things is human nature so I tried to keep an open mind. There was limited information to be found about them beyond their “yay us” website, but this is what I was able to dig up.
From Yahoo Answers (Source) (not a very reliable source but I didn’t have much to go on here):
Q: “Is the UCA (United Canine Association) a good dog registry?”
A1: “No, it is not. The allow dogs that are on AKC LIMITED registration to be registered, and also promote colors of different breeds which would be disqualifying colors by AKC standards.” (bottom line: they register dogs that don’t meet AKC standards)
A2: “It seems like the perfect place for new breeds and their breeders to go. It’s also an option for those sick of AKC type registries and their pompous rules and judge – mental nonsense.” (bottom line: The AKC has certain standards and rules. If a breed, or dog, doesn’t fit those standards, they won’t register them. However, there are other registries that might.)
The Designer Breed Registry (DBS) list includes the UCA on it’s list of approved registries. The Registry was established in central New Jersey in 1979 by a small group of dedicated breeders who had an interest in exploring the possibilities of creating new and exciting breeds of dogs. I could not find when the UCA was established (the fact that they don’t say on their website is a red flag to me) but it seems that is a relatively new organization.
I asked breeder friend of mine about them and if they were a reputable organization. She said she had never heard of them so that indicates they are new. She also said, in her opinion, “definitely NO on that one if they are registering ‘designer breeds'”.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/ch_ch
My Conclusion About the Trend of Toy Dachshund
The reality is, a Dachshund is a Dachshund and they come in all sizes. Some are large, some are small, and some are very small. How much they weigh determines what breed category they fit into with breed registrars.
The World Canine Federation recognizes a “rabbit” Dachshund but not a “toy” Dachshund. However, the standard for both seem to be under 8 lbs. While the rabbit also has a breed standard for chest circumference, the toy does not. However, due to the sheer “smallness” of a toy Dachshund, the chest probably meets the size requirement for the rabbit in most cases. In my opinion, the toy Dachshund is just the rabbit Dachshund with a different name.
Tiny dogs are super cute. So what’s in a name? A lot actually. The name matters both in public perception and the amount of money breeders ask for a dog.
First, consider the size. The smallest puppies in a litter used to be called runts. Runts are cute. Breeders realized that and started breeding runts together to ensure that most pups in the litter were also runts. They decided to call this “runt” dog a “toy” dog. It used to be that breeders practically gave the runts away but now they are a “legitimate” classification so they can charge the same price for them, and often a lot more, than miniature Dachshunds.
Second, consider the “non-show quality” dog. Historically, every breeder assesses a litter and determines, based on breed standards, which dogs are “show quality” and which ones are “pet quality”. The show quality dogs are usually sold for much more money than the pet quality. In the case of toy dogs, many breeders will charge as much or more for this “pet quality” dog that is a “designer breed”. It just seems like a money-making scam to me (if you breed these dogs, feel free present a different side to this in the comments).
In my opinion, you should not pay more for one. You should be doing a lot of research, and asking a lot of questions, if you plan to buy a dog from a breeder. During your research, discuss how small a breeder’s dogs usually are when full grown. Choose a breeder who is able to consistently produce small miniature Dachshunds and ask for the smallest one in the litter.
Also be aware that dogs bred to be “teacups” often have many health problems associated with them. A common ailment of Dachshund – a degenerative back disease called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) – is linked to the dwarfism gene. I am going to assume that the smaller (more dwarfed) Dachshunds may be more prone to this disease. That is just my speculation though – it may not be fact (my research says that the incidence of IVDD is not significant between the standard and miniature size so…). Just be sure to ask the breeder about this health issue if you plan to purchase a toy Dachshund.
Wanting a “toy Dachshund” is not wrong or silly. However, I want you to be informed before you purchase one. They are nothing more than a very small Dachshund.
Beth says
Excellent article that is very well researched! I just can not accept designer breeeds as they are genetic nightmares; however, people are so unaware of what they are buying that they snap up these puppies at very steep prices. And, yes later they will pay the steep vet bills for treatment of various health issues (if they even keep the dog).
You might also look at the Miniature Dachshund Club of America http://www.dachshund-nmdc.org/ and the Dachshund Club of America (tried to include their web address, but your site wouldn’t let me put more than one) for more information on the breed standards most generally acccepted. Thank you!
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Beth. Good to hear from you. It’s nice that all organizations agree on what the breed standard is in the US. Well, except for the UKC… which makes me even more skeptical of them.
Sarah beach says
I had a miniature Daschund she lived 17 yrs. I miss her so bad. She’s been gone a year. The best sweetest dog I have ever had. Just to old to train and take care of another
Mindi Burns says
No you’re not how about going to a rescue and adopting a senior dachshund, you would be doing 2 wonderful things. 1. Going to a rescue 2. Adopting a Senior, they have a harder time getting adopted!
Sara says
Hi Sarah,
Sorry about.you dog
I feel devasted myself. My beloved she_Dash pased away this Sunday
.She was 16 and a half y/o.
She was sweet, strong charming and lovely. Miss her so much
Wishing you the best.
Sara
Vinnie says
I have seen a toy dachshund in N.Carolina. It was black and was named Gertrude. It was many years ago, and perhaps they stopped breeding them for whatever reason, but I haven’t seen another one. I have had three red ones and they are my favorite breed.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Vinnie. There is no such thing as a toy Dachshund. As my article states, if the dog was under 11 lbs it was a miniature. If you had been in Europe, or the owners were from Europe, and the dog was under approximately 6 lbs, it might have been called a Rabbit Dachshund… not a “toy”.
Cece says
I have seen a full grown sheltie who was 12# and a foot tall sitting down. I have seen a 2# chiwa..who looked like a rat. Toy australian shepherds…ick, how could they do that to the best working dog ever. How could they bred pomeranian into any breed…see mini siberian huskey. I am not a fan of toy dogs at all, nor designer dogs. I am not even a fan of designer horses. When I picked Ruby from her litter, she had a much smaller sister, the runt. She was a feisty pup, but really tiny. Since I am still in contact with the breeder, and he in contact with the siblings homes I asked about her. He said she was only 6# full grown and he thought she was so small considering her parents were twice her size. She was so small when I saw her at 7 weeks, that she looked like a purse dog, and something easy to step on. Not a dog for me, too easy to damage. Ruby was small enough. And their should not be naked animals either, they have hair for a reason, too make the soft to pet. My rant
Maureen Long says
Hello. I totally agree with your philosophy, and would add that its a shame there are breeders out there who sacrifice conformation and risk genetic nightmares in order to breed for tiny size alone or for coloration. (Case in point, the double dapples.) I would appreciate a referral to the breeder you got Ruby from, and would like to know, where can I acquire a healthy miniature dachshund, smooth coated, any solid color, with blue eyes?
Rachel says
The only dachshunds with blue eyes are dappled (this occurs when the dapple genes hit the eyes and dilute their pigment), so you will not find a solid colored dachshund with blue eyes…blue eyes are just not in the genetics for a solid dachshund.
Jessica Rhae says
Very interesting info Rachel. Thanks.
Charlene S says
Blue eyes may also be a sign that the dog is blind. Any dog with a pure white face and blue eyes should be tested. Lack of pigment on the face or ears, near the brain, can produce deaf and blind. I have had Dachshunds for 40 years and met a woman who paid $1000 for a white Doxy with blue eyes “very rare”. Yes, very rare to pay that for a deaf and blind dog. Very sad! Red, black and tan and cream in long hair are the safest colors. Do your homework and remember that you can pay a reputable AKC Breeder or pay a vet.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for the wise words Charlene. In my experience, everything you said is accurate. A dog with a while face and blue eye is most likely a double dapple and those are the most likely to be deaf and blind. Unfortunately, unscrupulous breeders sometimes mate two dapples, despite the risks, because the litter is sure to have the desired dapple pattern (IF they even survive though and they are also very likely to be deaf and/or blind. It’s sad.).
Bonnie Mynahan says
I have a female fixed chiweenie and she is the best dog ever, but a little overweight, she will see her vet on Friday and I will have her put on a prescription diet to loose all the weight, bye bye treats
Jessica Rhae says
Treats, especially if they are table scraps, can be a huge factor in weight. On our photo shoot days, Chester and Gretel get a lot of treats so I adjust their meals and feed them less that day.
Karen DeBraal says
Poor little screwed up freaky dogs. That’s all the world needs — some new genetically engineered pooch with a host of cruel disorders. I feel ill. Shelters are full of dogs needing homes and people have to cook up some new little deformity for their own amusement.
Sonia says
This was super insightful since I’m always struggling to know under which category my Doxie falls under she is 3.8 pounds at 11 months of age
Jessica Rhae says
It sounds like she is a “rabbit” Dachshund, although in the US there are only two categories – mini and standard. So she is considered a mini in the US.
Katherine Fowler says
I have not been without a dachshund in 60 years. I have seen many changes in them many of which are very disturbing and frankly frightening. Twenty so years ago IVDD was a rare occurrence usually caused by injury but now I read about it all the time. I have never had a dachshund with a back problem and I have had many dachshunds over 60 years. All the colors I see are what frightens me the most. Designer”breeds” are not breeds. They are mixed in other words to be blunt they are mutts. Don’t get me wrong. Mutts are great dogs. I have one myself. She is a yorkie mixed with poodle and I adore her!
Jessica Rhae says
I didn’t know that IVDD was more rare 20 years ago. That is very interesting. I do suspect it has something to do with the coloring. Back then there were pretty much two colors – red and black and tan. Now there are so many variations. Gretel is a dapple, which is “merle” in other breeds. I know dogs with that kind of coloring can have some issues due to the recessive genes.
M Smith says
Jessica, 20 yrs ago they were not breeding them to have such short legs
They were taller and I think that might be the reason for all the back problems. I have one that is so low to the ground that his private parts drag and half his tail scrapes the ground! He was a rescue so I don’t know where he came from but he has back problems.
Jessica Rhae says
From what I understand, standard sizes were more popular 20 years ago too. All I know about the back problems is that it’s caused by a genetic disease called IVDD and the disease is related to the dwarfism gene (but they don’t know what else so it can’t be tested for). Logically, it seems that a smaller dog might have “more” of the dwarfism gene and, therefore, have more issues. I’ve searched for years and there isn’t any clear evidence to show this is true though. Hopefully your pup’s back issues stay in the mild realm.
Colleen says
That’s not how genetics work. You don’t have more of one gene or less of one Gene. You just have the gene. You get one copy of each from each parent. And as far as dwarfism goes it doesn’t apply to the size of the dog it applies to the long bones not growing as much. So that would be the leg bones.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Colleen. First, let me say, I have a background in science (although not genetics specifically) so I understand scientific concepts. However, on my blog, I regularly simplify complicated scientific concepts so my readers -non-scientists – can get the basic gist. To clarify my comment above, the word “more” is in parenthesis. I didn’t mean literally MORE. I could have said “stronger” there instead. It is true that some people and animals are more dwarfed than others.
To your first point, I think you might be confused yourself or I’m misunderstanding you. Each living being does not have only ONE gene from each parent. Living beings have a lot of genes.
“Just as a book is divided into chapters, and chapters into sentences, the long strings of genome DNA are chopped up into “chapters” called chromosomes. Within each chromosome are pieces called genes with an average length of 3,000 letters. Genes are like the individual recipes in a cookbook. Instead of recipes for cookies or spaghetti sauce, these are recipes for hair color, making eyes or putting our brains together.” (source: https://genetics.thetech.org/ask-a-geneticist/dog-vs-human-dna)
So, in this case, dwarfism is a chapter – gene – that some have and some don’t.
To you’re second point, you’re splitting hairs. Yes, the dwarfism gene affects the lengths of the bones/cartilage, primarily making them shorter. A shorter dog is a smaller dog so, yes, it does actually affect the size of the dog.
Sorry if I misunderstood you but I like to add clarity to comments – especially ones that claim my information is incorrect – so that other people reading my comments aren’t confused.
DIANE says
Re: Dachshund sizes, I agree with you on all your points,Thanks for your informative article, the only thing that was new knowledge to me was the “rabbit” part, I had heard “toy” 20+ years ago I just thought it was a bunch of people that never studied the breed standards.
We live here in America, so I consider the AKC standards the “standard” for dog breeds
Jessica Rhae says
That’s interesting Diane. I had heard the term “toy” to describe some other breeds but never a Dachshund before.
Katherine says
These new designer dogs confuse me, too. They are mutts but because a celebrity has a small mutt in a bag, the owners (I don’t consider those people as ‘breeders’) charge exhorbant prices for them. I saw a “pomski” puppy with a $700 deposit and $4000 due at pick up…WHAT??? I like the smaller dogs because they can’t knock me down like a big dog.
Jessica Rhae says
Yeah, the huge price tag confuses me. I once overheard a young man talking about wanting a Goldendoodle. He was explaining to his friends that they were expensive because the dog was TWO purebred dogs combined… as if the fact that two different purebreds together was more valuable than one. I wonder if that was his own reasoning or if that is some line of crap a breeder told him? I wanted to say something like, “Wow. Imagine how expensive the dog would be if it was THREE or FOUR purebred dogs together. Oh, wait. That’s a mutt. You can get those at the shelter for $100”. Ha, ha.
Krismusik says
So if standards are between 16 and 22 lbs, and miniatures are 11 lbs and under, what is my 14 pounder? He was supposed to be miniature but the breeder said that some of her dogs end up being ” tweenies”. My dog is not overweight according to the vet.
Connie Simmons says
Your dog is considered to be a “tweenie” which is just a size between the standard and the miniature. Nothing wrong with a tweenie, they just cannot be shown in AKC shows because they are too big to be a mini and too small to be a standard.
Chelsea says
I have a 1.5 year old dachshund who is currently 5 pounds and the vet says he’s full grown
Jessica Rhae says
That’s definitely small!
twyla seymour says
many dachshund that are larger than a mini and smaller than a standard (layman term “tweenies)are show in AKC shows,in the american bred class,,amatuer owner class, the open mini class has a size restriction to be under 11 lb,some dogs that are considered to be of great merit but slightly over or under the standard can be shown in the “bred by exhibitor class” ,only by the breeder that produced the dog.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for the info Twyla. I’m not familiar with the process/requirements of showing a Dachshund.
twyla l seymour says
i have champion dachshunds,i show and compete in conformation and earth dog. I breed on a small scale for dogs for myself to keep ,show and love.i do place my pet quality puppies within good homes.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Twyla. Do you breed Dachshunds that are on the smaller size?
Jessica Rhae says
As Connie said, you have what people term a “tweenie”. That is not a size that can be shown under the AKC so they are considered “pet quality”… which there is absolutely nothing wrong with! 🙂 A Dachshund’s category is determined by weight, not anything genetic. Standard Dachshunds can end up having mini or tweenies and mini Dachshunds can have tweenies or standards. Breeders can somewhat predict what size dogs they can produce but it’s not foolproof.
Candace Felser says
I have a kanichen dachshund. She was rescued from an awful puppy mill. She is also a double dapple with aniridia (born without irises, an eye deformity). Obviously this was not a reputable breeder, who was using her for her size and color (chocolate & cream). The demand for “toy” breeds makes me so angry because most of the time it’s dogs like this that suffer the most at the hands of greedy people in it for the money. All my dogs are rescues from puppy mills, hoarding cases, neglect and abuse cases. This new trend is not a good thing in my opinion. Please research your breeder if you think you have to have a “toy” breed!!
Jessica Rhae says
Thank you for giving so many needy dogs a loving home Candace. It’s sad to me when I see people say they want a color of dog that I know is very prone to health problems. As you know, double dapples almost always are blind and/or deaf… if they even survive 🙁 Yet every time I see a picture of a (rare) one that seems ok health-wise, I read all of the comments. I cringe at how many people say, “I want one! Where can I get it?”. I seriously doubt they know any better though so I guess education is the key. *sigh*.
klara lipton says
Hi. I have a little longhaired Dachshund, 10 pounds. He is a rescue too and was unwanted. Guess what he is able to do? I am a diabetic and he can tell my highs and lows. He trained himself to do this. People used to say he was so lucky that he got such a good home. I am the lucky one. He sleeps on the pillow next to mine every night, and wakes me up, when I am in trouble. My Dachshund angel.
Sue says
Hi, I also am a proud Dachshund Mommy. My 7 year I was also knows about diabetes,she can also pull a wheelchair with you in it. She is a mini. When we were on a flight , my hubby’s sugar wasn’t right, she senced it and curled up around his neck to let me know. Just four days later my friend was at the house because of my having work done, and I was at the hospital with my husband, my dog jumped onto the couch where my friend was, got against her back, started shivering and crying, she knew her Daddy had just passed away. That’s what I call LOVE….
Sunny Parker says
Thank you so much for this informative post. I have read so many contradicting articles on this subject that my head was spinning. I now feel like I can approach a breeder with intelligent questions to try to find the next love of my life!
Lynette DeNike says
Thank you so much for this information. I have been trying to figure out what a “toy” dachshund is for several years and had never found the information you shared regarding “rabbit” dachshunds. Understanding this is very helpful.
Jessica Rhae says
Glad it helped explain things.
Terry says
Other names for the Rabbit Dachshund (American name). Some German names Kaninchenteckel, Kurzhaar, or Kaninchendackel, Kurzhaar, and Kaninchen. Also just called Teckel or Dackel. Unfortunately the uneducated American name is toy, teacup or micro mini.
The oldest Club devoted to the breeding of Dachshunds is the “Deutsche Teckelklub 1888 e.V.” founded in 1888. For Decades the Dachshund has been bred in three sizes (Standard Dachshund, Miniature Dachshund and Rabbit Dachshund) and in three different kinds of coat (Smooth-haired, Wire-haired and Logn-haired).
I am of German dissent first generation. I had a rabbit Dachshund 50 years ago when I was a young child. I knew what a rabbit dachshund was but everyone in the United States always called it a toy, teacup or micro mini dachshund. I could never get anyone to understand what a Rabbit Dachshund was, it’s too bad that we don’t have three sizes of dachshund in United States to stop this confusion. In England it doesn’t seem to be a problem people there know what rabbit dachshunds are and they have been around for a long time. I will have to send people to your article to help educate them. Thank you for writing it!
I currently have six dogs half are rescued… a Mutt, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kanal, 2 Rabbit Dachshunds, and Pomeranian.
Jessica Rhae says
That’s interesting info Terry. Thanks for sharing. I’m a bit surprised that even 50 years ago people were using the term “toy”. I thought that trend (no matter what the breed) was something relatively new.
PS…. I wanted a Rhodesian Ridgeback but ended up inheriting a Dachshund 🙂
Terry says
You are correct about the term “toy ” I really only remember the term “toy” about 45 years ago for “toy poodles “. Only in the last 20 years or so have I heard it referred to for other dogs. What people actually would say to me when I was a child was “it’s not just a miniature dachshund it’s a tiny, teeny-weeny, runt of the litter, sickly, dwarf or what wrong with that dog.
” dachshund something along those lines.
You should still get a Rhodesian Ridgeback my dachshunds love love love there adopted big brother!
Bonnie says
I have also heard about middy size doxie …..smaller then standard but bigger then miniature . Is there such a group?
Jessica Rhae says
Not according to the American Kennel Club. Unofficially, Dachshunds over 11 lbs but under 15 are called “tweenies” by many people. That’s the mid size you’re referring to.
Janice Mire says
I LOST MY DACHSHUND 2 DAYS AGO. I CAN’T HARDLY STAND THE PAIN. I AM LOOKING TO GET ANOTHER ONE BUT I CAN’T FIND A BREEDER NEAR WHERE I LIVE (LOUISIANA). I DON’T WANT TO GET ONE FROM A PUPPY MILL. GUESS I’LL JUST KEEP SEARCHING. THANKS FOR LISTENING.
Jessica Rhae says
I’m so sorry for your loss Janice. I had to say goodbye to one of mine earlier this year so the pain is still fresh… I can relate. You’ll find a new baby to help heal your heart. Just be patient and ask a lot of questions of any potential breeders. I wouldn’t totally discount shelters and rescues either. Some Dachshund-specific rescues, and even some regular ones, sometimes have Dachshund puppies.
Rik Brooks says
Nice article. I thought I’d comment on the pet v show dogs and the price difference. Pet dogs need not meet all the specifications for a breed. In most litters you are going to have a few that don’t meed competition standards, maybe just the wrong color or something, These dogs are not going to be valuable to another breeder because he might pass on those genes. So they are sold as pets to non-breeders. A breeder often is looking for something specific, maybe just the right weight. He will pay more for a dog that will have the traits that will strengthen his pups. So that’s the difference, show dogs are normally bought by breeders
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Rik. That is accurate information. However, price does not always equate to equality. Many breeders in it for the money will charge very high fees for “unusual” Dachshund colors and sizes that are absolutely outside of the breed standard (not suitable as a show dog). For example, some breeders will charge thousands of dollars for a double dapple when that is a very dangerous breeding practice (could result in death, blindness, or deafness) and those dogs can’t be shown. However, their color/pattern may be very striking and breeders in it for the profit know that some people will pay top-dollar for the unique look of the dog.
Maria Elena says
My almost 2 years old Blue is very tiny, my daughter was told she was a “micro “ how small is a miniature? I had two others and they were tiny too, Minnie was the runt but have no idea what Mickey was he was given to my daughter , he was sick and almost blind at 4 years old but the same size.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Maria. In the US (AKC), a Dachshund 11 lbs or under is a “mini”. It doesn’t matter how much smaller they are. In Germany, and some other countries, there is a smaller classification called a “rabbit” Dachshund. There are a few measurements involved to confirm the classification but they are generally 6 lbs and under. There is not a “micro” classification of Dachshund in any breed standard. Breeders may just call a Dachshund that so you understand that they will be very small.
Cheryl says
I lost my dachshund Penny, to ketoacidosis, a side effect of diabetes. I had her the care of a sitter that I trusted. She was a piebald with one blue eye. She was my love. Is piebald considered a bad trait, prone to genetic problems? She also had bad knees and a severe underbite. She was dropped off at a rescue home when we found her.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Cheryl. I’m sorry to hear that happened. Piebalds can be more prone to deafness but, generally, a piebald breeding IF bred to a standard color (black and tan or red/chocolate) or another piebald, is not known for having a lot of issues. Where trouble can occur, from what I understand, is when a piebald is bred to a dapple. There is an increase of issues there and two dapples bred together almost always results in problems. So the main issue is that some people are unable to tell the difference between a dapple or a piebald (even some breeders with little or no experience) and may accidentally breed them together.
Mikayla says
You all do know that’s how we have the dogs we have today right? Pugs can’t breathe correctly because of how people designed them to be but we insist that dogs with a pedigree are superior even though they keep breeding in the same gene pool to keep to these standards. Just saying.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Mikayla. I’m not sure I totally get the point you are trying to make. While I agree that over breeding, and “targeting” a specific look that is actually bad for their health, leads to unhealthy dogs, your reference to “that’s” is throwing me off. Did I capture your intention or were you speaking more about breeding dogs in general?
Steph says
I have had dachshunds for 30 years. The first was a standard from an American breeder. Beautiful dog who lived to be 17. Only drawback was he was a barker. We then had 3 who were bred to be 10 pounds. Super “cute” dogs and funny to play with. All had health issues – heart problems, back problems, blindness and anxiety problems. None lived to be 10 years old. These are all caused by poor breeding practices and it really needs to stop. We recently purchased a beautiful smooth haired girl from a breeder in Germany. She is calm, playful, a great hunter and hands down the most beautiful dog I have ever seen. All the classic traits – long body, long ears, long nose, short legs with large paws for digging – are present in this dog. The breeder keeps a binder for her bitches and carefully tracks bloodlines. The dogs are not overbred and are lovingly cared for by this family. If people want to breed they should be doing to same. We would have far fewer rescues if breeders had to be educated and certified. We need to stop breeding for what we think is cute and raise healthy dogs who are magnificent specimens of their breed. That is how you get beautiful, healthy, personable, long lived dogs of any breed.
Jessica Rhae says
I agree and am a bit envious of you. I would love to get a Dachshund from a breeder in Germany, or nearby, someday. I’m sure there are bad breeders around the world but Europeans do seem to take the breed standard more seriously. I follow a lot of Dachshunds on Instagram and it’s interesting to see the differences. I can usually spot a dog that is from outside the US right away.
Jennifer says
I have a Chiwennie, they only thing chihuahua about him is his ears. He is 2 years old weighs 7pounds his name is Iggy Pup. Would he be a mini or a rabbit size? I have already had problems with his back legs. He was paralyzed for 2 weeks. He is fine now but what supplements should I be giving him?
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Jennifer. Besides the fact that a chiweenie is not a recognized breed by the AKC, and would not be classified along with a full-breed Dachshund, the AKC in the US only recognizes two Dachshund classifications – the standard and mini. I’m assuming you live in the US so your pup would be a “mini” size.
If you live in another country, the rabbit Dachshund may be a recognized class. The definition of one is under 8 lbs at 1.5 years old AND “has a chest circumference less than 12 inches”. You would have to measure your pup to see if he qualifies as a rabbit Dachshund.
Jennifer says
Yes he qualifys as a rabbit. I’m more concerned about his back legs. He was paralyzed for 2 weeks in December , we have him taking prednisone every other day right now ( I can’t keephim on this forever) what kind of supplements would help him .
Jessica Rhae says
Sorry if I misunderstood your comment.
I’m a but surprised that your vet still has him on prednisone. When Gretel had an IVDD-related back injury, she was prescribed strict crate rest for a minimum of 6 weeks (it ended up being 10), pain pills, and prednisone but she was only to take the prednisone for 1 week and the pain medicine only as long as needed (it was about 2 weeks). If I remember right, there can be quite a few side effects from prednisone. I would discuss with your vet why they want him to still be on it and if you can wean him off.
As far as supplements that can help, I give Gretel CBD after strenuous exercise or if she is acting stiff and sore. I also give her supplements to help support her muscles and joints. You can read about all of the supplements I give her here: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/supplements-active-senior-dogs-and-dogs-recovering-from-ivdd/
Becky Camp says
Hi! I have loved Dachys all my life. I have enjoyed all this info I have read today. I had done alot of research on the breed concerning all the different color combinations. Found out after the fact that dachys with all colors and with alot of white on them especially their paws had genetic issues. I lost my Charlie, who was called a dapple piebald with blue eyes, 1 mth ago at 5 yrs old from kidney and liver failure and our vets couldn’t figure out why after many tests. It occurred within 3mths. He had no issues of any kind when we got him at 4 mths.It was shocking. An autopsy could have been done but I couldn’t do it. He was so smart. I have read a dachy that has any white on it I shouldn’t get. Can you tell me if that is truly correct.? I’m again looking for me another sweetheart. Thanks for listening to my situation.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Becky. I’m very sorry for the loss of Charlie and the way it happened. Unfortunately, many breeders who are unethical or just uneducated, call a double dapple, a “piebald dapple”. They look as you describe – a lot of colors but also a lot of white. They can have many, many health issues. However, most of them are to do with the eyes and hearing. Perhaps your Charlie was not a double dapple and was just born with an underlying issue that took a while to surface. Either way, I’m sure that losing him was devastating. Again, I’m sorry.