Discover Everything About Miniature Dachshund
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Miniature Dachshund overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Zwergdackel receives a grade of C because its extremely long back makes it particularly susceptible to severe intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Furthermore, breeders must actively rule out eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Osteogenesis Imperfecta through genetic testing. Without these mandatory health tests and strict weight management, this small dog is at risk of painful and costly health issues.
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
Height
18–21 cm
Weight
3–6 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Black
- Brown
- Red
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Miniature Dachshund, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Miniature Dachshund right for you?
The Zwergdackel is a courageous, extremely self-confident Baujäger (earth dog) — bred to hold its own against predators in narrow tunnels completely independently. It is precisely this fearless independence that makes him a big dog in a small package.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog with a strong mind of its own and take his stubborn nature with humor instead of insisting on blind obedience.
- You provide him with real scent work or tracking — an unemployed Baujäger will quickly find his own projects otherwise.
- You live on the ground floor or are prepared to consistently carry him up and down stairs, as his unique physique is not made for many steps.
- You are looking for a loyal companion who often forms a very close bond with a single person.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to turn around immediately when called during a walk — he was bred to make his own decisions underground, far away from your voice.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls and have sensitive neighbors — Dackels are extremely vigilant and have a surprisingly deep, loud voice.
- You are looking for an athletic and enduring companion for your jogging sessions or long bike rides.
- You have small, boisterous children who cannot yet reliably respect the physical boundaries of this dog.
The real vibes check
A Zwergdackel doesn't negotiate, he decides. What is vital for survival in a fox den is exactly what he applies in your living room — just without the fox. If you accept that, you won't get a cute lap dog, but a fearless, incredibly charming hunter on short legs.
Breed Profile
The miniature dachshund is a small but strong-willed dog breed that belongs to the dachshund group. Originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers and other small animals, the miniature dachshund is distinguished by its long body, short legs, and lively appearance. Its head is elongated with expressive, dark eyes and long, hanging ears that give it a distinctive look. Despite its compact size, the miniature dachshund shows a lot of courage and endurance, making it a vigilant and loyal companion. Within the breed, there are different coat types – short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired – each with different grooming requirements. The miniature dachshund is a lively, intelligent dog that is valued both as a family dog and as a hunting companion.
| Height | 18 - 21 cm (Female), 18 - 21 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 3 - 6 kg (Female), 4 - 6 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 16 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, attached to the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive |
| Coat | Short, smooth, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black, Brown, Red |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
Health
Elevated risks
Health grade
The Zwergdackel receives a grade of C because its extremely long back makes it particularly susceptible to severe intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Furthermore, breeders must actively rule out eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Osteogenesis Imperfecta through genetic testing. Without these mandatory health tests and strict weight management, this small dog is at risk of painful and costly health issues.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay attention to strict weight management, avoid letting him jump off furniture, and plan a budget from the start for the treatment of breed-typical back problems.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the parents' spines examined and pay attention to strong back musculature to reduce the risk of painful herniated discs in the bloodline as much as possible.
Frequently asked questions about the Miniature Dachshund
Is a Miniature Dachshund the right dog for me?
The Miniature Dachshund is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Miniature Dachshund live?
The average life expectancy of a Miniature Dachshund is 12-16 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Miniature Dachshund need?
Miniature Dachshund grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Miniature Dachshund good for families with children?
The Miniature Dachshund can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Miniature Dachshund Breeders Near You
Find verified Miniature Dachshund breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.