Dachshund Vs Mini Dachshund: Similarities & Differences Between Mini Vs Standard Doxies

If you’re considering becoming a Dachshund parent but unsure which size might suit you better, you need to know the difference between mini vs standard Dachshunds. The primary difference is their size, with minis being noticeably smaller than their standard siblings in weight and height. Although there are two official sizes, some Dachshunds, like mine, fall between sizes, giving way to a third unofficial size known as tweenies. Eager to discover more in the battle of the Wieners? Let’s take a closer look.

Mini vs Standard Dachshund: 6 Key Differences

• Mini Dachshunds are smaller and leaner.
• Standard Doxies are larger and more muscular.
• Because of their smaller frame, minis are more at risk of injury.
• Mini Dachshunds require less exercise because they tire more quickly.
• Standard Doxies require much more mental stimulation.
• Mini Doxies eat less than standard Wieners.

Breed History

To understand the Dachshund breed, you must know a little about their history and origins. This breed comes from Germany, where they were bred to be hunting dogs, specifically for badgers. In German, “Dachs” translates to badger, and “hund” translates to dog. Their job was to dig into badger lairs and chase the inhabitants overground towards their master. They also worked in packs to hunt wild boar. It’s not officially known when they first came to be, but they first appeared in artwork as early as the 15th century.

According to the Dachshund Club of America (DCA), Miniature Dachshunds were first registered in their homeland in 1902. However, they were popular long before this as smaller family versions and to hunt smaller prey, such as rabbits and rats. Unfortunately, some breeders saw the minis as the runts of the litters, and many were destroyed. However, in the 19th century, fanciers began standardizing miniature Doxies as they contributed equally to the German hunting scene as their standard siblings.

Many of the most popular Dachshund names relate to their homeland or iconic appearance.

Appearance

Dachshunds are one of the most iconic breeds in the canine kingdom. Their long and low body has won hearts worldwide, including mine. Their appearance is what distinguishes miniature and standard Dachshunds. The Dachshund breed standard sets out their appearance, and they come in two sizes:

1. Standard Dachshunds. Weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and measure between 8 and 9 inches tall (from paw to shoulder).
2. Miniature Dachshunds. Weigh 11 pounds and under and measure between 5 and 6 inches tall.

So what about those who weigh between 11 and 16 pounds and measure 6 and 8 inches tall? Any Wiener in between these sizes is fondly called a tweenie. Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not officially recognize tweenies as an official size, there are lots of them around, including my pup Chips.

Genetics determine a Dachshund’s size. Standard Doxies can give birth to minis and vice versa. I rescued my Doxie when she was around five months old. When her previous owner bought her from a breeder, she was told Chips was a mini Dachshund with two miniature parents. Watch this short video produced by the AKC that shows the mini and standard Dachshund side by side to see the size difference.

We have a Dachshund growth guide that focuses on puppy milestones. Although this guide is more geared towards standard Doxies, apart from the sizing difference, it offers an insight into a Doxie’s first year of life.

Temperament

Dachshunds are curious and spunky; nothing phases them. They love to investigate and sniff everything, and these traits keep Doxie owners on their toes. Learn from my mistake, and know that just because something is locked away, your Doxie could still seek it out. For this reason, keep everything dangerous out of reach and inaccessible. To demonstrate their cleverness, my Doxie has learned to push our dining chairs across the room to my kitchen island to climb onto the surface and watch our hamster.

Dachshunds bark a lot, regardless of whether they are a mini or standard. They make incredible watchdogs because every sound is worth investigating and alerting you to. Whether it’s a feline in the garden or a friend visiting, expect a tirade of deep barks and prolonged howling. Although Doxies can make apartment-friendly pets, thanks to their smaller size, they might be unsuitable for families living near noise-sensitive neighbors.

No matter the Wiener size, they are also incredibly loving and clingy. Doxies are Velcro dogs, and they’ll follow you around like a love-sick puppy. Some Doxie fanciers suggest their coat type affects their personality more than their size. Although no evidence supports this, some believe long-hair Doxies are more laidback than smooth or wire-haired pups. Overall, Mini and Standard Doxies have very similar personalities.

Coat & Colors

There are three Dachshund coat types, and minis and standards can have any.

1. Smooth Coat: The smooth coat is short, soft, and shiny all over, and it is the most common type of Doxie coat.
2. Long-Haired Coat: Long-hair Dachshunds have sleek and slightly wavy hair. The hair is longer around the neck, forechest, underside of the body, ears, behind the legs, and tail, creating a flag-like shape.
3. Wire-Haired Coat: A Doxie with this coat has a tight, short, thick, rough, hard outer coat and a finer undercoat. The hair around the jaw, eyebrows, and ears is denser and more pronounced, giving them a “grandad-like” appearance.

Dachshunds are a very colorful breed, and there are around 15 Dachshunds coat colors. Both mini and standard Doxies can sport any of these colors. The traditional black and tan is the most common color most people think of when thinking about Doxies. Other standard coat colors include:

• Chocolate & tan
• Blue & tan
• Fawn & tan
• Cream
• Black & cream
• Fawn & cream
• Chocolate & cream
• Blue & cream
• Wheaten
• Wild boar
• Red

There are a few other Doxie colors, although these are non-standard and not accepted by the AKC in dog shows. These solid coat colors include black, chocolate, and fawn. Both mini and standard Doxies can sport a range of coat patterns, including brindle, dapple, piebald, sable, and brindle piebald. The Dachshund community is a colorful one.

Exercise

Dachshunds are high-energy, but does the mini vs standard Dachshund size affect their exercise needs? Yes, mini Doxies require a little less physical stimulation than their standard siblings. But this is only because minis are smaller and tire quicker. Mini Doxies need between 30 and 45 minutes of outdoor exercise a day. Expect to spend up to an hour a day exercising your standard Dachshund. However, larger Dachshunds are happy to spend all day walking and exploring with you. Mini Doxies might need a rest or carry for longer adventures.

Dachshunds also need plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day, but standard Doxies need more than minis. They love to play with interactive toys that challenge their clever nature and entice their sensitive noses with scent work. Snuffle mats are an excellent investment for mini and standard Doxies, too. That being said, all Dachshunds love to cuddle and nap with their humans. If you’re looking for a boxset buddy, you can’t do much better than a Doxie. As long as your Doxie spends time with you, they are pretty easygoing.

Have you seen Dachshund racing and wondered if it could be a great way to exercise and socialize your mini or standard Doxie? I discovered all there is to know about Wiener dog racing and how to find a Doxie Derby near you.

Training

All Dachshunds are intelligent and eager to please but also incredibly stubborn, making training them a little tricky. You must train your puppy and establish the rules you wish to keep throughout their lifetime from the get-go. If you let them on the couch once, they expect it for the rest of their lives. Most Dachshunds are very food-orientated, so these training treats are handy for training both minis and standards.

If you’re new to dog training or have an extra stubborn Wiener, consider using a dog training app or the help of Doggy Dan to get the most out of your Doxie.

Health

Dachshunds are a generally healthy dog breed, and miniature and standard Dachshunds enjoy an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. To help them live a happy and healthy life, you need to learn more about Dachshund’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy. The only slight difference in the standard vs mini Dachshund health is that, because miniature Dachshunds are smaller, they are slightly more fragile and could be more at risk of injury.

The most common health problems for Dachshunds in both sizes are:

To reduce the risk of injury and IVDD, I recommend investing in dog ramps to help your Doxie get onto the couch, bed, and other raised surfaces. We also have a guide on the best car ramps for dogs to help them get in and out of your vehicle.

Nutrition

Both mini and standard Dachshunds need a high-quality diet that meets the pet food guidelines set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Mini Doxies eat less than standard Doxies, but it’s tricky to say how much less because it depends on various factors. Always follow the feeding instructions according to their weight and lifestyle. We have a guide on the best foods for Dachshunds with other helpful nutritional Doxie tips.

Avoid free-feeding Dachshunds because they would happily eat all day if they could. It’s essential to control their portions and avoid overfeeding them. Becoming overweight can be disastrous for Doxies because it significantly increases the risk of IVDD, diabetes, joint problems, and other weight-related health issues. Consider low-calorie treats to help minimize unnecessary weight gain.

My Doxie loves my homemade freeze-dried dog treats made with 100% beef liver. She also enjoys dog-safe vegetables such as carrots and celery, which are healthy and low in calories.

Grooming

The amount of grooming your Doxie requires has little to do with their size, although you can expect to spend less time grooming a smaller dog. Dachshunds are minimal to moderate shedders, so brushing your Dachshund weekly can help keep their coat healthy. Long-haired Doxies need brushing more often to minimize tangles, and wire-haired pups need their coat hand-stripping several times a year to keep their coat in tip-top condition.

Keeping your mini or standard Dachshund ears clean is essential, as they are more prone to ear problems. Most Doxies do not like having their nails clipped, and in my dog groomer’s experience, Doxies are her least happy clients when it comes to nail trimming. It’s also essential to clean your pup’s teeth several times a week to prevent periodontal diseases.

Puppy Prices

There isn’t a noticeable difference in the cost of mini vs standard Dachshund puppies. No matter which Doxie size is right for you, it’s essential to pick a reputable breeder that breeds healthy puppies. Learn how to select a responsible breeder, ask to meet the puppies in person and for their health certificates. The average price for a miniature or a standard Dachshund from a reputable breeder ranges between $500 and $3,500. Always research the breeder you work with and speak to your vet, who can point you in the right direction. A great starting place for Doxie pups is on the AKC’s Dachshund breeder page or the DCA’s breeder directory page.

Other Small, High-Energy Breeds To Consider

If you love small breeds and want to learn more about other tiny, high-energy dogs, there are plenty of options to consider. The Pomeranian is a small bundle of fuzz packed with lots of fun Fido fuel. French Bulldogs have recently replaced America’s number one breed as the nation’s favorite pup, and they are tough canine cookies who love clowning around. Lastly, if you like small fluffy floofs, check out our Corgi vs Dachshund article.

Do you have a mini or standard Dachshund? Or do you have a tweenie Doxie like me? In the comments section below, let us know your thoughts on this brilliant breed and the mini vs standard Dachshund debate.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Emma is the proud mom of two rescue dogs: a senior mix named Bonkers and a young Doxie named Chips. Since becoming a Doxie mom, she has met with other local Doxie parents and realized how special the breed is. Emma is passionate about sharing her years of experience and knowledge as a professional dog walker and sitter with her readers. She works with a dedicated team at Canine Journal to provide the best canine content for other dog owners and lovers.