Dachshunds are cute breeds known for their adorable figure. This breed comes in its regular size, but it also has a miniature one. Of course, as the name itself suggests, the main difference comes in their size. If you take an interest in this breed and plan on getting one, you may be curious to know more.
Choosing between a regular dachshund and a miniature one can be difficult, but don’t worry. In this article, we’ll make a comparison of both dogs to help you decide which is better for you.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Contents
- 1 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund General Information
- 2 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Lifespan
- 3 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Appearance and Size
- 4 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Diet
- 5 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Grooming
- 6 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Shedding
- 7 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Temperament
- 8 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Intelligence
- 9 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Environment and Family
- 10 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Training
- 11 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Exercise
- 12 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Barking
- 13 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Health
- 14 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Price
- 15 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund FAQ
- 16 Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund – What breed is right for you?
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund General Information
| Standard Dachshund | Mini Dachshund | |
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred/Sometimes Mixed |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | 12-16 Years | 12-16 Years |
| Weight | 11-32 Pounds | 11-16 Pounds |
| Height | 5-11 Inches | 5-7 Inches |
| Intelligence | Average | Average |
| Friendliness | Good | Good |
| Living Environment | Apartment/Indoors | Apartment/Indoors |
| Barks | Below Average | Often |
| Energy | Medium | Medium |
| Required Exercise | Low | Low |
| Aggression | Below Average | Very Low |
| Coat | Hair | Hair |
| Shedding | No | Low |
| Grooming | Medium | High |
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Now, let’s get into it more.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, both the regular and miniature dachshunds are the same. Both pets have an average span of 12 to 16 years.
Nevertheless, the mini ones tend to live longer because they are less likely to suffer from back problems. This issue is the usual cause for this breed to decline in terms of their health.
Of course, the lifespan of your pet depends on many factors. Among these are the overall health, care, lifestyle, diet, and other things.
The lifespan of your pet will depend on how well you take care of it. As long as you care and give it the necessary attention and needs, you’ll have a great companion for many years.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Appearance and Size
The main difference between the standard and the miniature dachshund comes with their overall appearance and size.
The mini ones are smaller with an average height of 5-7 inches. On the contrary, the standard ones have an average size of 8-11 inches.
Of course, the appearance and size difference is only noticeable for pets who have already grown to maturity.
For this reason, it can be quite challenging to see the difference when they are still puppies.
Nevertheless, the miniature ones are generally smaller than the average one. When it comes to their overall look or appearance, they feature the same coats and facial features.
If you’re going for a cute size, then the mini one is for you. However, if you don’t mind a bigger pet and even prefer such, then the regular size is for you.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Diet
The standard and the mini ones share the same diet. The primary food you should offer for your dachshund is a quality dog food designed to meet your pet’s needs.
Thus, be it a standard-sized one or a mini, a quality dog food is your best bet.
Of course, nothing can go wrong with feeding natural foods. In fact, you can even provide such kinds more often. As long as the food is nutritious, it would be healthy for your pet.
Both the standard and the mini dachshunds need essential nutrients such as protein, low amounts of fat, and even carbohydrates for their energy level.
Thus, they would love carrots, bananas, green beans, watermelon, and other kinds of fruits and veggies.
Both pets may differ only in the size of food. In general, dachshunds should eat an average of ½ – ¾ cups of food per day. If your pet is a miniature one, you may have to go for the lesser amount.
Since the miniature ones have a smaller build, they may need a lesser amount of food than average dachshund needs.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the standard and mini dachshunds don’t differ from each other.
Both types of this breed have the same kind of coat. Thus, they can come as smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired.
Moreover, they come in different colours such as red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and cream, chocolate and tan, blue, or Isabella.
For this reason, you can’t go wrong in choosing either of the two, since both require the same grooming needs.
One tip, though. If you’re choosing this dog breed, it would be best to avoid getting the blue or Isabella. The reason is that these types of dachshunds are prone to serious health problems.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Shedding
Like other dog breeds, dachshunds also shed from time to time. However, they do so in moderation, which means they don’t moult that much at all.
Moreover, both the standard and the mini ones shed almost the same. Thus, if you consider shedding in picking between these two, there’s not much of a difference.
Of course, while they don’t shed much, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to groom them.
Dachshunds need regular grooming and coat maintenance. Inobservance of such duty may lead to their coats turn into a mess.
As always, it would be best to spend some moments every day taking care of their coats.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Temperament
The temperament of both the regular-sized and mini ones are similar. Both dogs are independent, smart, spirited, joyful, and a little bit stubborn.
Still, some people believe that the smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired ones have different temperaments.
Both the regular and mini dachshunds are sharp and alert. However, the long-haired ones of both kinds seem to be the one with a calm attitude.
Dachshunds with wire hairs are famous for being jolly and funny.
When it comes to temperament, you may want to look more into their coats rather than their size.
If you aren’t sure about this matter, you can always check it out by asking your pet’s breeder.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Intelligence
As I said earlier, both the standard and the mini are famous for being intelligent. Both pets are smart and alert. Thus, you can teach some basic commands and expect both dogs to learn it in a short period.
Like their temperaments, their attitude when it comes to training may depend on their coat colours. Thus, it would be best to consider this aspect more than their size.
Lastly, like all other dogs, the level of intelligence may differ in both pets. For this reason, intelligence depends on their origin as well as their training.
Not all dachshunds have the same intelligence level, and the same thing applies to both types, be it a standard-sized or a mini one.
For this reason, you may want to get your pet’s intelligence tested if you wish to know more about it.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Environment and Family
Although both pets differ in size, they share the same preference for their living environment.
Both the mini and the standard dachshunds prefer to stay indoors, and they aren’t the type to run in the yard. For this reason, they are ideal pets if you live in an apartment or the city. Moreover, they don’t need large yards to play. A small room would be plenty enough for both dogs.
Dachshunds are affectionate and enjoy the attention. Thus, your pet will be happy if you keep it fit and healthy. Moreover, it will be more comfortable if you pay attention to it.
It’s also essential to always keep this one occupied. If you can’t play wit it, some toys will keep it from barking.
Both pets can also play well with kids and adults. As long as you are gentle with handling, this pet will be alright.
Thus, always make sure that your pet and kid have someone watching them as they play together.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Training
Both the standard and mini dachshunds are challenging to train, but it’s not impossible to do so.
Although they came from an intelligent breed, they have that stubborn and independent attitude that makes training difficult.
The first thing you need is to make your pet understand that you’re in charge. Once you do, your dog will be easier to train.
You can always express your authority by continuously checking on your pet. Always be firm in your voice, but calm.
Like all other pets, training a standard or a mini dachshund would take some time. Thus, patience is what you’ll need most.
Moreover, it would be best to start training at a young age and do so with consistency. This way, your training sessions will be more comfortable and quicker.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Exercise
When it comes to exercise, the standard dachshund may need a bit more than the mini.
A standard-sized one may need at least an hour of exercise per day. On the other hand, a mini may need about half an hour once a day.
If your pet is a much lively and active one, you may even need more than this time. However, it should be the minimum required exercise per day.
For both types, they would need walks, playtime, and brain stimulation. Providing some interactive toys aside from their daily exercise would keep them occupied for the day.
Without daily exercise to spend their energy, they may bark more often out of boredom. Moreover, it may lead to these dogs to gain some weight.
As always, consider exercise as a way to interact with your pet as well. This way, you’ll see these activities not as a duty but as a bonding time with your pet.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Barking
This breed is quite the barker. Thus, if you plan on getting either the standard or the mini, expect frequent barks in your place.
Due to their energetic and lively attitude, they may bark more often than other dog breeds. They may even bark more if they feel bored.
For this reason, the way to lessen those barking moments is by keeping them occupied. Giving them an hour or half an hour of exercise a day may consume their energy.
Moreover, it would be best to provide some interactive toy if you can’t play with your pet. This way, it will be busy enough to bark loud.
Still, if you’re living near neighbours who want a quiet environment, this dog breed wouldn’t be ideal. Whatever type of dachshund you would get, the loud barking will come with them.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Health
Both the regular and miniature dachshund is healthy breeds. Still, like all other dogs, their breed is prone to some health complications or issues. The usual one is always due to their back.
Whatever the size, dachshunds are prone to having health issues, and the usual problems come with their backs.
Due to their short legs, dachshunds are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease. For this reason, you need to be always cautious and careful when picking your pet up.
Out of all dachshunds, the standard ones with smooth hair come with the highest risk of this issue. The standard one with wire-like hair has the lowest chance.
Since their back is the usual problem, the mini dachshunds suffer less than the standard.
Still, whatever type you get, it would always be best to be cautious when handling this dog breed. Moreover, try your best not to let it run on the stairs or even jump upwards.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund Price
When it comes to price, a mini dachshund may cost a bit more than the standard one.
If you plan on getting a mini, the ideal budget would be around $2000 to $10000. However, the average mini dachshund puppies sold ranges at $700.
On the other hand, standard dachshunds may cost a bit cheaper. The ideal budget when getting this pet would be from $400 to $1500. However, the average price is about $400.
If you’re planning to adopt instead of purchasing, you can get one at around $100-$300.
Of course, these prices are only the initial. You’ll need to provide more for your pet’s needs and food.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding a standard-sized and a mini dachshund. Take a look and see if you can find something handy and useful.
Can you breed a Standard Dachshund with a Miniature Dachshund?
The short answer is yes. You can breed a standard dachshund with a miniature dachshund. In fact, two small dachshund parents can produce a standard-sized one.
On the other hand, two standard-sized dachshunds can produce a miniature one.
The American Kennel Club recognises two sizes of the same breed. Thus, both types can produce either the standard or the miniature-sized dogs.
What is a Standard Dachshund mixed with Mini Dachshund?
If you breed a standard with a mini dachshund, the result would either be a standard or a mini dachshund. In simple terms, the puppy may vary in size. Nevertheless, they are still the same breed.
As said earlier, dachshunds receive recognition from AKC as a purebred that comes in two sizes, the standard and miniature. Thus, despite the difference in size, they are both the same breed.
For this reason, having a standard-sized and the miniature as parents may produce either a standard or a mini one. Still, the litter will be a purebred dachshund.
Standard Dachshund vs. Mini Dachshund – What breed is right for you?
Choosing between a standard dachshund and a mini one can be a difficult decision. However, it all comes down to a matter of preference.
Both types come from the same breed. Thus, they share almost the same characteristics in all aspects.
The critical difference lies in size. If you prefer a cute little one, going for the miniature would be the best for you. Still, the size doesn’t differ that much. If you get a standard-sized, you’ll even get a small dog, since these pets come in small sizes.
Another difference is that the standard ones are more prone to back issues. Thus, you’ll have a lesser chance of experiencing these kinds of problems with a mini. Of course, it all boils down to how you handle and care for your pet.
When it comes to personality, it would be best to consider the coat type and colour than their size. It’s where these dogs differ most.
Whatever type of pet you’ll get, you’ll have similar aspects since they both come from one single breed, and they make excellent pets and companions.
