| There are few things more adorable than a puppy, | | | | dogs, but it is especially vital to dachshunds because of |
| and miniature dachshund puppies are even cuter than | | | | their unusually long spine. The dachshund has an |
| most because they barely get any bigger. One of the | | | | elongated back and very short legs, which gives them |
| most lovable things about puppies is how tiny they are, | | | | their signature "hotdog" shape. If they carry too much |
| so it is no surprise that miniature dachshund pups are | | | | weight in their belly, extra stress will be put on the back |
| so popular. They stay small even when they are full | | | | bone and spine which can cause injury. Dachshunds |
| grown! | | | | should also be helped when climbing stairs and jumping |
| The dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and | | | | onto high furniture because this too puts additional |
| miniature. Standard dachshunds weigh an average of | | | | pressure on the spine when done repeatedly over |
| 20-22 pounds, and the miniature dachshund weighs an | | | | time. |
| average of 10 pounds or less. And these are adult | | | | Dachshunds are a friendly and intelligent breed, and |
| weights we're talking about, not the weight of miniature | | | | their size makes them a perfect pet for apartment |
| dachshund puppies. | | | | dwellers and anyone who has no backyard and no |
| Just as with any newborn pup, miniature dachshund | | | | desire to jog through the park every day. Dachshunds |
| puppies are super tiny at birth and don't achieve their | | | | do require daily exercise, but a short walk is more than |
| maximum weight - a whopping 9 or 10 pounds - for a | | | | sufficient. They are energetic but will never knock |
| year or more. This is a really small dog that can easily | | | | down and slobber on your guests or clomp through |
| be carried around. So if you are in the market for a lap | | | | the house, breaking knick-knacks as they go. |
| dog, the miniature dachshund may be the breed for | | | | Training a dachshund can be challenging, but it is not |
| you. | | | | because they lack the brains to learn. It is because |
| Miniature dachshunds have the same characteristics | | | | they are clever and independent and don't always see |
| as the standard dachshund breed, with the biggest | | | | things the same way you do. For example, potty |
| difference being their size. The maximum healthy | | | | training is probably quite important to you, but |
| weight for a standard dachshund is 30 pounds and | | | | sometimes - especially when it is raining or cold - your |
| their average weight is about 22-25 pounds. The | | | | dachshund just won't agree. Always keep their |
| average weight for a miniature dachshund is a mere 8 | | | | favorite treats on hand. This is the best way to |
| or 9 pounds, and their maximum healthy weight is no | | | | convince your dachshund to do what you want them |
| more than 11 pounds. | | | | to do when you want them to do it. |
| Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all small | | | | |