Teacup Miniature Dachshund Origin
A Teacup or Toy breed is also known as a "Designer Dog," controversially bred to be as tiny as possible. However, due to health concerns, AKC does not recognize teacup dogs as a breed (they are considered more unhealthy than mini or full-size breeds). The Teacup Dachshund originates from the standard full-size scent hound dog, affectionately known as Doxie. Standard Dachshund breeding began in Germany during the 18th century, when they were bred to hunt small animals like badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Dachshunds weigh between 16 and 32 pounds but are short pups, standing no more than 8 or 9 inches tall. This gives them a cute "hot dog" appearance, an attribute that has made them a popular companion pet. The Miniature Dachshund is a mini version of the standard Dachshund, weighing less than 11 pounds and standing just 5 to 6 inches. They have the same build as standard Doxies, with long, muscular bodies and short stubby legs. The Teacup Miniature Dachshund is a separate (and unrecognized) breed from the mini one. A Teacup Dachshund full-grown will typically weigh eight pounds and below, making them up to 3 pounds lighter than the Miniature Dachshund. A Teacup Doxie can cost up to $3000.What Does A Teacup Miniature Dachshund Look Like?
Despite their tiny size, a full-grown Teacup Miniature Dachshund perfectly replicates the Standard breed. They sport the same "hot-dog" body shape with a compact, muscular body, elongated torso, and short limbs. Their weight and size are the only things that set them apart from the standard and mini breeds. A Teacup Wiener dog has the same hound-like droopy ears set near the top of the head, just like the standard Doxie. They also have a long muzzle and medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes with dark rims. Teacup Dachshund puppies can sport any coat colors and patterns from the AKC breed standard of the standard size Dachshund. These include black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, and chocolate and cream. Their coats can also be long-haired, wire-haired, or smooth (short-haired).Personality and Behavior of a Teacup Miniature Dachshund
Teacup Dachshunds pretty much share the same temperaments and personalities as the standard Dachshund; thus are lively, confident, affectionate, and cuddly. You might assume these smaller versions are less courageous or curious than their bigger siblings, but this is not the case. If you're considering getting a Teacup Miniature Dachshund, remember that this breed was initially bred as a hunting dog. As a result, they still desire to seek out and catch other animals and love to run and dig. Therefore, if you want a teacup dog to keep as an indoor pet, understand that they may make holes in your carpet or chase around other small animals in the home. Micro Dachshunds are often very loving and loyal pups who adore spending time with their humans. Moreover, despite their small size, they can also be loud and defensive. Thus, they may make good watchdogs even if they are not capable of causing much damage to intruders. As small dogs, these pups have low activity needs, so 30 minutes of daily exercise is usually sufficient. However, it's best to break this up into two or three short walks or gentle play sessions.
How to Train Teacup Miniature Dachshund's
Like most dogs, you can shape your Micro Dachshund's personality through training and socialization. Training is essential for removing negative behavioral traits like aggression or excessive barking before becoming an adult. Still, if you bring one of these adorable pups into your home, you should know that, like the standard version, Micro dachshunds can be very stubborn. House training, in particular, can be challenging; thus, you'll need to be patient and consistent. Rewarding them every time they do their business outside will help the training process go more smoothly. Socialization is also crucial with this toy breed, as they have a tendency to be wary of strangers. Therefore, you should get them familiar with as many people as possible as soon as you bring your puppy home. Doxies can do exceptionally well in a family with young children if they are socialized with them from an early age. The same goes for living in a home with other dogs.
Grooming and Maintaining a Teacup Miniature Dachshund
The level of grooming required for a Teacup Doxie will depend on their coat type. Long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds require the most frequent fur brushing; at least twice a week. If you're looking for a low-maintenance pup, opt for a smooth (short-haired) Doxie who you will only need to groom weekly. This coat type also has the lowest shedding and is suitable for people with mild allergies. Because of their tiny size, a teacup dachshund has soft nails that will naturally file if they spend a significant amount of time outdoors on rough surfaces. However, if your tiny Doxie spends most of their time indoors, you may need to trim their nails from time to time. You can do this either with clippers or a dog nail grinder.
Common Health Issues
The Teacup Dachshund is a controversial dog for two reasons; the irresponsible breeding that is common with toy breeds and the health concerns of a canine this size. Therefore, if you're considering getting this pup, you should be aware of the following possible health issues:- Heart defects like Aortic Stenosis - This is when the aortic valve becomes narrow and restricts blood circulation, making the heart work harder. Signs of heart defects include fatigue, collapsing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Digestive issues like bloat, IBD, and Pancreatitis - Vomiting, diarrhea, and gas are common signs of a digestion problem. Because of their tiny size, foreign body obstruction is also a common issue with Teacup Dachshunds.
- Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) - This happens when a disc in a dog's spine gets ruptured or herniated and causes severe inflammation and pain.
- Patellar Luxation - This happens when the kneecap dislocates from its original position, and the pain level depends on the condition's severity.
Even though there are several health concerns around this toy breed, Teacup Dachshunds have a longer lifespan than other tiny dogs, living for up to 13 to 17 years. Even so, they will still have a compromised immune system due to how they were bred and raised, so attentive healthcare is vital. Whether you're aiming to enhance gut health or strengthen immunity, consider incorporating supplements into your Mini Dachshunds daily routine for their overall well-being.
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Final Thoughts
There's no denying that Teacup Miniature Dachshunds are incredibly adorable. Their tiny size makes them the perfect lapdog and easy to carry around. However, like all teacup and toy breeds, there are many ethical concerns around their breeding and several health predispositions you should be aware of. Therefore, if you choose to buy this cute pup, thoroughly research the breeder beforehand.