Popularly known as “Weiner dogs,” Dachshunds have distinctive long torsos and stubby legs. But did you know that there is a smaller variation of this dog breed? Amongst the various different types of Dachshunds, there is the Teacup Dachshund which has been around for quite some time now. There is more to this pooch than what meets the eye!
Teacup Dachshunds are the exact replica of the standard Dachshund but with one major difference – they are smaller, lighter, and have a personality that’s filled with joie de vivre. On average, these dogs barely tip the scale at 8 lbs. They are also pocket-size at just about 5 to 7 inches long. A perfect apartment pet, indeed!
Now the question is, do Teacup Dachshunds make excellent pets? Or are they very delicate and challenging to care for because of their miniature size? I will get on these questions in a minute and cover everything you need to know before you welcome this breed into your abode.
Is There Such Thing As A Teacup Dachshund?
Not very big, that is for sure. Just like other teacup dog varieties, a Teacup Dachshund is quite tiny.
If you think a standard Dachshund is already small, wait till you see a diminutive version of this breed.
An adult Dachie measures between 8 and 11 inches long while a same-age teacup variety is about 5 to 7 inches.
Where Do Teacup Dachshunds Come From?
This is a question many people wonder:
After all, shouldn’t two standard Dachshunds produce the same kind? So, what exactly creates a smaller version of this breed?
There are a few theories on how these miniature wiener dogs originate.
For instance, it is possible that both parents passed on the dwarfism gene to their offspring. If only one parent passes this gene to the puppy, it will be carried over to the next generation.
Additionally, a Teacup Dachshund is the outcome of crossbreeding a Dachie with another small breed, such as the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. However, there is a possibility that the puppies will not inherit the shape and features of a Dachshund.
When mixed with another breed, this helps to minimize the risks of a congenital disease carried by recessive genes. Their physical traits and temperament will also be unique as the offspring will possess a fusion of their parents’ characteristics that makes for a unique pooch!
Common Health Problems Of A Teacup Dachshund
The average lifespan of a healthy Teacup Dachshund is between 13 and 17 years.
This is a reasonable age range, considering the number of ailments passed on from one generation to the next. Their physical structure contributes to their genetic issues and health problems.
Dogs with short legs are prone to a number of musculoskeletal problems – and a Teacup Dachshund is not exempt from that.
The following are among the common health problems that Miniature Dachshunds suffer from:
Patellar Luxation
Mini Dachshunds are susceptible to a slipped kneecap or patellar luxation.
This is a painful condition that may start as mild and later on progress to being severe. A mild case of patellar luxation involves one leg, which does not require invasive treatment. In most instances, arthritis medication should help.
If you notice your Mini Dachie skipping or hopping while running, or perhaps they tend to kick the leg out sideways when walking, it is best to consult a vet for an examination of the knee. When left unaddressed and untreated, this condition can cause the knee to luxate further and limit your pet’s mobility.
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
This is a common condition that Teacup Dachshunds suffer from. In fact, Dachies suffer from this ailment more than every other dog breed combined. It is a debilitating and excruciating condition associated with a hernia in the vertebral disks.
IVDD occurs due to an excessive weight on the body that a short rib cage and stubby legs are trying to support.
You can prevent obesity in your pet and eliminate risks of IVDD by providing low-carb, low-fat, and high-protein dog foods like the Visionary Pet – Keto Dog Food. Made of lean protein and “good” fat, it contains less than one gram of net carb per serving. It also contains micronutrients and enzymes, both of which keep the coat shiny, promote healthy digestion, and boost endurance.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Another health concern among Mini Dachies is Urinary Tract Infection. If your dog does not produce much urine, have some problems with urinating, or experience frequent accidents, it is best to get it tested for this condition.
UTI is a bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent further complications. A vet will diagnose this issue and prescribe antibiotics and other appropriate medications to your furbaby.
Although Teacup Dachshunds have a few inherited disorders, they are generally easy to care for. With the right diet, high-quality food, exercise, and weight management, your beloved pooch should live a long, healthy, and happy life.
SPOTLIGHT: A healthy urinary health has a lot to do with what your dogs eat. One of the simplest solution for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is to have the correct diet. Check out our compiled list of the 7 Best Dog Food for Urinary Health.
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How Much Are Teacup Dachshunds?
There is no doubt that Teacup Dachshunds are adorable and excellent companion dogs.
These canines are perfect family dogs, and they work perfectly well for apartment dwellers.
Now, the big question is…
How Much Do Teacup Dachshunds Cost?
It is important to note that the price tag varies based on a number of factors.
Premium And Champion Dogs
Mini Dachshunds that possess a champion bloodline or those raised for hunting purposes are the most expensive of all the other categories, which I will discuss next.
These dogs possess key features such as toughness, strength, and aggression that make them outstanding hunting dogs. Premium Dachies go from about $1,300 to as high as $4,000.
Registered Dachshunds
If you are looking for a middle ground in terms of the price point, then a Purebred or a fully-registered Dachshund is what you want.
They are bred by reputable and experienced breeders, so you are guaranteed the dog’s health and overall quality. Expect to pay $700 to $1,300 for a fully registered Dachshund puppy.
Pet Dachshunds
For those on a budget and do not really mind if the dog is purebred, fully registered, or from a line of champions, then a Teacup Dachshund bred as a pet is for you. This category is in the lower rung of the pricing tier, which ranges from under $300 to $700.
Be wary of breeders who do not provide papers to buyers, such as a registration certificate (for pedigree and premium Dachshunds), health and vaccination documents, breeding records, and a contract for sale indicating the price of the dog.
Temperaments Of A Teacup Dachshund
Teacup Dachshunds are a bundle of energy and fun.
They possess characteristics similar to a Terrier dog breed – these pooches are courageous and clever, and they enjoy taking on otters, foxes, and smaller rodents.
But most importantly, Mini Dachies are excellent family dogs. They are devoted to their owners, although, mind you, this breed can be on the stubborn side.
Thus, you need to establish boundaries during the training process to eliminate territorial behavioral concerns with your pet.
Explorer
As this breed comes from a lineage of hunting dogs, they are expert diggers. They have an impressive sense of smell and can easily catch burrowing creatures in your backyard.
If you worry that your pet will end up unearthing your beautiful flowers and herbs in the garden, it is best to give them another area where they can dig to their heart’s content.
Aggression
Another strong trait of a Mini Dachshund is aggression. They are more vocal than your traditional Dachshund, which can be quite frightening for some people. This is why it is very important to train and socialize your pet early on to curb this aggressive tendency.
It is also important to note that Teacup Dachshunds are not advisable in homes with very young children. These dogs can nip and bite when teased or handled poorly. They also dislike being with other pets in the home.
If you have zero dogs/pets and active children in your household, then this miniature dog breed should fit perfectly right in.
Grooming A Teacup Dachshund
It is fairly easy to groom a Teacup Dachshund.
With its pocket-size body, it should be a breeze to keep your pooch clean and tidy.
However, do take note that smaller dogs, like a Mini Dachie, tend to get stressed during a bath. It gets even worse when the shampoo you use is harsh and irritating to the eyes.
I recommend using a gentle shampoo like the Lillian Ruff Tear Free Brightening & Whitening Shampoo. It helps to brighten your pet’s coat and add luster to it. Moreover, it contains aloe vera, which is excellent for hydrating and relieving itchy and dry skin.
This is a quick-rinse shampoo that does not leave any residue on the skin and coat. It is pH-balanced, too, which cleans, soothes, and deodorizes. Most importantly, it is tear-free to eliminate stress and anxiety during bath times.
After a bath, dry your pet’s coat and skin thoroughly with a soft towel. Be sure to brush the coat to get rid of tangles and mats gently.
Related Questions
At What Age Are Mini Dachshunds Full-Grown? Smaller canines tend to mature faster than larger ones. When it comes to Mini Dachshunds, they are considered full-grown and will stop growing upon reaching 10 to 12 months of age.
What Is The Smallest Breed Of Dachshund? The Teacup Dachshund breed is the smallest variety of the Dachshund. These dogs have short and stubby legs with long bodies. Even adult Mini Dachshunds look like a puppy because of their pocket-friendly body size and the average weight of 8 lbs or less.
Are Teacup Dachshunds Good Pets? Yes, Teacup Dachshunds are wonderful pets. These dogs are endearing, loving, extremely loyal to their owners, and also as entertaining as they are cute. They thrive in a home where there are no other pets or very young children.
