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We had been planning to get a puppy for around 5 years but wanted to wait until we had a house with a garden and our lives were a little less hectic. We went back and fourth between about 3 different breeds before we finally did our research and ultimately found the perfect fit, a long haired miniature dachshund… AKA our little puppy ‘Digit’.

Miniature dachshunds have a bold and independent temperament, They’re intelligent, faithful and good tempered which means the breed would fit perfectly into our ‘coffee shop crawling’ lifestyle. But the breed is also very head strong so that does mean they can be incredibly stubborn and sensitive however, having easily trained my family dog I’m up for a challenge and to be honest I think it gives them more personality!

The breed is also incredibly loyal and will attach him or herself to one person in the family in particular which means that they may not like being left alone. We’re very keen to eventually have two (this number will increase) dogs for companionship so this wasn’t a problem for us at all.

So what have I learned about owning a miniature dachshund?

I ain’t saying you’re a gold digger…
They love to dig and by digging that doesn’t just mean in the garden. Cushions, carpets, throws, walls, chairs… nothing is off limits.

What are you eating?
Their diet is incredibly important for their backs. Dachshunds have long backs and can put on weight easily. Since their backs are like a suspension bridge you need to keep it strong. I feed Digit a BARF (raw) diet that not only keeps her happy but provides her with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients she needs.

There’s no point in shouting…
Dachshunds are sensitive so they don’t take well to aggressive tones. They do however love praise, so cheerful tones for all the little things do really count.

Why are you ignoring me?
Dachshunds are independent thinkers which also means that if they want to they will ignore you repeating their name over and over to get their attention.

That was quick! 
They’re incredibly bright and clever, Digit learnt to ‘shake a paw’ within 10 minutes and the ‘sit’ command within 5 minutes which is great for getting her to be patient when waiting for her dinner.

You should be a comedian! 
Their unpredictable and lively nature along with those random bursts of energy and running around the kitchen island 10 times faster than the speed of light will set you into a fit of giggles. They get themselves into the stupidest predicaments and their little sausage like appearance just makes things even more funnier. 

You’ve left the baby gate open!
Dachshunds love to jump, bounce around and run up and down stairs but this isn’t healthy for their backs as it puts strain on their spine. 1 in 4 dachshunds are prone to IVDD (Intervertebral disk disease) and so for prevention it’s not only about diet and exercise it’s also about the stairs being off limits and NO jumping off of the couch.

Watch your step! 
Of course miniature dachshunds are low to the ground and can sneak up on you easily which does mean that they can easily get under your feet. We’ve had to pop a little cat bell onto her collar so we can hear when she’s near.

Pick me up please, I’m tired…
Dachshunds don’t need a lot of exercise, in fact too much exercise can be bad for them. The Dachshund Breed Council recommends their daily exercise should be between 5-10 minutes walk until they’re 4 months old then it’s 15-20 minutes until they’re 6 months then 30 minutes until they’re a year which it can then increase to 45-50 minutes a day. If they’re tired they will jump up to be picked up so a dog bag is recommended!

Sleeping beauty… 
Long haired miniature dachshunds in particular are laid back and sweet-natured. They love to snooze, snuggle up to you on the couch and have the most adorable sleeping positions ever.

Beki Xo 

(*) As part of this blog post I was gifted the toys and treats from Monster Pet Supplies however all opinions and reviews are my own