.::Choosing The Size Of Your Dachshund::.

According to the AKC standards, The mini weighs 11 pounds or less at adulthood, and the standard weighs any where from 16 to 32 pounds. Even though there is only a 5 pound difference between some-11 and 16 is only 5 pounds apart- there is a considerable size difference between the two.

Standards have bigger hevier legs, bodies, and bones and can tolerate a child far better than any small mini. The miniatures on the other hand are finer boned and appear more delicate (some, or, most are) Here are some other noticeable differences:

Standards:

Standards are more sturdier and do well in rougher situations, such as a rural home, or on a farm where there are fields to run and small prey to chase.

Standards, being sturdier, also do far better with small children. For the family with kids under 10 years old, a standard would be the best choice.

Standards love to do things. If you want a Dachsie to do things such as 'go to the ground' , go for long walks, play sports like flyball or even pull wagons (small ones) a standard is your pal!

Downside? They have a POWERFUL bark. They could easily be mistaken for a lab!

Miniatures:

Minis are little clowns! they lo-ve to play and perform in front of crowds. These really are the dogs for fun activities and trick training, after you find their drive.....food.

Minis are great for people who are housebound or unable to get out for excercise, for seniors, and therapy dog work.

Downside? Minis can be more noisy than standards and can be quite high pitched
(and annoying!) at times.

In-Betweenies:

Okay, minis are 11 ponds and Standards are 16-32 pounds
So what's a "tweenie"? A Tweenie (as they are often called by breeders and fanciers) are Dachshunds who are not standard or mini size but they grow up to be in betweemn. Their size usually varies anywhere from 12-15 pounds. Breeders often sell these tikes as pets only being that they have no future in being a show dog or a breeder dog. None the less they still make great pets. So if size isn't a big issue in choosing a Dachshund, or you just can't choose between the two sizes, the tweenie may be the size for you.

When deciding on size, you need to take into consideration what you want from a dog and your circumstances.

For instance:

What do you want from a dog: Ask yourself:

A. Do I want my dog to be in dog sports like agility and flyball?
OR
B. Do I want a dog to cuddle with?

A. Do I travel a lot, and am unable to take a dog along?
OR
B. Do I like to travel sometimes or maybe a lot and have no problem taking a smaller dog along?

A. Am I an active person who wants to do activities with my dog?
OR
B. Am I a somewhat active person and I can't take my dog out very often?

A. Do I have small children or plan to have a family in the near future, or I have young nieces, nephews, and cousins and want a dog who is friendly wiht small children?
OR

B. I don't have small children and do not plan to have any in the future and not many or none at all come to my house?

If you awnsered every question and most of your awnsers were A's the standard is the Dachshund for you. But if most of your awnsers were B, your best bet is a mini! But if you got both A's and B's , either size, or maybe a tweenie, is a great choice.