Are you looking to own a tweenie Dachshund but know nothing about it? You are about to learn all you need to know about tweenie Dachshunds.
This information will help you decide if they are perfect for you.
What is a Tweenie Dachshund
First, Dachshunds come in two major sizes – Miniature and Standard – according to the American Kennel Club.
A standard Dachshund typically weighs about 16-32lbs or more. On the other hand, a mini Doxie ( a cute way of saying miniature Dachshund) weighs 11lbs.
Dachshunds that fall in between the mini and standard sizes are called tweenies. They typically weigh between 12-15lbs.
So, here is the summary: If it’s smaller than a standard dachshund and bigger than a miniature dachshund, call it a tweenie.
How Do Tweenie Dachshunds Look?
They are no different from their siblings – the standard and mini doxies. Doxies have long bodies, short legs, long snouts, floppy ears, pleading eyes, and large front paws.
They also have a broad chest that allows for lung and heart development. This cute and irresistible creature appeared on the AKC’s list of the most popular dog breeds in America.
Did Tweenie Dachshunds Fall From The Sky?
Sounds like an absurd question, huh? Well, Dachshunds did not fall from the sky. However, they have a fascinating origin. Let’s dig out a little history.
‘Dachshunds’ literally means ‘Badger dog’ in German. The German breeders developed it through genetic mutation. It is a process of altering the DNA sequence of a living organism.
The breeders used a genetic mutation called chondrodysplasia – a condition linked to dwarfism. This type of mutation hinders the growth of the legs while other parts of the body grow normally. The result is a disproportionate body-to-leg ratio.
Here is the thing: The breeders didn’t go through this rigorous process just for fun. That would be a waste of time, wouldn’t it? They needed short-legged dogs to chase after small burrowing animals and bully them into submission.
Yes, Dachshunds were first hunters before becoming household pets.
In addition to the short, muscular legs, they have thick skins, sharp claws, thick skulls, and sharp teeth. All these qualities make them perfect hunters.
So, don’t let the gorgeous dog fool you: Somewhere within that cute animal is a dogged hunter whose size contradicts its ruthlessness.
How Do Tweenie Dachshunds Behave?
Dachshunds, regardless of their sizes, have sweet nicknames like sausage dogs and weiners. Most likely because they remind us of sausages and weiners, some people still use its original name – Badger dog.
The Badger dogs haven’t changed one bit. They love to dig and can successfully dig their way out of a secured yard.
They are also generally friendly, playful, and affectionate once familiar with you.
However, they have a stubborn personality type that may complicate training.
Why Do Tweenie Dachshunds Have Short Legs?
It is not a dachshund if it has no short stubby legs. With short legs, they can enter into small holes. Dogs with long legs can’t attempt the same. Secondly, they are closer to the ground because of their small legs.
They can sniff the ground and track rabbits, moles, badges, and other small animals with their powerful sense of smell.
Why Do Tweenie Dachshunds Have Long Bodies?
Dachshunds are famous for their uniquely shaped bodies – long back on short legs with long ears. Although the sausage-looking body of a dachshund is unusual, it is well-suited for its original hunting purpose.
The long bodies and flexible spines help them navigate a burrow during a hot chase. In addition, their owners can pull them out of a hole after a hard day’s job.
Things to Note Before Purchasing a Tweenie Dachshund
Owning a Dachshund looks easy. Imagine this: you and your well-groomed dog taking a walk in a garden. Or having it lie gently on your lap while you read a book (if only wishes were horses). Owning a tweenie isn’t exactly rosy.
Dachshunds aren’t humans (obviously) and may have a hard time keeping to all your rules. Also, there are sleepless nights, medical issues, and a couple of issues to deal with.
Here are key points to note before you purchase a dachshund:
- Dachshunds are predisposed to back problems: Their big bodies on small legs could easily develop back problems.
At least 19 – 24% of Dachshunds suffer from back problems during their lifetime. You can prevent the problem by Dachshund-proofing your home (more on this later).
- Dachshunds love jumping: It is natural for any dog to jump on furniture, beds, and heights, and it’s the same for Dachshunds. However, Dachshunds have a high propensity for back issues (as you know), and excessive jumping may lead to that. If you own a Dachshund, you must keep an eye on it to prevent it from jumping off high surfaces. You may also use a ramp so the pets can move up and down safely.
- Dachshunds love to eat and have a high probability of becoming obese: Although chubby dogs are cute, Dachshunds must remain slim. Obesity adds extra weight to their back and could affect their heart.
The Many Coats of the Tweenie Dachshund
Dachshunds come in 3 coat varieties – long-haired, wired-haired, and smooth.
Long-haired Dachshunds
The long-haired Dachshund is perfect for you if you do not mind grooming them daily. Its gorgeous and flowing silky coat makes it adorable. However, you’ll need to brush them daily. Otherwise, the once beautiful cat could be a mess of tangled hair in no time, leading to parasitic infestations.
Except you find joy in regular hair brushing, do not invest in a long-haired dachshund. And if you do, you’ll enjoy the intimate grooming moments with your dog.
Smooth Dachshunds
If you do not have the patience or time to groom the long-haired Dachshund, a smooth Dachshund is a perfect choice for you. As the name implies, smooth Dachshunds are covered with a smooth, shiny coat.
Wire-haired Dachshunds
These are covered with a uniform, rough, and thick outer coat (excluding the eyebrows, jaw, and eyebrows. The hairs on its ears are shorter than those on other body parts.
Dachshunds also come in a huge variety of colors. They include Red, black, chocolate, black and cream, wild boar, blue and cream, fawn, chocolate, and cream.
How to Care For A Tweenie Dachshund
Puppies are vulnerable, but as they grow, they look sturdy.
However, it does not matter how strong; they can still fall prey to serious illnesses. During their nursing stage, they enjoy immunities from their mothers. The immunity wears out rapidly.
They became vulnerable to contagious and life-threatening illnesses. Preventive vaccines can hinder illnesses from occurring. It helps them build their immunity against diseases.
Puppies may also experience horrible parasite problems when they are not regularly groomed. Ruptured discs are another common problem they experience. To keep your pet healthy, Do the following:
- Feed Them Well
Just like humans, animals need plenty of fresh water. They also need a balanced canine diet, not just some junk from the store. Remember not to overfeed
- Do Exercises
It is one thing to care for a dog; it is another to care for Dachshunds. Dachshunds need exercise more than other dog breeds. They tend to be overweight, so exercises keep them in check.
Exercises do not have to be laborious. Please keep it simple! A simple 20-minute work two times a day is enough to keep them fit. The good thing is this: exercises are good for you too!
- Dachshund-proof Your Home
You probably know about child-proofing a home. You can Dachshund proof your home as well. That is making the home comfortable for your Dachshunds. Remove everything that could cause harm to your pet
- Train Them
If you do not set your rules, your pet will set some. If this happens, your pet will become a problem instead of a source of comfort. Training a Dachshund is a lot of work. You may get a professional dog trainer.
Are Stairs Safe For Tweenie Dachshunds?
Stairs aren’t good for their backs. It stresses their spines and could lead to a disc rupture. You don’t want a hurting pet, do you?
If you have a multi-level building, install a ramp. You may also block the entrance of the stairs with a gate so the Dachshunds are compelled to use the ramp.
How Long Do Tweenie Dachshunds Live?
Dachshunds are one of the best dog breeds with remarkable longevity. Smaller dogs generally live longer than bigger dogs.
Since tweenie Dachshunds are small, they can live for up to 15 years. However, do not be surprised when you find gray hairs on them when they are 8 years old.
What is The Average Cost of a Tweenie Dachshund?
On average, a tweenie dachshund costs between $1000 – $2000. Although other factors like – where you purchased it, size, and color – may come into play.
Apart from the initial cost, you will spend more money in the first year of owning a pet. The extra expenditure covers preventive vaccines, pet supplies, and training classes.
How Can I Purchase a Healthy Tweenie Dachshund?
Dachshunds are easy to find, but finding a trustworthy breeder is different. Too many breeders are more concerned about quantity than quality. Therefore, churning out dogs with temperaments and health problems.
You don’t want that, do you? Thankfully, some good breeders are crazy about Dachshunds and only churn out dogs with no temperamental or medical issues.
So how do you find a breeder devoted to raising only healthy and strong Dachshunds? You can start by contacting a Dachshund club near you. The clubs consist of reputable breeders that have vowed to stick to only ethical breeding practices.
You may also attend a dog show close to you. Dog shows are events where purebred dogs are judged by their conformity to specific breed standards.
You’ll find some of the best breeders in town at such events. Socialize with them and ask the right Dachshund questions.
Buying online may be cheaper, but it leaves you in doubt.
Here are general guidelines to follow when purchasing a tweenie Dachshund:
- Double-check the papers (receipts, change of ownership, health reports) the breeder gives.
- Avoid Dachshunds with strange or rare colors.
- Do not take all the breeder says without double-checking. People lie!
- Ensure that you see the puppy with its mother.
- Avoid sick-looking Dachshunds.
- Get a vet doctor and perform health checks on the animal.
- Do not purchase one that is less than 8 weeks.
Some breeders sell mini Dachshunds in place of tweenie dachshunds. Ideally, you can differentiate a mini from a tweenie through their weight. However, since you are most likely buying a puppy, measuring the weight may be deceptive.
To tackle this, ask for its parents and weigh them. If each parent’s weight falls between 12-15lb, they are tweenie Dachshunds.
Final Words
Now that you have the answer to the question ‘what is a tweenie Dachshund,’ would you consider acquiring one?
The primary difference between a tweenie and the other doxies is ‘weight.’ They are not big enough to be standard Dachshunds and not small enough to be mini Doxies.
They fall somewhere in between. Although Dachshunds are prone to back problems and are difficult to train, they are one of America’s most popular dog breeds.
The American Kennel club mentioned that owning a Dachshund is not a privilege but a responsibility. If you follow the rules and guidelines listed herein, you will live happily with your new pet.