Everything You Need to Know Before Bringing Home Your Puppy

What to Expect from Your Mini Dachshund

Dachshunds are still capable of hunting, but they mostly serve as the typical family pet these days. Still, they have it in their nature to chase small animals and birds. They’re energetic little guys and will play fetch with tremendous determination. Generally, they never grow past 12 pounds, remaining “miniature’ for their entire lives.

If you do buy a miniature dachshund, you’ll find yourself in good company. Notable dachshund owners in history include Presidents John F. Kennedy and Grover Cleveland, author E.B. White, artists Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, and newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst.

These dogs tend to live a good long life, typically making it at least 12 to 15 years. So you can be reasonably sure that you’re going to have your furry friend for a good, long time.

Mini Dachshund Dog Breeder

At Family Mini Dachshunds, we’re a full-service breeder dedicated to breeding the finest miniature dachshunds in existence. We’re registered to breed dachshunds with the American Kennel Club. We believe that our process allows us to breed some of the most beautiful small dogs in existence.

Our breeder is Lucy, who has been successful at breeding dachshund puppies for over 15 years. No matter where you live, we can provide you with the highest-quality miniature dachshund puppy. We know that you’ll fall in love as soon as you lay eyes on your new puppy. Miniature dachshunds have a way of stealing your heart with their adorable features.

Please feel free to browse our website to see the many miniature dachshunds we have for sale and keep in mind that we’re always breeding more! There you will find pages for newborn puppies, other puppies, parents, and future mothers as well. We’ll help you find the perfect addition to your family!

Dachshund standing on a sidewalk beside green grass in warm sunlight

Miniature Dachshund Puppies

Miniature dachshund puppies are the perfect pet, but they didn’t get that way overnight. There’s an interesting history behind how they got to be the way they are today. The word “dachshund” is actually German, and it means “badger dog.” This is because early dachshunds were trained to chase badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals out of their homes so that they could be hunted.

German hunters started to breed miniature dachshunds in the late 19th century in an effort to hunt smaller animals such as rabbits. By breeding smaller and smaller dogs with each other, they eventually created the miniature dachshund breed. While they started out as a crafty hunting breed, these dogs eventually became some of the most beloved pets imaginable.

These miniature dachshunds first came to the United States in the late 1800s but decreased in popularity due to their German roots during both World Wars. Some took to calling them Badger Dogs, Weiner Dogs, or Liberty Hounds during that time. But their popularity eventually recovered, and they are now among the most popular breeds in America.

Bringing home a new Mini Dachshund puppy is exciting, but a little preparation can make the first few weeks much easier. Dachshunds are smart, affectionate, curious, and sometimes stubborn, so setting up your home and routine ahead of time is especially helpful.

1. Set up a puppy area


Choose a quiet, safe area where your puppy can sleep and relax.


Have ready:

  • Properly sized crate 
  • Comfortable puppy bed or crate mat 
  • Playpen or baby gates 
  • Food and water bowls 
  • A few puppy-safe toys 
  • Washable blankets 
  • Puppy pads if you plan to use them 
  • Enzyme-based cleaner for accidents 


Important for Dachshunds: Avoid letting your puppy repeatedly climb stairs or jump on and off furniture. Their long backs make spinal safety particularly important.

Brown dachshund resting on a white blanket, looking at the camera.
Brown dachshund on a cozy bed with a mug, yarn, and a knit blanket

2. Puppy-proof your house


Before your puppy arrives, get down at puppy level and look for things they could chew or swallow.


Secure:

  • Electrical cords 
  • Small objects 
  • Children's toys 
  • Cleaning supplies 
  • Medications 
  • Trash cans 
  • Houseplants that may be toxic 
  • Shoes and clothing 
  • Loose wires 


Block access to stairs and high furniture when possible.

3. Buy the right food


Ask the breeder what food the puppy is currently eating and start with that food rather than making an immediate change.


You'll want:

  • Quality puppy food appropriate for small breeds 
  • Small training treats 
  • Food and water bowls 
  • Measuring cup 
  • Food-storage container 


If you eventually change foods, transition gradually.

Four newborn puppies cuddled on a white blanket beside their mother
Close-up of a tan dachshund puppy being held outdoors, with floppy ears and a curious expression

4. Schedule a veterinarian visit

Ideally, have your puppy's first veterinary appointment scheduled before bringing them home.


Bring:

  • Vaccination records 
  • Deworming records 
  • Microchip information 
  • Breeder health records 
  • Current food information 


Your veterinarian can establish a vaccination, parasite-prevention and wellness schedule.

5. Prepare for the ride home


Don't plan on simply holding the puppy in someone's lap for the entire drive.


Use:

  • A secured travel crate or appropriate puppy restraint 
  • A towel or washable blanket 
  • Puppy pads 
  • Paper towels 
  • Water 
  • A small amount of food/treats if appropriate 


Expect that the puppy may cry, whine, or be nervous during the trip.

Tiny brown puppy with raised paw, sitting against a white textured blanket
Three sleeping puppies cuddled together in a cream dog bed on a carpet.

6. Expect a lot of sleeping


Young puppies can sleep 18–20 hours a day. Don't worry if your new puppy spends much of the day sleeping.


Create a routine of:

Potty → eat/drink → play → potty  → nap


Consistency will help your puppy settle in much faster.

7. Start potty training immediately


Don't wait several days to begin.


Take your puppy out:


  • Immediately after waking 
  • After eating 
  • After drinking a lot 
  • After playing 
  • Before bedtime 
  • Frequently throughout the day


Praise your puppy enthusiastically when they potty in the correct place.

Accidents are normal. Never punish a puppy for an accident.

Small tan dog running on a dirt path through grass in warm sunlight
Small brown dog sitting on beige carpet beside a yellow toy and pink pig toy

8. Have appropriate toys


Dachshund puppies love to chew and investigate everything.


Get several types:

  • Soft puppy toys 
  • Rubber chew toys 
  • Small puzzle/food toys 
  • Durable teething toys 


Avoid toys that can easily break apart or become choking hazards.

 9. Start socialization early


Once your veterinarian says it's appropriate, gradually expose your puppy to:


  • Different people 
  • Friendly, vaccinated dogs 
  • Car rides 
  • Household noises 
  • Grooming 
  • Nail handling 
  • Being picked up 
  • Collar and leash 
  • Different surfaces 


Keep new experiences positive and short.

Three dachshund puppies sitting side by side, two tan and one dark brown, against a white background
Brown dachshund running toward the camera on a paved path with blurred green background

10. Begin basic training


Mini Dachshunds respond well to short, positive training sessions.


Start with:

  • Their name 
  • Come 
  • Sit 
  • Stay 
  • Leave it 
  • Drop it 
  • Walking on a leash 
  • Crate training 



Because Dachshunds can be independent, patience and consistency are more effective than punishment.

Most importantly: protect that little back

This is one of the biggest things I'd prepare for with a Mini Dachshund.


Try to minimize:

  • Jumping off couches and beds
  • Running up and down stairs
  • Repeated jumping
  • Rough play that twists the back
  • Uncontrolled jumping from elevated surfaces

Teach everyone in the household how to properly support the puppy's chest and rear when picking them up.

Black checkmark in a rounded square icon

New Mini Dachshund Puppy Checklist

Must have before pickup:

☐ Crate
☐ Bed/blankets
☐ Puppy food
☐ Food & water bowls
☐ Collar
☐ ID tag
☐ Harness & leash
☐ Puppy-safe toys
☐ Puppy pads
☐ Enzyme cleaner
☐ Baby gates
☐ Poop bags
☐ Travel crate/carrier
☐ Grooming supplies
☐ Nail trimmer
☐ Veterinarian appointment
☐ Vaccination/health records
☐ Microchip information

One of the best things you can do: Have the puppy's first 7 days planned before you bring them home. That gives you a predictable routine for sleeping, feeding, potty training, playtime, and crate training instead of trying to figure everything out while you're tired and the puppy is adjusting.



If this puppy is coming from Family Mini Dachshunds, I can also put together a complete "Bringing Your Mini Dachshund Puppy Home" guide you could give to new puppy owners, including a first-week schedule, shopping list, potty-training instructions, crate training, feeding schedule, and Dachshund back-safety tips.

Have questions about caring for your new Mini Dachshund? Text 731-313-5959 and let our team help you prepare for your new family member.