A distinctive and charming dog breed known for its long body, short legs, and bold personality, the Dachshund was originally bred in Germany. The name “Dachshund” literally means “badger dog”—from Dachs (badger) and Hund (dog)—because they were developed to scent, chase and flush out badgers and other burrowing animals.

Europeans had been using dogs to hunt burrowing animals since the Middle Ages, but the Dachshund began to take shape in 17th-century Germany, where hunters needed a dog that could dig into badger dens and fight underground.

The Dachshund’s key characteristics include being long and low to the ground, giving rise to nicknames like sausage dog or wiener dog, with short, curved legs to navigate tight tunnels, compact feed for digging, a long rib cage for stamina and organ protection and a strong jaw and prominent brow to face badgers head-on.The breed was developed from a mix of German, English and French hounds and terriers, including breeds like the Basset Hound, Bloodhound and German Pointer. These dogs were selected for their scenting ability, tenacity and courage.
During World Wars I and II, Dachshunds became symbols of Germany, which unfortunately led to a decline in popularity in Allied countries due to anti-German sentiment.

Despite this, their charm and utility helped them bounce back, especially in the USA and the United Kingdom.

Early Dachshunds were larger and more rugged, weighing up to 18kg (40 pounds). Over time, they were refined into standard and miniature sizes, with coat varieties—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired—to suit different terrains and prey.

Miniatures are bred to be smaller in every dimension, making them more portable and often preferred for apartment living. Standard Dachshunds tend to have a broader chest and sturdier bone structure. Miniatures have finer frames and more delicate features, though both maintain the same overall proportions. Both are bold, curious, and loyal, but Miniatures may be slightly more prone to anxiety, barking and territorial behaviour due to their smaller size. Standards often have a more balanced temperament and may be better suited for active households.

There’s even an unofficial middle category called “Tweenie” Dachshunds, which fall between the two in size—though not recognised by all kennel clubs.
The breed’s history is a testament to how form follows function.
From fearless badger battler to beloved companion, the Dachshund has earned its place in both the field and the family.

Best diet for Toy & Miniature Poodles

Nothing beats a fresh food diet for any dog, but this applies particularly to Toy and Miniature Poodles because of their potential pickiness, skin issues and food sensitivities. So any diet should be highly digestible at the same time as being palatable. You do not have to worry about trying to meet AAFCO standards. Apart from the fact that these are the minimum (rather than the optimum) requirements for a dog, they are based on synthetic nutrients which bear no relationship whatsoever to the nutrients provided by real wholefoods.

Special dietary considerations for Toy & Miniature Poodles

While generally healthy dogs, Toy and Miniature Poodles are prone to specific health issues due to their size and breed characteristics. These include patellar luxation, dental problems and certain eye conditions like cataracts. Additionally, they may be susceptible to conditions like Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, tracheal collapse, and, less commonly, epilepsy. A fresh food diet can help with all of these conditions.

A fresh food diet, made with natural wholefood ingredients, is the healthiest way to feed a Poodle. Whether lightly cooked or raw, a fresh food diet is the healthiest way to feed any dog.

To learn how to feed your Toy or Miniature Poodle healthy nutritious food, download my Toy & Small Dog Feeding Guide. It includes all the ingredients you can feed your dog together with Poodle-friendly fresh food recipes.

For further detailed advice, contact a qualified canine nutritionist!