Kaninchen Dachshund

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The Kaninchen Dachshund

Like the standard dachshund or miniature dachshund, the smallest Dachshund of the breed is none other than the Kaninchen (also called rabbit dachshund or toy dachshund).

It is a bold, independent, vocal, and energetic small dog breed!

Indeed, the Kaninchen dachshund is the smallest of the three dachshunds recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), group 4 with working trials.

The very small weight of the Kaninchen dachshund is between 3 and 3.5kg.

Regarding the origin of the word kaninchen, it means "rabbit" in German (logically for hunting these animals of similar size) 🐶 and yes, it is a hunting dog! In German, dachshund is called "Dackel".

Temperament of the Kaninchen in 5 Traits

Small but sturdy

Not all dog breeds are the same and the Kaninchen dachshund may be small, but it remains a brave and confident dog.

Indeed, its courageous temperament will allow it to face opponents many times its own size!

Also, despite its small size, it is an excellent guard dog and will defend its territory fiercely.

However, it is important to ensure that this behavior does not become uncontrollable.

If your Kaninchen dachshund shows signs of aggression such as regular growling toward strangers, or perhaps attempts to bite, consult a professional dog trainer (canine behaviorist) immediately.

A vocal dog

The barking is another common characteristic of the temperament of the Dachshund dog breed.

In the history of this canine breed, the 3 sizes of dachshunds are bred for game hunting and burrowing, and adapt just as well above ground as below ground.

So the fact of barking and opening their muzzles more or less loudly is more than normal for these vocal dogs 😜

The Kaninchen was trained primarily for rabbit hunting because it can track and pursue them very easily.

If you live in an apartment and fear for the neighbors, there are certain things you can do to reduce the yapping of your pet dog, such as taking them out for plenty of exercise or mentally stimulating them with an intellectual game.

However, be honest, because if you are a calm and peaceful person, the Kaninchen dachshund (like the miniature and standard dachshund) may not be the best dog for your daily life.

Feisty with other animals

Kaninchen dachshunds are known for sometimes being very assertive (aggressive) when it comes to other animals.

After all, dachshunds were developed to hunt animals such as badgers.

For this reason, Kaninchen dachshunds are generally not compatible with other small pets if they are not accustomed to them from a young puppy age with a good educational foundation.

So if you have small pets at home, you will need to be very vigilant to monitor all interactions of your Kaninchen dachshund.

Regarding other dogs, Kaninchens can coexist with other doggies, but it generally requires some time to adapt. The Kaninchen is a small dog... very stubborn 😉

Lively and fun

The energetic temperament of the Kaninchen dachshund with its floppy ears makes it a very fun breed because they are playful and curious. In fact, many say it is a clownish dog 😜

Some people think that since they are small, they don't need a lot of exercise or playtime, but that is not the case!

Despite their short legs and small size, the sausage dog Kaninchens need walks and daily exercise several times a day.

The exercise of the Kaninchen dachshund can take the form of games, a walk, a jog, an outing to the park, or participation in canine sports.

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They love to dig

From puppies to adults, digging is a common component of the Kaninchen dachshund's temperament.

Remember that these dogs were bred to go into the field and hunt badgers in their burrows... like a born hunter!

Consequently, digging is in their instinct, their DNA for these small hunting dogs.

So if you leave your Kaninchen dachshund outside unsupervised, you can expect to find holes in the garden...

To minimize this behavior, supervise it and try to distract it with other activities, for example with toys.

You can even provide your dachshund with its own sandbox so it can express itself in its natural tendencies.

-> Find a training course offered by canine experts for the education and positive training of your dachshund dog 📲

Size and Appearance of the Kaninchen Dachshund

As mentioned previously, the Kaninchen dachshund is the smallest of the dachshund varieties (the largest being the standard and the miniature in the middle).

You can find all the details of the breed on the official FCI website, dachshund nomenclature.

Size:

The average height of the Kaninchen dachshund is about 15cm at the withers.

Chest circumference:

Male: from 27 to 32cm

Female: from 25 to 30cm

Weight:

This breed never weighs more than 3.5kg.

Coat colors:

Smooth-Haired Dachshund: Solid, Bicolor (black and tan), Harlequin (merle), Brindle

Wire-Haired Dachshund: Solid, Variegated, Harlequin (merle), Brindle

Long-Haired Dachshund: Solid, Bicolor, Harlequin (merle), Brindle

Dachshunds can also be spotted or brownish but not all fur colors are recognized by the FCI.

Pure white and predominantly white-coated dogs are not encouraged.

Grooming Your Kaninchen

There are three varieties of Kaninchen dachshund coat and we recommend you consult our 3 blog articles below: 📲

Smooth-haired dachshund grooming

Wire-haired dachshund grooming

Long-haired dachshund grooming

These three coat varieties require different care but the smooth-haired variety is the one that requires the least maintenance.

Dogs with wire hair need hand stripping by a professional groomer several times a year or by yourself, but never use clippers on their fur; use a trimmer (stripping tool) and scissors.

For the long-haired dachshund, brushing will be daily to prevent the coat from matting. The long-haired variety also needs periodic grooming.

Finally, all 3 types need nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care (see dental ball).

Keeping Your Kaninchen Dachshund Healthy

Like all dog breeds, Kaninchen dachshunds are prone to certain genetic health problems.

It is important to be aware of these health issues before committing for life to your adorable dachshund.

Discuss these health problems with your veterinarian to ensure you are financially prepared to take care of your dog if one (or more) of these conditions were to arise.

The life expectancy of the Kaninchen dachshund is generally between 14 and 16 years (like the other 2 sizes).

One of the most frequent health problems in all three dachshund varieties (and all breeds of basset type dogs) is intervertebral disc disease (discopathy).

This is a spinal disease that generally requires corrective surgery and post-operative care, so always take good care of its back by avoiding stairs or jumping on furniture (armchair, sofa, or bed).

Also, miniature dogs have an increased prevalence of heart defects, liver issues, and dental and orthopedic problems.

Their fragile little bones incur a higher risk of complications when placed under anesthesia.

Nevertheless, this little beast remains a very robust breed, especially when it receives a lot of love from its adoptive family. 🥰

In Summary

The temperament of this little hunting dachshund is fun, affectionate, lively, and brave!

Moreover, its size is ideal in an apartment and for transporting it easily in a dog bag, which may be why some like to call it a toy dachshund 😜

If you are looking for a big personality in a small, very cuddly, and sociable life companion, a Kaninchen dachshund could be the perfect dog for you.

And if you choose to add this wonderful pet to your home, just ensure that you are committed to finding one from an ethical and reliable breeder.

To learn more, you can go to the website of the Centrale Canine society to find a breeder of these adorable burrowing dogs and finally consult the website of the Teckel Sans Doux Foyer association.

The Teckelshop team 💚- Last modified 10/10/26 (licensed photos - reproduction prohibited)

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