Dog breed comparison
Dachshund vs Miniature Pinscher
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Dachshund is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. The Dachshund tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Dachshund | Miniature Pinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 8 to 11 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Dachshund
Bred in Germany from the 1600s to hunt badgers; the name means badger dog. Its long body and short legs let it dig into burrows, and its loud bark let hunters find it underground.
About one in four Dachshunds develops back disease, so keep them lean and limit jumping off furniture.
Health to watch
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Obesity
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Cushing's disease
The Miniature Pinscher
A German breed developed several hundred years ago to catch rats in stables and homes. It is not a miniature Doberman; it is the older breed.
It is known as the King of Toys for its proud, high-stepping gait.
Health to watch
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
- Hypothyroidism
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with children
The Dachshund is better with children than the Miniature Pinscher.
Friendly with strangers
The Miniature Pinscher is friendlier with strangers than the Dachshund.
Easy to groom
The Miniature Pinscher is easier to groom than the Dachshund.
Energy
The Miniature Pinscher has more energy than the Dachshund.
Exercise needs
The Miniature Pinscher needs more exercise than the Dachshund.
Easy to train
The Miniature Pinscher is easier to train than the Dachshund.
Which to choose
Dachshund or Miniature Pinscher?
Choose the Dachshund if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Choose the Miniature Pinscher if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Dachshund or the Miniature Pinscher bigger, and which lives longer?
The Dachshund is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. The Dachshund tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Dachshund or the Miniature Pinscher?
The Miniature Pinscher is generally easier to train than the Dachshund. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Dachshund or the Miniature Pinscher?
The Dachshund is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Miniature Pinscher can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Miniature Pinscher sheds less than the Dachshund. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Dachshund and Miniature Pinscher have?
The Dachshund is prone to intervertebral disc disease, obesity, progressive retinal atrophy. The Miniature Pinscher is prone to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, mucopolysaccharidosis VI. Both share a risk of patellar luxation. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
