For lovers of the Miniature Dachshund, rescue organizations play a valuable and important role in supporting this delightful breed. These groups provide a haven for surrendered or abandoned "mini Doxies" and find new, loving homes for those in their care.
Miniature Dachshund Rescue
While the Mini Doxie is a lovable breed, many of these dogs find themselves without a home, either through abuse, abandonment or a change in the owner's circumstances. Lovers of the breed have established rescue organizations to foster a needy Dachshund and find it a new forever home. These organizations are involved in both the standard and miniature sizes of the dog.
Finding a Rescue Organization
If you are looking for a Miniature Dachshund rescue organization, several organizations can help you find a group near you.
- The Dachshund Club of America has a rescue program for the United States. They have addresses, emails and phone numbers for local and regional rescue clubs.
- Dachshund Rescue of North America is a non-profit organization operating in the United States and Canada. They foster, evaluate, treat and re-home purebred and mixed Dachshunds. They have a listing of email contacts posted on the website.
- Petfinder.com can help you locate Miniature Dachshunds in your area, some of which may even be in all-breed rescues.
Adopting a Rescue
To adopt from a rescue organization, email the nearest coordinator and inquire into the organization's process. You'll be asked to complete an application and include references. Many rescue groups will conduct a home study. They may also have you meet available dogs to find the right dog for your situation. All groups will charge an adoption fee. This fee helps cover the medical treatments, from vaccinations to spay or neutering, that the dog received while in rescue.
All American Dachshund Rescue
This volunteer group is located in Tennessee and requires adopters to be at least 25 years old. You must complete an application and if approved, arrange for the transportation of the dog to your location. Fees range from $220 to $350 for purebred dogs and $200 to $300 for mixes.
Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society
AHDRS is an all-volunteer group that operates a nationwide network of independent foster homes with available dogs. Their process includes an adoption application which can vary based on the adopter since each is an independent entity. Veterinary references are required as well as a home visit. They can also arrange for transporting the dog to you if you live far away from the foster home although you will need to pay the transportation costs along with the adoption fee.
Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
CTDR primarily serves the state of Texas but will adopt out of state if you come to meet the dog and transport the dog to your home. They require an application, veterinary and landlord information and a home visit. Adoption fees are between $150 and $300.
Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue
Another nationwide network of Dachshund lovers, this group adopts dogs all over the United States. Adopters must be at least 21 and fill out an application, list references, complete a phone interview and have a home visit. They prefer that adopters in other states pick the dog up but will also allow the adopter to arrange for transportation at their cost. Adoption Fees range from $150 to $350 and puppies too young to be sterilized will also require a $100 deposit refunded once you show proof of spay/neuter.
Dakota Dachshund Rescue
This volunteer group is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They require an adoption application and a fee of between $150 and $300. The group also holds monthly meet and greet events around the local area. The group cares for purebreds as well as mixed breeds and special needs dogs as well.
Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education (DARE)
DARE is located in Florida but they adopt out of state as well but you must fly or drive to Florida to finalize the adoption. Adoption fees run from $100 to $275 for purebreds and $100 to $175 for mixes. The group requires an application, references and a home visit.
Little Paws Rescue
Little Paws Dachshund Rescue is based in Fruitland, Maryland although they rescue all over the East coast. Some states they rescue and place dogs in are Connecticut, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Adopters must fill out an application and there are different requirements based on whether you live in a home, apartment or rental property. A home visit by a volunteer is also part of the process. The adoption fees range from $75 to $350 based on the age and needs of the dog. Additional fees for health certificates for dogs crossing states lines may also be required based on your state.
Midwest Dachshund Rescue
This group mostly adopts dogs to Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin but they will place dogs in other states in the Midwest. Like other rescue groups, there is an adoption application and process. Requirements include an age of 23 or older, Midwestern residence, and ability to transport the dog. The dogs are all cared for in foster homes in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
About the Miniature Dachshund
Description
The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the Dachshund in the top 10 in popularity by breed registrations. These "wiener dogs" are famous in popular culture for their very short legs and long body. They have a long nose, drop ears and warm eyes. They come in three coat varieties; smooth, wire-haired or long-haired. Coat color varies greatly, from cream to red and black. Dachshunds are recognized by the AKC in two sizes, the standard and miniature. The minis weigh less than 11 pounds at 12 months old and the standards weigh between 16 to 32 pounds. There are also dogs referred to as Teacup Dachshunds which are not a recognized breed type. These dogs are bred specifically to be between 4 and 7 pounds.
Origins
The breed was developed in the 17th century in Germany as badger hunters. The name Dachshund means "badger dog" in German. The long, low body was perfect for burrowing through the ground to fight a badger in its den. Over the centuries, however, this fearless dog has mellowed to a loving and devoted companion animal.
Personality
Both miniature and standards versions of the Dachshund possess a lively and curious nature. The breed is courageous and makes a good watchdog. They are independent and curious and enjoy the outdoors like most hunting breeds. The Dachshund also enjoys living indoors and are loving, playful companions.
Health and Behavior Issues
While a sturdy breed, there are issues that confront a Doxie.
- The breed is subject to back problems, especially in overweight dogs. Disc problems are frequent due to the length of the back.
- Dachshunds are subject to epilepsy and seizures.
- Luxating patellas, or kneecaps that become dislocated, are common.
- Eye diseases are found in some dogs, especially those of a dapple coat.
The breed is also known for its loud bark, especially in comparison to its small stature. Dachshunds can also be difficult to house train, but with consistency and patience, they can be house trained.
Surrendering a Dog
If it is necessary to give up your Dachshund, contact one of the rescue organizations above as well as all-breed groups near you. Explain your situation truthfully. Include a description of the dog, both physically, such as height and weight, and its personality. Be honest about any behavior problems that the dog may have. The rescue group will then contact you regarding surrendering your dog. Most breed-specific rescue groups will take in surrenders, assuming they have a foster home available, or they may ask that you care for the dog until they find a foster or a permanent home.
Be advised that only the legal owner of the dog can surrender it to a rescue. If your dog is accepted into rescue, understand that this is a binding legal act, and you will no longer have any rights to the dog. However, take heart that the group will work hard to find a loving new home for your Miniature Dachshund.
Adopting a Miniature Dachshund
Thankfully this breed is a much-loved dog and has many volunteers around the country who give their time and energy to find dogs permanent homes. Do your research and don't be alarmed by the long adoption process, as these groups want to make sure you and your adopted Miniature Dachshund have a long, happy future together.
