Dachshund Blog

The smallest Dachshund in the world – Rabbit Dachshund (kaninchen dachshund)

rabbit dachshund post banner

Here is everything you need to know about the Rabbit Dachshund – from their size to care and temperament! Let’s check out this magnificent breed!

Kaninchen Dachshund is a fascinating and unique breed that captures the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. With their small size and distinctive features, rabbit Dachshunds have an undeniable charm that sets them apart from their standard and miniature Doxie relatives! So, if you are thinking of welcoming a Rabbit Doxie to your home or you are just interested in learning about this breed, you are at the right place:

What is a Rabbit Dachshund?

A rabbit dachshund, also known as a mini or dwarf dachshund, is a small and adorable version of the popular Doxie breed. These pint-sized pups are just as feisty as their relatives and were also bred for hunting in small ground holes! Despite their small stature, Rabbit Dachshunds possess all the characteristics that make the standard Dachsies so loved – they are playful, energetic, and fiercely loyal to their owners. 

The term “rabbit” is often used to describe them due to their agile and quick nature, which reminds of a bunny hopping along with fierce. With their long bodies, short legs, and floppy ears, these little cuties can easily capture anyone’s heart. Rabbit dachshunds are perfect for apartment living or families with limited space but still want a courageous and spirited companion by their side.

  • Size of a Rabbit Dachshund

When it comes to size, the rabbit Dachshund takes the cake for being the smallest of the Dachshund family. They typically weigh between 8 to 11 pounds (3.6 to 5 kilograms) and stand around 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) tall. They’re so little you might mistake them for a large rabbit!

The chest circumference of a male rabbi doxie is around 10 inches (27 – 30cm), and in female rabbit dachies, around 8 to 9 inches (20-25cm).

An interesting fact is that rabbit Dachshunds are recognized as a breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) but not by the American Kannel Club (AKC). They have different classification systems where, in FCI, the rabbit dachshund is a separate breed, and in AKC, they are part of miniature dachshunds!

Coat types and colors in rabbit Dachshunds

These little dogs have a variety of coat types and colors. You can find rabbit Dachshunds with smooth, shiny coats or those with long and silky hair. Just like their relatives, there are 3 types of coats, but the wire-haired rabbit dachsies are quite rare, almost impossible to find.

As for dachshunds colors, you’ll spot everything from classic shades like black and tan to more unique combinations like dapple or piebald. Colors like double-dappled or some diluted coat colors like lilac are very rare since those colors represent a risk for dachshunds’ health!

rabbit dachshund

Rabbit Dachshund personality and temperament

As the personality and temperament traits go, Rabbit dachshunds have a lot to offer:

  • First, these little bundles of puppy love have a ton of energy. They love to run around and play, so they’re perfect for families with kids or people who like to be active. They’re always up for an adventure!
  • Even though they’re small, rabbit dachshunds are really brave. They’re not afraid to stand up to bigger animals and will jump into a fight without hesitation. They’ve been bred for centuries to be fearless and independent.
  • Another cool thing about these dogs is that they’re really curious. They love to explore new places and learn new tricks. So, it’s important to take them on walks to new places and teach them new commands to keep them happy.
  • Rabbit dachshunds are also very friendly. They love to play games and meet new people. That’s why they get along so well with kids. They’re always excited to make new friends!
  • And finally, these dogs are really loyal. They love their owners and want to be with them all the time. They’ll follow you everywhere and always be by your side.

What to watch out for in Rabbit Dachshunds? 

Our little rabbit doggies are as small as a rabbit, as fast as a rabbit, and sometimes as wild as a rabbit in the middle of a field!

If you don’t give them enough attention and don’t train them properly, they can start showing some not-so-great traits. Like, if they don’t get enough exercise and are left alone for a long time, they might start causing trouble. They could chew on furniture, knock over plants, or even chew on your shoes.

Also, because they were bred to hunt, they have strong hunting instincts. Even if they’re not trained to hunt, they might still try to chase after small animals. So, it’s important to keep an eye on them when they’re outside.

Rabbit dachshunds also have some health issues that might show up, like back problems or skin allergies and inflammation! Luckily, with proper care and regular vet check-ups, your puppy will be healthy and happy like any other!

So, rabbit dachshunds are really awesome dogs with lots of great qualities. Just make sure to give them the love and attention they need, and they’ll be the best furry friends you could ask for!

rabbit dachshund

How to care for rabbit Dachshunds?

The best care for rabbit dachshunds is the one that concludes with a few simple steps and routines! Here is what you should do to have a happy and healthy rabbit doxie:

Training a rabbit Dachshund

Rabbit dachshunds are not hard to train because they enjoy the routine, and the energy blows up if you give them proper exercise and tasks! For the command training, it is best to start when they are very young, this also goes for socialization – the sooner, the better!  

They are very smart and full of energy, so agility training and exercise are a great option for rabbit dachshunds! These little dynamos have a knack for agility. Their small size and nimble bodies make them surprisingly adept at navigating obstacle training. So don’t be surprised if your little sausage turns into a four-legged ninja when faced with a backyard agility course! Also, after a good run and training, don’t forget to let them rest in their comfy doggy bed! In case you’re searching for the right Dachshund bed, then we recommend you to check our blog post on the Top 9 Picks of Beds For Dachshunds!

Banana Bed by Dachshund Space is a popular choice of rabbit Dachshund owners.

rabbit dachshund bed

Veterinarian care 

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial for keeping your rabbit Dachshund healthy and happy. Don’t forget to discuss flea and tick prevention with your vet, as these puppies are very active and can dig, hide, and snoop in various places!

rabbit dachshunds

Dental hygiene and oral health

Take care of those pearly whites! Small-breed dogs like rabbit Dachshunds are prone to dental issues, so regular brushing and dental chews can help keep their chompers in tip-top shape. Plus, fresh breath is always a bonus when you’re getting lots of smooches from your furry friend. To maintain your Doxie’s teeth healthy, we recommend you check our Dachshund Toothbrush Chew Toy. It comes with a special box inside where you can add dog toothpaste, and as your dog chews it, he’ll get a complete tooth cleaning.

dachshund space shop dachshund toothbrush chew toy

The rabbit Dachshund is a truly unique and captivating breed. From their distinctive appearance to their playful and affectionate nature, they bring joy and happiness to families all over the world!

Pay attention to their grooming

Grooming a Dachshund is an important task for their owners. Since these cuties have delicate coats, we recommend you to groom them with a soft-bristle brush. Our Bath Massage Dachshund Brush can be of great help to gently remove dull-looking hair during baths. Since it features silicone pins, we bet your pooch gonna love the massage feeling this brush provides. Plus, it comes with a container where you should pour shampoo. As you push the button on the top of the brush, the release shampoo will make a wonderful foam.

dachshund space bath massage dachshund brush

What is the difference between a miniature and a rabbit dachshund?


In accordance with the World Canine Federation’s standards, Dachshund Miniatures can reach weights of up to 4 kilograms, approximately 8.8 pounds. It possesses chest measurements spanning from 30 to 35 centimeters, or roughly 11.8 to 13.8 inches. It’s noteworthy that Rabbit Dachshunds, on the other hand, exhibit even smaller dimensions within the Dachshund family.

These diminutive canines typically top out at 3.5 kilograms for males, around 7.7 pounds, and 3 kilograms for females, which translates to about 6.6 pounds. Hence, one key distinction between the two lies in their size, with Rabbit Dachshunds being even more petite compared to their already diminutive Miniature Dachshund counterparts.

What is the lifespan of a dachshund rabbit?

The lifespan of a Dachshund, including the “Rabbit” variety, can vary depending on various factors. Genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care are only some of them. Dachshunds tend to live for about 12 to 16 years. This general lifespan range applies to both standard and miniature Dachshunds, including those referred to as “Rabbit Dachshunds.” With proper care, a Rabbit Dachshund can enjoy a healthy and happy life, potentially reaching or even surpassing the upper end of this lifespan range.