Daschunds are friendly curious dogs that were bred initially to hunt tunneling animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits, packs were once used to trail wild boar. With this in mind, naturally, questions follow as to how big they get and what size will they ultimately grow to. Intrigued, I decided to conduct some research into the topic. I would like to share my findings with you below.
So, how big do dachshunds get? A Miniature Dachshund typically weighs less than 12 pounds, reaches 5-7 inches in height, and is 12-13 inches in length. A standard Dachshund is slightly larger, weighing on average between 16-32 pounds, standing 8-9 inches in height and 16-17 inches in length.
As you can see, the full size of a Dachshund depends primarily on the breed.
And that is mostly dependent on the parental dogs used in breeding, and of their own lineage.
Nevertheless, Dachshunds are a good breed for novice owners; they are great with families and notoriously kid-friendly.
Their size also helps them to adapt well to apartment living and homes with less space.
We all know that a Dachshund has a unique body frame; they are notoriously long and somewhat short, but what can an owner actually expect regarding their growth rate and potential.
Let us now take a much closer look in the following sections.
Daschunds Full-Grown Size
Dachshunds predominantly come in two sizes in much of the world, particularly the United States as well as the United Kingdom.
The two most common breeds are the Standard Dachshund and the Miniature Dachshund.
There is also a third size known as the Kaninchen (meaning rabbit in German). The rabbit size is not recognized by dog clubs in the US and the UK.
The standard size for dachshunds falls between the average of the miniature and the standard size.
This size is often referred to as the “tweenies” – a dachshund that falls between 11-16 pounds and is not an official classification.
An adult standard dachshund averages between 16 pounds to 32 pounds in weight, while the miniature typically weighs less than 12 pounds. The kaninchen or rabbit-size weighs between 8 to 11 pounds.
Most Kennel clubs use weight to classify size divisions, such as the American Kennel Club. Other kennel clubs define the difference between miniature and standard by measuring the chest circumference.
In Germany, some kennel clubs, determine size divisions by measuring the chest circumference in addition to weight and height.
Let us now take a closer look at the size variations in the two most common breeds of Dachund:
Miniature Dachshund Size Guide
Size | Weight (Pounds) | Length (Inches) | Chest Girth (Inches) | Neck (Inches) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 4-5 | 6-8.5 | 8-11 | 5-6 |
Medium | 6-8 | 9-12 | 12-15 | 7-9 |
Large | 9-11 | 12.5-13 | 16-18 | 10-11 |
Standard Dachshund Size Guide
Size | Weight (Pounds) | Length (Inches) | Chest Girth (Inches) | Neck (Inches) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 16-21 | 16-16.5 | 19-23 | 12-13 |
Medium | 22-27 | 16.5-17 | 21-25 | 13-14 |
Large | 28-32 | 17-17.5 | 23-27 | 14-15 |
As you can see there is quite some variance between the same breed. This will depend on a multitude of factors including genetics, age, and also how well they are taken care of.
As an owner, you need to ensure that they are well fed with high-quality nutrition.
Equally, you need to ensure they are getting an appropriate amount of exercise (about an hour per day for a Dachshund) and that they are not gaining nor holding any excessive weight.
As you can imagine, this particular breed of dog has a specific framework and bone structure. Adding excess weight can be an issue for this breed of dog.
At What Age Is A Dachshund Fully Grown?
Daschunds typically reach their full adult size between the ages of 6-8 months, although it does vary by dog.
Dachshunds are adorable as puppies, so innocent and sweet, but inevitably they will grow and become mature and vivacious dogs in the months and years to follow.
So how will you know when your dachshund is fully grown? As we have already discussed, dachshunds come in two sizes, miniature and standard, and each size has its weight and height division.
Aside from weight and height differences, these breeds have a range of different coats ranging from longhaired to wire-haired and even smooth-haired.
Most canines go through three stages of growth development; these are, of course, puppy, adolescent, and adult.
Each growth stage comes with its behavioral traits, which should help you decide which one of these stages your to which your puppy belongs.
As with humans, dogs have growth plates that close once they mature. Once these growth plates fully close, it is safe to say that your dog is fully grown; this usually happens at around 6 to 8 months of age for dachshunds.
Dachshunds might still keep their puppy appearance for a while, such as soft fur, a round face, and a narrow chest; however, these dogs usually stop growing after 24 months of age.
Between 6 to 12 months of age, your Dachsund will change temperament as it becomes an adolescent.
Your pooch will continue to need companionship and activity; after 12 months, dachshunds tend to calm down, particularly if they have been spayed or neutered, and their facial features become better defined.
Parts of their bodies will continue to grow like the chest, face, and legs, but these changes will be minimal and relative to your dog’s size.
Dachshund Mixes And Their Sizes
Dachshunds make excellent pets – people love these dogs! They don’t require much space and don’t shed too much either.
These dogs are cute, intelligent, and very loving; on the other hand, they are willful, sneaky, and challenging to train.
Below is a selection of mixes that vary in size, activity level, and temperament. Let’s review some of these mixes:
Doxle
This is a mix of a dachshund and a beagle. This breed is medium in size, weighing 18 to 30 pounds and 9 to 11 inches in height.
The doxle is not hypoallergenic, but it has many wonderful traits, it is a very social dog, great with families, it’s loyal and intelligent and is slightly active.
Golden Dox
This is a mix of a dachshund and a golden retriever. This breed is medium to large in size, weighing between 30 to 60 pounds, and is up to 23 inches in height.
The golden dox is not hypoallergenic; however, it is a very happy dog that happens to be loyal, brave, and gentle. The golden dox is also an excellent family pet, and it is quite an active breed.
Doxiepoo
This is a mix of a dachshund and a poodle. This breed is medium-sized, weighing between 5 to 30 pounds. Its average height is hard to determine as it ranges from small to medium.
The doxiepoo can be hypoallergenic. Personality traits include cleverness, being affectionate, and a great family pet, it is also moderately active.
Chiweenie
This is a mix of dachshund and chihuahua. This breed is a small-sized dog, weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, and 8 to 10 inches in height.
The Chiweenie is not hypoallergenic; however, it has some attractive traits that include playfulness, being a good companion for singles, and it is low shedding. Activity levels are low to moderate with this breed.
Dameranian
This is a mix of dachshund and pomeranian. This breed is small to medium in size, weighing between 8 to 25 pounds, and 5 to 11 inches in height.
The dameranian is not hypoallergenic; however, it is a vigilant dog, affectionate, social, lively. Moderately easy to train, and slightly active.
Dach Griffon
This is a mix of dachshund and Brussels griffon. This breed is a small to medium-sized dog, weighing between 10 to 28 pounds, and is 9 to 11 inches in height.
The Dach griffon can be hypoallergenic. Traits include intelligence, liveliness, happiness, and it is somewhat active.
How To Ensure Your Dachshund Grows To their Full-Growth Potential
Every dog will genetically have its potential. However, the care you give to your Dachshund and how you raise them also plays a big role in the size they ultimately become.
A malnourished dog and one that is not content will never be able to grow up to be the dog that it could.
Therefore, as an owner, it is important that you consider and ensure you are aware of the following factors.
Implementing these will ensure your Daschund, regardless of whether they are a miniature, standard or mix can reach its growth potential:
Diet
The diet of any dog or animal is imperative. You need to ensure you feed your dachshund a diet that is abundant in protein to ensure maximum growth.
Foods such as eggs, lean meats like chicken, and dishes are recommended.
When it comes to dry food, look for high-quality dry commercial food options (like this excellent brand on Amazon), that are free from nasty additives, and fillers and are protein-rich.
Feed your dachshund according to their size, weight, and age; following the recommendations of your vet.
Refrain from overfeeding your dachshund as any excess weight will put pressure on their spine and can also lead to diabetes.
Fresh, Clean Water
Provide a lot of fresh, clean water and make it available at all times.
Dachshunds are susceptible to urinary and kidney stone formation. Providing ample water goes a long way to preventing such stones from forming.
Sleep
Dogs require plenty of sleep to grow, just like we do. Provide a comfortable, safe and calming environment where they can get their much-needed rest.
Getting a dog crate, and providing soft blankets is a good idea – particularly when they are young and are still a puppy.
Place their bed in a quiet corner of your home; whether this is your bedroom or a safe area that is free from noise and any drafts or sudden changes in temperature.
If you have young children, ensure that they do not disturb your dog as they sleep or visit the crate too often.
Refrain from using the crate as a form of punishment if they misbehave.
Instead, give them treats while they are inside so that they willingly want to go to their crate and are relaxed and calm when inside.
Exercise
Dachshunds require daily exercise. Frequent, gentle walks are best along with a little play with them outside.
When taking your dachshund on a walk be careful with the pace you go. Ensure they can keep up, and remember that they have short legs so struggle with speed.
Dachshunds are naturally energetic and bred to hunt, so getting some toys and playing fetch with them will give them a good sense of purpose and fulfilling a natural tendency.
Exercise enables your dog to expend some of their excess energy and also will help to control their weight.
Climbing/Jumping
It’s important not to let your dachshund climb or jump up to high areas and off frequently. Specific examples include furniture or up into the car.
Instead, you should carefully pick them up, supporting their back legs, to lift them up – you’ll then want to put them down gently.
Equally, special pet steps can be purchased for when you’re not around. This is a great example I found on Amazon.
Preventing jumping/climbing will go a long way to preventing potential injuries.
Dachshunds are susceptible to back injuries, disc herniation, and in the worst case, partial paralysis. All of which will prevent free movement in your dog and prevent them from reaching their growth potential.
Finally
Low to ground, long in body and short of leg, with robust muscular development; the Dachshund is well-balanced with a bold and confident demeanor.
They are amazing small to medium dogs that vary in weight, size, and temperament depending on their specific breed and size division.
For dachshunds, as well as any dog, encounter three different growth stages throughout their life, puppy, adolescent, and adult.
Each growth stage comes with its own physical and behavioral traits; generally speaking, these dogs are considered fully grown, once their growth plates fully close – typically between 6 to 8 months.
Dachshunds are fully mature by two years of age, once they stop growing.
But before you go out and get one, do consider their cost. They are a big financial commitment. Not just now but long into the future.
Related Questions
A Daschund puppy should weigh between 3-32 lbs (1-12 months old). It depends mostly on its age and genetics.
The amount of food you feed your Dachshund will depend on the breed (standard or miniature) and their age. During the puppy stages, they should be eating a minimum of four meals per day. This can be reduced as they age down to two. Always feed the recommended amount included on the manufacturer’s packaging. From there you can make minor adjustments. Speaking to a vet can also help you determine if you are feeding an appropriate amount alongside regularly monitoring your dog’s weight.
Dachshunds make great family dogs because they are intelligent, loyal, playful, good with children, and good watchdogs. However, they can have an aggressive and stubborn temperament, are not known to be good with strangers, and are known to bark a lot. It is therefore critical in the early days of owning a Dachshund you provide them with appropriate training. You should also be cautious if you have very young children.
Related guides you may want to read:
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.