How big will my Dachshund get?
How big your Dachshund gets depends first on which variety you have, since standard and miniature Dachshunds are genuinely different sizes as adults rather than just a naming difference. A standard Dachshund is a solidly built small-to-medium dog, while a miniature is considerably lighter and more compact. Whichever variety you have, most of the growing happens in the first year, with the long back reaching its full length before the frame fully fills out in muscle.
Standard versus miniature: the size gap
Standard Dachshunds are the larger of the two varieties and typically end up noticeably heavier than a miniature by adulthood, reflecting a build closer to the breed's original purpose of going to ground after badgers. Miniatures are bred to a lighter target weight and generally look proportionally similar but smaller all over, rather than simply a shrunk-down standard.
If you are not sure which variety your puppy is, a vet or your breeder can usually tell from the parents' sizes, which is a far more reliable guide at a young age than trying to judge growth trajectory from a puppy's current weight alone.
When growth levels off
Most Dachshunds are close to their adult height by around nine to twelve months old, though some continue to fill out through the chest and shoulders for a few months longer. The long back reaching full length happens relatively early, well before the dog has finished putting on adult muscle and weight.
Because of the breed's long spine and short legs, keeping a Dachshund from becoming overweight matters more than for many breeds, since extra weight puts additional strain on a back already working at a mechanical disadvantage. Watching body condition through the growing months, not just the number on the scale, is worth the habit.
Common questions
- What is the average adult weight of a standard Dachshund?
- Standard Dachshunds are the larger of the two varieties, typically ending up a solid small-to-medium weight as adults. Individual dogs vary, and your vet can confirm whether your particular dog's weight suits its frame.
- What is the average adult weight of a miniature Dachshund?
- Miniature Dachshunds are considerably lighter than the standard variety, bred to a smaller target size overall. As with any breed, ask your vet to assess your individual dog's condition rather than relying on a general figure alone.
- Why is it important not to let a Dachshund get overweight?
- The breed's long spine and short legs already work at a mechanical disadvantage, and extra weight adds further strain to the back. Keeping a Dachshund lean through its growing months and adult life is one of the more useful things an owner can do for long-term comfort.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.