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There aren’t many differences between the two varieties of Dachshund. Both the Standard and the Miniature have smooth, wiry, or long hair in a range of colors and share the same energetic, friendly personalities. However, while you might have a smaller-than-average Dachshund, they might not be classed as a Miniature.
According to the AKC’s breed standard for Dachshunds, Mini Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds or less1. Their size is the biggest difference when it comes to telling apart the two varieties but can be affected by genetics and their diet.
The growth chart included in this guide can help you determine whether your Dachshund can be called a Miniature or not.
Top 3 Facts About Mini Dachshunds
Before we get into how big Mini Dachshunds can get, here are a few fun facts about the breed that might surprise you.
1. The Badger Dog
The Mini Dachshund has the same history as the Standard variety, although the Miniature hasn’t been around for as long. They were first developed in Germany around 600 years ago. Their long bodies and low statures were intended to aid the breed in hunting badgers, hence the translation of their name, “badger dog.”
2. Liberty Hounds
Due to their popularity in Germany and designation as the national symbol of the country, the Dachshund lost favor in the U.S.A. during WWI. They became known as Liberty Hounds and were often the target of anti-German sentiment at the time.
3. Several Coat Colors and Types
While many other dog breeds are limited to certain coats or colors, Dachshunds — both varieties — have a much broader range of fur types and colors. They can have smooth, wiry, or long hair in red, black, chocolate, blue, cream, and tan.
Mini Dachshund Size and Growth Chart
While the Mini Dachshund is part of the same breed as the Standard Dachshund variety, they are smaller in both weight and length. Compared to the Standard adult weight of 16–32 pounds, Dachshunds are only considered Miniature if they’re 11 pounds or less.
The weight of your puppy might vary, but here’s a growth guide for the average weight and length for this breed. By comparing your Mini Dachshund’s growth rate with this chart, you’ll be better able to judge how well your puppy is growing.
Some Miniature Dachshunds can give birth to standard-sized Dachshunds. While it can be disappointing if you’d hoped for a Miniature, your puppy will be just as energetic and lovable.
| Age | Weight Range | Length Range |
| 3 months | About 2.2 pounds | 6–8 inches |
| 5 months | 3.3–4.5 pounds | 8–9 inches |
| 7 months | 4.5–6.5 pounds | 9–10 inches |
| 9 months | 8.5–9 pounds | 10–11 inches |
| 12 months | 9–11 pounds | 12.5–13 inches |
When Does a Mini Dachshund Stop Growing?
Similar to the Standard variety, Mini Dachshunds take about a year to fully mature. As puppies, they’ll grow quickly, but it’ll still take a few months for them to properly develop. They’ll reach their adult size when they are 11–12 months old, weigh up to 11 pounds, and are around 12.5–13 inches long.
The Miniature Dachshund reaches adulthood faster than the Standard, which takes 12–13 months to finish growing.
It’s difficult to tell how big your Mini Dachshund will be when they’re fully grown until they reach adulthood. You can monitor their growth rate with a monthly journal to help determine whether they’re on track and to estimate what their adult size will be.
The Main Factors Affecting the Size of Mini Dachshunds
1. Diet
The most common issue that can affect the weight of your Miniature Dachshund is obesity. If you don’t exercise them enough and they eat the wrong diet, your Miniature Dachshund could weigh the same as the Standard variety. Conversely, a lack of proper nutrition can affect how your Miniature Dachshund grows and hinder their development.
2. Lineage
Standard and Miniature Dachshunds are both the same breed; it’s only their size that is different. Most of the time, a Miniature puppy will grow to be the same size as their parents. However, Miniature Dachshunds can also be descended from a pair of Standard Dachshunds, and a Standard Dachshund can be born to a pair of Miniature Dachshunds.
For this reason, it’s difficult to know for sure whether your Miniature Dachshund puppy will meet the size requirements until they’re fully grown.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
In general, your Mini Dachshund should eat 1 cup of dog food a day spread out over several meals. This can be wet, dry, or mixed food, but make sure the brand that you choose contains all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs.
Keep in mind that as a hound breed that was first bred for hunting small game, the Dachshund is naturally active. The Mini Dachshund is just as energetic as the Standard variety, despite being smaller. Due to this, your dog may need a little more food throughout the day as they burn off their energy.
However, avoid overfeeding your dog to prevent them from becoming obese. You should adjust their meals depending on how active they are and the amount that they eat throughout the day.
We recommend getting advice and guidance from a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s diet and weight.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
How to Measure Your Mini Dachshund
Since Mini Dachshunds are such small dogs, measuring them is relatively easy. With the right tools, you can weigh and measure them at home.
Weighing your dog is as simple as grabbing the bathroom scale. Place your Mini Dachshund on the scale, and tell them to stay while you take their weight. If your puppy is still learning obedience commands, weigh yourself alone and then again while holding your dog. To find the weight of your puppy, subtract your weight from that of you and your Dachshund.
Finally, you’ll need a tape measure for their back; measure from their shoulders to the base of their tail, along with their neck and chest. You’ll need these measurements if you want to get your Mini Dachshund a collar and harness, so it’s a good idea to measure them often while they grow.
Conclusion
The official standard for Mini Dachshunds is that they must be 11 pounds or less. They’re much smaller than the original Standard variety but have the same short legs and long body that makes them perfect for diving into badger burrows in search of prey. Small as they might be, the Mini Dachshund is a determined hunter, loyal friend, and energetic companion.
Featured Image Credit: Shedara Weinsberg, Shutterstock
2 Responses
interesting that the official size of a miniature dachshund is 11 lb or less. we have two from the same litter. our boy is almost 13 lb and the girl is about 8 and 1/2 lb. their parents were both 10 lb. so apparently we have a standard Dachshund and a miniature dachshund even though they're from the same litter.
Hello Paul,
thank you for your message! It is indeed very interesting, however, size is polygenic, which means that two Miniature Dachshunds can still produce a Standard-sized puppy if both carry genes for the larger size. Dogs are amazing, isn't that right?