Dachshunds make fantastic family pets. They are not too small and not too big. The average normal Dashchund weighs 16-32 pounds and measures between 8-9 inches tall. Miniature Dachshunds weigh roughly 11 pounds and measure between 5-6 inches tall.
How Big Do Dachshunds Get?
Dachshunds are famously known for being one of the more popular smaller breeds of dogs. Their smaller stature makes them great pets for families who are unable to house a larger-sized dog or who perhaps can’t meet the demanding physical requirements of large dogs.
However, what they lack in size they certainly make up for in personality. They are still not the smallest of dogs so here we will tell you exactly what to expect size-wise for your adorable pet.
There are two different types of Dachshund: standard and miniature. They each have their own height and weight standards, so do not expect all Dachshunds to be the same!
There is an unrecognized class of Dachshund that fits in the size bracket between normal Dachshunds and Miniature Dachshunds which is called ‘tweenies’. However, this is not an officially recognized type of Dachshund and is actually penalized at dog shows.
So, for this reason, we will not consider them here.
Normal Dachshunds
There are many different types of normal Dachshund such as longhaired, wirehaired, and shorthaired. However, they are all types of normal Dachshund, meaning that they will roughly grow to be the same size in adulthood.
For a normal Dachsund, you can expect them to grow to a height of anywhere between 8-9 inches. Of course, this may vary depending on your particular dog. If they have any health problems then this can certainly affect the height to which they are able to grow.
When it comes to their weight the standard for a fully-grown adult Dachshund is a larger range, anything between 16-32 pounds. If your dog is outside of these limits then it is a good idea to get them checked out at a vet. Both being under and over their ideal weight can cause health problems, or it may even be a sign of an undetected health issue.
Either way, the sooner you understand your dog’s weight the better. It may simply be a case of needing to put them on a diet!
Miniature Dachshunds
Miniature Dachshunds are exactly as you would expect from their name – smaller Dachshunds! So, on average you can expect them to be lighter in weight and smaller in height compared to the average normal Dachshund.
A fully-grown adult Miniature Dachshund will only reach a height of 5-6 inches (a good 3 inches less than a normal Dachshund). They are also considerably lighter in weight than their standard counterparts, weighing an average of only 11 pounds at peak adulthood. This gives you a difference of anywhere between 5 and 21 pounds in weight!
At What Age Is A Dachshund Fully Grown?
There is no set age at which a Dachshund will reach maturity. However, by the time they are 12 months old, their bones will have stopped growing. But this does not mean that they will stop growing at this age.
In fact, they will continue growing and “filling out” for a little while longer and so will actually stop growing anywhere between the ages of 18 months old and 2 years old.
However, they will still keep all of their adorable features, allowing them to still pass for being a puppy even when fully grown.
Should I Be Worried About My Dachshund’s Size?
The best way to know whether you have cause for concern about the size of your Dachshund is to get an accurate measurement of their height and weight.
You can either try and do this yourself (although you may struggle to get them to stay still and stretched out for a measurement) or you can take them to the vet where they will be able to get a perfectly accurate measurement of both their height and weight.
Once you are aware of your Dachshund’s height and weight then you can have a better idea of where they are in comparison to the average Dachshund.
It may be that they are only slightly outside of the average size bracket in which there is almost certainly no need for concern. However, if you notice that they are very different in either height or weight from the average Dachshund (keep in mind whether they are a normal Dachshund or a miniature Dachshund) then this may be a problem.
If this is the case then you should make sure that you book them a vet appointment as soon as possible. Any problems with height, weight or both can be an indication of underlying health conditions.
Although it may simply be a case of your Dachshund being not hungry or very greedy it is always best to be safe rather than sorry.
Your vet will be able to check for any conditions that cause height and/or weight problems and allow you to handle them accordingly.
Summary
Dachshunds are a very popular breed of dog to have as a pet as they are small, friendly, and love to cuddle. They are also not the smallest of dogs, making them a good option for people who still want to be a little bit energetic with their dogs but cannot give a larger dog a home.
It is always a good idea to know the average size of your breed of dog. This can differ greatly depending on the breed (and the type of dog as well). So, make sure that you are aware of how your dog fits into the average height and weight chart for that specific breed.
This will allow you to recognize if there are any health problems or even eating issues with your dog and keep them healthier for longer. If you are unsure of anything to do with your Dachshunds size then be sure to take them to a vet to have a complete inspection.
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