How Big Does A Miniature Dachshund Get?

Miniature Dachshunds are the smallest of all Dachshund breeds, and they have been bred for centuries to be small dogs that can fit into smaller homes or apartments.

Today, miniature dachshunds are still used in hunting but are primarily kept as pets.

In this article, we will uncover how big a miniature Dachshund will get when it is fully grown, and lots more. So keep on reading!

The Difference Between A Miniature Dachshund And A Standard Dachshund

According to the American Kennel Club, both the Miniature and Standard Dachshund fall under the same breed.

The only and main difference between a miniature and standard Dachshund is the height and weight of the dog.

Miniature Dachshunds can grow to around 5 to 6 inches tall, and weigh in around 11 pounds.

Compared to the Standard Dachshund, it will grow to around 8 to 9 inches in height and weigh around 12 to 15 pounds.

As a result, the main difference between a miniature and standard Dachshund is their weight and height. 

However, It is important to be clear here that miniature and standard Dachshunds are not different breeds, they are both the same breed.

Instead, someone may call a Dachshund either miniature or standard to differentiate them and put them into a particular class for their weight and height, especially in competitions.

Miniature Dachshunds cannot weigh more than 11 pounds. If they weigh anymore they are considered a standard Dachshund. 

Miniature Dachshund Can Grow Into A Standard Dachshund

You may buy a miniature Dachshund puppy that grows into a standard Dachshund.

When buying your Dachshund puppy, you want to make sure you are buying them from a responsible and reliable breeder.

Especially if you specifically want a miniature Dachshund. 

Typically, someone who is breeding Miniature Dachshunds will mate miniature Dachshunds together. Also vice versa with standard Dachshunds.

However, just because you match two miniature Dachshunds together doesn’t guarantee that miniature Dachshund puppies will be produced.

You will not know what size your Dachshund will grow into until they have fully grown up.

As a result, miniature Dachshunds can produce standard Dachshunds. While standard Dachshunds can produce miniature Dachshund puppies. 

This is because, once again, miniature and standard Dachshunds are the same, but just different sizes classifications.

Therefore, it is completely possible and likely for one set of parents to produce either miniature or standard versions of Dachshund.

However, this is where it is important to buy your puppies from an experienced breeder.

This is because the more experienced breeder will be able to predict better what size the puppies are most likely to be.

This is due to them also being aware of the litter the parents have already produced and the sizes that their offspring were. 

Dachshund Weights Over 11 Pounds But Registered As A Miniature 

When a Dachshund puppy is born, we have established it can be difficult to know what size they will grow into.

However, if the puppy is bred from a miniature Dachshund, it is a fair assumption to think that the puppy will be a miniature Dachshund as well. 

Typically, breeders will complete the American Kennel Club (AKC) registration papers for their puppies based on the size of the puppy’s parents.

However, this is not a guarantee that they will be this size when they have fully grown.

When filling out this registration, the ACK doesn’t actually physically check the dog that is being registered.

Therefore, if your miniature Dachshund weighs more than 11 pounds, they are likely a standard Dachshund, even if it appears the opposite.

Remember, miniature Dachshunds can produce standard Dachshunds puppies.

Whilst standard Dachshunds can produce miniature Dachshunds.

There is every chance your offspring could end up being bigger or smaller than their parents. 

Although, you do need to make sure that your Dachshund isn’t overweight.

This could make a miniature Dachshund seem to be standard due to their weight, but really it is because they need to go on a diet. 

Speaking to your veterinarian will help you learn what is the right weight for your Dachshund.

They may also suggest ways to help your Dachshund lose weight if they are overweight.

However, if your dog is overweight, then you need to also lose that extra weight for health benefits as well, so you can learn whether your dog is a miniature or standard Dachshund. 

Growth Rate Of Dachshunds

Dachshunds are one of the smaller breeds of dogs that you can see in the world.

By being a smaller dog, they mature a lot quicker and earlier in life compared to much bigger dog breeds.

Not everyone can agree when it comes to concluding when a Dachshund is considered to be fully grown.

Although there is a general agreement that all Dachshunds should have stopped growing by the time they are 10 to 12 months old.

After this point, your dog will begin to gain muscle and fill out until they reach around 2 years old.

How To Predict The Weight Of Your Dachshund Puppy

It is believed that the average newborn puppy will double their birth weight by the time they are around a week old.

As a result, when your Dachshund puppy is 6 weeks old, you can predict the weight that your Dachshund will be.

Thus predicting whether they will be a miniature or standard Dachshund.

All you have to do is take your Dachshunds 6-week weight and double it, then double it again.

The result will then be the predicted weight of your Dachshund when they are fully grown. 

Obviously, this is just a prediction, but it will give you a general idea of what to expect.

Also, if you are denying to know whether you will have a miniature or standard Dachshund, this method may be able to solve that question for you.

How Much Exercise Does A Miniature Dachshund Need

Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

A walk around the block or going for a quick jog is great for both you and your dog.

Keep an eye out for interesting things while walking, and make sure your dog gets plenty of treats when they do well.

Toys and games will provide your dog with something to focus on and work towards, as well as give them a chance to expend some of their energy.

The amount of exercise your Dachshund requires depends on how active they are.

If your dog is very active, it will require more exercise than a less active dog. This is because you want to keep your dog fit and healthy.

Personality Traits Of A Miniature Dachshund

A miniature Dachshund has many personality traits like any other breed of dog.

They are friendly, loving, and loyal. They are usually good-natured and gentle, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Not only that, but they love attention from people, and they enjoy playing with toys.

They are also playful and energetic, and they love running around and exploring new places.

Miniature Dachshunds are not always easy to train.

They are often stubborn, and they don’t respond well to harsh training methods.

It is best to use rewards instead of punishment when trying to teach your Dachshund to behave properly.

What Are The Health Risks Of A Miniature Dachshund?

There are no health risks associated with having a miniature Dachshund.

However, they may suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can lead to pain and arthritis later in life.

You should stop your Miniature Dachshund from climbing or jumping too much because their shape can lead to back issues.

They are susceptible to disc herniation and back injuries, which could also lead to growth issues when they are young.

However, this health issue isn’t restricted to miniature Dachshunds, as standard Dachshunds can experience these problems too.

Final Thoughts

Miniature Dachshunds are one of the smaller breeds of dogs that you can own.

They are very loyal dogs and incredibly intelligent.

There isn’t a difference between a standard and miniature Dachshund apart from their weight and size, they are both still classed as a Dachshund.

The Dachshund was bred to hunt, as a result, they enjoy exercise and digging holes.

By keeping them active, you keep your Dachshund out of trouble and happy.

As a result, if your Dachshund is under 11 pounds, they are classed as a miniature Dachshund.

While a Dachshund weighing in around 12 to 15 pounds is classed as a standard Dachshund. 

However, now you know the difference between a minute and standard Dachshund, and how big a miniature Dachshund will grow too.

Overall, both miniature and standard Dachshunds will provide you with great companionship and love in the very long lives that they will have with you.