The Miniature Dachshund: A Very Popular Little Dog

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

The Miniature Dachshund: Everything You Need to Know!

The miniature dachshund (or standard dachshund, kaninchen) is affectionately known by a variety of adorable nicknames such as sausage dog or hot-dog dog.

But size matters when it comes to correctly identifying your dachshund’s weight class!

Genetically, regardless of size, it is the same breed: group 4 with working trial.

There are therefore 3 sizes of dachshund recognized by the FCI and the Société Centrale Canine.

– Kaninchen dachshund (rabbit)

– Miniature dachshund

– Standard dachshund

And if you want to learn more about the miniature dachshund, you’ve come to the right place with this new blog post 😜

What is the Weight of a Miniature Dachshund?

As we have just seen, a miniature dachshund is a dachshund that falls between the kaninchen and standard size classifications.

Some dachshunds stop growing at 12 months, but some, due to their genetics or calorie intake, continue to gain a little weight until 18 months.

This means that an adult miniature dachshund weighs between 5 and 6 kg (we recommend asking your veterinarian for advice).

Dachshunds are greedy little dogs that are prone to obesity, and excess weight is very easy to gain with these little balls of fur, so it is essential to keep them at an appropriate weight and take good care of their backs from a young age.

Weight can fluctuate depending on your dachshund’s exercise program and diet. This is normal.

Is it Possible to Predict the Size of my Dachshund Puppy?

It is difficult to predict a puppy’s final weight.

However, to help you predict the final (adult) weight of your dachshund puppy, here are a few little tips…

The puppy should double its birth weight in 7 days and then multiply it by 3 in 21 days (3 weeks).

In 1 month, the puppy will have multiplied its birth weight by 5.

So, puppies generally gain approximately 60g per day.

This simple calculation should provide a rough estimate of your dachshund’s adult weight.

How Long Do Miniature Dachshunds Live?

Miniature dachshunds have the same life expectancy as kaninchen and standard dachshunds, ranging from 12 to 16 years.

They are very robust hunting dogs that love to dig and track their prey into burrows!

Several factors determine the longevity of any dog breed, including diet, physical health, and underlying health conditions.

The most common health problems in this little dog are obesity, which leads to back issues (herniated discs, lower back pain), and heart disease.

For these reasons, it is crucial to keep your Doxie on a quality diet and provide plenty of exercise!

Don’t hesitate to take your dog out regularly, such as 3-4 times/day, but also offer them chew woods and toys to help them relax.

Take them on long walks… being a hunting dog by origin, they love nature and stretching their paws. 🐾

Dachshund Behavior

Behaviors don’t really change according to size; all dachshunds are lively, dynamic, brave, and very affectionate… the perfect dog, isn’t it?😜

On the other hand, it should be noted that depending on the type of fur, attitudes vary slightly, and you will obviously need to ensure you train them well so they don’t end up being the boss of the family and taking control over you.

You must make them understand from a young age or as soon as they join your home that you are the boss.

Among all dog breeds, the dachshund is one of those with an assertive and stubborn character!

There are officially 3 types of coat:

– Long-haired dachshund

– Wire-haired dachshund

– Smooth-haired dachshund

Long-haired dachshund

The long-haired dachshund appears to be the gentlest and calmest of the 3 coat types. Obviously, the dog’s genetics must be taken into account.

Wire-haired dachshund

The wire-haired dachshund has the most character and is very stubborn; their owner will need to be more rigorous with their training from a young age.

Smooth-haired dachshund

The smooth-haired dachshund (or short-haired) falls between the long-haired and wire-haired in terms of character. Note that they are often the liveliest and most energetic.

In Summary

The miniature dachshund is the intermediate size of a companion dog that adapts to both large and small living spaces, such as an apartment.

But between us… does the size of the famous dachshund really matter?

So, unless you want to get on the podium of competitions to obtain official recognition for your pet and win trophies, enjoy your pup just as they are, and don’t forget to give them big hugs! Dachshunds are so affectionate.

Tell us in the comments which size of these little rascals steals your heart…🥰 (our 4th dachshund, Neo, is a 6.3kg wire-haired miniature).

-> Check out the list of French dachshund breeders.

The DoxieLife team – 💚 Last modified on 05/01/26