One of the most sought after tiny dogs is the Miniature Dachshund. So how big does a miniature dachshund get? If you are keen on getting one, this mini-guide will help you learn about their size progression from puppy to adulthood.
When looking for a canine companion, size is one of the factors that potential pet owners take into consideration. There are plenty of reasons why people go for undersized dogs—they are great cuddle buddies, they’re easy to transport, and they are naturally great companions.
How big does a miniature dachshund puppy get?
A healthy one-month-old Mini Dachshund puppy should weigh below 1 kg. Once he turns three-months-old, his weight shall be around 1 kg. He will weigh between 1.5 to 2 kg when he turns six months.
Around his eighth month, his weight should be approximately 3-4 kgs. Note that during this age, his weight should be close to the ideal weight for a full-grown Miniature Dachshund.
What is the standard size of a Miniature Dachshund?
Based on The Kennel Club’s breed standard, a Miniature Dachshund’s ideal weight is 4.5 kgs. Meanwhile, its desired maximum weight is 5 kgs. For Miniature Dachshund show dogs, the favoured weight is around 5 kgs.
How big do miniature dachshunds grow?
The Miniature Dachshund’s average size for males is about 16 to 21 cm at the shoulder. For females, it is between 14 and 19 cm.
Generally, Miniature Dachshund weight is twice smaller than the standard Dachshund. The average weight of Mini Dachshund is 5 kgs for males and 4 kgs for females.
When is a miniature dachshund fully grown?
Small breeds such as the Miniature Dachshund develop more quickly than large breeds. When a Mini Dachshund puppy is 11-weeks-old, he is more likely to experience a growth spurt.
He will stop growing as soon as he reaches 8 to 12 months. However, his body will continue bulking up until he turns 18 months. There are several ways to determine if the dog has matured into an adult such as:
- He is more calm and independent unlike when he was a puppy.
- He has gone into heat, thus, making him sexually mature.
- His size, weight, and physique resemble a fully matured Mini Doxie as per the breed standard profile.
- He exhibits less unwanted behaviours such as incessant barking, chewing, or digging.
How do I know if my Dachshund is a Miniature?
For pet owners who got their puppy from a KC-registered breeder, paperwork will be provided as proof of pedigree. However, if the puppy is unregistered, you will have to wait until he’s fully grown to find out.
Since both Miniature and Standard Dachshund puppies nearly have the same physique, it would be difficult to identify what type he falls under. Once he has fully grown, measure his height and weight. Then, compare it to the measurements of the Miniature and Standard Dachshund.
An adult Miniature Dachshund weighs approximately 4 to 5 kgs and stands from 14 to 21 cm. Meanwhile, the full-grown Standard Dachshund’s weight is around 7 to 14 kg with a height of approximately 20 to 22 cm.
What factors affect Miniature Dachshund’s growth?
There are a variety of factors that can affect the growth of your Dachshund puppy. These can either promote their growth or stunt it. Below are the most common factors that you should be aware of:
- Sex
Male dogs have larger and heavier bodies compared to female dogs of the same age and breed. This may be less perceptible in small dog breeds like the Miniature Dachshund. - Neutering
When dogs are neutered before they go into puberty and before skeletal maturity is reached, they tend to develop long leg bones because the closing of the growth plates is delayed. This results in leggy and taller dogs. Early neutering in dogs does not stunt their growth but may potentially contribute to the development of some canine diseases including bone cancer - Feeding
Lack of proper nutrition can lead to stunted growth in dogs. On the other hand, overfeeding may cause them to gain weight which can lead to health problems.
How do I know if my Miniature Dachshund is obese?
Although all breeds are at risk of obesity, Miniature Dachshunds are more prone to developing this health problem. Without proper treatment, it can result in heart problems, diabetes, kidney, and liver diseases. To know if your Mini Doxie is obese, do the following listed below:
Feel the ribs with your fingers. They should be easy to find and should not be tucked into layers of fat.
Observe his behaviour. Obese dogs tend to have difficulty moving around. Moreover, they often lay down since walking around quickly depletes their energy.
Examine his body whilst he is standing up. His body should not have a waist since it is meant to resemble a round cylinder.
How to help a Miniature Dachshund lose weight?
There are many ways to make your Miniature Dachshund shed extra pounds. You can try the following weight loss tips below:
- Put fun in eating.
Invest in a puzzle feeder. It will not only entice him to eat but also make him work out whilst eating. - Set a calorie limit.
Consult the vet to know your dog’s calorie limit. When it’s mealtime, make sure to have a measuring cup and or a weighing scale to accurately measure the amount of food your dog needs. - Cut down on the treats.
Lessen the number of dog treats that you give to your dog. The treats contain too many calories and fewer nutrients which facilitate weight gain. Switch to a healthier alternative such as chicken or vegetables. - No human food.
Avoid giving table scraps as they are high in calories. Most human food that is not suitable for our pets. To prevent yourself from giving in to his puppy eyes, consider feeding him in a different room. - Daily exercise is essential.
Take your Mini Dachshund for a daily for thirty minutes to one hour. You can also engage him in fun activities such as swimming. It offers a full-body workout without excessively straining his body. - Split his meals.
Divide his meals into smaller portions. This will prevent him from scarfing down food. It will also give his stomach more time to properly digest the food in between meals. - Regularly monitor his progress.
Weigh your dog every 1 to 2 weeks. He should be shedding at least 1% to 2% of his body weight per week.
Keep in mind that doing these tips will not yield immediate results. For most dogs, it will take about six to eight months to regain their normal body weight. Meanwhile, it may take others that may take a year or two. However, with consistency and diligence, you will be able to help your dog gradually slim down.
Want to read more about this wonderful miniature breed, check out the Miniature Dachshund Breed Information Page.
