Dachshunds are the hot dogs of the dog world, and for a good reason. They’re known for having little legs, long bodies, and cute flappy ears. Therefore, you probably could squeeze them into a little bun or at least a sweater that looks like one. That said, there isn’t just the standard dachshund; there’s also the miniature dachshund and even tweenies, which are slightly between the two breeds.
In order to know which dachshund you’re actually getting, it helps to understand the key differences between the dachshund sizes. So, how much should a miniature dachshund weigh? Read on to find answers.
What is a Miniature Dachshund?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a miniature dachshund actually is and if this is even a real dog breed. Thankfully, miniature dachshunds are simple dogs to understand. These dogs are smaller than your average dachshund, and they’re recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), so they’re legitimate dog breeds.
While this may be the case, in order for a miniature dachshund to be considered as such, they must weigh less than 12 pounds after their first birthday. If they weigh more, they may be a different classification, and if they weigh less, well, you may have a problem on your hands.
How Much Should a Miniature Dachshund Weigh?
Miniature dachshunds are small dogs, so that’s the first thing you need to keep in mind. Still, you’ll find that most miniature dachshunds should weigh between eight to eleven pounds. In order for a miniature dachshund to be considered as such, they need to weigh under 11 pounds.
In fact, if your miniature dachshund weighs between 12 and 15 pounds, they’re known as tweenies, and standard dachshunds weigh more than 16 pounds. As you can see, there are some variations to be aware of before you bring a miniature dachshund home with you.
How Much Should a Standard Dachshund Weigh?
Standard dachshunds should weigh over 16 pounds after their first. Any less and they may be considered a miniature dachshund or something in between. Of course, they could also have health issues or other issues that make them smaller, so keep this in mind.
If your standard dachshund is healthy, you can expect them to weigh around 16 to 32 pounds. Now, if they get over 32 pounds, well, it’s about time for a diet.
Are There Other Dachshund Sizes?
Yes and no, at least, not really officially. Miniature and standard are the two main sizes, but some people consider dachshunds in the 12 to 16 pound range “Tweenies,” as in small hot dogs.
This is rare, though, so keep that in mind. You’ll also find that some breeders may specifically focus on breeding these dogs, but their health and wellness might be hit or miss. So, keep this in mind before you consider more unique dachshund options, or else you can run into some trouble.
Where to Find a Miniature Dachshund
If you like the sound of having a small dog with a lot of personality and energy, you can’t go wrong with the miniature dachshund. While this may be the case, getting one is not always easy. More often than not, breeders may try and sell you a slightly smaller dachshund for a higher price, and you may find that it can be hard to get the right fit.
If you plan on going with breeders, make sure you vet their litter of puppies. This prevents you from running into any issues with their health and genetic background. Of course, you can also go the adoption route.
Dog Academy can help you find miniature dachshunds to adopt in your area. With adoption, the process is more complex, but shelters and rescues should always be able to provide you with relevant information.
How Much Should a Miniature Dachshund Weigh? Our Final Thoughts
So, how much should a miniature dachshund weigh? Ultimately, miniature dachshunds should weigh around 11 pounds. An unhealthy weight is around 12 to 13 or five to seven pounds; although, at 12 pounds, they may not be considered a standard dachshund anymore.
All that being said, if you plan on adopting a miniature dachshund, keep these factors in mind before you do. After all, you don’t want to end up with a standard dachshund by accident, and it can be hard to tell without weighing the dog or asking beforehand.