Miniature dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds of small dogs, and many pet owners are curious about how big they will get. Understanding the size of your dog can be important for a number of reasons, such as knowing the size of the crate you need, selecting the right size of harness or collar, and predicting how much food your dog will need.
Key Takeaways:
- Miniature dachshunds typically weigh between 8 and 11 pounds and stand 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Dachshunds go through several stages of growth, including puppy, adolescent, and adult, and are expected to reach their full size by around 1 year old.
- It’s important to understand the potential impact of social interaction, training, and spaying or neutering on a dachshund’s growth and temperament.
Miniature vs standard dachshunds
When considering owning a Dachshund, it’s important to understand the differences between the miniature and standard varieties. Miniature Dachshunds are typically smaller than their standard counterparts and weigh between 8-11 pounds, while standards can weigh between 16-32 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds also tend to be shorter than standard Dachshunds, with a height of 5-7 inches at the shoulder compared to 8-9 inches for standard Dachshunds.
According to the AKC, there are several breed features that distinguish the miniature Dachshund from the standard variety. Miniature Dachshunds have a more elongated body with shorter legs compared to standard Dachshunds. They have a slightly curved tail, and their ears are set high and hang down close to the head. Standards, on the other hand, have a straighter tail, and their ears are set lower and more forward on the head.
How big do mini dachshunds get?
On average, mini dachshunds weigh between 8 and 11 pounds and stand 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder. They are also typically around 12 inches in length, from nose to tail. However, it is important to note that there is a variation in size among miniature dachshunds, with some falling outside of these ranges. For example, there is an unofficial type of dachshund called a ‘tweenie,’ which falls between the standard and miniature sizes.
When does a dachshund stop growing?
Dachshunds go through several growth stages, including the puppy stage, adolescence, and adulthood. In general, dachshunds reach their adult size between 9 and 12 months of age, but some dachshunds may continue to grow up to 18 months old. Once they reach their adult size, dachshunds typically stop growing.
During the puppy and adolescence stages, dachshunds may experience significant changes in their behavior and temperament. It is important to socialize and train your dachshund during these stages to ensure that they develop into well-behaved and happy adults.
Growth and changing temperament
Social interaction and basic training play a significant role in shaping your dachshund’s behavior during the puppy stage. House training is also important during this time, as dachshunds can be difficult to train and may have accidents in the house.
Dachshunds go through a teething stage at around four months old, which can cause them to be more irritable or chew on things they should not. During this time, it is important to provide them with plenty of chew toys and training to discourage destructive behavior.
Spaying and neutering can also help improve mood swings in dachshunds, as it reduces their hormonal fluctuations and decreases the risk of certain diseases.
How to know if you’re getting a miniature dachshund
If you are looking to get a miniature dachshund, it is important to work with a responsible breeder who can help match you with the right puppy. Responsible breeders should have a good understanding of the breed and be able to predict the size of their puppies based on the size of their parents.
However, it is important to note that even with responsible breeding, there is a potential for variation in size. This means that your miniature dachshund may end up being slightly smaller or larger than expected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, miniature dachshunds are a popular breed of small dogs that have a unique and recognizable appearance. While they typically weigh between 8 and 11 pounds and stand 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder, it is important to note that there are variations in size, such as the ‘tweenies’ type, which fall in between miniature and standard dachshunds.
Understanding the growth stages of dachshunds is essential for pet owners, as it allows them to provide the proper care and training for their furry friends. It is important to note that dachshunds reach their adult size by the age of 12 to 18 months, and the puppy and adolescent stages are crucial for socialization and basic training.
As a dachshund owner myself, I have found that social interaction, basic training, and house training during the puppy stage are vital for a dachshund’s growth and temperament. The teething stage can be challenging, and spaying or neutering can help improve mood swings.
Finally, if you are looking to get a miniature dachshund, it is important to seek out a responsible breeder who matches miniature dachshund parents and predicts the size of puppies. While size variations can still occur even with better-established breeding programs, working with a reputable breeder can increase the likelihood of getting a miniature dachshund that meets your expectations.