Dachshund Weight Chart: Growth by Age and Ideal Weight
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Dachshund Weight Chart: Growth by Age and Ideal Weight, Puppy to Adult
Is your puppy growing fast and you're wondering if he's on track? Or are you torn between a miniature and a standard, not sure how much each size really weighs? Here are the exact weight ranges for each type of dachshund, a month-by-month growth chart in pounds and kilograms, and the simple method for checking that your dog is at his ideal weight without ever putting his back at risk.
The short version: An adult dachshund's weight depends on his size: the standard weighs 15.5 to 20 lb (7 to 9 kg) (up to 26.5 lb / 12 kg), the miniature 9 to 13 lb (4 to 6 kg) and the Kaninchen 6.6 to 7.7 lb (3 to 3.5 kg). A standard puppy weighs about 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) at 2 months, 15 lb (6.8 kg) at 6 months, and reaches his adult weight between 10 and 13 months. Note: under the international FCI breed standard, the official size isn't measured by weight but by chest circumference at 15 months. The best gauge of condition is still the rib test: you should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. Excess weight is the dachshund's worst enemy because it greatly multiplies the risk of a slipped disc (IVDD).
- Adult dachshund weight: the numbers by size
- Miniature, standard or Kaninchen: it's measured by chest circumference
- Growth chart: puppy weight month by month
- At what age does a dachshund reach adult weight?
- How can I tell if my dachshund is at his ideal weight?
- Obesity: why it's a danger to his back
- Feeding and monitoring: keeping the ideal weight
- FAQ: your questions about dachshund weight
Adult dachshund weight: the numbers by size
There isn't a single reference weight for the dachshund but three different ranges, because the breed comes in three sizes. Mixing up the sizes is the most common mistake: a miniature dachshund at 11 lb (5 kg) is perfectly normal, while a standard at 11 lb would probably be too thin. Here are the reliable benchmarks for a healthy adult.
| Size | Adult weight (lb / kg) | Chest circumference* | Height at the withers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dachshund | 15.5 to 20 lb / 7 to 9 kg (up to 26.5 lb / 12 kg) | more than 14 in (35 cm) | 8 to 10.5 in (20 to 27 cm) |
| Miniature dachshund | 9 to 13 lb / 4 to 6 kg | 12 to 14 in (30 to 35 cm) | 5.5 to 8 in (14 to 21 cm) |
| Kaninchen dachshund | 6.6 to 7.7 lb / 3 to 3.5 kg | up to 12 in (30 cm) | 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) |
*Chest circumference measured at 15 months: this is the official classification criterion under the FCI standard (see below).
Within each size, weight varies with sex (males are often 1 to 2 lb / 500 g to 1 kg heavier than females), genetics (the parents' bloodline) and coat type (a long coat gives the impression of a bigger frame without necessarily weighing more). The standard remains the most common size, while the miniature appeals more and more to apartment dwellers.
Standard: the sturdy one of the family
Between 15.5 and 20 lb (7 to 9 kg) on average, he can climb up to 26.5 lb (12 kg) in the most solidly built males. This is the original hunting dachshund, robust and tireless. Beyond 26.5 lb (12 kg) without excess fat, you sometimes hear "oversized dachshund" (outside the official standard).
Miniature: the in-between size
From 9 to 13 lb (4 to 6 kg), it's the best compromise between a compact frame and sturdiness. Learn all about this size in our dedicated guide to the miniature dachshund and our miniature vs. standard dachshund comparison.
Kaninchen: the smallest
Under 7.7 lb (3.5 kg), the Kaninchen ("rabbit" in German) was bred to hunt in the narrowest burrows. It is the rarest size and the most fragile when it comes to the back.
Miniature, standard or Kaninchen: it's measured by chest circumference
Here is the point most sites forget to mention. Under the FCI breed standard, a dachshund's size is determined neither by weight nor by height at the withers, but by the chest circumference measured at 15 months of age. Weight is just a handy everyday indicator.
In practice, this classification is done only once, at 15 months, when the skeleton is fully formed. Before that age, a puppy provisionally classed as "miniature" can switch to standard if his chest exceeds 14 in (35 cm). That's why a serious breeder stays cautious about the size announced for a very young puppy. To understand when growth really stops, read our article on when a dachshund is full grown.
Growth chart: puppy weight month by month
Dachshund growth is fast during the first six months, then slows markedly until the end of the first year. The chart below gives approximate averages for a standard dachshund (male or female, since the curves are very close), in both pounds and kilograms. These are benchmarks, not rules: every puppy follows his own pace.
| Age | Average weight (lb) | Average weight (kg) | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 4.9 to 6.8 lb | 2.2 to 3.1 kg | Coming home |
| 3 months | 7.7 to 8.8 lb | 3.5 to 4 kg | Fast growth |
| 4 months | 11 lb | 5 kg | Growth peak |
| 5 months | 13.2 lb | 6 kg | Permanent teeth |
| 6 months | 14.3 to 15.4 lb | 6.5 to 7 kg | Slowing down |
| 8 months | 16.5 to 17.6 lb | 7.5 to 8 kg | Adult silhouette |
| 10 months | 17.6 to 18.7 lb | 8 to 8.5 kg | End of growth (smaller frames) |
| 12 months | 18.7 to 19.8 lb | 8.5 to 9 kg | Nearly final weight |
Weigh your puppy every 2 weeks until 6 months, then once a month. The simplest method at home: step on the scale holding the dog, then subtract your own weight. Write down the numbers so you can spot any stall or too-rapid gain.
At what age does a dachshund reach adult weight?
The dachshund finishes growing between 10 and 13 months depending on his frame. The smaller sizes (Kaninchen, miniature) reach their final weight earlier, around 10 to 12 months, while the most solidly built standards sometimes keep filling out slightly until 14 months.
- 0 to 4 months — the surge. The puppy gains most of his mass. This is the phase that demands the most energy and quality protein.
- 4 to 8 months — consolidation. The skeleton lengthens and weight keeps rising, but more slowly. The long, fragile spine is taking shape, so keep jumping to a minimum.
- 8 to 13 months — stabilization. The dog reaches his adult size and weight. You gradually switch to an "adult" diet.
After 13 months, a dachshund shouldn't gain any more. Any weight gain past that age is fat, not growth: it's the signal to readjust portions and activity.
How can I tell if my dachshund is at his ideal weight?
The number on the scale isn't enough: a very muscular dachshund can weigh "heavy" without being fat. Vets use a visual and hands-on assessment called a body condition score. Here's how to do it yourself in one minute.
- The rib test. Place your hands flat on your dachshund's sides. You should be able to feel his ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing. If you have to search for them, he's too heavy. If they stick out visibly, he's too thin.
- The view from above. Standing over the dog, you should see a defined waist behind the ribs, like a slight dip.
- The side view. The belly should tuck up toward the rear (raised abdomen), not hang parallel to the floor.
If you're still unsure, the reference is your vet, who will weigh the dog and assign a score out of 9 (the ideal sits around 4 to 5 out of 9). To go further, our guide on is my dachshund overweight details all the warning signs.
Obesity: why it's a danger to his back
In the dachshund, weight isn't just about silhouette: it is a vital health issue. His exceptionally long spine and short legs leave him highly exposed to slipped discs (intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD). Every extra pound increases the pressure on the discs and the risk of paralysis.
Beyond weight, two habits protect the back every day: limiting jumps (couch, bed, car trunk) and making descents safe. A ramp prevents repeated micro-trauma to the discs; we explain it all in our article on a dachshund ramp. And if your dog is already showing signs of discomfort, don't wait: read our guide on my dachshund has back pain.
Feeding and monitoring: keeping the ideal weight
Keeping a dachshund at his weight rests on three simple pillars: the right amount, the right schedule, and regular control of treats. Nothing complicated, but it takes real consistency.
- Split meals: 2 meals a day for an adult, 3 for a puppy under 6 months. This stabilizes digestion and avoids big food cravings.
- Measure with a kitchen scale: the portion is calculated from weight, age and activity. Follow the bag's guidance, then adjust based on his actual body condition, not on "what he begs for."
- Limit treats to 10% of daily calorie intake. Extras and table scraps are the leading cause of obesity in dachshunds.
- Move every day: two walks of 20 to 30 minutes are enough to maintain muscle tone without straining the back.
To put together a bowl suited to his size and age, our complete guide to dachshund food covers kibble, homemade rations and pitfalls to avoid. On the gear side, a stable bowl at the right height makes for calmer mealtimes: you'll find our selection on the dachshund accessories page.
Keep a small notebook (or a note on your phone) with your dachshund's weight once a month. A change of more than 10% within a few weeks, up or down, deserves a vet visit. Consistency matters more than precision to the gram.
FAQ: your questions about dachshund weight
Your dachshund's weight isn't just a number: it's the best barometer of his health and the first protection for his back. Remember the three ranges by size (standard 15.5-20 lb / 7-9 kg, miniature 9-13 lb / 4-6 kg, Kaninchen 6.6-7.7 lb / 3-3.5 kg), follow your puppy's growth curve until 12-13 months, and above all trust the rib test rather than the scale alone. A dachshund at his ideal weight lives longer, takes fewer risks and simply lives better. To support him day to day, good food and gear that protects his spine make all the difference: find our tips and our selection designed 100% for the breed at Teckel Paris.
Health & wellness tips – Teckel Paris