Understanding Your Dachshund's Growth: A Comprehensive Weight and Growth Chart Guide

Known under the pseudonym “weiner dog,” Dachshunds are beloved for their short, muscular legs and long bodies. Originally bred to be hunters, Dachshunds are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the US because of their fearless and friendly temperament.

Like any dog breed, monitoring the weight and growth of your dog is vital to your pet’s health, but even more so for Dachshunds. Tracking your pet’s weight and growth in comparison to breed standards is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent illness and inspire health in your pet.

Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Dachshund growth patterns, care, and more!

The Basics of Dachshund’s Growth Patterns

Dachshund growth tends to be steady and slow from month to month, with minimal size differences seen between male and female dogs. Growth also typically begins to slow down at 6 months.

The overall growth and success of your puppy will be dependent upon it being able to have a close relationship with its mother within the first 8 weeks of life as well as early socialization.

Early Life

At birth to 4 weeks, Dachshund puppies are only 2-3 ounces. This is why, in the first 8 weeks of life, it is essential for them to be under the expert care of their mother.

By 8 weeks, Dachshund puppies have stopped nursing and their teeth have begun protruding. Because these independent and playful pups long to do it all on their own from an early age, 8 weeks is the perfect time to begin early socialization.

At 4 months, your puppy will have grown a great deal (6-12 lbs and 7-8 inches), and will need regular playtime for their insatiable zoomies. It is also absolutely crucial that your Dachshund puppy be well socialized already by this young age. Dachshunds can be incredibly stubborn, which can manifest as aggressive behavior if not remedied with early socialization.

At 6 months, your dog will begin to resemble its adult self, though it still has some growing left to do, and the very least mentally. Your dog’s coat may also darken in color at this point.

Between 6 and 8 months, your Dachshund pup will most likely reach its full growth. Their is minimal size difference between male and female Dachshunds.

Understanding and Managing Your Puppy's Growth

Dachshund puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily, adults 1-2 times daily. Because of their strong sense of smell and strong-willed tendencies, it is vital to keep human food away from your Dachshund puppy. It is also imperative to feed your pet food specific to its stage of life, ex: puppies must eat food made for younger dogs of their breed, etc. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best food for your pet.

Dachshunds’ playful and adventurous nature requires they get 3 or more hours of exercise and play daily in order to encourage their physical as well as mental development.

If your dog is above or below the growth standards listed in the above charts, it may be time to enlist the help of your veterinarian to get your dog on the right diet and eating plan to encourage healthy weight gain or loss. Being the appropriate size is vital in preventing long-term complications for your dog.

Common Health Issues Related to Growth in Dachshund

The most common health issue for Dachshunds is back problems due to their long bodies and short legs.

Inverterbral disc disease (IVDD) is one way back issues manifests for Dachshunds. Caused by a bulging or slipped disk within the vertebral column of the spine, IVDD will affect 25% of Dachshunds in their lifetime and can permanently paralyze all four legs if left undetected.

Your dog should be taken to see a veterinarian immediately if you notice limping, trouble walking, holding head/neck down, dragging paws, or scuffed toenails, as these can all indicate this larger and more serious condition.

Obesity is also a condition that frequently plagues Dachshunds, as their long bodies and shorter legs make exercise more difficult, which is compounded if their weight exceeds the norm for their age and breed. The easiest way to avoid obesity before it is able to take hold of your pup is to keep them on a steady and consistent eating plan as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Understanding and Caring For Your Dachshund

Understanding your Dachshund’s growth pattern is your road map to health and happiness for your Dachshund. By making the time for regular veterinarian checkups and engaging only with kennels that participate in responsible breeding practices, you can ensure your Dachshund's health and happiness.

What is the difference between a Standard Dachshund and a Miniature Dachshund?

The Standard and Miniature sizes of Dachshunds are both recognized by the American Kennel Club. A Dachshund's weight at one year of age is the only factor used to determine its size; neither height nor length are included.

An adult Standard Dachshund should weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, whereas an adult Miniature Dachshund should weigh less than 11 pounds, according to the official AKC breed standards. The growth chart included in this article covers growth rates for the Standard Dachshund.

Are Dachshunds easy to train?

Dachshunds are known for being stubborn, but they are also very smart, quick learners, and eager to please. Additionally, well-known for their curiosity, dachshunds are regrettably not always prudent in their quest of knowledge. Because of this, housebreaking and basic obedience training are crucial for both your happiness and your safety.

Love and patience are the keys to successfully teaching a Dachshund, regardless of the style of training. But it's also strongly encouraged to use modest firmness and healthy treats.