How Big Does a Miniature Dachshund Get?

Without a doubt, dachshunds are among the most recognizable dog breeds. Many people know them as the sausage dogs, thanks to their short legs and long, rounded bodies. While their appearance can be comical to some, they actually make one of the best companions with their lively attitude and affectionate temperament.

If you want to get a dachshund, whether through adoption or buying a puppy from a breeder, you might be going between the standard and the miniature variety. After all, there’s a considerable size difference between the two. With the higher demand for smaller dogs, many wonder how big does a miniature dachshund get to help them decide between the two.

Those who are asking the same will find the answers they’re looking for in our article. Learn the miniature dachshund’s exact size below, as well as how it compares to the standard variety and other things to note about this dachshund’s size.

How Big Does a Miniature Dachshund Get When Fully Grown?

There isn’t just one height or weight range that we can fit all miniature dachshunds into, as size varies drastically based on a lot of factors. This dachshund guide from Dog Academy, which is one of the most reputable sources for researching dogs, puts it at five to six inches in terms of height and 11 pounds or less when it comes to weight.

The above height and weight ranges are also in line with the breed standards according to most kennel clubs. This means that the miniature dachshund is a small dog breed that can fit into even a variety of living arrangements as long as the owner can meet their daily needs, such as exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, a miniature is content living in a smaller space.

How Big Does a Miniature Dachshund Get Compared to the Standard?

The standard dachshund is much bigger than the miniature variety. When we look at the height of the standard dachshund, again from a reputable source like Dog Academy or the American Kennel Club, we see that it is typically listed between eight and nine inches. This difference in height is very small on paper, but remember that dachshunds have very short legs regardless of the variety.

While the height difference might not seem like much, the difference becomes more apparent when we look at the weight between the two varieties. The standard dachshund weighs anywhere from 16 pounds to 32 pounds, which means that even the heaviest miniature dachshund typically weighs one-third of a standard dachshund that’s on the heavier end.

Choosing Between the Standard and Miniature Dachshund

Now that we’ve answered how big does a miniature dachshund get, you’re informed about the miniature dachshund’s exact size. If you were going between the two, you can make a decision with everything we’ve covered above.

Since the standard and miniature dachshund’s temperament and overall characteristics are the same, consider how the size would impact your life when deciding between the two.

Your living arrangements, whether or not you will fly with your dog (miniature dachshunds typically meet pet travel requirements in the cabin, whereas standard dachshunds are usually too big to fly in the cabin), family, and other pets all have an impact on which one would be better for you.

For instance, if you have smaller dogs, like a Yorkie, a miniature dachshund might be a better fit. Even though standard dachshunds are around the same height as most toy breeds, they weigh significantly more and can be too big for smaller dogs during playtime.

Get a Miniature Dachshund Responsibly

The smaller size of the miniature dachshund means more people want to get these dogs. If you’ve made up your mind and want to get a miniature dachshund also, you will have two options: adopt or buy a puppy.

When buying a miniature dachshund from a breeder, research them extensively to ensure you don’t contribute to unethical breeding practices. Avoid breeders with a profit-first mindset by assessing their reputation and visiting their facilities to ensure they have all the necessary certifications and provide a safe, hygienic space for their breeding stock and puppies.

If adopting, spend enough time with the miniature dachshund you want to adopt to ensure they are a good fit for you and your family. Even though you likely will be able to take them back to the shelter in case things don’t work out, it will devastate the dog. That’s why it is essential to ensure the dachshund you buy or adopt is a fitting dog for you.