How big do dachshunds get
Are you wondering how much bigger your dachshund is going to get—or if they’re still growing or potentially overweight? You’re not alone. These are common questions for dachshund owners, especially during the first year of puppyhood. This guide will help you understand your dachshund’s growth timeline and what to expect as they mature.
At What Age Is a Dachshund Fully Grown?
A dachshund’s skeletal growth typically completes around 12 months of age, but their body will continue to fill out until they’re around 18 months to 2 years old. During this period, it’s important to monitor their weight to ensure they’re developing healthily and not becoming overweight.
Whether your dachshund puppy is growing rapidly or you’re concerned about their size or weight, we’ll break down the growth stages, ideal size ranges, and tips to ensure your pup stays on track. Read on to learn more about when dachshunds stop growing, how big they should be, and how to support them through each stage of development.
Table of Contents
How do I know when my dachshund is fully grown?
What age do dachshunds stop growing?
What size is a miniature dachshund?
What size is a standard dachshund?
What is a tweenie dachshund?
What is a rabbit dachshund?
Note: Research and my own experience as a Dachshund owner of over ten years served as the foundation for this post. I’m not a certified dog behaviorist or veterinarian.
There’s no exact age at which every dachshund is considered fully grown, but generally, their skeletal frame will reach full maturity by around 12 months of age. However, they may continue to fill out and gain muscle or body weight until they are approximately 18 to 24 months old.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Standard, the ideal size for adult dachshunds is based on their measurements at 12 months of age. This suggests that the AKC considers dachshunds to have reached their full adult size by this point. This aligns with veterinary guidance, as a dachshund’s skeletal structure is typically fully developed by one year of age. After 12 months, they should no longer grow taller or longer.
Like humans, dachshunds progress through distinct life stages—puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and their senior years. It’s not uncommon for a dachshund to retain a youthful appearance or playful behavior well into adulthood, even though they’ve physically matured.
While your dachshund’s overall frame won’t change after the first year, fluctuations in weight are normal over time. For this reason, it’s important to understand what your dachshund’s ideal adult size should be, so you can recognize and address any potential weight-related health concerns.
A dachshund’s skeletal development is typically complete by 12 months of age, although they may continue to fill out and develop muscle tone well into their second year.
Due to being selectively bred with the chondrodysplasia gene—a form of dwarfism that gives dachshunds their distinctive short legs—their limb development can take slightly longer than in other breeds. This genetic trait contributes to their unique body structure and should be considered when assessing their overall growth and development.
Once born, dachshund puppies experience a period of rapid growth during the first 8 months of life. During this time, the long bones in their legs lengthen, supported by the growth plates located at the ends of the bones. These growth plates remain active until they close between 10 and 12 months of age, marking the end of skeletal development.
After the growth plates close, your dachshund may continue to gain weight and fill out until approximately 18 to 24 months of age. The exact timeline can vary depending on the individual dog.
It’s important to monitor your dachshund’s weight during this stage, as their metabolism begins to slow and the risk of excess weight gain increases. Carrying too much weight can place strain on their short legs and increase the risk of back issues, particularly in a breed predisposed to spinal problems like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
To maintain a healthy weight, ensure your dachshund receives a balanced diet, appropriate portion sizes, and regular exercise. A simple way to check their condition is to feel for their ribs and observe their waistline—you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard and see a clear tuck at the waist.
A miniature dachshund typically stands between 13–18 cm (5–7 inches) tall at the withers and should weigh no more than 11 pounds (5 kg) when fully grown. By 12 months of age, most miniature dachshunds weigh around 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and have an average chest circumference of approximately 35.5 cm (14 inches), which aligns with breed standards.
Miniature dachshunds are significantly smaller than their standard counterparts—typically around half the size and weight. If you’re unsure whether your puppy is a miniature or standard dachshund, their size will become more apparent as they approach 12 months of age, when they are closer to their adult proportions.
If your puppy was purchased from a reputable or registered breeder, this information should be clearly stated in the documentation or pedigree paperwork provided at the time of sale.
A standard dachshund typically stands between 20–22 cm (8–9 inches) tall at the withers and weighs between 16 and 32 pounds (7–14 kg). By the time they reach 12 months of age, most standard dachshunds weigh approximately 20–26 pounds (9–11.5 kg). The average chest circumference for a standard dachshund is around 35.5 cm (14 inches), though this can vary slightly based on individual build.
A standard dachshund is approximately twice the size of a miniature dachshund, though still considered a small breed when compared to most dogs. If your dachshund weighs more than the typical range for their size, it’s important to monitor their weight carefully to avoid health complications. Excess weight can place unnecessary strain on their spine and joints, increasing the risk of conditions such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
That said, these figures represent breed standards, and in reality, dachshunds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A practical way to assess your dog’s condition is through a visual and physical check:
Look for fat rolls or bulges around the withers (the area between the shoulder blades).
From above, there should be a visible waistline with some definition near the hips.
When you run your hands along the ribcage, you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard. If you can’t feel them at all, your dachshund is likely overweight.
What is a tweenie dachshund?
A ‘tweenie’ dachshund refers to a dachshund that falls between the miniature and standard size classifications. These dogs are not quite small enough to meet the miniature standard, yet not large enough to be considered standard.
If your dachshund weighs between 11 and 16 pounds (5–7 kg), they are generally considered a ‘tweenie.’ While this category is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs, it is commonly used by owners and breeders to describe dachshunds that fall between the two standard sizes.
While this size is not officially recognized by breed standards, it is widely appreciated by owners for offering a balanced combination of the compactness of a miniature and the sturdiness of a standard dachshund.
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The rabbit dachshund (or kaninchen dachshund) was originally bred in Europe for hunting smaller prey, such as rabbits—unlike standard dachshunds, which were developed to hunt badgers. These dogs are exceptionally small, typically weighing under 8 pounds (just over 3.5 kg) and measuring no more than 30.5 cm (12 inches) in chest circumference as adults.
While the rabbit dachshund is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), it is not officially recognized by the UK Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club (AKC). This variety is sometimes referred to as a “toy” or “teacup” dachshund, although those terms are unofficial and can be misleading.
Due to the limited and often unreliable information available about rabbit dachshunds, prospective owners are advised to exercise caution. If you come across one for sale—especially without verifiable health records or proper registration—it’s best to be wary. For predictability in size, health, and temperament, it’s generally recommended to choose from the recognized miniature or standard sizes.
Now that you understand how long it takes for a dachshund puppy’s bones to fully develop—and what to expect in terms of adult size—you should have a clearer idea of how big your dachshund will be once fully grown. Of course, every dachshund is unique, and regardless of their final shape or size, they’re perfect just the way they are.
