The dachshund is a popular dog breed for pet owners living in cities or small apartments due to the dog’s small size and weight. Dachshund lovers are often attracted to the dog’s little but long and lean body.
This article will look at why maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for your dachshund.
We will also discuss what the ideal weight for a Dachshund is, how to know if your dog is overweight, and how to maintain a healthy weight for your weiner pet.
What is a Healthy Dachshund Weight and Appearance?
A healthy dachshund, like any breed of dog, should have a shiny coat, bright eyes and clean ears, and have a healthy weight.
To most people, it becomes fairly obvious if their dachshund is obese. Still, if you are not sure what to look out for, keep reading for guidelines.
Dachshunds come in different shapes and sizes, just like people, but it is especially important to know what a healthy dachshund should look like.
In case your dog becomes overweight, extra pressure will be placed on the spine as a result. Due to the long body of this particular dog breed, excess weight is also hard on your dog’s joints and the heart.
Ensuring that you don’t overfeed your dog will mean that his weight is likely to be more evenly distributed. Consequently, the spine will be able to support the body properly, thus preventing it from becoming damaged.
The first thing to remember is that obesity increases considerably the chances of intervertebral disc disease occurrence in dachshunds.
What is an Ideal Weight for a Standard Dachshund?
There are different kinds of dachshunds. This fact should be taken into consideration when working out a healthy weight for your pet. There is the standard variety and of course, the miniature variety.
The standard dachshund is slightly bigger than the miniature version, and will, therefore, weigh more. An adult standard sized Dachshund should weigh between 16 to 32 pounds depending on the height and length of the body.
What Should be a Miniature Dachshund Weight?
Miniature Dachshunds are the smaller variety of this breed. They are particularly popular because they are so dinky and cute. Many pet owners enjoy the fact that their mini weiner can very easily be picked up and carried around in a handbag or pet carrier.
It is also a reason as to why dachshunds make great city pets, especially the mini variety. Pet owners can conveniently pick up a miniature dachshund and carry it in and out of stores on shopping trips. On the other hand, larger dogs may have to be left outside.
The appeal of these smaller dachshunds is that they weigh even less than the standard size of the breed. It makes it extremely easy and convenient to carry them around because they are small and light.
The ideal weight of miniature dachshund is 11 pounds or less, again depending on the height and length of the individual dog’s body.
How Do I Know If My Dachshund Is Overweight?
Dachshunds are such small dogs that it is effortless for them to put on weight quickly. It is, therefore, imperative for your dog’s health that you keep an eye on its weight.
Doxies have such long bodies and short legs though, and this can make it difficult to tell if your dachshund is overweight.
All dog breeds are different. Some are bred to look slightly leaner, while others are meant to be more beefy and muscular.
The dachshund is a bit of a mixture because it has the body of a big dog but the legs of a little dog. It can indeed be confusing for pet owners. Luckily the main principles of recognizing dog’s obesity remain the same, no matter what the dog breed.
Here are the main things to look out for when observing your dog’s weight:
Visible Waistline
Every dog has a waistline. It may be more pronounced on some dog breeds than on others. For example, it is often easier to see the waistline of a whippet than it may be to see that of a pug.
Don’t forget that just because Dachshunds are often called sausage dogs, it doesn’t mean they should necessarily look like a stuffed sausage.
A side view of your dog should show that the stomach is tucked up and not lying level with the chest.
A birds-eye view should show that the sides of your dachshund’s body go straight down. In other words, it shouldn’t curve outwards like a melon.
Feel The Ribcage
If you run your hand over your dog’s body, you should be able to feel the rib cage, but not necessarily see it. It may be easier to feel for your dog’s ribs if you have a smooth-coated variety of dachshund. Palpating he wire-coated type is more challenging, though.
No Dimple
For dachshunds, there should be no dimple before the beginning of the tail.
No Fat Roll
If your doxie has a fat roll on the highest part of its shoulders, it is indeed carrying extra weight.
How Much Should A Dachshund Puppy Weigh?
It is essential to monitor the weight of your Dachshund puppy at the different stages in his development.
Apparently, the size and weight of your puppy can give you some idea of how big you can expect your dog to be when it develops into an adult.
The ideal weight of your dachshund puppy at each stage will depend on few factors. For instance, on what variety of dachshund you have, – standard or miniature.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to define what your dog should weigh at each stage as a puppy. The reason is that each dog is an individual and will develop at their own pace.
You can surely, get a better idea if you know what size your dachshund is likely to be when it develops into an adult dog. It is something you may be able to predict if you can see the puppy’s parents and grandparents.
If you are worried about your puppy’s weight or development, you should take him to be examined by your vet.
Dachshund Weight: How Can I Weigh My Dog?
The best way to weigh your dog is to have him weighed at your veterinary surgery. It will definitely give you an accurate result. Additionally, you will also be able to get advice from a professional if your dog is underweight or overweight.
However, if you want to weigh your dog at home or keep track of your dog’s weight because he is being put on a diet, you don’t necessarily have to take him to a vet.
The easiest way to weigh your dog at home. It is especially true if you have a dachshund that is small and easy to pick. Firstly, weigh yourself on the home scales. Then weigh yourself a second time while holding your dog. After that, you can calculate your dog’s weight by calculating the difference between the two figures.
It is a good idea to get your dog used to step on the scales by himself, though. In this case, when your vet needs to weigh him at the surgery during routine check-ups, it can be done quickly and easily with less stress for your dog.
You can train your dog to step on the scales slowly in small bite-sized steps. Make sure that you positively reinforce your dog for every movement it contributes towards stepping on the scales by rewarding it with treats and lots of praise.
Using scales: clicker training
If you are familiar with clicker training, then using a clicker can help you to mark each positive action that your dog takes towards stepping onto the scales.
These bite-sized (clickable) steps may include the following actions from your dog:
- Looking at the scales
- Sniffing the scales
- Taking a treat from the scales
- Touching the scales with his nose
- Touching the scales with his paw
- Walking around the scales
- Jumping over the scales
- Walking over the scales
- Stepping on and off the scales
- Stepping onto the scales when asked to
- Remaining on the scales a bit longer
- Staying on the scales until you release him.
If you are using a clicker to train your dog to step onto the scales, makes sure that you click at exactly the same time that your dog performs a desirable behaviour from the list above.
Then offer a highly motivating treat reward immediately after the click. You should also keep your training sessions positive, upbeat, and most importantly, short!
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
How Can I Maintain My Dachshund Healthy Weight?
A common problem with dachshunds is that they do not get enough exercise. Given their small size, it is often easier to pick them up and carry them under the arm.
Also, the dachshund’s tiny legs are not always able to carry itself fast enough to keep up with your pace. For this reason, you may find yourself carrying your dog for your own convenience.
As well as that, some dachshunds learn that if they refuse to walk, they will be inevitably picked up. In this case, your dog is essentially training you to pick it up when it wants you to.
Also, your dachshund wants to be picked up because it enjoys being higher. Seemingly, higher position gives your pet an increased sense of importance.
By all accounts, your doxie gets more attention from humans this way, because it is within people’s reach.
As mentioned earlier, dachshunds like being higher up than other dogs, and this can give them a napoleon syndrom.
But he main problem with carrying your dog is that it doesn’t have enough opportunity to burn all the calories consumed. Eventually, this habit results in obesity.
Tips to maintain your dachshund weight
If you are worried about your dog’s health, here are some tips to help you maintain his healthy weight.
Walk Your Dachshund
As said above, don’t be tempted to pick your dog up. Do just the opposite, in fact, -treat him as if he is a big dog that can’t be carried. This way, you will be less likely to create bad habits, and your dog won’t become stubborn and refuse to exercise himself.
You should walk your dog for at least half an hour every day. If needed, you can break up your dog’s walks into shorter walks so that he gets even more exercise and opportunities to burn calories throughout the day.
Play With Your Dachshund
Encouraging your Dachshund to play and interact with toys in your home and garden is a great way to get them moving. When you turn exercise into a fun activity, you will find that you won’t have a problem walking your dog.
Aloso, encourage your doxie to get excited about certain toys like a ball or Frisbee. After a while, when you go to get their favourite toy, they will know it’s time for their walk. Consequently, your weiner dog look forward to it instead of being lazy or showing reluctance.
Choose Good Quality Dog Food
Be careful with the brand of dog food you choose. Always check the label to see the order and percentages of the ingredients that go into your dog’s meal.
Make sure that the brand you choose is high in nutrition and not high in useless filler ingredients that are more likely to get stored as body fat.
If your dog is on a diet, then you should opt for lower calorie dog food so that your dog is burning more calories than he is eating throughout the day.
Feed Your Dachshund Less
It is vital to make sure that you are feeding your dog the correct amount of food for their size, age, and breed. You should also take into account their individual level of activity.
If your dog is not very active, you should feed him less, or he will not be able to burn all of the calories he is eating.
Be Careful With Treats
It is easy to overfeed your dachshund by offering treats on top of the regular meals. If you like to give your dog treats throughout the day, you can ensure that you are not overfeeding by decreasing the portion sizes of their regular meals.
Conclusion
We all agree that our dachshund’s health is essential. Therefore, we have to recognise, establish, and maintain our weiner’s healthy weight. By doing this, we ensure that our pet lives a happy life long into his senior years.
Our pets lifespans are short in comparison to our own, so we want to make the most of it for them.
Managing your dachshund weight by all means reduces potential vet bills as your dog gets older. A healthy weight means that your pet stays comfortable and happy for as long as possible.
If you want to find out more about the causes, health risks and treatment of your dachshund obesity, read our detailed article about Obesity in Dogs.
What is your query about?
What is a good weight for a dachshund?
A healthy weight for a standard dachshund is 16 to 32 pounds (7 to 15 kg) on average. On the other side, miniature dachshund will weigh 11 pounds (5 kg) or less, depending on the individual dog’s body measurements.
How many kgs does a miniature dachshund weigh?
The ideal weight of miniature dachshund is 11 pounds (5 kg) or less, depending on the height and length of the individual dog’s body.
How much should a standard dachshund weigh?
An adult standard-sized dachshund should weigh between 16 to 32 (7 to 15 kg) pounds depending on the height and length of the body.
How much does a tweenie dachshund weigh?
In the USA, there are two sizes of dachshunds: miniature (11 pounds or less) or standard (between 16 and 32 pounds). Anything in between is called a tweenie dachshund and weighs between 11 and 16 pounds.
How much weight does dachshund puppy gain per week?
From 2 to 8 months old, the standard dachshund puppy will gain approximately 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg) per week consistently.
How much does a baby dachshund weigh?
A standard dachshund puppy will weigh 5 lbs (2.3 kg) at eight weeks old and 7 lbs (3.1 kg) at 12 weeks approximately.
How much should a 12-week old miniature dachshund weigh?
A healthy 12-week old miniature dachshund puppy should weigh approximately 4.5 pounds (2 kg).
How much does miniature dachshund weigh at eight weeks?
A healthy 8-week old miniature dachshund puppy should weigh approximately 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg).
How can I get my dachshund to lose weight?
To help your dachshund to lose weight, follow a few simple steps:
- Provide your pet with enough exercise and playtime
- Feed your doxie with a good quality diet
- Feed your dachshund with smaller portions
- Don’t give your dog too many treats
Comments
I have a 11 weeks old mini dachshund and he weighs 5 pounds is that normal weight
Hi I have a 11 weeks mini dachshund weight 5 pounds is that normal
This is probably a silly question but my 13 week old puppy weighs almost 6 pounds. We don’t know if he’s a mini or a standard. Do you have a guess? He’s very happy and healthy 🙂
Hi there I have a 14 week old mini daschund that weights 3.8kg. He is very lean but this seems to be quite big for a mini of 14 weeks ? He was born a lot bigger than the other two in the litter because apparently two embryos ruptured and he absorbed the nutrients from these ruptured embryos in utero. The breeder said that the vet had told her that he will still be a normal size for a mini daschund. Have you ever heard of this and do you think it is likely he will still be a mini in size ? Thanks
Hi Kat, I would say it’s the normal weight for a standard dachshund puppy. Miniatures are smaller at this age. Let’s wait and see, as his formative period is not over yet.
Hi, I have a miniature dachshund and when we got him at 9 weeks he was 1.6kg.
Now he is 15 weeks and 3.65kg. The vet today said he looks healthy for this age. He is very big and tall and I have a suspicion it won’t be a miniature at all since they usually are a maximum 5kg at 12 months. I estimate mine is a big standard and he will be 15kg as an adult.
Can I estimate the weight as an adult based on the information I have now as I still hope it’s a miniature after all?
Can anyone confirm if this is normal? Or the breeder lied that it was a miniature when he is a big standard.
Hi Claudia, I would suggest you wait for another couple of months, if your doxie’s weight goes above 5 kg, he is most likely a Standard.
Thank you Maria Vesna,
My puppy is now 17 weeks old and 5.5kg. He seems quite big for his age. I wonder if he will be a twinnie or not.
Hi i have a 12 week old lomg haired doxie boy that weighs 3.1 kg. He stops half way through feeding and hunches his bqcknand walksnin a circle before he continues to eat.
Is this a possible problem and is his weight correct
Hi Rodney, 3.1 kg is a normal weight for a Standard Dachshund at this age.
Hello, I’ve got a 15week old dachshund puppy who is now 3kg. This was done at the vets when picking up her flee medication. Is this a good weight for her age and not over . It’s the first time I’ve owned a dachshund after having labs all my life.
We have 2 doxies mum is a foxy and dad is a dachshund , the boy is long and has long legs and his sister is 1 kg lighter, shorter and looks more like a foxy they are 5/12 months old he is 5 kg and she is 4 kg and they are always hungry. We feed them 1/3 cup of Royal Cannine 3 times a day but this has them looking for more all the time
Hi Cheryl, did you try to give your doxies an anti-parasitic treatment? This is usually the primary cause of excessive appetite in dogs. There are many other possible causes why your dachshunds might be hungry all the time, including hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes etc. However, if your dachshunds are both constantly hungry, it is most likely due to external factors rather than medical conditions. You can also try to feed them less often (twice a day), 1/2 cup x 2 (Switch to an adult feeding schedule). Overall, it is normal for puppies to be hungry as they are growing quickly, and need more nutrients for growth.
Hello, I’ve got a 15week old dachshund puppy who is now 3kg. This was done at the vets when picking up her flee medication. Is this a good weight for her age and not over . It’s the first time I’ve owned a dachshund after having labs all my life.
Hi Stephen, is your dachshund or miniature? It sounds like a good weight for a not very big standard dachshund. The numbers given in this article are an estimate, as dachshunds are different in size and body shape. Most importantly, your doxie should look healthy. Here is the simple test: If your dachshund is overweight, you won’t be able to feel the rib cage with a flat palm of your hand. Your dachshund is underweight if you can actually see the ribs.
My puppie is a 1 year 4 months old.. he a short hair..I can see his bones on the upper side.. he seem to be always hungry. I give him 5 once of food a day some times a little more…his vet says he’s a good weight but visibly he looks skinny., he is full of life and likes to play.. do I need to get vitamins or get a better brand of food so he can be full longer..
Thanks
Hi Safiya, Did you try to give your dachshund the antiparasite treatment? Worms can damage internal organs and prevent your pet from gaining weight. Sometimes, other conditions can cause your pet to be underweight, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and cancer. However, if you say your dog is young, otherwise healthy, and has a lot of energy, then it is probably not the case. It is always good to get a second opinion from another veterinarian about your dog’s weight.
My daschund is 14 years old. He weighs 15 lbs, and has weighted 14 for a long time, but has got a lot less active the last year as he’s gotten older and has arthritis. What is the best way for me to try to get a little weight off?
Hi Carolyn,
I am glad you have asked as I am currently in a similar situation- my longhaired dachshund Gudzon is almost 16 now, and weight management is our top priority. First of all, make sure you don’t overfeed your doxie. Calorie intake should be 20-30% less for older dogs than for active ones. Secondly, your dachshund still has to go on regular long walks. Take it slow – it takes my dachshund around half an hour to go around block and back. In case if your dog refuses to go on long walks because of discomfort caused by arthritis, hydrotherapy might be an excellent option to build and maintain the muscles without putting pressure on the spine. Visit a local physiotherapy dog center where you can try a hydrotherapy session and see if it suits your dachshund. In my case, I use the bath to exercise my dog, but it requires a bit of experience. You will need a dog floating jacket, and the main thing here is not to overexercise your dog. Please bear in mind that it is not medical advice; therefore, you must not rely on this information as an alternative to medical advice from your veterinarian.
Aloha Ms. Culpepper,
I have a 13yr old female mini. I had her on dry food for a long time. First it was Blue Buffalo then Science Diet. As she’s gotten older, I started noticing she was getting rounder and her “waist” was level with her chest. She was still active but putting on weight slowly. After researching wet food, I changed to wet food-science diet for 7+. Within 2 weeks she dropped the excess weight.
You need to remove any mention of a healthy weight in pounds or kg as every dog is so different and it should always been based off condition not numbers. Could be dangerous to tell someone their miniature should weigh a certain amount.
Hi Lianna,
The reputable breeders use certain standards for the dachshund breed. There is an “Official Standard of the Dachshund”, set by AKC (American Kennel Club). According to the AKC, – ” Bred and shown in two sizes, standard and miniature; miniatures are not a separate classification but compete in a class division for “11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older.” Weight of the standard size is usually between 16 and 32 pounds.”
I have a 1 yr old dachshund. Sold to me as a miniature. His parents, 1 longhair, 1 wirehair, both weigh 11 lbs.
So far my male weighs 14 lbs, and favors the wirehair look. He has soft hair and a lot of it. I am feeling 1/2 cup a day, and a 1/2 hr walk a day. I have no yard so very little running. My question is should I be worried about his weight?
What is a good weight for a doxie that is 28inches long?
Hi Aj, it will also depend on the height of the body as well as the wideness of the chest. If the length of the body ( breast bone to hock) is 28 inches, then it is considered to be quite a large standard dachshund. Average length for a standard dachshund is 21.5-25 inches. In this case, your dachshund’s weight can be anything from 26 to 32 pounds.
iI have a 15week old mini dachshund who is full of energy but only weighs 2,4kg he doesn’t look thin but you can feel his ribs.I have tried all kinds of food but he doesn’t seem to want to eat.he should be having 3 meals but is only having 2 the vet says he is healthy But I will worry.
Dear Chris, if your doxie doesn’t look underweight and your local vet says he is healthy, then there is no reason to worry! Puppies are usually fussy eaters, and two meals a day are more than enough.