Is My Dachshund a Mini or Standard?

When you adopted your Dachshund, or purchased him or her from a breeder, you were probably told whether your Dachshund was a miniature or standard.

But when you made some Dachshund friends, you noticed that your Dachshund was larger than other miniatures or smaller than other standards.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos/Lilun_lee

You began to wonder if what the breeder, shelter, or rescue told you is incorrect.

Now you’re wondering if your Dachshund is a mini or standard.

The general, brief answer to this question is that miniature Dachshunds are 11 lbs or under at 12 months of age and anything larger than that is a standard size.

However, there are a few nuances to the different classifications, as well as some controversy over what to call the size between 12 lbs and the “typical” 16 lbs of a small standard Dachshund.

In this article, explain those details as well as what this “in between” size is called.

Do know that, although you can make predictions, one can’t definitively determine whether a Dachshund is a standard or miniature until they are full grown.

When Will My Dachshund Stop Growing?

Smaller dogs mature earlier in life than larger dogs.

The general consesus is that Dachshunds are considered “full grown” by 12 months old.

After 12 months, your Dachshund may continue to fill out (gain muscle and get wider) until they are about two years old but they won’t get much larger than their 12 month size unless they become overweight.

What Will My Dachshund Weigh When Full Grown?

What you probably really want to know is how big your Dachshund puppy will be as an adult.

By six weeks old, you can make a prediction about what your Dahcshund will weight when they are full grown.

There’s no way to be absolutely sure how big your Dachshund will be when full grown until they reach maturity at 12 months of age.

However, there are some formulas you can use to guess.

This is one of the calculations I found to be the easiest and most accurate (many others were extremely off from my experience).

For this growth prediction, weigh your puppy at 6 weeks old.

Then take that weight and double it. Then double it again.

For example, if a Dachshund puppy weighs 3lbs at six weeks old, they are predicted to weigh around 12lbs as an adult (3 x 2 = 6 x 2 = 12). 

In the case of my Dahcshund puppy, Summit, this was was significant over-estimation though.

Using this formula, I anticipated that she could be 16 lbs when fully grown (she was 4 lbs at 6 weeks).

However, she stopped growing when she reached 10.5 lbs. So, she doubled the weight she was at 8 weeks (5 lbs).

So remember that any calculation is just an estimate.

If you search out other puppy growth charts and calculators, make sure you are looking at one that specifies it’s for small dogs.

The growth rate is different for medium, large, and giant dogs.

What’s the Difference Between a Standard and Miniature Dachshund?

Standard and Miniature Dachshunds are the same dog breed.

Generally, they have the same genetics (except small variations that dictate things like color).

The only difference between a standard and miniature Dachshund is their weight and height.

You can only tell whether your Dachshund is a mini or standard when they have completed the majority of their growth.

A Dachshund is considered full grown by 12 months of age.

The main difference between a miniature and standard Dachshund is their height and weight. They aren’t different breeds.

Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 lbs or under and are 5-6 inches tall, or 13 and 18 cm, at their whithers (measuired from the floor to the high point between the shoulder blades) when they are full grown.

Standard Dachshunds weigh from 16-32lbs and will be about 8-9 inches, or 20–22 cm, tall at their withers at full maturity.

So, once your Dahchsund is 12 months old, you can easily determine if they’re a miniature or standard using a weight scale and tape measure.

What if My Dahchsund Weighs Between 12 and 15lbs?

Since the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard for Dachshunds does not clearly define dogs that fall in the 12-15 lb range, it has led to some confusion as whether Dahcshunds in that weight range are considered standard or miniature.

Among owners in the Doxie community, Dachshunds that weight between 12-15 lbs are affectionately referred to as “tweenies.”

According to the AKC, all Dachshunds weighing over 11 lbs would be classified as standard as “tweenie” is not a Dachshund weight classification recognized by the organization.

Did My Breeder Lie to Me?

You might have been told that your Dachsund was a standard or mini and they turned out to be larger or smaller than you expected.

When that happens, many owners assume that their breeder lied to them about whether their Dachshund was standard or miniature.

If you are buying a Dachshund puppy from a responsible breeder, they will mate only miniature Dachshunds with each other (and only standards with standards).

However, since standard and miniature Dahchsunds are genetically the same breed, a breeder can’t guarantee what size their puppies will be when full grown.

Trustworthy breeders will be able to predict how much your Dacshund will weight full grown but will be honest about the reality of it.

It’s not uncommon for two miniature Dachshunds to have puppies that grow large enough to be considered a tweenie or standard when full grown.

Conversely, but more rare in my experience, two standard parents can produce mini Dachshunds.

The more established the breeder, the more accurately they will be able to predict the full grown size of their puppies.

This is because they know more about their Dachshund’s lineage and already have experience with one or several litters from the same parents.

If a breeder is less experienced, they may predict incorrectly how big their Doxie puppies will be as adults.

So if your Dachshund ends up being bigger or smaller than you expected, it’s not necessarily a case that the breeder lied to you.

Miniature Dachshund parents can produce standard Dachshunds and mini parents can product standards.

They just may not have the experience to accurately predict how much their puppies will ultimately weigh.

What if My Dachshund is Registered as a Miniature But Weighs Over 11 lbs?

At birth, it can be difficult to tell how big a Dachshund will get.

However, based on the birth weight and the size of the parents, a breeder can make a prediction.

Breeders complete the AKC registration papers using the size of the parents and this prediction.

The process of AKC registration just requires the breeder to fill out a form and to send in money.

The AKC accepts the breeders determiniation because they do not verify this infomation in person.

And even if they could, they also can’t predict how much a Dachshund puppy will weigh when it’s full grown.

Remember – miniature Dachshunds can give birth to standard Dachshunds, so there’s a possibility that your pup may grow up to to be a larger size than it’s parents.

Therefore, your miniature Dachshund that weighs more than 11lbs at 12 months old is a standard, despite what the registration papers say.

But there’s something else to consider, and that’s if your Dachshund is the correct weight.

If your Dachshund is over 11lbs, take a close and honest look at how much “padding” they have on their body.

If you put your 12 lbs Dachshund on a diet and exercise regimen, would they be 10lbs when in ideal physical condition?

Your veterinarian can help you determine if your Dachshund is overweight.

If so, you may indeed have a miniature Dachshund trapped inside an overweight body.

If you’re not sure about your Doxie’s diet or ideal body weight, I suggest having a conversation with your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions About Miniature and Standard Dachshunds

Are miniature Dachshunds considered a different breed?

Both miniature and standard Dachshunds are the same breed genetically, although there are gene variations that influence things like color and bone structure.

Athough predictions can be made, ultimately, a Dachshund’s full grown size and weight is not completely known until, well, they are completely full grown.

Of course, you’re more likely to have a miniature Dachshund if both parents are miniature size and a standard if both parents are standard size.

But, remember it is possible for two standard parents to give birth to a miniature and visa versa though.

How big do mini Dachshunds get?

A miniature Dachshund stands 5-6 inches at the shoulder, and is 11 lbs or under, when fully grown.

If your Dachshund is closer to 8 -9 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs 12lbs or more as an adult, then it is considered a standard.

Note that Dachshunds that fall between 12-15 lbs are sometimes affectionately called “tweeenies” by Dachshund owners but that is not a formal size recognized the AKC.

What are some common personality traits of miniature Dachshunds?

Personality can vary from Dachshund to Dachshund but both miniature and standard sizes exhibit similar breed traits.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt. They covered a lot of ground and dug into burrows to flush out, and sometiems fight, animals like badgers and rabbits.

This means they are brave, don’t give up easily, were bred to think for themselves and solve problems, and have a lot of energy.

Some people lump together many of these traits and label Dachshunds as stubborn. But they really aren’t.

They are super smart and trainable. It’s just that they may not always be eager to do what you want, and may try to find a way around it, because it’s in their nature to try to solve “problems”.

Dachshund are also very loyal, prey driven and inclined to chase percieved prey, and have an inquisitive nature.

Some traits that may be percieved as negative is their propensity for barking and their tendency toward separation anxiety when separated from their favorite person or persons.

For a deeper look into a miniature Dachshund’s personality, read this funny article about their common behaviors.

Dachshunds are amazing little dogs but they are not for everyone. Ask yourself these questions before you decide to make a Dachshund part of your family.

Do miniature Dachshunds live longer than standard Dachshunds?

I’ve read other articles than claim one lives longer than the other.

As someone who has been studying the breed for over 15 years, and who is exposed to hundreds of Dachshunds via the club we founded, I find most of these laughable.

The reasons they state one lives longer than the other is laughable. It’s obvious to me most of these authors do’t have any direct experience on the matter.

The average life expectancy of a Dachshund is 12-15 years old but it’s not unheard of for a Dachshund to reach an age of 19.

Both miniature and standard Dachshunds have the potential to live to the same age, although there has been a study or two that found miniature Dachshunds tend to live a year or two longer than standards.

There are many other factors besides breed that affect a Dachshund’s lifespan though like:

Which is better: a miniature or standard Dachshund?

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both standard and miniature Dachshunds (although I admit I’ve had more exposure to minis).

The size doesn’t influence their personality as much as things like the temperament of the parents, how they were raised, and how well they are cared for.

Coat type – long, smooth, or wire – can affect personality but that is not related to size.

One or the other may be a better choice for you because of their size.

Generally, a miniature Dachshund is a better choice if you live in a small space like an apartment or travel and live in a van.

Standard Dachshunds are larger so they may be a better choice for some.

Final Thoughts

Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11lbs or under when full grown.

Standard Dachshunds generally weigh 16-32lbs.

If your Dachshund is not overwieght, and weights more than 11 lbs, your Dachshund is technically a standard, although the casual “pet name” for Dachshunds weiging between 12-15lbs is a “tweenie”.

Whether you have a standard or miniature Dachshund, they will exhibit similar personality traits since they are genetically the same breed.

However, personality may vary according to the natural personality they were born with, the way they were raised, and their coat type.

Read More: 25 Dachshund Facts Every Owner Should Know

Is your Dachshund a miniature or standard? Did you know the easy way to tell the difference?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica. I’ve been studying the Dachshund breed since 2007, owned 3 of my own, and shared in the lives of thousands of others through their owner’s stories. When I’m not sharing what I know on this blog, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.

15 Comments

  1. I love this article. I have raised and showed many Dachshund litters. Both sizes and coats all over the east. In this article you nailed it. Have 2 left couldn’t live without them. 1 male 1 female. Long coat.
    At 81 yrs just going to love on the

  2. any suggestions on boys versus girls , or one of each? we are going to purchase two long haired minis , mommy is due any day, so we have some time to wait, but will have to make a decision soon. thank in advance for your help!

    1. Hi Lisa. I’m not sure if you have made your decision by now but I assume you have. Not to worry – any combination can work out with the right training and unerstanding. Do beware that two pups from the same litter can, and almost always do, develop littermate syndrome. Also, two dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight with each other than two of the opposite. If y ou are encountering any behavioral issues, you migt want to do some research on those two topics.

  3. If I’m going to buy a miniature dachshund, will the papers indicate it’s a miniature dachshund or would it just be dachshund?

    1. Hi Liz. I am not a breeder but it’s my understanding that some breeders to register the puppies with the AKC before they are full grown and that, if done before they are full grown, they are registered based on their predicted size. So that means the papers could state the puppy is a miniature but they could end up larger than that when full grown.

  4. How do I get my 1 yr old doxie to stop crying on car rides. He wants to go bit then cries and barks the entire time.

  5. Our latest Doxie is 14 lbs at 5 months. Technically a standard, both parents Minis. I’ve had more minis but size don’t matter to us. We love our latest edition till death. Even the quality breeder is surprised. I rescued a standard a few years ago at 12 years and she was awesome. We love them all!

    1. My Summit was a big puppy so I thought she would end up being a standard around 18 lbs. While I did want a smaller one, I, of course, would have loved her no matter what size she was. She stopped growing at just under 11 lbs though. I’m currently dog sitting a standard Dachshund who is almost 18 lbs – the size I thought she would be- and he’s perfect too… although it’s not as easy to fit all of him on my lap. Ha, ha.

  6. To me, it’s laughable that someone who has trouble spelling the breed name is writing as an expert on the breed!
    Dachshunds are simply registered as “Dachshund” with the AKC. There is no size or weight indicated in the registration. The DCA( Dachshund Club of America) sets the breed Standard that we adhere to. Miniatures are 11lbs and under at 12 months of age. Standards are 16 lbs and over at 12 months of age. They Grey area in between is not designated at this point. Many breeders show and breed dogs the the size between 11 and 16 lbs, but always strive to create offspring that will be either Mini or Standard size.

    Joanne D. Wolff
    Von Wolff Kennel, LLC
    AKC Breeder Of Merit

    1. I apologize if there was a typo. I proof read my own work but can’t afford an editor to triple check. Thanks for adding your two cents.

    2. Joanne- Miniature Dachshunds don’t become standard when they turn 1 year of age. They are miniature due to their parents being miniature. Yes, it is possible for 2 miniature dachshund parents to have a tweenie however, your comment says that they are miniature at 11 lbs and under 12-months. That’s not the case at all. Miniatures are still miniatures when they are adults.

      1. Hi Jenni. That verbiage/description is what is stated in the formal AKC breed standard. You are correct though that if a dog is 11 lbs or under at 12 months of age, and then grows to be larger (or becomes overweight), they do not magically transform into a standard. Perhaps that is what you were trying to clarify.

  7. My puppy weighed 3lbs at 6 weeks but at 6 months she has started to grow very long and legs are longer than our previous mini. I’m wondering how big she will be at 12 months! Both parents are mini’s

    1. Hi Nora. It’s difficult to predict the final weight until a Dachshund stops growing. Summit was 5 lbs at 8 weeks and, According to the growth charts, she was predicted to be around 18 lbs. But she stopped growing at 10.5 lbs.

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