How big does a Dachshund get?

A full-grown Dachshund typically stands 20–23 cm (7.9–9.1 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 7–14 kg (15.4–30.9 lbs). Dachshund is a small breed and usually reaches full size by 12 months.

What is the lifespan of a Dachshund?

The average lifespan of a Dachshund is 12–16 years. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Dachshund?

Dachshund are known for being clever, stubborn, devoted, courageous. They may be better suited for homes without small children. They can be challenging to train and benefit from experienced handlers. Their size and energy level make them suitable for apartment living.

Is a Dachshund a good choice for apartments and families?

Yes, a Dachshund can adapt well to apartment living due to their small size and moderate energy levels. They may be better suited for households without young children. They shed moderately, with weekly brushing usually sufficient.

What are common health issues for small breed dogs like the Dachshund?

Small and toy breeds like the Dachshund are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation (knee issues), tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia. They can also develop heart valve disease as they age. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

← All Breeds

Dachshund Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Dachshund need per day?

A typical adult Dachshund weighing about 11 kg needs approximately 653–817 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Small Breed⭐ Popular

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Dachshund weighs 7–14 kg (15.4–30.9 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 4–5 months and full weight by 9–10 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

7–14 kg

(15.4–30.9 lbs)

Size Category

small

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~653–817 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

7 kgto14 kg

15.4 lbsto30.9 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

Your dog's weight (kg)

Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

Unit:

Current weight (kg)

Age

How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Dachshund Health & Weight Management

Dachshunds are iconic long-backed, short-legged hunters originally bred to pursue badgers into underground burrows. Their elongated spine makes them one of the most IVDD-prone breeds — and every extra pound increases spinal compression risk exponentially. Studies show that overweight Dachshunds are 2–3x more likely to develop disc herniation. Even modest weight gain can tip the balance between comfort and paralysis.

Exercise: 20–30 minutes of moderate daily walks on flat terrain. Avoid activities that strain the back: no jumping on/off furniture, no stair-climbing, no standing on hind legs. Use ramps for couch access. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise for Dachshunds. Keep them at a fit weight to minimize IVDD risk.

Feeding tips: Dachshunds are enthusiastic eaters with zero sense of satiety. Measure food with a kitchen scale — even half a tablespoon extra per meal adds 10–15% excess calories over time. Feed twice daily. Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Replace biscuits with tiny pieces of cucumber or green bean.

Keeping your Dachshund at an ideal 15–31 lbs (7–14 kg) is the single most important thing you can do to protect their spine. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Dachshunds to find precise daily needs, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and follow the feeding guide for portion recommendations.

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-19

Is your Dachshund at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

Take BCS Assessment

Dachshund Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs in 3 steps

Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Full Calorie Calculator

Detailed calorie needs with food brand comparisons

Feeding Guide

Personalized feeding plan with portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Dachshund weigh?

The ideal weight for a Dachshund is 7–14 kg (15.4–30.9 lbs). Even a small weight gain can be significant for smaller breeds. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Dachshund need per day?

A typical adult Dachshund weighing 11 kg needs approximately 653–817 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Dachshund overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Dachshund's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Dachshund reach full adult weight?

Dachshund puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 4–5 months and typically reach full adult weight by 9–10 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Dachshund need?

A Dachshund typically needs a 24-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Dachshund. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

⚡

Know Your Dachshund's Exact Calorie Needs

Calculate the perfect daily calories for your Dachshund based on their weight, age, and activity level. Prevent obesity with science-backed nutrition guidance.

Calculate Calories Now

Free · Breed-specific · Takes 30 seconds