How Much Do Dachshunds Weigh? Healthy Range Explained

Factors Affecting Dachshund Weight

There are various factors that can impact a dachshund’s weight, so it is crucial for owners to take a comprehensive approach to their pet’s well-being. Here are some important aspects to keep in mind:

Genetics

Genetics are important in deciding how much a dachshund weighs. Just like humans, dachshunds get characteristics from their parents, such as tendencies towards specific body sizes and forms. A dachshund whose parents are heavier might naturally be heavier as well.

Diet

Activity Level

Age

As dachshunds get older, their metabolism may decrease, leading to a higher risk of gaining weight. Senior dachshunds might also be less active because of joint problems or other health issues, which can contribute to weight gain.

Health Conditions

Some health issues can impact the weight of a dachshund. For instance, hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain as it slows down metabolism. On the other hand, conditions such as diabetes or gastrointestinal problems can cause weight loss in dachshunds.

Spaying/Neutering

Spaying or neutering can impact a dachshund’s weight by slowing down their metabolism, potentially causing weight gain if their diet and exercise regimen are not modified accordingly. Being aware of these factors can assist in effectively managing your dachshund’s weight and well-being. By taking into account genetics, diet, activity level, age, health issues, and the effects of spaying or neutering, you can proactively maintain your dachshund’s ideal weight throughout their lifespan.

How much do dachshunds weigh ?

Dachshund Dog Weight Chart

Age	Miniature Dachshund (pounds)	Standard Dachshund (pounds)
2 months	1.5 – 3.5	3 – 5
3 months	3 – 6	5 – 7
4 months	4 – 8	6 – 9
5 months	5 – 9	7 – 11
6 months	6 – 10	8 – 13
7 months	7 – 11	9 – 14
8 months	8 – 12	10 – 16
9 months	8 – 13	11 – 17
10 months	9 – 14	12 – 18
12 months	10 – 15	14 – 21
Adult	8 – 11	16 – 32

The weights provided are general ranges for Miniature and Standard Dachshunds at different ages. It is important to keep your dog’s weight within these ranges to ensure their overall health and growth. Individual dogs may vary in weight.

Average Weight of Dachshund Dogs

Miniature dachshunds usually weigh from 8 to 11 pounds, whereas standard dachshunds generally weigh between 16 to 32 pounds. Being aware of these weight categories can assist you in determining if your dachshund is at a healthy weight.

Effect of Size (Miniature, Standard) on Weight

The weight of your dachshund is greatly influenced by its size. Miniature dachshunds are tinier and weigh less compared to standard dachshunds. It’s crucial to tailor their food intake and physical activity to their size in order to keep them at a healthy weight.

Health Risks Associated with Overweight Dachshunds

To determine if your Dachshund is carrying extra weight, you can use the following methods:

• Visual and tactile evaluation: Check if your dog looks heavier than usual. Look down at your dog from above to see if there is a noticeable waistline. By feeling your dog’s body, you may detect excess fat or folds, particularly around the back and shoulders.
• Feel for fat deposits: When you touch your dog’s back and sides, if you feel a thick layer of fat or visible folds, it could suggest overweight.

  

• Refer to weight charts: Compare your dog’s current weight with standard weight charts for Dachshunds. If your dog surpasses the recommended weight range, it might indicate being overweight.
• Measure the waistline: Measure your dog’s waistline. If it is larger than usual or not clearly defined, it could be a sign of carrying extra weight.
• Monitor changes: Keep track of your dog’s weight over time. Sudden weight gain or reduced activity levels can also indicate being overweight.

If you suspect that your Dachshund is overweight, seek advice from your vet for an assessment. They can assess your dog’s overall health and offer tailored guidance on nutrition and suitable exercise to help manage weight if necessary.

What Health Problems Can Obesity Lead To?

Obesity in dachshunds can result in various severe health issues that affect how long they live and their overall well-being. Below are some of the main health problems linked to obesity in dachshunds:

Joint and Bone Issues

Having excess weight can cause additional stress on your dachshund’s joints and bones, which may result in conditions such as:

• Arthritis: The extra weight speeds up the deterioration of the cartilage in your dog’s joints, causing painful inflammation and stiffness.
• Hip Dysplasia: While more common in larger breeds, overweight dachshunds can also experience hip dysplasia, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Dachshunds are already prone to IVDD due to their long spines. Carrying extra weight raises the chances of disc herniation and spinal issues, potentially causing severe pain and paralysis.

  

Cardiovascular Problems

Having excess weight puts more strain on your dachshund’s heart, which can result in:

• Heart Disease: Obesity may cause issues like congestive heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid retention and decreased oxygen delivery to organs and tissues.
• Hypertension: Overweight dogs have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to additional problems such as kidney damage or stroke.

Metabolic Disorders

Obesity greatly raises the chances of developing metabolic disorders such as:

• Diabetes Mellitus: Having too much body fat can result in insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Treatment for diabetes in dogs usually involves closely monitoring their diet, managing their weight, and possibly giving them insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
• Hyperlipidemia: This condition, marked by high levels of fats in the bloodstream, can increase the risk of pancreatitis and other medical problems.

Respiratory Complications

Excess weight can cause breathing problems for your dachshund, leading to:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome: Although usually seen in breeds such as pugs, overweight dachshunds may also experience signs like difficulty breathing and snoring.
• Exercise Intolerance: Breathing issues can make exercise more challenging due to the extra weight, resulting in a less active lifestyle that can worsen obesity.

Digestive and Liver Issues

Obesity can affect your dachshund’s digestive system in various ways:

• Pancreatitis: Being overweight increases the chances of pancreatitis, a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas caused by a diet high in fat.
• Hepatic Lipidosis: Excess fat can build up in the liver, causing liver disease that hampers liver function and overall health.

Reduced Immune Function

Obesity in dogs can compromise their immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to infections, diseases, and a longer recovery period after surgeries or injuries.

Reduced Lifespan

In general, overweight or obese dachshunds tend to have a reduced lifespan because of the health problems associated with their condition. The continuous stress on their metabolism and organs speeds up the aging process and raises the chances of premature death.

By carefully controlling your dachshund’s weight with a proper diet, consistent exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, you can reduce these health risks and improve their quality of life, increasing the likelihood of them living longer and healthier.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight for Dachshund Dogs

Appropriate nutrition

Monitor portion sizes

If your dog is carrying extra weight, it’s best to seek advice from your vet for a personalized diet plan to help them lose weight. You may want to think about switching to low-calorie or weight control dog food.

Provide adequate exercise

Make sure your dog receives sufficient daily physical activity to keep a healthy weight and stay fit. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or participate in other energetic activities to promote movement.

Monitor weight and body condition

Make sure to keep track of your dog’s weight consistently and make changes to their diet and exercise routine accordingly. Monitor their body condition regularly to make sure they stay at a healthy weight.

Focus on overall health

Make sure your dog gets a well-rounded and healthy diet. Arrange routine visits to the vet and ask for guidance on nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.

By incorporating good nutrition, regular exercise, and careful observation, you can assist your Dachshund in staying at a healthy weight and in overall good health.

Summary