When Do Dachshunds Stop Growing?

Last Updated on November 2, 2021 by Marco

Doxies have a signature and adorable body shape and size. However, exactly when do dachshunds stop growing, and what is their full size? Furthermore, are there any specific health issues connected to their unique body shape and size? What about the different types of dachshunds and their sizes too? We’ll go over that and more below.

When Do Dachshunds Stop Growing?

Normally, a dachshund will stop growing in both weight and height around its 8^th month. A few weeks sooner or later is perfectly normal too. This is also around the time you should spay or neuter your dog so your vet is guaranteed to check if the pup is as big as it is supposed to be.

But how big exactly is that? A full-size dachshund should typically grow up to 16 to 32 pounds in weight (7.3 to 14.5 kg). Anything more than that will indicate an overweight Doxie.

As for their height – adult dachshunds are pretty short and don’t grow beyond 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) at the shoulder. The neck and head height aren’t counted as the dog moves those a bit. With the head, however, an upright dachshund will surpass 10 inches in height.

If your adult Doxie is shorter than 8 inches, however, this likely means that you have a miniature dachshund rather than a standard one. This is perfectly fine as long as the dog is healthy so just consult with your vet to make sure everything’s in order.

Dachshund Growth Chart

Now that we know when do dachshunds stop growing, let’s go over their growth progression. In Doxies, this is usually measured via their weight as their height is so short that the month-by-month growth there is often too minuscule.

 Different Types Of Dachshund Sizes Charts

Another type of chart many people are looking for is a comparison chart between the different types of dachshunds. As you know, there’s more to the Doxie world than just standard dachshunds – there are also miniature dachshunds, the controversial toy (or kaninchen) dachshunds, and even some sub-types such as teacup dachshunds that many kennel clubs don’t recognize. How exactly are these sub-types different in size, however?

 It should be noted that many kennel clubs don’t just not recognize teacup Doxies – they view both toy and teacup dachshunds as just extra-small and poorly bred mini dachshunds. And that’s a very reasonable view given that toy and teacup Doxies weren’t bred with other dog breeds. They are indeed just miniature dachshunds that have been selected for the smallest possible size over and over again.

What Health Issues Can Full-Grown Dachshunds Suffer From?

Dachshunds unfortunately aren’t the healthiest dog breed out there. They aren’t unmanageably sickly too, however. As long as you get a healthy pup and look after it well, it should grow pretty healthy. Although, getting a healthy pup usually means getting one with a health certificate from a reputable breeder.

The main health issues to watch out for in dachshunds include:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Obesity
• Patella Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia

While common, these problems are avoidable or can be mitigated with the right care. Of them, only IVDD is directly linked to the dachshund’s unique size and body shape. The rest are pretty common in all dog breeds.

Some less common health problems in dachshunds you’d do well to also keep an eye for include:

• Heart defects
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Respiratory problems
• Collapsing trachea
• Hypoglycemia
• Digestive problems

These latter few issues are especially common in the smaller miniature dachshunds which is why most breeders and kennel clubs recommend getting standard Doxies instead.

How To Weigh A Dachshund?

Doxies are pretty small but also long and kind of wiggly. As a result of that, just placing them on a scale can be complicated. Instead, a much easier way to go about it is to first weigh yourself and then pick up your Doxie in your arms and measure your combined weight. Then, just subtract the former from the latter and the difference is your dachshund’s exact weight.

In Conclusion – When Do Dachshunds Stop Growing and How Big Is Your Doxie Going To Get?

A dachshund should be reaching his or her full weight around the eighth month. A bit sooner or later is fine too, of course, as long as the dog isn’t overweight, malnourished, or has any other health problems. If your dachshund is significantly shorter than 8 inches (20 cm) and lighter than 16 pounds (7 kg) then you likely have a miniature dachshund rather than a standard one.

Dachshund parents also like measuring their dogs’ back and neck lengths as that’s one of the unique features of this breed. This is fun but isn’t really relevant to the overall health and condition of the dachshund. As long as the dog’s back is healthy and there are no traces of IVDD, the exact length of the back is irrelevant.

Read more about: Toy Dachshund Full Grown Height, Weight, And More

Yordan

Jordan is an animal–lover who specializes in dachshunds. He has owned and cared for dachshunds since he was a child, and his passion for these unique dogs has only grown with time. Jordan is an avid researcher and learner, and spends a large portion of his free time studying the history, behaviour, and health of dachshunds. He has a knack for training and socializing his own dogs, and loves introducing them to new experiences. When not caring for his own pets, Jordan likes to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters, helping to find homes for abandoned dachshunds. He is a true animal advocate, and dedicates his time to ensure that all animals receive the love, respect, and care they deserve.