Dachshund: size, sleep, exercise and care

At a glance

Size

Small

Adult weight

4.5–14.5 kg

Height at the shoulder

13–23 cm

Life expectancy

12–16 years

Exercise needs

Moderate · 30–60 min per day

Sleep needs

Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.

Puppy18–20 h

Adult12–14 h

Senior12–15 h

06121824 h

These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's; no study gives a separate figure for the Dachshund. Individual dogs vary, and a sudden change in how much your dog sleeps is worth mentioning to your vet.

Puppy sleep calculator →

Exercise needs

PDSA recommends at least an hour a day for standard Dachshunds and half an hour for miniatures; The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour for both. Walks and sniffing are ideal. PDSA advises against jumping because the long back is easily injured, so use ramps for sofas and cars and keep stairs to a minimum, especially while the puppy is growing.

Dog walk calculator →

Potty training

Dachshunds have a reputation for being among the slower breeds to house-train, and many dislike going out in rain or cold. Keep a strict schedule, go out with the puppy every time, and reward generously the moment it finishes.

A sheltered toilet spot near the door helps on bad-weather days. Carry a young puppy down steps rather than letting it jump, both for the back and for faster trips out.

Puppy potty schedule calculator →

Feeding

Extra weight puts more strain on a Dachshund's back, so keeping this breed lean is one of the most useful things you can do. Weigh food, count treats and check that you can feel the ribs and see a waist from above.

Young puppies eat three to four meals a day, adults two. Miniatures need only small portions, so even a few extra treats tip the balance.

Puppy feeding schedule calculator →

Sizes in Sweden

In Sweden, the Swedish Kennel Club also recognises the even smaller rabbit dachshund (kanintax). The numbers on this page cover the miniature and standard sizes described by the AKC and PDSA.