Miniature vs Standard Dachshunds: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve started looking into getting a dachshund, you’ll probably have come across miniature and standard dachshunds – and possibly people talking about “tweenies” too.

 

So what’s actually the difference?

In the UK, there are officially two dachshund sizes: miniature and standard. The main difference is their size, rather than them being completely separate types of dog.

Then there are dachshunds like Rocky, who fall somewhere awkwardly in between.

He’s around 8 kg, considerably bigger than the ideal size for a miniature but smaller than you’d expect many standards to be. Dachshund owners often refer to dogs like him as tweenies.

Officially, though, there is no tweenie dachshund.

 

How big is a miniature dachshund?

According to the UK Kennel Club breed standard, the ideal weight for a miniature dachshund is 4.5 kg (10 lb), with 5 kg (11 lb) described as the desired maximum.

That doesn’t mean every healthy miniature dachshund will weigh exactly the same.

Build varies between individual dogs, and the Kennel Club itself describes these figures as guidelines rather than absolute limits.

It’s also important not to assume a dachshund is simply a large miniature because they’re overweight. Size and body condition are two different things.

 

How big is a standard dachshund?

The Kennel Club gives an ideal weight of 9–12 kg (20–26 lb) for a standard dachshund.

As with miniatures, individual dogs can vary.

If you’re trying to work out whether your own dachshund is miniature or standard, their breeding and pedigree will tell you more than simply putting an adult dog on the scales and seeing which range they’re closest to.

What is a tweenie dachshund?

A tweenie is an informal term dachshund owners use for dogs that sit somewhere between the typical miniature and standard sizes.

Rocky is a good example.

At around 8 kg, he’s much heavier than the ideal miniature weight but doesn’t quite reach the Kennel Club’s ideal range for a standard.

We often describe him as a tweenie because it’s a useful shorthand for explaining his size.

But you won’t find “tweenie dachshund” recognised as a separate size by the UK Kennel Club. It isn’t a third variety and there isn’t an official tweenie weight range.

So if somebody is specifically advertising “tweenie dachshund puppies”, I’d be aware that they’re using an informal description rather than an officially recognised classification.

Are miniature dachshunds just smaller standard dachshunds?

Essentially, yes – although breeding for the different sizes means there can obviously be differences between individual dogs and lines.

Both have the classic dachshund shape: long body, short legs and a surprisingly substantial chest.

Both sizes also come in the same three coat varieties:

• Smooth-haired
• Long-haired
• Wire-haired

That creates six varieties recognised by the Kennel Club: standard and miniature versions of each of the three coat types.

Do miniature and standard dachshunds have different personalities?

I wouldn’t choose between them based on the assumption that one size has a completely different personality from the other.

You’ll hear plenty of generalisations about miniatures being more energetic, standards being calmer or one coat type having a particular temperament.

Individual personality, breeding, early experiences, socialisation and training all matter.

Rocky has more than enough personality for a dog of his size, but I wouldn’t claim every similarly sized dachshund will behave like him.

If temperament is important to you when choosing a puppy, I’d pay close attention to the temperament of the parents and speak openly with the breeder about what you’re looking for.

Do standard dachshunds need more exercise?

A larger dachshund may naturally cover more ground than a particularly tiny miniature, but I wouldn’t choose a miniature on the assumption that they barely need walking.

Both are active dogs.

Their exercise needs will depend on their age, health and individual energy levels as well as their size.

Rocky loves a proper walk and exploring somewhere new, despite having legs only a few inches off the ground.

Do miniature dachshunds live longer than standards?

You may see different average lifespan figures quoted for miniature and standard dachshunds, but I wouldn’t put too much weight on a single number.

A dog’s lifespan is affected by genetics, health, weight, lifestyle and plain luck as well as its size.

Whichever size you choose, dachshunds are predisposed to certain health problems, most notably intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

Keeping your dachshund at a healthy body condition and understanding the health issues associated with the breed are more useful than assuming their size guarantees a particular lifespan.

Miniature or standard: which should you choose?

For most people, the practical difference comes down to how much dog you want.

A miniature is obviously easier to pick up and takes up slightly less space. A standard is a more substantial dog despite still having relatively short legs.

But I wouldn’t make the decision on size alone.

If you’re buying a puppy, finding a responsible breeder who prioritises health and temperament is far more important than trying to find a dachshund at an exact adult weight.

And remember that puppies don’t always read the breed standard.

Rocky certainly didn’t end up the size we expected.

How can I tell whether my dachshund is miniature or standard?

If you bought your dachshund from a breeder, start with their pedigree and how they were bred rather than trying to classify them solely by their current weight.

If you have a rescue or don’t know your dog’s background, you may simply have to accept that they don’t fit neatly into one box.

And that’s fine.

Calling Rocky a “tweenie” tells other dachshund owners roughly what we mean, even though we know it isn’t an official classification.

Miniature vs standard dachshund: the simple answer

In the UK, miniature and standard are the two officially recognised dachshund sizes.

The Kennel Club’s ideal weights are:

• Miniature dachshund: 4.5 kg (10 lb), with 5 kg (11 lb) the desired maximum
• Standard dachshund: 9–12 kg (20–26 lb)

Dogs that fall somewhere between those typical sizes are often affectionately called tweenies, as we do with Rocky, but this isn’t an officially recognised third size.

Ultimately, whether your dachshund weighs 4 kg, 8 kg or 12 kg, you’ll still be living with the same unmistakable long body, little legs and disproportionately large personality.