Standard, Miniature or Rabbit: Dachshund sizes compared

Why chest girth?

The Dachshund had to fit into a burrow. What mattered was how narrow the chest was, not how tall the dog stood. It’s measured with a lightly tensioned tape from the highest point of the withers to the lowest point of the chest.

Before 15 months the ribcage is still growing, so a definitive classification is only possible in the adult dog.

What changed in 2022

Older sources often give a single value per size – “Miniature 30 to 35 cm”, for example – and a maximum weight for the Standard. The 2022 version distinguishes between males and females and works with chest girth only. If you come across contradictory figures, that’s usually why.

What does Kaninchen mean?

“Kaninchen” is German for rabbit. The name recalls the original job of the smallest Dachshund: hunting wild rabbits in their narrow burrows. In English it’s usually called the Rabbit Dachshund.

Which size suits you?

For a flat with stairs, Miniature and Rabbit Dachshunds are practical because they’re easy to carry. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and want a slightly sturdier companion, a Standard will suit you. More important than size are temperament, health and how well you can protect its back day to day.

Can you predict a puppy’s size?

An indication, yes; a guarantee, no. The parents’ measurements and growth in the first months help. Promising the adult chest girth of an eight-week-old puppy is promising too much. More in Dachshund growth and weight.