Dachshund (Miniature)
DAHKS-hund
Clever, Courageous, Lively, Stubborn. Originally bred for hunting rabbits and small game in burrows.
An adult Dachshund (Miniature) weighs 8-11 lbs (male) or 8-11 lbs (female), needs 220-370 calories daily, and lives 12-16 yrs. As a toy breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is intervertebral disc disease (ivdd). All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Dachshund (Miniature) needs 220 to 370 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.3 kg) needs around 290 kcal; a female (10 lbs / 4.3 kg) roughly 290 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Dachshund (Miniature). For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Dachshund (Miniature) benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-16 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are intervertebral disc disease (ivdd) and patellar luxation, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Short daily walks and play. Same back-protection rules as Standards; no jumping, use ramps, avoid stairs when possible. Hound breeds follow their noses (or eyes) with single-minded determination. Off-leash exercise for a Dachshund (Miniature) requires a securely fenced area because recall is unreliable when a scent captures their attention. Nose work, tracking games, and long leash walks through interesting environments channel their natural instincts constructively.
Care and traits
Dachshund (Miniature)s have a smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired varieties coat. Origin: Germany.
Same IVDD vulnerability as Standards but in a smaller package. Their smaller size makes them more fragile overall. Often even more stubborn than Standards about housetraining.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Dachshund (Miniature) owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 220 to 370 calories per day for an adult Dachshund (Miniature). A 10-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Tiny dogs have fast metabolisms relative to body size. They burn energy quickly and can be vulnerable to blood sugar drops between meals. Active hunting hounds burn significantly more than the resting estimate. Adjust for actual activity level. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Both males and females typically weigh 8-11 lbs (3.6–5.0 kg).6–5.0 kg). At this size, even a few ounces of extra weight is proportionally significant. A toy breed a pound over ideal weight is like a human carrying 15-20 extra pounds. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
For Dachshund (Miniature)s, intervertebral disc disease (ivdd) tops the list of breed-associated health conditions. IVDD is a spinal condition where the discs between vertebrae degenerate and can rupture. Prevent jumping on and off furniture, use ramps, and keep the dog at a healthy weight to reduce spinal stress. Other conditions seen in the breed include patellar luxation, dental disease, obesity. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
The Dachshund (Miniature) does well with 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity. Good activities for this breed include scent trails, tracking games, long rural walks. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Dachshund (Miniature) that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026