Dachshund (Standard)
DAHKS-hund
Clever, Stubborn, Devoted, Lively. Originally bred for hunting badgers (dachs = badger, hund = dog).
An adult Dachshund (Standard) weighs 16-32 lbs (male) or 16-32 lbs (female), needs 370-830 calories daily, and lives 12-16 yrs. As a small 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 (Standard) needs 370 to 830 calories per day. An average male (24 lbs / 10.9 kg) needs around 590 kcal; a female (24 lbs / 10.9 kg) roughly 590 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Dachshund (Standard). 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 (Standard) 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 obesity, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; daily walks and play. Avoid activities that involve jumping on/off furniture, stairs, or any high-impact landing. Ramps for beds and couches protect their backs. Hound breeds follow their noses (or eyes) with single-minded determination. Off-leash exercise for a Dachshund (Standard) 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 (Standard)s have a smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired varieties coat. Origin: Germany.
IVDD is the defining health concern of the breed. Up to 25% of Dachshunds will experience some form of back problem. Prevention is everything: maintain ideal weight, use ramps instead of stairs, and support their back when picking them up (one hand under the chest, one under the hindquarters, keeping the spine level).
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 (Standard) owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Dachshund (Standard) range from 370 to 830 kcal. A 24-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily works well for most small breeds. Avoid free-feeding, as many small dogs will overeat when food is constantly available. 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.
The breed standard calls for 16-32 lbs (7.3–14.5 kg) regardless of sex.3–14.5 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
If you own a Dachshund (Standard), intervertebral disc disease (ivdd) is the condition your vet will likely screen for first. 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 obesity, patellar luxation, dental disease. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily for your Dachshund (Standard). 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 (Standard) 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