Dachshund: healthy weight & calories
A healthy adult Dachshund usually weighs 7 to 14 kg (15.4 to 30.9 lb). That is a wide range because frame size varies a lot even within one breed, so how they feel under your hands matters more than the number alone.
Estimated for a Dachshund at 10.5 kg, a healthy weight in the middle of the breed range. Resting energy is 70 × weight0.75 kcal; the multiplier below scales it up for how much they move and whether they are desexed.
| Activity | Desexed | Entire |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly restsa few short potty walks | 490 kcal | 572 kcal |
| Short daily walks20 to 30 minutes total | 572 kcal | 653 kcal |
| Active most days45 to 60 minutes, some play | 653 kcal | 735 kcal |
| Very activeruns, hikes or dog sport | 735 kcal | 817 kcal |
Puppies get roughly twice their resting energy while growing, about 817 kcal a day at this weight, but puppy needs change every few weeks so this is a starting point, not a fixed number. Seniors typically need about 10% less than an adult at the same activity level.
A long back is prone to disc disease, and extra weight adds strain and slows recovery if a disc goes. In a large US study, overweight Dachshunds lived about 2 years less than lean ones. Keep jumps and stairs to a minimum while the weight comes down.
In a study of 50,787 pet dogs, overweight Dachshunds had a shorter median life span than lean ones of the same breed, by about 2.3 years (Salt et al. 2019). That is an association from observational data, not a promise, but it is one of the largest studies of its kind.
This page gives a breed-level estimate. For portions in grams, a calorie target adjusted for your dog's own age, activity and desexed status, and a 7-day activity plan, take the free 60-second check.
Check Dachshund free →How much should a Dachshund weigh?
A healthy adult Dachshund typically weighs 7 to 14 kg (15.4 to 30.9 lb). Frame size varies a lot within a breed, so body condition (can you feel the ribs?) matters more than the number on the scale.
How many calories does a Dachshund need a day?
A desexed adult Dachshund at a healthy weight typically needs roughly 572 kcal a day with short daily walks, more if they are very active or not desexed, less if they mostly rest. Use the calculator below for a number tailored to your dog.
Similar breeds: Miniature Bull Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli · miniature, Beagle
Also see: the dog calorie calculator · is my dog overweight? · all breeds
This is an estimate, not a diagnosis. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or exercise. How we work this out