Dachshund Sizes & Coats

The Long and Short of It

When it comes to the beauty and personality of a Dachshund, size doesn't matter. However, the AKC recognizes two sizes of Dachshunds— Standard and Miniature. The size classification of a Dachshund is not based upon its height or length; it is based solely upon the weight of the Dachshund at one year of age.

In accordance with the AKC's official Dachshund breed standards, an adult Standard Dachshund should weigh between 16 and 32 pounds; however, an adult Miniature Dachshund should weigh fewer than 11 pounds.

At Dachshunds Unlimited, we specialize in the breeding of purebred Smooth and Longhair Miniature Dachshunds.

Variety Is the Spice of Dachshunds

The Dachshund is counted among the most diverse breeds recognized by the AKC. Dachshunds not only come in two delightful sizes (i.e., Standard and Miniature), an artistic array of 15 different colors (12 of which are considered standard by the AKC), and six patterns and combinations of markings (three of which are considered standard by the AKC) but also three distinct coat varieties—Smooth, Longhair, and Wirehaired.

Although most colors and patterns may appear in all three coat varieties, some are exclusive to one or two varieties.

Smooth Dachshund

When most people think of a Dachshund, it is often the classic Smooth Standard or Miniature Dachshund that first comes to mind.  The Smooth Dachshund's coat is short-haired, soft, and smooth in texture. The fur should neither be too long nor too thick, and the tail should be tapered to a point. The coats of Smooth Standard or Miniature Dachshunds come in all self colors and marking patterns, with the exception of wheaton and sable, respectively.

Longhair Dachshund

From the long-haired ears of its beautiful head to the tip of its graceful feathery tail, the Longhair Dachshund is a true picture of elegance. The Longhair Standard or Miniature Dachshund's coat is silky and wavy, and the longest hairs are most prominent on the ears, neck, chest, undercarriage, behind the legs, and tail. The sable pattern of markings is exclusive to this coat variety.

Wirehaired Dachshund

One of the most recognizable and endearing features of the Wirehaired Standard or Miniature Dachshund is its distinctive beard and eyebrows. Unlike the other two coat varieties, the undercoat and outer coat of the Wirehaired Dachshund have very different qualities. The outer coat is predominantly covered with short, coarse, and thick hairs; however, the undercoat is much softer with shorter and finer hairs that are interspersed among the coarser hairs of the outer coat. The wheaton color is exclusive to this coat variety.