The Kaninchen Dachshund: The Smallest of the Three Sizes
The kaninchen Dachshund is the smallest of the breed’s three sizes. “Kaninchen” means “rabbit” in German: the dog was originally bred to hunt rabbits down into their burrows. Its size is measured by chest circumference, between 25 and 30 cm for females and between 27 and 32 cm for males, with an adult weight that generally stays under 4 kg.
1. Kaninchen, miniature, standard: the three Dachshund sizes
Dachshunds officially come in three sizes. It isn’t weight that defines them, but chest circumference measured at 15 months. The kaninchen is the smallest size, the standard the largest.
| Size | Chest circumference | Approximate weight |
|---|---|---|
| Kaninchen | 25 to 32 cm | Under 4 kg |
| Miniature | 30 to 37 cm | 4 to 6 kg |
| Standard | Over 37 cm | 7 to 9 kg |
2. Kaninchen size and weight in detail
| Measurement | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Chest circumference | 25 to 30 cm | 27 to 32 cm |
| Adult weight | About 3 to 4 kg | About 3.5 to 4 kg |
| Height at withers | About 12 to 15 cm | About 12 to 16 cm |
At La Crème des Teckels, several of our breeding dogs are kaninchen or “small miniature” size, which lets us regularly offer puppies of a very small size.
3. Kaninchen temperament
Small in size but big in personality: the kaninchen has everything a Dachshund has, in a smaller package. Courageous, confident, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn, it adapts just as well to apartment living as to a house, provided it gets attention and daily stimulation. Its small size makes it an easy companion to bring along everywhere, but that should never make you forget it’s a real dog, with genuine exercise and training needs.
4. Health: watching the back above all
Like all Dachshunds, the kaninchen is prone to back problems. Its small size doesn’t protect it from this: weight control, limiting jumping, using a harness, and choosing health-tested bloodlines all help protect its spine.
5. Price of a kaninchen Dachshund
Highly sought after for its small size, the kaninchen often sits at the higher end of the breed’s price range, especially in rare colors.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a kaninchen and a miniature Dachshund? The difference comes down to chest circumference: 25 to 32 cm for the kaninchen versus 30 to 37 cm for the miniature. The kaninchen is therefore smaller and lighter, weighing under 4 kg compared to 4 to 6 kg for the miniature.
How much does an adult kaninchen Dachshund weigh? Generally under 4 kg, though weight remains only indicative: it’s the chest circumference measured at 15 months that officially defines the size.
Is the kaninchen Dachshund suited to apartment living? Yes, very well, provided it gets daily walks and mental stimulation. Its small size is even an advantage in an apartment.
Does the kaninchen come in long coat and cream or harlequin colors? Yes. The kaninchen comes in smooth, long, and wire coats, and in every color, including rare ones like cream, harlequin, and piebald.