Dogs That Are the Size of a Daschund

Dachshunds are a breed of dogs which can range in size from 11 lbs and under for the miniature classification to 16 to 32 lbs for standard classification. Initially bred for hunting skills, dachshunds today serve as companion pets and can have a sleek coat, with little shedding, or can be long-haired or wire-haired. The American Kennel Club includes the dachshund breed in its hound group of dog breeds. Prospective dog owners interested in additional breed choices which are similar to the dachshund can find several options within multiple AKC-designated groups.

  1. Toy Group Breeds

    • The AKC toy group holds several dog breeds of similar proportion to the dachshund breed. These breeds are grouped for their small size which generally ranges between 5 to 22 lbs. For those living in small spaces, such as apartments or condos, these breeds accommodate them well. Pugs have smooth easy-to-groom coats and are a popular companion dog. Breeds offering similar size but with long-haired fur coats are the shih tzu, Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Havanese, which require frequent grooming or close trimming to manage shedding.

    Terrier Group Breeds

    • Terriers are a highly active group of dog breeds with small to medium stature. The smaller breeds in this group are similar to the proportion of a dachshund with short legs and a long, low muscled torso. Small Australian terriers used to sheep herd in the Australian outback and have a double coat which sheds minimally if kept groomed. Rare, long-haired Skye terriers, which require grooming and are expert rodent hunters, and also wire-haired Scottish terriers, which love to dig, are two more breeds comparable to the dachshund in size.

    Hound Group Breeds

    • Breeds within the hound group are expert hunters with acute sensory attributes for hunting small prey, such as ground vermin, rabbits and fowl. The dachshund is a member of this group and other small stature breeds within it similar in size are basset hounds and beagles. Beagles have a shiny short-haired coat that is weather-resistant. Basset hounds have an exceptional sense of hearing and smell for scent tracking and a low-maintenance short-haired coat. Gentle-natured basset hounds are similar in size to large, regular adult dachshunds, but are heavily muscled, giving them a higher comparable weight.

    Non-Sporting Group Breeds

    • Some AKC non-sporting group breeds similar in size to a dachshund are the Lhasa apso, Tibetan spaniel and French bulldog. French bulldogs have a smooth coat which sheds little and they tend to stay very alert in their active home territory. Short-legged, affectionate Tibetan spaniels, which need little exercise, have a double coat and are ideal watchdogs for small homes or apartments. Long-haired Lhasa apso coats must be groomed and styled by daily brushing or shaving and are often floor-length. They make very excitable but loyal canine companions.