Well, you made it. A year ago, you brought home a tiny, chaotic bundle of fur who chewed your shoes, woke you up at 3 am, and somehow still managed to steal your heart completely. Now, here you are, the proud owner of an almost-grown-up Dachshund!

Over the past 11 months, we've covered a lot of ground: teething, toilet training, parasites, nutrition, grooming, socialisation and everything in between. This final blog in the series is all about what happens next. Because there's still plenty to think about as your Dachshund transitions from puppyhood to adulthood.

Here’s a simple, practical guide to what to expect and how to support your Mini Dachshund at this exciting age.

When does my Dachshund puppy become an adult dog?

Your Mini Dachshund is a small breed, which means they’ll usually reach full physical maturity at around 12 months old. Some larger or particularly long-backed dachshunds may continue to fill out slightly until they’re around 15 months. 

Even when they look grown-up, their muscles and joints are still developing. And emotional maturity may take longer. It’s normal for Dachshunds to remain playful, curious and more-than-a-little stubborn throughout their second year (and beyond…)

When should I switch my Dachshund puppy to adult food?

Puppy food is specially formulated with extra calories and minerals to support your puppy’s growth. Continuing to feed it once they’re physically mature can lead to unnecessary weight gain. So, around 12 months old, it’s time to move your pup onto adult food.

Dachshunds are particularly prone to obesity, and carrying too much weight can put strain on their long backs, increasing the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It’s particularly important to control portion size and choose a diet suitable for small, long-backed breeds.

Make diet changes gradually. Sudden changes can upset your dog’s tummy:

• Days 1–3: 75% puppy food, 25% adult food

• Days 4–6: 50/50 mix

• Days 7–9: 25% puppy food, 75% adult food

• Day 10 onwards: 100% adult food

Vet tip: Monitor your Dachshund’s weight and body condition during the transition to adult food. It’s essential to keep them slim to protect their spine and support long-term joint health.

Talk to a vet if you have any questions about when to start the switch or which adult food is best for your dog.

Should I book a vet check-up for my Dachshund?

This is a perfect time for a check-up with your vet, especially if your dog hasn’t been seen since their puppy vaccinations. Even if they seem healthy, regular vet visits are one of the most valuable ways to keep your dog well. Routine visits help your vet understand what’s normal for your dog, which makes it easier to spot any subtle changes sooner. Remember, dogs age much faster than we do.

For Dachshunds, routine checks are particularly valuable for monitoring:

• Weight and body condition

• Back and joint health, including early signs of IVDD

• Ear health: long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris

• Skin and coat health

• Dental health

Behaviour, training and life skills

Dogs continue developing mentally well into their second year. Without stimulation and reinforcement, behaviours can start to slip. A well-exercised brain is as important as a well-exercised body. Boredom or frustration can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour.

Social maturity starts to develop around this age. Your adolescent Miniature Dachshund may test boundaries, try asserting their independence or stop listening. ‘Selective hearing’ is a common complaint in Dachshunds of all ages! Their natural curiosity and stubborn streak can take patience and consistency to keep behaviour on track.

Keep their minds engaged:

• Continue gentle, positive exposure to new environments and people (vet visits and grooming). 

• Consider breed-suited activities: scent work, obedience training, and controlled play that doesn’t stress their back.

• Continue regular training sessions and reinforce basic commands. Your dog's attention span should be better at this age, but they’ll also be more ‘independent’.

• Use puzzle toys, lick mats and other mental enrichment games.
  

Exercise and sleep needs

Dachshunds are active little dogs, with big personalities, small legs and very long backs. At this age, they need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, but it’s also important to protect their spine.

• Build up exercise gradually

• Avoid high-impact activities, like jumping on and off furniture or climbing steep stairs

• Focus on controlled, varied movements rather than repetitive strain

• Short walks, scent games and gentle play are ideal

Sleep is still essential. Most adult Dachshunds need 12–14 hours of rest per day, depending on how active they are. A well-rested dog is a happy, healthy dog!

Insurance and microchipping

Make sure your dog is microchipped if you haven’t already done so. It’s a legal requirement in the UK and many other countries, and a vital safety net if they ever go missing. Check that your contact details on the microchip database are up to date.

Now is also a good time to review your pet insurance policy. Make sure you have the right level of cover, particularly for the breed-specific conditions Miniature dachshunds may be predisposed to, including:

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

• Obesity-related conditions

• Ear infections

• Joint issues

Your 12-Month Dachshund Puppy Checklist

• Book an annual health check with your vet

• Don’t forget the parasite preventatives - especially fleas, ticks and worms

• Plan the puppy to adult food switch

• Discuss neutering if not done yet

• Continue daily tooth brushing

• Check their paws, ears, eyes and skin daily for any abnormalities

• Keep up regular Dachshund-appropriate exercise and mental enrichment

• Make sure they are getting enough rest

• Monitor weight closely and aim to keep your Dachshund lean
  

A note from our vets to you

Getting a Dachshund puppy through their first year is no small feat. You’ve navigated sleepless nights, chewed furniture, vet trips, vaccinations, training classes and countless times when you’ve wondered what’s normal and what isn’t. You should feel genuinely proud.

The bond you build with your Miniature Dachshund in this first year lays the foundation for everything that comes after. A well-socialised Dachshund, trained consistently, properly fed and regularly checked by a vet, is an affectionate, intelligent, and spirited companion who’ll bring immeasurable joy to the humans who love them.

Here’s to many more years together.