A dog backpack for a dachshund works when the size matches the back length, so measure before you order. The Homies dog carrier backpack is tested up to 20 kg, and the Royal Kennel Club's ideal weight for a standard dachshund is 9 to 12 kg. Weight isn't what decides the size. The long back is.
Our size guide puts miniature dachshunds in XS and standard dachshunds in S. Details, a measuring routine and one honest answer about short legs follow.
Which dog backpack size does a dachshund take?
Read the back length off a tape, then match it to the chart. Miniature dachshunds take XS and standard dachshunds take S. Between two sizes, take the larger one.
| Dachshund | Ideal weight in the breed standard | Homies size | Back length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature | 4.5 kg, desired maximum 5 kg | XS | 30 to 36 cm |
| Standard | 9 to 12 kg | S | 36 to 43 cm |
| Wire-haired or long-haired | Not quoted here | Measure first | Match the chart |
The weights come from the smooth-haired standards at the Royal Kennel Club, which also says a dog may not match the figures in them. A dachshund whose back measures 44 cm or more points to M on the chart.
Once you have your number, browse all dog carrier backpacks in XS, S and M.
Does your miniature dachshund sit near 5 kg? Our guide to a dog carrier for a dog up to 5 kg covers that end of the range. A standard dachshund near 10 kg? Read the dog carrier backpack up to 10 kg guide.
Why a long back changes the question
The Royal Kennel Club standard says a dachshund's height at the withers should be half the length of the body. That is a low, long dog, and it's why our chart is built on back length.
Back health is a vet's field. The Royal Kennel Club calls intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) "a serious and painful condition" and says that in dachshunds the discs can degenerate at a much earlier age than in other breeds.
With any back problem, or any doubt, ask your vet before using a carrier. We can tell you how the bag is sized. We can't tell you whether it suits one dog's spine.
How to measure your dachshund
- Stand your dog on a flat floor, with a treat at nose height so the back stays level.
- Find the base of the neck, where it meets the back.
- Run a soft tape from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. The tail doesn't count.
- Read the number against the chart: XS 30 to 36 cm, S 36 to 43 cm, M 44 to 53 cm. Between two sizes, take the larger.
Where do his short legs go?
Fair question, and dog parents ask it before they order. We don't publish the bag's inner dimensions, so we can't hand you a leg-room figure.
What we can do is size by the back length you measure and check your number with you. Message us on WhatsApp with the measurement and we'll look at the size together.
When a backpack helps a dachshund
- The walk home that turned out longer than planned.
- A busy platform or market, where you'd rather keep your dog off the floor.
- The bike, where walking alongside isn't an option: see our dog backpack for cycling guide.
- A puppy's first outings. The back length will change as it grows, so read the puppy carrier guide first.
Recovering from an injury? Your vet decides if and when a carrier fits into the plan.
Getting your dachshund used to the bag
Leave the bag open on the floor, reward every sniff, and build up from a few seconds to a few minutes. The step-by-step guide to getting your dog into a backpack works for a dachshund too.
Wondering about safety in general? Read is a dog backpack dangerous.
What the backpack is made of
The carrier is nylon twill with a 50% recycled nylon lining, padded straps, breathable panels and an internal safety clip. Hand wash it or use 30 degrees.
It's designed in Amsterdam and made in a female-owned Fairtrade factory. The product page says it's tested by vets and developed with veterinary professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dog backpack okay for a dachshund?
That depends on the individual dog, so ask your vet, especially with any back problem. On our side, pick the size by back length: XS for miniature, S for standard. The bag is tested up to 20 kg and the product page says it is tested by vets.
Which size does a miniature dachshund take?
XS, for a back length of 30 to 36 cm, according to our size guide. Measure to be sure, and between two sizes take the larger one.
Which size does a standard dachshund take?
S, for a back length of 36 to 43 cm. If yours measures 44 cm or more, the chart points to M.
How heavy can my dachshund be?
Every Homies backpack is tested up to 20 kg. The Royal Kennel Club's ideal is 4.5 kg for a miniature smooth-haired dachshund and 9 to 12 kg for a standard one. Small breed question beyond dachshunds? See our small dog breeds that fit a carrier list.
Measure first, then choose your size
You have the chart, the tape routine and the vet question. See the Homies dog carrier backpack in XS, S and M, or browse the full dog carrier backpack collection. If it doesn't fit, you have 14 days to return it, and the return shipping is on you.
Sources, checked 30 October 2026: Royal Kennel Club breed standards for the miniature smooth-haired and smooth-haired dachshund, and the Royal Kennel Club IVDD page. Sizes: Homies size guide.
