When Do Dachshund Puppies Open Their Eyes? Dachshund Puppies Week-by-Week

Bringing home dachshund puppies or waiting on a new litter is exciting, and one of the first milestones everyone asks about is eye opening. Those tiny closed eyes are adorable, but they don’t stay that way for long. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly when dachshund puppies open their eyes, what’s normal, what isn’t, and how to care for them through those early weeks.

When Do Dachshund Puppies Open Their Eyes?

In most cases, dachshund puppies begin to open their eyes between 10 and 14 days old, just like many other dog breeds. Some may peek a little earlier around day 8–9, and others may stay fully closed until closer to day 15–16. That whole window is typically considered normal. At first, their eyes:

• ●Open just a tiny bit, like small slits
• ●Look cloudy or bluish
• ●Don’t focus well yet

Vision continues developing over the next couple of weeks. Even after the eyes are open, newborn dachshund puppies can’t see clearly right away – think more “shadows and light” than sharp detail.

Why Are Dachshund Puppies Born With Their Eyes Closed?

All puppies, including dachshunds, are born in a very early stage of development compared to humans. Their eyes and ears are still maturing and are protected by the closed lids. Closed eyes help:

• ●Protect delicate eye structures from light
• ●Reduce the risk of injury or infection in the whelping box
• ●Let the nervous system finish key development after birth

So if your dachshund puppies are 1 week old and their eyes are still tightly shut, that’s exactly what nature intended.

Dachshund Puppy Development: Week-by-Week Overview

Week 1 (Days 0-7): Snuggled, Sleeping, and Blind

• ●Eyes and ears are closed
• ●Puppies rely on smell and touch to find mom and nurse
• ●They sleep most of the day and scoot rather than walk
• ●Normal behaviors: twitching while sleeping, tiny squeaks, rooting for milk

No eye opening yet – don’t try to force anything. Just keep them warm, clean, and close to mom.

Week 2 (Days 8-14): Eyes Start to Open

This is when the big milestone usually happens.

• ●Around days 10–14 you’ll often see the eyelids slowly part
• ●Both eyes may not open at exactly the same time
• ●Eyes look bluish or cloudy, which is normal at this age
• ●They still can’t see clearly, so they may bump into siblings or mom

Week 3 (Days 15-21): Seeing the World… a Little

By the third week, most dachshund puppies:

• ●Have both eyes open
• ●Start to respond to movement and light
• ●Show more interest in littermates and their surroundings
• ●Begin attempting wobbly “walks” instead of scooting

Vision is still developing, but this is when their personalities start to peek through and they begin to look and act like little dogs instead of newborns.

Week 4 and Beyond: Sharper Vision and More Confidence

From week 4 onward, dachshund puppies:

• ●See more clearly and track people or toys with their eyes
• ●Explore the whelping area with more confidence
• ●Can start gentle socialization with humans and household sounds
• ●Begin weaning as they’re ready, transitioning slowly to puppy food

By the time they’re 6–8 weeks old, most dachshund puppies have functional vision and are ready to start basic training and social experiences.

What’s Normal vs. When to Worry

Here are some quick guidelines:

Normal:

• ●Eyes opening between 10–16 days
• ●Eyes that look bluish or slightly cloudy at first
• ●One eye opening a day or two before the other
• ●Mild clear discharge as lids separate

Call your veterinarian if:

• ●Both eyes are still completely closed and swollen after 16–18 days
• ●You see thick yellow or green discharge
• ●One or both eyes look very red, bulging, or painful
• ●A puppy cries or rubs at its face repeatedly

Eye infections in puppies can progress fast, and prompt treatment helps protect long-term vision.

How to Care for Dachshund Puppies as Their Eyes Open

You don’t need to do much to “help” the eyes open, but you can make the process more comfortable and safe:

• ●Keep the whelping area clean and dry. Fresh bedding reduces bacteria and irritation.
• ●Avoid bright, direct light. Their eyes are very sensitive early on, so no harsh flash photography or spotlighting.
• ●Handle gently. Short, calm handling sessions help them get used to human contact without stressing their eyes.
• ●Monitor each puppy individually. Check both eyes daily for discharge, swelling, or anything that looks different from the rest of the litter.

If you’re a new dachshund owner getting updates from a breeder, this is also a fun time to ask for weekly photos and videos. You’ll see the progression from closed eyes to curious stares in just a couple of weeks.

Do Miniature Dachshund Puppies Open Their Eyes at a Different Time?

Miniature dachshund puppies follow the same general timeline as standard dachshunds. Size doesn’t make a huge difference here – both usually begin to open their eyes around 10–14 days, with full vision developing over the next few weeks.

What matters more is:

• ●Overall health of the litter
• ●Quality of care (clean environment, proper nutrition for mom)
• ●Genetics and any underlying health conditions

Frequently Asked Questions About Dachshund Puppies and Eye Opening

How long do dachshund puppies’ eyes stay cloudy?

It’s common for the eyes to look cloudy or blue for 1–3 weeks after they open. As the retina and other eye structures mature, the color and clarity improve.

Can I clean my dachshund puppy’s eyes at home?

You can gently wipe away small bits of crust with a damp, clean cotton pad and warm water. Don’t use human eye drops or medications without your vet’s approval.

What if only one eye opens on my dachshund puppy?

A small delay between eyes can be normal. If more than a couple of days pass and one eye is still closed, looks swollen, or has discharge, contact your veterinarian to rule out infection.

Do dachshund puppies need eye exams?

Your vet will usually check eye development at the first puppy visit, often around 6–8 weeks of age, or earlier if there are concerns.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Stage of Your Dachshund Puppy

From sealed eyelids to curious eyes that follow you across the room, dachshund puppies develop quickly in the first few weeks of life. Most will open their eyes between 10–14 days, with vision continuing to sharpen over the next month.

If you’re waiting on a litter or shopping for dachshund puppies, understanding these milestones helps you:

• ●Know what’s normal
• ●Spot issues early
• ●Appreciate just how much growth happens in a short time