Dachshund Characteristics
Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
Adult Weight | 15 – 35 lbs. |
Adult Height | 5 – 9 in. |
Origin | Germany |
Whether you know them as Wiener dogs, Sausage dogs, or Badger dogs, Dachshunds are the dwarfs of the dog world. Short legs and long bodies are what give these dogs their sausage-like appearance. This breed was nicknamed badger because they were bred to track, chase, and flush badgers from their hiding places. Dachshunds come in two sizes: the standard size and the miniature Dachshund. While their sizes range from tiny to small, both variations were bred to hunt burrow-dwelling animals.
Dachshunds are one of the most unique-looking dog breeds, and for that reason, they also occupy a place in the top 15 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. While the breed originated in Germany, they contain traces of French and British hounds and terriers. Dachshunds have enjoyed aristocratic status with several royals in Europe, including as a pet to Queen Victoria herself.
These dogs can have one of three coats: long-haired, smooth-haired, and wire-haired. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors, including red, cream, black, tan-pointed, wild boar, etc., and in patterns like merle, sable, brindle, and piebald. So no matter your preference, you're sure to find a little dachshund with a coat that leaves you in awe.
What is the price of a Dachshund?
The cost of getting a Dachshund varies based on whether you adopt or buy from a breeder. Factors like age, gender, coat, and breeder reputation can affect the price.
How Much Does it Cost to Purchase a Dachshund? $1,500–$2,000
Reputable breeders often charge more but may include health guarantees.
Northeast & West: $1,500–$3,000 (higher demand, longer waitlists)
Southeast & Pacific Northwest: $1,200–$2,800
Midwest & Southwest: $1,000–$2,400 (generally lower pricing)
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Dachshund? Under $300
Adopting from a shelter is more affordable, often includes basic care, and helps support rescue efforts. Many shelters offer online listings, making it easy to find your new companion.
Monthly Dachshund Costs Pet Parents Should Expect
Diets: $20-$50
A small dog usually means a small diet, but in the case of sporting and hunting dogs, even small dogs can need a substantial amount of food to fulfill their energy needs. Feeding a Dachshund can cost between $20-$50, depending on the food you get for your puppy.
Grooming: $30-$50
Dachshunds are generally not big shedders, but they are also not hypoallergenic per se. Those with wire-haired coats may shed a little less, though, compared to those with other coat variations. Basic grooming can include weekly brushing and monthly bathing, regular teeth and ear cleaning, and nail trimming. If you choose to take your Dachshund to the groomer's, the cost can range between $30-$50 per session.
Dachshund Health Issues: $700-$1200
During the first years, it is recommended that you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include services like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
Like all breeds, Dachshunds are at risk for developing certain health conditions in their lifetime. Common conditions in Dachshunds include intervertebral disc disease because of their long bodies and short legs, obesity, and hip dysplasia. The estimated costs to treat these conditions are:
Intervertebral disc disease - $2000-$4000
Obesity - $800-$900
Hip dysplasia - $1800-$3000
Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance
Pros
- Customize a plan to fit your pet and wallet
- Get up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills
- 24/7 access to a pet telehealth helpline
- No networks - visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- Pets never age out of coverage
Cons
- Coverage starts after a 14-day waiting period
- Reimbursement starts after the deductible is met
- Pet insurance does not cover grooming or breeding
- Pet insurance cannot cover pre-existing conditions
- Pets have to be 8 weeks or older to enroll
One-time costs for a Sausage Dog
Initial Costs: $400-$450
If this is going to be the first dog in your home, then you will need to purchase supplies for the initial setup of your dog’s day-to-day life. This can include a bed, crate, toys, chewies, leashes and collars, food, and water bowls, among other supplies. Altogether, this cost can range between $400-$450.
Microchipping: $50-$70
Statistics say that 90% of lost pets are not found, but 70% of microchipped pets find a way home. The average cost of microchipping is around $50, but it varies from state to state. If you need a dog license, this will cost an additional $10-$20. Spot pet insurance highly recommends that every pet parent get all their pets microchipped to help increase the chance of finding a pet if they become lost.
Vaccines: $250-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that your Dachshund will need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus type 1, Adenovirus type 2, and rabies, which could cost you around $150-$200.
In addition, vets often recommend a few non-core vaccinations, including parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The vaccines can cost between $130-$150.
Lifetime Dachshund Cost
The estimated lifetime cost of caring for a Dachshund is between $18,000-$20,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Dachshund prices vary so widely across regions and breeders? Prices vary due to regional demand, cost of living, breeder reputation, and waitlist length—urban areas and high-demand states typically see higher prices.
How much does a Dachshund puppy usually cost? Buying a puppy can cost $1,000–$3,000. Bringing home an an adult Dachshund usually costs under $300, making adoption a much more budget-friendly option.
What factors most influence the price of a long-haired Dachshund puppy? Coat type, color rarity, lineage, and show potential significantly impact the price of long-haired Dachshunds.
Are Dachshunds high or low maintenance? Dachshunds are generally low to moderate maintenance, needing regular exercise, grooming based on coat type, and close monitoring of their back health.
What is the most expensive Dachshund color? Rare coat colors like Isabella (fawn) and English Cream tend to be the most expensive, often costing more due to their rarity and breeder demand.
Can a Dachshund live for 20 years? While the average lifespan is 12–15 years, some Dachshunds can live up to 20 years with excellent care, proper diet, and regular vet checkups.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Key Takeaway
You may think that the cost of owning a Doxie is high, but when you come home tired after work and are welcomed home with an excited bark, wiggling tail, and wet kisses, it will all feel more than worth it. Plus, Spot plans can help cover up to 90% of your eligible expenses for covered conditions! So go ahead and bring a Dachshund home!
If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.
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