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.
Buying: $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)
Adoption: 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 costs for a Dachshund
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.
Medical Costs: $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 do puppy costs compare to adopting a mature Dachshund?
Buying a puppy can cost $1,000–$3,000, while adopting 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.
Will paying more for a breeder puppy guarantee healthier traits?
Not always, but reputable breeders often conduct health screenings and offer guarantees, which can reduce the risk of inherited conditions.
How do lifetime costs of owning a Dachshund affect its initial purchase price?
While the upfront cost is significant, long-term expenses like vet care, grooming, and supplies often outweigh the initial price, so total cost of ownership should guide your budget.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverage from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can visit our website to view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Visit our dog insurance page to learn more!
Conclusion
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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