Dachshund Characteristics
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 scents, chase, and flush badgers from their hiding places. Now whether you believe it or not, there is an even smaller version of these dwarfs called miniature Dachshunds. 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 also contain traces of French and British hounds and terriers as well. Dachshunds have enjoyed aristocratic status with several royals in Europe, including as a pet to Queen Victoria herself.
These sausages come in 3 types of coats; long-haired, short-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 initial purchase price of a Dachshund can vary depending on the avenue you choose to find your new furbaby. You can choose to get a Weiner dog from a breeder, rescue shelter, Craigslist, puppy farms, etc. But keep in mind that the age of the puppy, the breeder’s reputation, as well as its gender, coat color, coat texture, and bloodline are just some of the factors influencing price.
Let’s break down the price of owning a Dachshund by walking through the initial cost of purchasing or adopting your puppy, the cost of vaccinations, diet, healthcare, and then grooming.
Buying: $1500 – $2000
If you choose to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, the cost will typically be higher, with a range of about $1,500 - $2,000. That being said, breeders typically include a health guarantee with each of their puppies, which can provide new pet parents with some peace of mind. A Weiner dog can be purchased for less, between $500 - $600 if purchased from a puppy farm, but please keep in mind that the health of these puppies may be compromised as often hundreds of puppies are bred and raised together in these situations. It is important to always do your research before bringing a puppy home.
If you are looking for Dachshund puppies for under $300, adoption may be the best option for you. The U.S. has plenty of reputable and trusted adoption centers and rescue shelters that you can visit to find your puppy. Most shelters and adoption centers also have an online kennel, so you can search for your puppy without having to visit the physical location.
Apart from cost savings, these sheltered dogs are generally well cared for. The shelter or adoption center will probably include the incurred expenses in your bill when you decide to adopt, but these funds enable the shelter to take in and care for more stranded pets in the future.
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. A dachshund, for example, may need a 30-pound bag of high-quality vet-recommended raw dog food each month which could cost you between $20-$50 depending on the level of premium food you choose for your puppy.
Grooming: $30-$50
Dachshunds typically only shed a little bit but are 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 ears 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 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 costs associated with treating these conditions could be as follows:
Intervertebral disc disease - $2000-$4000
Obesity - $800-$900
Hip dysplasia - $1800-$3000
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 can vary from state to state. If you also purchase a dog license, the cost could increase an additional $10-$20. Spot pet insurance highly recommends every pet parent get all their furbabies microchipped as it can increase the chances of finding a pet if they become lost.
Vaccines: $250-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that your Dachshund would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies, which could cost you around $150-$200.
In addition, there are also certain non-core vaccinations that are recommended by most vets for a Dachshund. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Lifetime Dachshund Cost
When reviewing the expenses that you may have to manage throughout your Dachshund's life, you can expect a lifetime cost of around $18,000-$20,000. This figure is estimated by adding the initial costs of $500 + buying cost of $1500, one-time costs of $800, and annual expenses of $1200-$1500 over the course 12-14 years.
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. Get in touch with us to know 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 Wiener dog home!
Happy Pet Parenting to You, and Lots of Love to Your Pup!
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
