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 initial purchase price of a Dachshund can vary depending on whether you choose to purchase your Dachshund from a breeder or rescue them from a shelter. Either way, keep in mind that the age of the puppy, the breeder’s reputation, as well as the dog's gender, coat color, coat texture, and bloodline can all factor into the cost of purchase.
Let’s break down the price of owning a Dachshund, including the initial cost of purchasing or adopting your puppy, supplies, vaccinations, food, healthcare, and 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.
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. Call your local shelter or look on their website; they might have a Dachshund waiting to meet you!
Apart from cost savings, these sheltered dogs are generally well cared for. Shelters and adoption centers generally include the incurred expenses of caring for the pet in the adoption fee, but these funds enable the shelter to take in and care for more strays 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 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
Is a Dachshund a good pet? Dachshunds can be good pets for the right owners, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. However, they can be stubborn and require consistent training and early socialization.
Is a Dachshund a calm dog? Dachshunds are generally not considered a particularly calm breed; they are lively and can be quite energetic, with a tendency to bark. However, some individual Dachshunds, especially as they age, may be calmer than others.
Can a Dachshund live to 20? While the typical lifespan of a Dachshund is 12 to 15 years, it is possible for them to live to 20 or even slightly older with excellent care and genetics, though this is not common. Several Dachshunds have held records for being the oldest living dog, with some reaching 20 or 21 years old.
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 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 Wiener dog home!
Happy Pet Parenting to You, and Lots of Love to Your Pup!
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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