Dachshund

A dachshund is a good companion for:

Children under 5

Seniors

Apartments/Condos

Children ages 5–11

Busy People

Rural Homes

Life Span

A standard dachshund's life span is 12 to 15 years.

Typical Behavior

Dachshunds are wonderful family dogs for households with children over the age of five. Dachshunds are playful, loyal and devoted to their owners, but will develop separation anxiety if left home alone for long periods of time.

Although dachshunds are very intelligent, they are stubborn and can be difficult to train. It is important to start your dachshund in puppy training class soon after adoption in order to get it used to the class and training techniques.

Care Requirements

Due to the anatomy of a dachshund’s body, they are susceptible to spinal problems. It is important to prepare your home before adopting this dog. Dachshunds do not know how small they are and will jump off high surfaces, easily injuring their back, legs and hips. We highly recommended that you build ramps to allow your dachshund to get off high furniture like beds and couches without risking injury. A dachshund’s short body also makes it unhealthy for them to climb stairs regularly, so consider your home’s floor plan before choosing this breed. Never stand your dachshund up on its hind legs because this too can cause injury.

Dachshunds also are prone to epilepsy, dental issues, thyroid problems and allergies.

SPCA International strongly recommends that you have your dog spayed or neutered. There continues to be serious overpopulation of companion animals for which permanent homes cannot be found. This means that every year, millions of animals are euthanized in shelters before they have the chance to live a full and happy life.

Proper Habitat and Habitat Maintenance Requirements

Due to a dachshund’s low profile body, they are sensitive to hot and cold weather. Although dachshunds do better in warmer temperatures, they can also overheat quickly. It is recommended that you do not leave your dachshund unattended for long periods during the summer months and always have cool water on hand when outside. In colder weather, dachshunds need help staying warm and sweaters are recommended. They should not be left outside unattended for extended periods of time in cold weather.

Dietary Requirements

A high quality dog food is recommended for your dachshund. It is important to choose a food for small dogs, with smaller pieces of kibble soft enough for your dachshund to chew.

Financial Considerations for a Dachshund:

Veterinary

Regular veterinary care is recommended for all dogs, including dachshunds. A yearly check up runs approximately $120; year shots are approximately $60.

It is also strongly recommended that your dog be spayed or neutered. At your veterinarian clinic or local animal hospital, the cost for these services should run between $250 and $400 for a spay and $200 and $350 for a neuter. If you need financial assistance, there are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in most areas that will help you defray the expense to between $50 and $175 for a female dog (depending on weight) and between $45 and $175 for a male dog (depending on weight).

Grooming

Long haired dachshunds require daily brushing and grooming once a month. The estimated cost for monthly grooming is $45 for a long haired dachshund.

Wire-haired dachshunds require daily brushing and grooming at least once every six months. The estimated cost for grooming a wire-haired dachshund is $35.

Short-haired dachshunds do not require much grooming. Proper grooming once every six months is suggested. The estimated cost for grooming a short-haired dachshund is $35.

Animal Sitter

Dachshunds can be loud barkers, so finding a sitter who does not live in an apartment is preferable. We recommend finding a sitter who is experienced with dachshunds, so they can recognize if your dachshund is in distress.

Food

A high quality food for small dogs can cost $12 to $25 per bag.

Other Supplies:

Dachshunds love toys. Providing a variety of toys will help them stay active and help keep them out of trouble when you are not home.

If you live in an area where there are cooler temperatures, you will need to get your dachshund a sweater. Due to their low profile bodies, they have a harder time staying warm when it is cold outside.

Interesting Facts about Dachshunds:

• Dachshunds originated in Germany about 300 years ago.
• Dachshunds are considered a hound breed because they were bred to hunt badgers and other small animals.
• In German to English translation, "dach" means "badger" and "hund" means "dog," so Dachshund means "badger-dog."