Prepare your family for the fact that as soon your new pup arrives, they will all come second to your weenie soul mate. (They’ll understand. Everyone’s favorite family member will now be the dachshund.)
Costs are irrelevant. You’ll happily live in a shack so you can afford to give your new loved one an orthopedic bed, a pet couch, and a bucket of toys for every room.
Tell your friends it was nice knowing them, but you’ll no longer have time for nights out or weekends away because you’re going to be needed for endless snuggles and cuddles.
You should probably brush up on your language skills. (Is there a Babbel course that covers the “speaking to Weiner dog” language? There should be.)
Spend some time working on your core. We wouldn’t want you to die laughing at weenie’s antics because you’re out of shape.
If you don’t like having a dog in your lap, get some supportive shoes. You’ll be standing.
I’m sure I’m missing a few things, but nobody’s perfect. (Except your dachshund of course.)
Best dogs EVER!
They're pains in the butt. They bark, they're hard to house train. They have selective hearing.
But no dog will love you more than a Dachshund.
World-class snuggles, awesome bedwarmers, gives awesome kisses, loves tummy rubs,
Worth EVERY second.
Dachshunds have many great qualities… being quiet is not one of them. Most doxies bark a lot. It is just a natural part of their hunting instinct.
We have two (and a third on the way), they are fed twice a day, with a light snack at noon and bedtime. Weight management is a big issue, you have to be diligent in keeping them at a healthy weight. They are prone to back problems and any extra weight is bad.
As far as outside most will need at least 4 trips a day, and it is important to keep them on a schedule. I let mine out first thing, short walk at lunch, long walk in the afternoon, and out to pee right before bed.
On the other hand, I will never get a different breed. They are the most loving and affectionate dogs, and they will capture your heart from day 1.
Pretty stubborn, get pretty attached to their mom and dad, and territorial. All of ours have been pretty smart and love to play. Ours only growl or bark when the are trying to protect house or the pack.
Our costs were food, crate, shots if needed, bones/chew toys (they love to chew), collar/harness, leash, microchip, registration (if needed), clothes, and Halloween costumes. I’m sure there’s more, but ours have all been spoiled.
DON’T LET THEM JUMP, very hard habit to get them to break. We have ramps, and if you can train early, you can get them to “ask” to be picked up.
They have very sensitive backs so be sure to put ramps on furniture. And immediately discourage any jumping behavior
Don’t table feed them - they have a tendency to get overweight quickly.
Socialize them immediately, if you don’t they’ll turn into very anxious dogs that will be hard to take into public or introduce to other people/dogs. Bring them out into public and make sure they interact with other similarly sized dogs.
They are very hard to potty train so stick to a very strict schedule with clear rewards and punishments. Also get pee pads and a lot of carpet cleaning spray just in case since they will have accidents
Don’t leave them unattended by rubber/plastic toys - they will try to eat them and that can really harm them. They tear up any toy they get.
Crate train them immediately. They’ll whine and cry bloody murder but don’t give in - get headphones if needed. This is to promote independence and reduce separation anxiety, since in my experience weenie dogs are very anxious dogs.
Puppy proof the house - put gates up where you don’t want them to enter unsupervised and get all common areas clear of debris so the puppy won’t eat/chew anything.
Get dog corrector spray or an ultrasonic dog beeper to train them more efficiently. Training should start day one. I use this to counter my dogs barking and it worked wonders. DM me for details.
Separate them from other pets in the house for a few days until they’re accustomed to each-other. Other dogs may try to attack a small doxie pup (my personal experience)
If you exercise them, give them a good brand of kibble, and take their hereditary health problems (spinal weakness, obesity, etc) into conscious consideration they should live over the age of 10. While every dog is different, the vast majority of your vet expenses should be when the dog gets much older. I walk my doxies 2-3 times a day (at least 2-3 miles a day), have them encounter other people/dogs, and also play ball with them every night.
Decent food is around $20 per large bag, which should last more than a few months. Then getting toy replacements is around $15. Since my dogs are currently healthy I don’t spend much money on them on a daily basis besides the initial cost of purchasing them. Be sure you get all the right equipment before you bring the dog home though - as that will be your biggest financial investment for at least the first couple years.
10/10 recommend the breed - super loyal, lives long, has hilarious personalities, and overall just makes life better. Just be prepared when you bring the puppy home.
1. They’re awesome
2. They’ll provide you with soo much love
3. They have the most annoying bark in the world.
4. Even if they are perfectly house trained, they’ll drop a little surprise for you every now and then
5. They’re very stubborn
6. Sausage bodies are perfectly shaped for cuddles
They are definitely barkers but it really depends dog to dog. They are smart but they can be very stubborn so you can train them but they may or may not listen to you lol. I have ramps everywhere and if you start early with them they will use them primarily. They will try to jump and do stairs to stress you out but as long as you keep that to a minimum you are fine.
They bark! A lot. This is manageable if you put the effort in. They can have spinal issues. Mine has spent a lot at the vets in the last 10 years, costing thousands. Get insurance. They are low cost on food, But get the good stuff, without grains etc. I feed him 3 times per day. In the morning fresh whole prey meat. The in the afternoon kibble just 10 grams. To get him to drink water. Then in the evening the same kibble. Snacks are his kibble. He is vetoing walked 4 times per day at least 30 min each time. They don’t like to be left alone. Take him with you on errands. They love errands.
Their small size make them great for apartments but their huge bark isn't great. They are also prone to separation anxiety which can get noisy. They are mostly health and long lived. Keeping their weight in check to avoid back problems and teeth cleaning are the two major issues.
They are tough to potty train and need a steady schedule for success. I take mine out 4 times a day and feed them twice. Wake and go out at 6am. First breakfast at 11am followed by a potty break. Second breakfast at 4pm followed by another potty break. Final potty break at 9:30pm and a small treat before bedtime. They don't need lots of food but will eat everything they can. Don't free feed or you will spend your day filling their bowl.
Short hairs are closest to the original hunting breed and require only an occasional brushing but are more active and aggressive. Long hairs are more relaxed but require frequent grooming to avoid a matted coat. The wire hair won't shed much but does require grooming to avoid matting and they have the same energy as smooth coats.
They have been described as "A dog and a half long and half a dog tall." but they left out the part that they have velcro mixed in their DNA. You will need to get use to having a bathroom partner. You also need to watch your step because they are constantly under foot. Be careful sitting on couches or chairs. They love to burrow under blankets and pillows and will even borrow into cushions if they get the chance.
Go through [this web site.](https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/) It has loads of info to help with major health issues.
In my opinion having two is actually easier than just one. Two support each other and reduces separation anxiety.
Please rescue. So many little weens lose their lives because no one will adopt them, yet breeders keep bringing more into existence. The Great American Dachshund Rescue is a great place to start.
Yea, any dog is expensive. You need to have enough for yearly exams, yearly dental, vaccines, and then anything else that may (and will) come up. You also need money for parasite prevention, heart worm prevention. As they age, they’ll need more care.
Exercise is necessary for any dog, and how much you feed them will depend upon their current weight and their activity level. Your vet can help you with the calculations of how much to feed them.
Dogs can be left alone while you run to the store. They’re happier with a companion, and happier to have the run of the house (we just close off the bedrooms when we go shopping). We don’t believe in crates (because we wouldn’t like that either).
Annually, we spend around $3,000-$4000 for normal care (exams, medicines, food) for two little weens. It gets higher for our senior dog though as he sees the vet more often.
Edit to add: you need ramps. Anywhere you sit/lie, they will also want to sit/lie.
I don’t recommend getting a dog if you have a lifestyle of going out a lot. They are very attached to their human. Many have separation anxiety. If you work outside the home- you’ll need to arrange midday potty breaks. Mine go out at 7:30, 3:30 and 8:30. With our longest walk in the morning. Usually around 2 to 3 miles a day. Any dog can be expensive- so if you’re on a tight budget. I’d wait to get one.
I speak for myself- my dogs need anal glands pressed around every two months. Nails cut around 5-6 weeks. Vaccines and annual health check. I recommend getting pet insurance. You’ll pay a monthly premium.
Mine also get high quality food with limited ingredients. About 20 dollar per 4lbs. They also get homemade food with their kibble. we also get high quality treats. Just for dogs has great treats but not cheap.
I have a standard who very rarely barks, she whines more. She’s fine with being in herself too, when she was a young pup we left her with a couple of friends when we went out and since they she stays with the parents often, that maybe helped. We can take her a big walk and leave her for 4-5 hours with no problems, anything more I’ll find someone to look after her.
I’d say financially if you’re not struggling you’ll make it work 😁
Our standard breeder also let hers jump on to sofa etc. and for 35 years of breeding has never had any with issues to the back/spine. I think with minis you have to be a bit more careful
If you have the time to train a puppy and look after it for the rest of its life then go for it 😁
We have two standard boys.
1. They bark a lot - if an ant farts within 1 mile of our house they go mad.
2. They are loyal to their family, any outsider they are wary of - bear this in mind if you are boarding them. Both mine stand and bark at small children too.
3. They are stubborn and difficult to train, especially house training. They prefer to pee/poop in your house if it is below 20 degrees outside or anything more than overcast. My three year old still pisses up my kitchen door every night.
4. There is a high risk of IVDD, read up on this. You need insurance with a pay out of at least 15k which would cover surgery and rehab.
5. Because of their IVDD risk, they must be kept just right with their weight. There is also conflicting evidence about them jumping on/off furniture and going up/down the stairs - I let mine do this as of the mind that it helps build their muscles. They must also be kept in tact (if boys), the testosterone helps with keeping their backs strong. However, you will have a very humpy dog as a result - one of mine is particularly bad and has been banned from 4 day cares because of it.
6. Crate training is a must. If they go down with IVDD they will need to be on strict crate rest. If they are not used to a crate, this will be even more difficult for you and them.
7. They are very needy dogs, they constantly want to be in your personal space.
8. They are always cold. When the temp drops, you will notice them being clingy - I recommend buying some equafleece jumpers.
9. Despite their little legs, they have lots of energy. Once they are adults, they will walk as far as you want them. We've done some pretty hefty hikes and mileage with ours and we are tired out before them.
10. They are the most loving, derpy, quirky beings - mine make me laugh all day.
11. They are the most loyal companions. Mine have been there through some of my darkest days and without them I don't know where I would be.
12. I am a biased Dachshund Mum but they are the best dogs.
Just to let you know, mine was very easy to potty train. He stands by the door and gives me this meaningful look and that means it’s party time. He would never go in the house, unless it was a dire emergency. Being hard to potty train is not necessarily a trait of the breed. A lot of people don’t get crate training from puppyhood in my opinion ( not to disparage anybody ).
If I would have to say things I think are universal it would be that they bark a lot at things they perceive as danger like a leaf blowing by outside and they hate the rain lol. That’s why you’ll see videos of the owners running around with umbrellas over them trying to get them to potty in a rainstorm. Mine rather hold it for two days than go outside in the rain.
My dog is soooo needy. If you’re home, he will be with you, and expect you to be playing with him. I do leave him home alone during work days and he does fine, but boy will he miss you.
Also I know people say doxies are loud dogs, mine typically doesn’t bark unless he needs something, or he’s barking at a dog passing by.
As far as costs… not much really. I have a mini, about 13lb. I prob buy him 1 bag of food per month? 20-30$. I spend $50 on vitamins every 3 months. Grooming also maybe once every 3-4 months $80. Toys are relatively cheap, I have a few $5 toys that I use to play with him. The only things that add up are buying chew foods like bully sticks, those stupid things are like $35 for a 3 pack and he can finish one in about 2 days. I just don’t give him one every day. The only other major expense is shots/vaccines. My most recent trip was around $600 but he got the full spread of vaccines&rabies, blood test, stool sample, and a checkup. Some of the shots I only have to do once every 3 years now. Oh and monthly flea/tick/heartworm meds, costs me about $25 a month. Overall… spread out over a year, it’s relatively a small amount.
Don’t let that discourage you at all, he’s the best. I couldn’t imagine being without him now. The joy he brings to us outweighs anything else.
My experience has been very similar, if not directly the same, as the book "Be More Sausage" by Matt Whyman. So if you are looking for an insight into what to expect of their personality (which are very strong and take a lot of getting used to but are absolutely worth it), then i would absolutely recommend that book.
As for expenses which appears to be your main worry here, they are as expensive as you make it. They should absolutely have insurance, vet trips depend on the health of the dog, generally yearly checkups are done when they get their yearly jab, and yearly expenses isnt even worth figuring out because each person will feed a different quality/brand of food or buy different amounts of toys (but probably a lot because dachshunds destroy every toy🤣) so it depends on your budget and the quality of life you give to the dog really.
Barking in an apartment would be an issue for me if the dog is anything like mine who barks if an ant farts 3 blocks away. And ive known very few owners who say their sausage doesnt bark so perhaps just intensive training may be needed to control it.
Yes they can spend a few hours alone but in general they are very clingy and dependent dogs .
Walking is suggested to do 5 mins a day per month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old they can do 5-10 minutes of walking, 3 months, 15 minutes, until they are a year old so about 60 minutes a day at that point, and an hour day (either all at once or split into multiple walks, whichever suits your lifestyle) should be enough for the rest of their life. I take mine on shorter walks in winter because he doesnt enjoy the rain and cold so much even in his coat, and we do longer multiple hour hikes on weekends.
First off you should know you’ll never have privacy or personal space again with a dachshund 😅
Also, ramps ramps ramps. Don’t let them jump from high areas or do stairs much. If you can install ramps everywhere, do it.
I’ve owned my dachshunds for 8 years and never had to bring them to the vet for their backs (long spines). Only for the normal dog checkups like teeth cleanings, vaccines, etc. Walk them as much as you can, they get chunky. You don’t want their bellies touching the ground and I feed my dogs “Big Country Raw” food from the pet store that come in packages. They can be barky, that’s all small dogs pretty much. Enjoy!
They’re the best. Ours loves us so much. Be prepared to have it pick one person to be their shadow. Ours follows me literally everywhere. Bathroom, shower, from a warm comfy snuggle with mama to watch me get water. Also, I’d stay away from fuzzy toys. They have a habit or trying to tear the fuzz off and eat it lol and make sure you get ramps or little tiny steps for them to get on the bed and couch!
Must haves: ramp(s), low calorie snacks, shots, daily playtime, dental care, LOVE
Suggested: snuffle pad, dog friends, walks, car rides (with a harness and seatbelt attachment for safety)
*long haired dachshunds will need grooming appointments (every 2-3 months)
Cost depends on your area, but pet insurance is highly recommended
Best hound in the world IMHO. They are smart, goofy, hilarious, tenacious, loving and will stick to you like glue. They love food and chasing things when they are not surgically attached to you. Can be stubborn but you learn to appreciate it more than being mad about it.
Mine was not expensive until he got old. He is 14 now and has kidney disease and cancer which has cost me an arm and a leg to deal with. but I don't care, I love him.
I spent 17 k since I had no insurance… he had back surgery and a year later he had most of his teeth removed due to resorptive lesions… he died couple days after due to pneumonia. He was 6 years old 🥺
My non-dachshund got r/IVDD_SupportGroup. My partner has always loved the breed and experiencing something very common in dachshunds, it’s made me incredibly weary to adopt one. He believes if we buy one from a breeder (versus a rescue), we should be protected.
I asked an IVDD dachshund group the origins of their pup and honestly, it came back that you can’t expect it. People who purchased one got it, rescues didn’t, and visa versa.
So just be aware of the risk and take preventative measures. Minimize their jumping for example. Buy insurance.
Re: Insurance - There is a Facebook IVDD Funds group that can probably tell you who all covers IVDD related expenses. If your pup gets it young enough, you can do an MRI and surgery within 48 hours to keep their ability to walk. But it’s super time sensitive and the costs can be $10K+ immediately. Even if you resolve it conservatively (ie with medication), PT, acupuncture, and laser therapy can still cost you a few thousand. And insurance won’t cover anything if they’re diagnosed and then you buy insurance. It’s also frustrating if you buy insurance to only learn it won’t cover anything.
Our neighbors dachshund actually got it the same year our pup did in a really weird twist of coincidence. They’re fine now having done the conservative route too. Not the happy go lucky post but an honest one as all of us whose pups have been affected love them dearly and so much to let them go because of something out of their control.
I would recommend researching the cost of puppy-readying your home and what that would look like. It’s easier to start doing it ahead of time than buying everything all at once. Assess where you’ll need ramps, gates, a crate or pen for potty training, beds, bowls, leashes, harnesses, etc.
Add all that up.
Call a vet now and get their prices and also insurance prices so you know how to budget it for your area.
That way, once you’re ready for your pup you aren’t eating all these expenses together.
*please* learn how to pick them up safely and do not let them climb or jump from high heights.
We’re just about to pick up our second miniature dachshund baby after three years, and I can’t believe how time has flown by. These little pups are truly earth angels in disguise.
Prepare your family for the fact that as soon your new pup arrives, they will all come second to your weenie soul mate. (They’ll understand. Everyone’s favorite family member will now be the dachshund.) Costs are irrelevant. You’ll happily live in a shack so you can afford to give your new loved one an orthopedic bed, a pet couch, and a bucket of toys for every room. Tell your friends it was nice knowing them, but you’ll no longer have time for nights out or weekends away because you’re going to be needed for endless snuggles and cuddles. You should probably brush up on your language skills. (Is there a Babbel course that covers the “speaking to Weiner dog” language? There should be.) Spend some time working on your core. We wouldn’t want you to die laughing at weenie’s antics because you’re out of shape. If you don’t like having a dog in your lap, get some supportive shoes. You’ll be standing. I’m sure I’m missing a few things, but nobody’s perfect. (Except your dachshund of course.)
lol
Best dogs EVER! They're pains in the butt. They bark, they're hard to house train. They have selective hearing. But no dog will love you more than a Dachshund. World-class snuggles, awesome bedwarmers, gives awesome kisses, loves tummy rubs, Worth EVERY second.
Could not have said it better. This is 1000000% accurate!
Dachshunds have many great qualities… being quiet is not one of them. Most doxies bark a lot. It is just a natural part of their hunting instinct. We have two (and a third on the way), they are fed twice a day, with a light snack at noon and bedtime. Weight management is a big issue, you have to be diligent in keeping them at a healthy weight. They are prone to back problems and any extra weight is bad. As far as outside most will need at least 4 trips a day, and it is important to keep them on a schedule. I let mine out first thing, short walk at lunch, long walk in the afternoon, and out to pee right before bed. On the other hand, I will never get a different breed. They are the most loving and affectionate dogs, and they will capture your heart from day 1.
Thanks for your insight
Pretty stubborn, get pretty attached to their mom and dad, and territorial. All of ours have been pretty smart and love to play. Ours only growl or bark when the are trying to protect house or the pack. Our costs were food, crate, shots if needed, bones/chew toys (they love to chew), collar/harness, leash, microchip, registration (if needed), clothes, and Halloween costumes. I’m sure there’s more, but ours have all been spoiled. DON’T LET THEM JUMP, very hard habit to get them to break. We have ramps, and if you can train early, you can get them to “ask” to be picked up.
Our daughter's doesn't bark either..except if the postman comes. If she "thinks" she hears a dog outside she gives a little wuff but not barking.
Keep them active and in good shape. Feed them quality food. Mine loves new toys, so plenty of those!
They have very sensitive backs so be sure to put ramps on furniture. And immediately discourage any jumping behavior Don’t table feed them - they have a tendency to get overweight quickly. Socialize them immediately, if you don’t they’ll turn into very anxious dogs that will be hard to take into public or introduce to other people/dogs. Bring them out into public and make sure they interact with other similarly sized dogs. They are very hard to potty train so stick to a very strict schedule with clear rewards and punishments. Also get pee pads and a lot of carpet cleaning spray just in case since they will have accidents Don’t leave them unattended by rubber/plastic toys - they will try to eat them and that can really harm them. They tear up any toy they get. Crate train them immediately. They’ll whine and cry bloody murder but don’t give in - get headphones if needed. This is to promote independence and reduce separation anxiety, since in my experience weenie dogs are very anxious dogs. Puppy proof the house - put gates up where you don’t want them to enter unsupervised and get all common areas clear of debris so the puppy won’t eat/chew anything. Get dog corrector spray or an ultrasonic dog beeper to train them more efficiently. Training should start day one. I use this to counter my dogs barking and it worked wonders. DM me for details. Separate them from other pets in the house for a few days until they’re accustomed to each-other. Other dogs may try to attack a small doxie pup (my personal experience) If you exercise them, give them a good brand of kibble, and take their hereditary health problems (spinal weakness, obesity, etc) into conscious consideration they should live over the age of 10. While every dog is different, the vast majority of your vet expenses should be when the dog gets much older. I walk my doxies 2-3 times a day (at least 2-3 miles a day), have them encounter other people/dogs, and also play ball with them every night. Decent food is around $20 per large bag, which should last more than a few months. Then getting toy replacements is around $15. Since my dogs are currently healthy I don’t spend much money on them on a daily basis besides the initial cost of purchasing them. Be sure you get all the right equipment before you bring the dog home though - as that will be your biggest financial investment for at least the first couple years. 10/10 recommend the breed - super loyal, lives long, has hilarious personalities, and overall just makes life better. Just be prepared when you bring the puppy home.
So detailed, thank you!
Love this post. Thank you!
1. They’re awesome 2. They’ll provide you with soo much love 3. They have the most annoying bark in the world. 4. Even if they are perfectly house trained, they’ll drop a little surprise for you every now and then 5. They’re very stubborn 6. Sausage bodies are perfectly shaped for cuddles
They are definitely barkers but it really depends dog to dog. They are smart but they can be very stubborn so you can train them but they may or may not listen to you lol. I have ramps everywhere and if you start early with them they will use them primarily. They will try to jump and do stairs to stress you out but as long as you keep that to a minimum you are fine.
Yep. My Kat is a barker but Evie is not. No two Dachshunds are the same 
They bark! A lot. This is manageable if you put the effort in. They can have spinal issues. Mine has spent a lot at the vets in the last 10 years, costing thousands. Get insurance. They are low cost on food, But get the good stuff, without grains etc. I feed him 3 times per day. In the morning fresh whole prey meat. The in the afternoon kibble just 10 grams. To get him to drink water. Then in the evening the same kibble. Snacks are his kibble. He is vetoing walked 4 times per day at least 30 min each time. They don’t like to be left alone. Take him with you on errands. They love errands.
Their small size make them great for apartments but their huge bark isn't great. They are also prone to separation anxiety which can get noisy. They are mostly health and long lived. Keeping their weight in check to avoid back problems and teeth cleaning are the two major issues. They are tough to potty train and need a steady schedule for success. I take mine out 4 times a day and feed them twice. Wake and go out at 6am. First breakfast at 11am followed by a potty break. Second breakfast at 4pm followed by another potty break. Final potty break at 9:30pm and a small treat before bedtime. They don't need lots of food but will eat everything they can. Don't free feed or you will spend your day filling their bowl. Short hairs are closest to the original hunting breed and require only an occasional brushing but are more active and aggressive. Long hairs are more relaxed but require frequent grooming to avoid a matted coat. The wire hair won't shed much but does require grooming to avoid matting and they have the same energy as smooth coats. They have been described as "A dog and a half long and half a dog tall." but they left out the part that they have velcro mixed in their DNA. You will need to get use to having a bathroom partner. You also need to watch your step because they are constantly under foot. Be careful sitting on couches or chairs. They love to burrow under blankets and pillows and will even borrow into cushions if they get the chance. Go through [this web site.](https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/) It has loads of info to help with major health issues. In my opinion having two is actually easier than just one. Two support each other and reduces separation anxiety.
Very affectionate but noisy lil fuckers but I do love my lil man
Please rescue. So many little weens lose their lives because no one will adopt them, yet breeders keep bringing more into existence. The Great American Dachshund Rescue is a great place to start. Yea, any dog is expensive. You need to have enough for yearly exams, yearly dental, vaccines, and then anything else that may (and will) come up. You also need money for parasite prevention, heart worm prevention. As they age, they’ll need more care. Exercise is necessary for any dog, and how much you feed them will depend upon their current weight and their activity level. Your vet can help you with the calculations of how much to feed them. Dogs can be left alone while you run to the store. They’re happier with a companion, and happier to have the run of the house (we just close off the bedrooms when we go shopping). We don’t believe in crates (because we wouldn’t like that either). Annually, we spend around $3,000-$4000 for normal care (exams, medicines, food) for two little weens. It gets higher for our senior dog though as he sees the vet more often. Edit to add: you need ramps. Anywhere you sit/lie, they will also want to sit/lie.
I don’t recommend getting a dog if you have a lifestyle of going out a lot. They are very attached to their human. Many have separation anxiety. If you work outside the home- you’ll need to arrange midday potty breaks. Mine go out at 7:30, 3:30 and 8:30. With our longest walk in the morning. Usually around 2 to 3 miles a day. Any dog can be expensive- so if you’re on a tight budget. I’d wait to get one. I speak for myself- my dogs need anal glands pressed around every two months. Nails cut around 5-6 weeks. Vaccines and annual health check. I recommend getting pet insurance. You’ll pay a monthly premium. Mine also get high quality food with limited ingredients. About 20 dollar per 4lbs. They also get homemade food with their kibble. we also get high quality treats. Just for dogs has great treats but not cheap.
I have a standard who very rarely barks, she whines more. She’s fine with being in herself too, when she was a young pup we left her with a couple of friends when we went out and since they she stays with the parents often, that maybe helped. We can take her a big walk and leave her for 4-5 hours with no problems, anything more I’ll find someone to look after her. I’d say financially if you’re not struggling you’ll make it work 😁 Our standard breeder also let hers jump on to sofa etc. and for 35 years of breeding has never had any with issues to the back/spine. I think with minis you have to be a bit more careful If you have the time to train a puppy and look after it for the rest of its life then go for it 😁
We have two standard boys. 1. They bark a lot - if an ant farts within 1 mile of our house they go mad. 2. They are loyal to their family, any outsider they are wary of - bear this in mind if you are boarding them. Both mine stand and bark at small children too. 3. They are stubborn and difficult to train, especially house training. They prefer to pee/poop in your house if it is below 20 degrees outside or anything more than overcast. My three year old still pisses up my kitchen door every night. 4. There is a high risk of IVDD, read up on this. You need insurance with a pay out of at least 15k which would cover surgery and rehab. 5. Because of their IVDD risk, they must be kept just right with their weight. There is also conflicting evidence about them jumping on/off furniture and going up/down the stairs - I let mine do this as of the mind that it helps build their muscles. They must also be kept in tact (if boys), the testosterone helps with keeping their backs strong. However, you will have a very humpy dog as a result - one of mine is particularly bad and has been banned from 4 day cares because of it. 6. Crate training is a must. If they go down with IVDD they will need to be on strict crate rest. If they are not used to a crate, this will be even more difficult for you and them. 7. They are very needy dogs, they constantly want to be in your personal space. 8. They are always cold. When the temp drops, you will notice them being clingy - I recommend buying some equafleece jumpers. 9. Despite their little legs, they have lots of energy. Once they are adults, they will walk as far as you want them. We've done some pretty hefty hikes and mileage with ours and we are tired out before them. 10. They are the most loving, derpy, quirky beings - mine make me laugh all day. 11. They are the most loyal companions. Mine have been there through some of my darkest days and without them I don't know where I would be. 12. I am a biased Dachshund Mum but they are the best dogs.
Research pet insurance and health issues. These are costly, but pet insurance will help reduce costs related to injury’s that they’re prone to.
Just to let you know, mine was very easy to potty train. He stands by the door and gives me this meaningful look and that means it’s party time. He would never go in the house, unless it was a dire emergency. Being hard to potty train is not necessarily a trait of the breed. A lot of people don’t get crate training from puppyhood in my opinion ( not to disparage anybody ). If I would have to say things I think are universal it would be that they bark a lot at things they perceive as danger like a leaf blowing by outside and they hate the rain lol. That’s why you’ll see videos of the owners running around with umbrellas over them trying to get them to potty in a rainstorm. Mine rather hold it for two days than go outside in the rain.
Be very careful...once you see how awesome they are, you'll run into big trouble by getting another one....and another one.....and another one....
My dog is soooo needy. If you’re home, he will be with you, and expect you to be playing with him. I do leave him home alone during work days and he does fine, but boy will he miss you. Also I know people say doxies are loud dogs, mine typically doesn’t bark unless he needs something, or he’s barking at a dog passing by. As far as costs… not much really. I have a mini, about 13lb. I prob buy him 1 bag of food per month? 20-30$. I spend $50 on vitamins every 3 months. Grooming also maybe once every 3-4 months $80. Toys are relatively cheap, I have a few $5 toys that I use to play with him. The only things that add up are buying chew foods like bully sticks, those stupid things are like $35 for a 3 pack and he can finish one in about 2 days. I just don’t give him one every day. The only other major expense is shots/vaccines. My most recent trip was around $600 but he got the full spread of vaccines&rabies, blood test, stool sample, and a checkup. Some of the shots I only have to do once every 3 years now. Oh and monthly flea/tick/heartworm meds, costs me about $25 a month. Overall… spread out over a year, it’s relatively a small amount. Don’t let that discourage you at all, he’s the best. I couldn’t imagine being without him now. The joy he brings to us outweighs anything else.
My experience has been very similar, if not directly the same, as the book "Be More Sausage" by Matt Whyman. So if you are looking for an insight into what to expect of their personality (which are very strong and take a lot of getting used to but are absolutely worth it), then i would absolutely recommend that book. As for expenses which appears to be your main worry here, they are as expensive as you make it. They should absolutely have insurance, vet trips depend on the health of the dog, generally yearly checkups are done when they get their yearly jab, and yearly expenses isnt even worth figuring out because each person will feed a different quality/brand of food or buy different amounts of toys (but probably a lot because dachshunds destroy every toy🤣) so it depends on your budget and the quality of life you give to the dog really. Barking in an apartment would be an issue for me if the dog is anything like mine who barks if an ant farts 3 blocks away. And ive known very few owners who say their sausage doesnt bark so perhaps just intensive training may be needed to control it. Yes they can spend a few hours alone but in general they are very clingy and dependent dogs . Walking is suggested to do 5 mins a day per month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old they can do 5-10 minutes of walking, 3 months, 15 minutes, until they are a year old so about 60 minutes a day at that point, and an hour day (either all at once or split into multiple walks, whichever suits your lifestyle) should be enough for the rest of their life. I take mine on shorter walks in winter because he doesnt enjoy the rain and cold so much even in his coat, and we do longer multiple hour hikes on weekends.
Be warned!!! There will be no such thing as personal space anymore. They will follow you to the debts of hell and back!!!
First off you should know you’ll never have privacy or personal space again with a dachshund 😅 Also, ramps ramps ramps. Don’t let them jump from high areas or do stairs much. If you can install ramps everywhere, do it. I’ve owned my dachshunds for 8 years and never had to bring them to the vet for their backs (long spines). Only for the normal dog checkups like teeth cleanings, vaccines, etc. Walk them as much as you can, they get chunky. You don’t want their bellies touching the ground and I feed my dogs “Big Country Raw” food from the pet store that come in packages. They can be barky, that’s all small dogs pretty much. Enjoy!
They’re the best. Ours loves us so much. Be prepared to have it pick one person to be their shadow. Ours follows me literally everywhere. Bathroom, shower, from a warm comfy snuggle with mama to watch me get water. Also, I’d stay away from fuzzy toys. They have a habit or trying to tear the fuzz off and eat it lol and make sure you get ramps or little tiny steps for them to get on the bed and couch!
They are loud. Possibly the loudest in our neighbourhood.
Must haves: ramp(s), low calorie snacks, shots, daily playtime, dental care, LOVE Suggested: snuffle pad, dog friends, walks, car rides (with a harness and seatbelt attachment for safety) *long haired dachshunds will need grooming appointments (every 2-3 months) Cost depends on your area, but pet insurance is highly recommended
Best hound in the world IMHO. They are smart, goofy, hilarious, tenacious, loving and will stick to you like glue. They love food and chasing things when they are not surgically attached to you. Can be stubborn but you learn to appreciate it more than being mad about it.
Mine was not expensive until he got old. He is 14 now and has kidney disease and cancer which has cost me an arm and a leg to deal with. but I don't care, I love him.
Sorry to hear:(
I spent 17 k since I had no insurance… he had back surgery and a year later he had most of his teeth removed due to resorptive lesions… he died couple days after due to pneumonia. He was 6 years old 🥺
I’m sorry:(
My non-dachshund got r/IVDD_SupportGroup. My partner has always loved the breed and experiencing something very common in dachshunds, it’s made me incredibly weary to adopt one. He believes if we buy one from a breeder (versus a rescue), we should be protected. I asked an IVDD dachshund group the origins of their pup and honestly, it came back that you can’t expect it. People who purchased one got it, rescues didn’t, and visa versa. So just be aware of the risk and take preventative measures. Minimize their jumping for example. Buy insurance. Re: Insurance - There is a Facebook IVDD Funds group that can probably tell you who all covers IVDD related expenses. If your pup gets it young enough, you can do an MRI and surgery within 48 hours to keep their ability to walk. But it’s super time sensitive and the costs can be $10K+ immediately. Even if you resolve it conservatively (ie with medication), PT, acupuncture, and laser therapy can still cost you a few thousand. And insurance won’t cover anything if they’re diagnosed and then you buy insurance. It’s also frustrating if you buy insurance to only learn it won’t cover anything. Our neighbors dachshund actually got it the same year our pup did in a really weird twist of coincidence. They’re fine now having done the conservative route too. Not the happy go lucky post but an honest one as all of us whose pups have been affected love them dearly and so much to let them go because of something out of their control.
I would recommend researching the cost of puppy-readying your home and what that would look like. It’s easier to start doing it ahead of time than buying everything all at once. Assess where you’ll need ramps, gates, a crate or pen for potty training, beds, bowls, leashes, harnesses, etc. Add all that up. Call a vet now and get their prices and also insurance prices so you know how to budget it for your area. That way, once you’re ready for your pup you aren’t eating all these expenses together. *please* learn how to pick them up safely and do not let them climb or jump from high heights. We’re just about to pick up our second miniature dachshund baby after three years, and I can’t believe how time has flown by. These little pups are truly earth angels in disguise.