Dachshund

Like every breed, the Dachshund is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start positive, reward-based training from an early age.
• Begin early if you want to teach them not to bark for no reason.
• Socialise them widely with people, dogs and experiences while young.
• Work on recall before letting them off lead, as they may follow a scent.
• Consider accredited training classes if you need extra guidance.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

  An abnormality of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine, which can cause back pain, weakness or paralysis. Both sizes are affected. The Royal Kennel Club recommends spine screening under its IVDD scheme before breeding.

• Angular limb deformities

  Uneven growth of paired leg bones, which can make legs look bowed or twisted and may cause pain and lameness.

• Heart disease

  Heart disease is seen in the miniature varieties, and mitral valve disease, where the heart valves stop working properly, is noted in Smooth Haired Dachshunds.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  Gradual loss of sight over months or years. DNA testing of all miniature varieties before mating is recommended, and the Royal Kennel Club lists eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as best practice.

• Dry eye

  A painful condition in which the tear glands stop working properly.

• Cushing's syndrome

  The body produces too much of the natural steroid hormone cortisol, leading to signs such as excessive drinking and tiredness.

• Dapple matings

  The Royal Kennel Club will not register puppies from two dapple parents, because of the risk of impaired vision and hearing linked to the dapple gene.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Dachshund home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Dachshund home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Dachshund suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Dachshunds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.