How much does a Dachshund cost? Is owning a Dachshund expensive? These are some of the common questions asked when getting a Dachshund puppy.
The Dachshund, also known as a sausage dog, is a long-standing favorite among pet lovers. There is a high demand for this adorable pup, making it cost more than other breeds.
However, the puppy’s price might actually be the smallest expense you will have to pay as the expenditures do not just stop once you’ve bought a puppy.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the expenses that occur while raising a Dachshund. If you’re ready to learn everything about how much this adorable canine costs, read on.
The Average Cost of a Dachshund Puppy
The cost for a purebred Dachshund puppy ranges from $1,200 to $4,000; in the AKC marketplace, their average price is $1,500. They are a popular breed, and the demand and supply, among other factors, affect their cost.
As mentioned, the price of Dachshund puppies can be affected by many factors. That is why it is important to take your time in looking for the right place where you should get a new puppy.
Dachshund dogs from distinguished show lines, coat colors, and textures may cost more than others. The location of the breeder also influences their prices.
It is better to get a fully-registered Dachshund because they are often sold by experienced professional breeders. They could assure that their pups are of good quality and healthy.
All responsible breeders will have their inclusions and policies, so make sure you know about these before committing to purchase.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dachshund: Which Is Better?
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Dachshund Puppy
Purchasing a new Dachshund puppy is a serious financial move. Aside from the price of the dog itself, there are other factors affecting its cost, and it is essential to know about them before buying a puppy.
Doing so will give you an idea if the Dachshund dogs are priced reasonably or not. It will also help you decide whether they are right for your budget.
Here are some major factors affecting the price of a Dachshund puppy:
Age and Gender: Like most dogs, the Dachshund’s age affects its price; younger ones are more expensive than an adult Dachshund. If you want to save money, getting an adult dog is a good idea. Their gender is also a factor; a female Dachshund is usually priced higher since it can be used for breeding purposes.
Appearance: Like other dogs, some coat colors are more popular than others, and there is a wide variety of Dachshund colors. Pups with unique coat shades can lead to higher prices as they tend to sell quickly. Coat lengths and texture are also factors; long-haired Dachshunds cost more than short-haired ones, while wire-haired dogs price higher than both. Overall, rare Dachshunds with unique features tend to be more expensive.
Location: Puppy prices of the same breed vary in different states or even cities. It is best to know the supply and demand in each place. Small dogs are more popular in metropolitan areas where the living spaces are smaller, having the Dachshund price higher in such areas.
Breeders’ Reputation: The breeders’ reputation is a big deal in the dog breeding industry. Reputable Dachshund breeders are more likely to prioritize the health of their breeding dogs instead of focusing solely on the number of puppies they produce. This results in a much higher price tag for their puppies.
Bloodline: Dachshund puppies whose parents or grandparents had won titles from dog shows are said to come from a champion bloodline. That being said, the pup with the genes of a champion parent has the best health and adheres to the breed’s standards. Because of this, breeders charge extra for puppies that came from champion bloodlines.
Health Screening: Dachshund pups along with their parent dogs that were evaluated and tested for different medical conditions can cost more than those that have not undergone medical screenings. Deworming, vet care, up-to-date vaccines and microchipping, and other medical costs add to the price of the Dachshund puppy but also reduce the risk of getting an unhealthy dog.
These are a few general things that affect the price of a Dachshund puppy and are not meant to reflect any actual pricing policy of Dachshund breeders.
But knowing these factors would give you an idea of why a breeder might set a higher price for their puppy.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dachshund From a Rescue?
Adopting is a great way of giving a puppy or an older dog a chance to be in a loving home. Adopting a Dachshund dog could be either free or with an adoption fee of $150 to $650.
Usually, having an adoption fee means that the dogs are spayed or neutered, dewormed, undergone training, and have flea and tick removal.
However, it is hard to identify and find out the dog’s lineage from a shelter or rescue. They may be bred in a puppy mill or from backyard breeders and may be more susceptible to health issues later on.
It is best to research the rescue or local shelter and discuss your potential dog with them thoroughly.
Initial Cost of Dachshund Ownership
The price of the Dachshund puppy is just the start. Before getting one, you should know how much your initial budget should be. In this section, we’ll discuss the essential items you should buy for your Doxie puppy.
We’ll look into the initial expenses, which cover things such as food bowls, dog leash, bed, grooming tools, dog food, and other pet supplies. Also included in the initial costs are neutering or spaying, vet expenses, and more.
Here are the initial expenses for a Dachshund puppy:
Food and Treats: These little dogs have an insatiable appetite for food. Fortunately, dog food and treats are quite affordable, especially when you buy them in bulk. Dachshund food and dog treats could cost you $50 to $80.
Food and Water Bowls: Having good-quality food and water bowls for your Dachshund is necessary. Stainless steel bowls last longer than plastic bowls. They are also safer and easier to clean. The average price of feeding bowls is around $10 and $25.
Bed: Doxies need a cozy, warm and comfortable bed to sleep in. If you’re going for a bed specifically designed for pets, then you might need to spend around $30 to $150. Make sure to invest in a high-quality one.
Crate: It is still highly recommended even by vets to purchase a dog crate. It helps to housebreak your Dachshunds and teaches them how to control their bladder and bowel, plus it serves as a haven for them. A good-quality crate for a small dog like Dachshund is approximately $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: These are the first items you should buy when getting a pup. Make sure that their collar is the right fit and is adjustable and washable. If you’re getting a collar with a nameplate, make sure that it should be corrosion-resistant. A leash and collar set costs $15 to $50.
Toys: Luckily, Dachshunds are not tough chewers. Owners may not need to spend much on toys as they prefer running and jumping. A set of chew toys will run you $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: Smaller dogs are easier to clean. However, hairy Dachshunds may cost more in grooming than those with short hair. The cost may significantly decrease if you groom them yourself. Expect to pay $30 to $150 for a high-quality set of grooming tools.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: If they don’t come with updated deworming or are not treated from flea and tick, you’ll have to add this to your initial expenses. You’ll have to pay around $50 to $200 for these medical procedures.
Initial Vet Visit: Initial vet visits are essential to make sure that your Dachshund puppy is in good health. You need to spend around $100 to $300 for vet bills, but this may vary depending on the vet rates in your area.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Rabies shots and preventive vaccines for canine distemper, parvovirus, and others are necessary. If they don’t come with up-to-date vaccinations, you might have to shoulder this. They cost around $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Dachshund puppies are usually intact when you get them, but adult Doxies are more likely to be neutered or spayed. This procedure can cost between $50 and $500, depending on their weight.
Dog License: This is a must-have. This serves as written proof of your dog’s identity. This also ensures that your dog is easily identifiable in vet records. You’ll have to pay $10 to $20 for this expense.
Microchip: This is a harmless electronic device that is implanted in dogs. It helps with the dog’s identification process in case it gets lost. Microchip implantation costs between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Expenses: There is still other stuff that your Dachshund needs. These needs include cleaning tools, poop bags, poop scoopers, potty inducers, vitamins, and more. You could allocate around $15 to $30 for these supplies.
Below is a tabulated summary of the initial expenses for a Dachshund puppy:
As seen on the list, you would need around $525 to $1,995 for the initial expenses of a Doxie puppy. Take note that these are bare essentials of small dogs like the Dachshund breed and may still vary.
If you are not a first-time owner, these figures may be lower than others as you already have some of the necessary dog supplies.
For first-time owners, save money by looking for breeders that give out freebies. Some bundle their puppies with free dog food, toys, and other accessories.
Annual Cost of Owning a Dachshund
One of the most important parts of budgeting for the Dachshund breed is knowing if you can afford the yearly expenses. After all, you’ll need to provide for them for 12 to 16 years.
Most of their supplies are one-time costs, but there are monthly costs that are pretty basic, like dog food, vet care, grooming appointments, vaccines, and more.
Here’s a summary of your first-year expenses for a Dachshund puppy:
As you can see, the first-year cost of owning a Dachshund is not so bad. Its recurring expenses are on par with other small breed dogs.
Doxies are generally healthy dogs. During their first year, a minimum of three visits to the vet is recommended. Their first appointment should be by the time they are eight weeks old.
Their routine visits are for a physical check-up, fecal examination, and primary vaccines, which may cost between $200 and $400. Vets also suggest following through with flea and heartworm prevention.
Pet insurance is also advised to avoid expensive medical bills. This may cost you around $500 to $600 annually.
Other Potential Expenses
The expenses we’ve discussed so far are just the essentials; these basic needs are indisputable when it comes to taking care of a Dachshund.
However, there are additional costs you should expect depending on your wants and needs.
Here is a list of other potential expenses for a Dachshund:
Dog Sitting: A dog sitter or dog walker is considered an unnecessary luxury and solely depends on you and your situation. Luckily, there are lots of people that are willing to take care of your pet to earn extra income, and typically, pet sitters charge $20 to $30 per day.
Ramp: Approximately 25% of Dachshunds are at risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) because they are prone to back injuries, and climbing and jumping are two known factors. These ramps are one of the easiest investments you can make to prevent injury and surgery that follows after. You could spend between $120 and $200 on good-quality ramps.
Kennel Club Registration: For $80 to $200, you can have your Dachshund registered with the American Kennel Club. Kennel Club registration is only required if you plan to sign your dog up for dog shows or sporting events. This will also ensure that your pup’s lineage is well-documented.
Puppy School: Research showed that puppy school or doggy daycare is an important part of ensuring that your dog is properly socialized from a young age. Puppy school not only trains Dachshunds to be obedient but also provides proper socialization for them to be well-adjusted adult dogs. Puppy schools usually cost $120 to $600 with 6 to 8 weeks of lessons.
Emergency Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are unavoidable. The usual cost of emergency treatment for a Dachshund is between $1,000 and $5,000. Getting pet insurance can help you avoid such costs.
Aside from the emergency vet bills, all of the things included in the list are optional and may apply to you or not. It is best to have an emergency fund for your Doxie so you are prepared when the need arises.
Here is a video that talks about how much a Dachshund costs along with initial and other potential expenses:
How Much Does A DACHSHUND COST?<a href="https://youtu.be/6CZ5Kz97l7k" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F6CZ5Kz97l7k%2F0.jpg" alt="How Much Does A DACHSHUND COST?" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Places to Find Dachshund Puppies for Sale and Adoption
After learning about the expenses that come with taking care of a Dachshund, it is time to look into sources where you could find one.
The cheap prices that puppy mills and backyard breeders offer are tempting, but more often than not, pups that come from these types of sources are prone to illnesses.
To make it easier for you, I rounded up some of the most reputable Dachshund breeders. I also listed rescues in case you are thinking of adopting instead.
Below is a list of registered breeders where you can find Dachshund puppies for sale:
Nuforest Dachshund – Nuforest Dachshund is a Dachshund breeder from California. They have been breeding and showing since 1974 and have bred and owned over 50 champion Dachshunds throughout the years. However, they do not post photos of their Dachshund puppies for sale on their websites because they want to speak with each prospective owner personally before selling them a dog.
Whispering Pines Farm Miniature Dachshunds – Whispering Pines Farm Miniature Dachshund has been an experienced and responsible breeder for over a decade. They are located in Tennessee. They offer a lifetime of support for questions or concerns and are always available because they consider their clients as part of their family.
Pattis Dachshund Farm – Pattis Dachshund Farm is a full-service Dachshund breeder from Alabama. They are dedicated to breeding the finest miniature Dachshunds and eliminating genetic defects and health problems caused by overnight breeders.
For more options, you can check our article where we pick the top 10 best Dachshund breeders. You’ll surely find it helpful.
Our puppy buying guide could come in handy to avoid getting scammed while buying your Dachshund puppy. Check it to learn about general breeder guidelines as well as tips to ace their owner requirements.
You can also try to call local animal shelters to check if they have a Dachshund dog available.
If you are opting to adopt instead of buying a Dachshund, here are a few rescues to check out:
Midwest Dachshund Rescue – Midwest Dachshund Rescue is based in Indiana and mainly rescues Doxies from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. However, they also serve other Midwestern states when needed. They have a few requirements for prospective pet owners to make sure they are the perfect home for their rescues and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Dachshund Adoption, Rescue & Education (DARE) – DARE is based in Florida. Its mission is to increase public awareness through education against animal cruelty, related issues, and overpopulation while rescuing and re-homing displaced and unwanted Dachshunds and Dachshund mix dogs.
DREAM Dachshund Rescue – DREAM Dachshund Rescue is from Georgia. They do not have a physical shelter, and all of their dogs are placed in foster homes. They aim to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home Dachshunds in need while also educating the public on compassionate dog guardianship of any breed.
Luckily, there are lots of rescues nationwide, and to help you look for the right place to adopt, we gathered 10 of the best Dachshund rescues.
Whether you’re a first-time owner or not, when opting to adopt, our ultimate guide to dog adoption could come as a great help, as it talks about the process and how you could get approved to adopt.
We also have an article on how you can find free puppies in your area.
In case the places we suggested don’t work out for you, you can reach out to other Dachshund owners through social media groups. Surely, there is a dog owner or two who will point you to a responsible breeder.
Money-Saving Tips for Dachshund Owners
Owning a Dachshund is a serious financial commitment. It will always end up costing money because they are quite expensive.
These adorable canines are worth every penny and should be provided what they deserve. However, it doesn’t mean we should spend too much on them.
Here are some tips on how to save money while not forsaking the love and care you give to your Dachshunds:
Invest in high-quality essentials. Buying high-quality items for your Dachshund may be taxing for your wallet at first. However, remember that they could live with you for 12 to 16 years. This means that their things should be made to last. Opting for cheaper goods may only cost you more in the long run.
Prepare homemade dog food and treats. Dachshunds can be picky eaters sometimes. Preparing home-cooked meals instead of buying expensive canned dog foods is more cost-efficient. You could never go wrong with vegetables and white meat.
Groom your Dachshund at home. Doxies are moderate shedders. However, they don’t require lots of grooming sessions. Instead of taking them to a professional groomer, grooming them at home is feasible and would save you lots of money. Luckily there are tons of video tutorials on the internet.
Visit the vet regularly. Prevention is always better than cure. Having your Dachshund checked in a vet clinic regularly would lessen the chances of overlooking potential life-threatening illnesses. This will save you from spending emergency medical fees later on.
These tips could apply to you or not. But always know that there are ways to save without cheapening out on your Dachshunds. Their health and happiness should never be compromised just to save a few bucks.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds are expensive puppies depending on where you get them. However, the price of Dachshund dogs is much more than the initial price tag. You have to consider all the other things your new puppy needs.
Some of these needs are recurring, but most of them could last a few years, so not all expenses are ongoing. But as Dachshunds age, they can be prone to health problems adding more to their veterinary expenses.
Learning about these expenses beforehand is a great way to prepare yourself for the cost and responsibility of owning a Dachshund.
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