Designer dog breeds, such as miniature Dachshunds, are generally expensive, given their demand and popularity. But how much would it really cost you to take home and own a miniature Dachshund?
There are many factors that affect a mini Dachshund’s price. That is why it is very important that you thoroughly understand the cost and expenses of owning one so you’d know if it is the right breed for you.
In this guide, an in-depth breakdown of the actual costs of a miniature Dachshund, as well as the expenses of maintaining it, will be discussed to help you decide if you are financially prepared to purchase this dog.
The Average Cost of a Mini Dachshund Puppy
On average, mini Dachshund puppies cost between $1,500 and $3,000 from a reputable breeder. However, if you are after mini Dachshunds with rare colors and superior bloodlines, you should prepare as much as $4,000 to $5,000.
The price range of mini Dachshunds varies widely depending on several factors that will be discussed later.
While you may be able to score good quality mini Dachshunds that are below the average price, it is important to note that these puppies are not cheap since producing them requires a lot of financial investment.
That said, you should be wary and extra cautious of breeders selling them at low-ball prices. Thoroughly check the breeder so you can avoid buying from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
For more details on mini Dachshund pricing, check out this video:
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Factors Affecting the Cost of a Mini Dachshund Puppy
The cost of a mini Dachshund may depend on several factors. These factors are used by breeders as a guide in setting the prices of the puppies they sell.
That said, you must know these contributing factors so you can set your expectations right about the puppy price before you start your mini Dachshund hunting.
Here are some of the major factors affecting the mini Dachshund puppy cost:
Bloodline: As with any other dog breed, a Dachshund’s lineage is one of the major factors that affects its price. Mini Dachshunds from champion bloodlines adhere to the breed’s standard and are in excellent health, which is why they are generally more expensive.
Breeder’s Reputation: Most reputable breeders spend more on health screenings to make sure they are producing healthy mini Dachshunds. That is why expect to shell out more cash when buying from breeders with proven track records as compared to buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills.
Appearance: Like standard Dachshunds, mini Dachshunds come in a variety of colors and patterns. That said, puppies with rare coat colors may be worth higher because they are more in demand in the market. Likewise, wire-haired mini Dachshunds may cost more than short-haired and long-haired miniature Dachshunds.
Registration Papers: Expect to pay more when purchasing a mini Dachshund that is registered with well-known registries like the American Kennel Club (AKC). You may also need to pay extra if you are getting mini Dachshunds for future breeding purposes.
However, while these are the major factors that affect the mini Dachshunds price, there are other factors you should know. Location, pet shipping costs, and other extra charges should also be considered.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Mini Dachshund From a Rescue?
Opting for adoption is not only a good act but will also save you a lot of money since adopting from shelters and rescue organizations only costs around $150 to $650.
As always, if you are planning on adopting younger dogs, expect to shell out more cash as compared to if you are taking home an older or a senior dog. Note that most shelters base their adoption charge on the dog’s age.
The adoption fee usually covers your potential dog’s vet expenses, including vaccination shots, flea treatment, microchipping, neutering or spaying, and deworming to make sure it is healthy and ready when you take it home.
Unfortunately, like many other dog breeds, there are a handful of mini Dachshunds in rescues and shelters all around the United States waiting to find forever homes.
Initial Cost of Mini Dachshund Ownership
Now that you already have an idea about the price tag and adoption fees of mini Dachshunds, it is now time to discuss the initial expenses that new dog owners must prepare for.
There are essential supplies that you should prepare for your new mini Dachshund to have a comfortable home transition.
Below is a list of the initial expenses when owning a mini Dachshund:
Food and Treats: Depending on your breeder, you may take home a few packs of dog food upon rehoming your dog. However, it is important that you prepare your stocks in advance. Since mini Dachshunds are small pups, you will most likely only spend around $50 to $80 for dog food and treats.
Food and Water Bowls: While you may be tempted to buy cheap bowls, remember that high-quality stainless food and water bowls are sturdier and last longer. It is also equally important that you choose a size-appropriate bowl for your mini Dachshund. Small bowls will only cost between $10 and $25.
Bed: Mini Dachshunds are very playful dogs, which is why they need a cozy and comfortable bed to sleep in at night and in between playtime. A high-quality bed specifically designed for pets will cost you around $30 to $150.
Crate: A crate is an essential purchase as it serves as your dog’s safe spot. This can also help prevent destructive behaviors, especially when no one is around to supervise them for a period of time. For a small-sized crate for your mini Dachshund, expect to spend around $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: Be prepared to have a leash and collar when you pick up your new puppy. For small puppies like your mini Dachshund, a harness may be a better option. Still, you may need to have a collar, especially when training them. Durable leashes and collars range from $15 to $50.
Toys: Providing your miniature Dachshund with toys is essential to keep them busy, especially on days when you cannot play with them. With a budget of $20 to $30, you’d be able to buy a good-quality toy for your puppy.
Grooming Essentials: Generally, mini Dachshunds are very easy to clean and maintain. However, if you own a long-haired mini Dachshund, you may need to have more frequent trips to the groomer. Investing $30 to $150 for a high-quality set of grooming tools and grooming them by yourself can help lessen the cost.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: It is best to communicate with the breeder to see if the puppy comes with updated deworming and was already given tick and flea medications. If not, you will need to spend around $50 to $200 for these medications. Make sure to only get these treatments from licensed veterinarians to be safe.
Initial Vet Visits: Regardless if you bought your dog from a reputable breeder or adopted it from the shelter, you may need to have them checked by a veterinarian during its first month after rehoming. By doing so, you can be sure that your puppy is in excellent health condition. Depending on where you live, you might need to spend between $100 and $300 for veterinary tests and consultations.
Initial Vaccine Shots: While most breeders would already have partially vaccinated their dogs upon turnover, it is your responsibility as the new owner to complete the vaccine shots needed. Contact your veterinarian to make sure you come right on schedule and allot $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Although spaying or neutering your dog is an optional procedure, experts strongly suggest getting this procedure done, especially if you have no plans to breed your dog in the future. This procedure is proven to have a lot of health benefits. Be prepared to pay about $50 to $500 for neutering or spaying.
Dog License: Getting your dog licensed is a very wise decision. Animal control officers can quickly identify your dog, return them, and you do not have to go through the hassle of proving ownership in case your dog gets lost. License fees range from $10 to $20.
Microchip: Microchips are implanted under the dog’s skin that contain information about the dog and its owner. Like a dog license, a microchip is a reliable and permanent identification that helps increase the likelihood of your dog being returned home when it gets lost. Microchips usually cost around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Aside from the list above, new mini Dachshund owners may need to provide more supplies for their new pups. These supplies may include poop bags, vitamins, potty bags, inducers, and accessories. Depending on your needs, you may spend anywhere from $15 to $30.
Here’s a summary of the initial expenses of owning a mini Dachshund puppy:
New mini Dachshund owners will need to prepare an initial investment between $525 and $1,995 for their puppy’s initial supplies. Note that this is on top of the puppy’s price tag.
You can also ask the breeder about puppy inclusions since some breeders are generous enough to provide some of the things on the list above.
Annual Cost of Owning a Mini Dachshund
With a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years, it is very important that you assess your capacity to care for, support, and maintain mini Dachshund dogs throughout their lifetime.
That said, you should be well aware of how much you should spend on your miniature Dachshund annually.
The table below shows the summary of the annual cost of miniature Dachshund ownership:
Mini Dachshund owners will need around $1,405 to $3,010 annually or $117 to $251 a month to provide for their dogs.
However, the cost may change depending on the lifestyle you maintain for your mini Dachshund.
Spending $200 to $400 for your dog’s routine vet care is only justifiable since your dog’s health and wellness should be your top priority. This cost usually covers expenses for tests and medications to keep your dog healthy.
Moreover, though it may be tempting to exclude pet insurance from the budget so you could save $500 to $1,500, getting one is one of the wisest decisions you will ever make.
Pet insurance is a huge investment that will help you lessen your dog’s medical expenses and veterinarian bills throughout its lifetime, thereby helping you save a lot of money in the long run.
Other Potential Expenses
While sticking to a budget is the best way to go, there may be times when you need to shell out extra cash for your dog’s additional needs.
That said, it is important that you set aside a budget for these expenses too.
Here is a breakdown of other potential expenses when owning a mini Dachshund:
Pet Sitting: Mini Dachshunds can be clingy, which is why you shouldn’t leave them for long periods of time alone. Hiring a pet sitter will ensure that while you are away, someone is looking after and playing with your dog. This service will usually cost you around $10 to $20, depending on your location.
Emergency Medical Cost: Emergencies happen every day. That is why it is important that you do not skip this when planning and creating a budget for your dog. It is always best to have spare money for when your dog requires immediate medical attention. The average cost for veterinary emergencies ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
Dog Grooming Services: On top of the basic grooming, such as brushing and cleaning your mini Dachshund, taking them to a professional groomer for a haircut and thorough cleaning is always a good idea and worth every penny. Expect to spend $30 to $90 for professional grooming services.
Dog Dental: Mini Dachshunds, like many other small dog breeds, are susceptible to dental problems, which is why you must take your dog for a routine dental cleaning at least every six months. Depending on the clinic and the procedure that needs to be done, you may need to pay between $300 and $700.
Pet Daycare: When traveling without your mini Dachshund, making use of a pet daycare service can come in very handy. This will give you peace of mind knowing that someone is looking after your dog and is well-cared for. Dog boarding costs between $25 and $30.
While these costs are only optional, it is still important that you set aside a budget for these expenses when you can so you are prepared when the need arises.
Places to Find Mini Dachshund Puppies for Sale and Adoption
After assessing if you are financially capable of owning a mini Dachshund, the next challenge is finding a reputable breeder that produces high-quality and healthy puppies.
Listed below are several mini Dachshund breeders to help you find the best puppy to take home with you:
Whispering Pines Farm Miniature Dachshund – Whispering Pines Farm Miniature Dachshund is a Tennessee-based breeder. They focus on breeding miniature Dachshunds and prioritize their dogs’ health, temperament, and conformation. They produce miniature Dachshunds in a variety of colors and coat types, so if you are looking for one, you can contact them through their website.
Daisy-Hill Dachshunds – If you are in the Maine area, you can check out Daisy-Hill Dachshund to see if they have puppies available. This small breeder offers top-quality AKC-registered miniature Dachshunds. The best thing about this breeder is that they test their dogs for progressive retinal atrophy and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, which are two very common genetic disorders in this breed.
Patti’s Dachshund Farm – Based in Alabama, this AKC-registered breeder produces healthy mini Dachshund puppies of all colors and hair coats. If you are keen on taking home one of their litters, you must sign up for their waiting list and include details about what type of miniature Dachshund you prefer, such as its gender, color, and coat type.
Aside from the places above, you can also check out our Dachshund breeder recommendations for more choices and chances of finding your mini Dachshund puppy.
You can also refer to our puppy buying guide to help you get through the time-consuming process of getting a new puppy.
If you’d rather adopt a mini Dachshund than purchase one, here are some rescue organizations you might want to consider:
Little Paws Dachshund Rescue – Little Paws Dachshund Rescue is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned and mistreated Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes, including miniature Dachshunds in the east coast area of the United States. Prior to finding new homes for these dogs, they first make sure they receive treatment and are overall healthy.
LowRider Dachshund Rescue – This non-profit rescue organization has been rescuing Dachshund and Dachshund mixes from kill shelters and puppy mills since 2008. They also provide foster homes for strays and owner-surrendered Dachshunds. To adopt, you need to go through a screening process, which includes an interview and home visit to check if you are a good match.
Southern California Dachshund Relief Inc. (SCDR) – SCDR has been rescuing Dachshunds for over 27 years now. To date, they have already rescued and found loving homes for 5,000 Dachshunds and counting. If you are interested in adopting from them, you need to fill out their adoption application, so they can assess and review which Dachshund is most compatible for you.
If you are looking for more options, you can head over to our Dachshund rescue recommendation. You can also read our ultimate adoption guide for some application tips.
Alternatively, you can follow our ways on how to find free puppies in your area to get a miniature Dachshund without spending a dime.
Money-Saving Tips for Mini Dachshund Owners
While every dog owner wants to give the best life to their dogs, it doesn’t mean that they have to go over and beyond and break their banks in the process.
Sometimes, a little resourcefulness and creativity go a long way!
Here are some money-saving tips for miniature Dachshund owners:
Invest in pet insurance. Given the costly veterinary costs, there is a huge chance you’ll spend a hefty amount of money in case your dog gets sick or gets injured. Have peace of mind and be financially protected by purchasing pet insurance.
Buy supplies in bulk. If possible, buy your dog’s supplies, such as dog food, shampoo, pee pads, and similar items in large quantities. Pet stores usually give discounts on large orders.
Make homemade treats. Treats are essential, especially when training. However, they can be quite expensive, too, so you can consider making your own. Luckily, there are a lot of healthy recipes you can find online.
Invest in high-quality items. Make sure never to settle for cheap but low-quality products. High-quality supplies may be expensive at first but are durable and will prove worthy in the long run.
These are just a few of the many ways you could do to save money but still be able to provide the best for your dog. Just make sure that you are not putting your dog and its health at risk in the process.
Final Thoughts
Miniature Dachshunds can be quite expensive, especially when you buy them from a known breeder. On top of that, you also need to provide for their needs, which can also be costly.
That said, it is important that you carefully evaluate if you are financially capable of taking care and maintaining a mini Dachshund. Remember that you need to provide for your dog for its entire lifespan.
These dogs will surely make great family pets, and no amount of money can pay for the joy that they will contribute to your home. However, it is still best to assess if you can be a great fur parent to these dogs, too.
What are your thoughts about the cost of owning a mini Dachshund? Let us know in the comments below!
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