THE AMAZING DACHSHUND: THE GUIDE TO PURCHASING THIS DOG

Dachshunds, or “wiener dogs,” are small dogs that have been used for hunting since the 19th century. They are energetic and love playing with children because they don’t take themselves too seriously! This is a popular dog breed that is recognized and can be found on the AKC website.

It is of utmost importance, if purchasing, finding a registered breeder They also have a strong sense of smell due to their long snouts, which makes them great at playing hide and seek and snuffling out crumbs in your kitchen!

If you are considering adding one of these lovable little dogs to your pack, you might wonder how much a Dachshund costs, what are the health risks, and where you can purchase or adopt one.

Throughout this guide, we will answer those questions and more!

An Overview of the Dachshund Breed

Dachshunds are a breed of dog bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. They are known for their long bodies, short legs, and long tails.

They come in two varieties: smooth-haired dachshunds and wirehaired dachshunds. Dachshunds are well known for their unique shape and appearance, thanks to their long bodies, short legs, and sausage-shaped bodies (which gives them an uncanny resemblance to hotdogs).

The most common Dachshund coat color is brown with black or tan markings on their face, legs, and body (known as “dapple”). Other colors include red, cream/white, and blue merle (a mixture of black and white).

Where to Find a Dachshund Puppy For Sale

You can find a dachshund puppy for sale in a variety of places:

• Local breeders: If you’d like to purchase a purebred dog, it’s best to go through a reputable breeder who has high standards and will produce healthy, well-socialized puppies. The cost of this type of dog may be higher than that of other breeds, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something specific.
• Local animal shelters: Shelters are one of the best places to find a dog. They have an abundance of dogs available for adoption at any given time–and some shelters even specialize in certain types of animals (like Dachshunds!). This is another good option if you’re looking for a low-cost pet with plenty of love and companionship from those who raised it before coming into your life!

The Average Cost of a Dachshund

The average price of Dachshunds is between $500 – $3,500 – that’s a big variance in price, for a good reason. 

The price of your dog will depend on the breed, size, and coat type. Prices also vary based on whether you buy from a reputable breeder, a puppy mill, or adopt your pup from a shelter. 

Adoption fees are usually lower than buying a puppy, especially if you go through an organization like Petfinder that does not charge high prices for their dogs. Try using the following tips to find your new furry friend:

• Check local shelters.
• View online.
• Check rescue groups.
• Look for breed-specific rescues that might have Dachshunds available for adoption in your area, such as [Dachshund Rescue of Central Florida](https://www.facebook.com/dacrescue/) and [Dachshund Rescue of Alabama](http://www.doxierescuealab ama.org/).
• Visit the AKC for a complete list of verified breeders and local shelters.

Many shelters provide more information about the animals they house than private breeders do–which means that when you adopt from a shelter, you’ll know exactly what kind of dog you’re getting before bringing them home! You can also help save another life by adopting one of the many dogs who are waiting at local shelters.

Many reputable breeders do not charge high prices either; make sure you do your research before purchasing from one of these sources to know what to expect in terms of temperament, good health, and training requirements.

Miniature Dachshunds Cost More than Standard Size

You can expect to pay a higher purchase price for a mini Dachshund than you would for a standard size. This is because the miniature has a longer body and the size of the dog is much smaller, which makes it more difficult to breed.

Miniature Dachshunds are rarer than their standard counterparts. They are in high demand and are also more expensive.

Coat Types Often Dictate Costs

The most common coat type is smooth-haired, which comes in various coat colors, such as red, black, and tan. Long-haired dachshunds have different color combinations and come in brownish reds with white markings (called “roan”). Wirehaired dachshunds have hair that stands up on the end like a ponytail.

If you’re looking for a smooth-haired dachshund, you’ll have plenty of options. Smooth-haired dachshunds are the most common type and can be found in various shades of red, black, and tan.

A red or cream-colored coat is common with this breed of dog; however, there are several other colors as well: black or blue (dappled), chocolate brown with tan markings (liver), golden yellow with white markings on legs, and chest area (golden). The most desirable coloration is one that has dark eyes surrounded by lighter fur around them – called “rimmed” eyes – which makes them appear larger than normal eyes would be on other dogs without this trait.

Long-haired dachshunds have different color combinations and come in brownish reds with white markings (called “roan”). A long-haired roan dachshund will have a darker base coat with lighter-colored hairs on the belly, legs, and tail.

A roan dachshund’s coat may be more prone to matting than its short-haired counterpart if you don’t brush them regularly.

Depending on what coat type and coloring you are looking for, your new pup could be on the cheaper or more expensive side of the price range. 

Be Prepared for Dachshund Medical and Vet Bills

If you’ve ever owned a dachshund, you know that they’re adorable. But did you know that this breed is also very likely to suffer from health problems? 

While dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, their prevalence doesn’t mean that they’re healthy dogs. Dachshunds are more prone to certain medical issues than other dog breeds. Here are some of the health conditions that these lovable “sausage dogs” are prone to:

• Dachshunds are prone to back problems.
• The Dachshund is prone to bone disorders.
• Dachshunds are prone to eye problems.
• Dachshunds are prone to heart and cardiac issues.
• The Dachshund is prone to joint diseases, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (ED), panosteitis (PAN), or luxating patella (LP).

Let’s dive into these issues below:

Back Problems

Dachshunds are prone to several back issues, including disk disease and spinal stenosis.

Disk disease is a degenerative condition that can cause pain in your Dachshund’s spine, causing him or her to limp or become stiff after exercise. If you notice this symptom in your dog, it’s important to visit the vet right away–not waiting could lead to further damage being done.

Spinal stenosis occurs when there is not enough room in the spine for nerves and blood vessels, which can result in numbness or weakness on one side of the body (or both).

This condition usually develops over time due to age-related wear-and-tear on joints throughout their bodies; however, some breeds, such as Dachshunds, may be predisposed towards developing this issue earlier than others due their short stature compared with other breeds who need more space within their bodies’ structures, so they don’t get compressed under normal conditions.

Bone Disorders

• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition that affects the hip joints and causes them to become loose. It can lead to arthritis and pain as dachshunds get older, and it’s most common in puppies who have been bred with parents who have this condition themselves.
• Patellar luxation: This is when the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or even paralysis if left untreated.
• Wobbler syndrome: A spinal cord disorder that causes weakness or paralysis in one or both hind legs due to nerve damage near the neck vertebrae (spine bones).

Eye Problems

• Dachshunds are prone to eye problems, especially those with short legs and long backs. The breed’s eyes are set farther apart than other dogs’ eyes, which means they have less protection from the sun. As a result, you must provide your Dachshund with shade while he’s outside.
• You can also keep your dog’s eyes healthy by feeding him a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) and antioxidants (like blueberries), both of which help prevent age-related vision loss by keeping his corneas healthy as he ages. If you notice any unusual discharge coming from either eye–or if one eye appears redder than usual–call your vet immediately.

Heart and Cardiac Issues

Cardiac issues in dogs can be serious, and they often require immediate attention. This is especially true for dachshunds, whose risk of heart disease is higher than average. A dog’s heart may be affected by:

• Heart murmurs (a sound that indicates turbulence or abnormal blood flow through the valves)
• Heart rhythm disorders (abnormal heartbeat)
• Defects of the heart (congenital malformations of the heart)

The most common form of congenital cardiac disease among dachshunds is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which occurs when there’s improper closure of an opening between two blood vessels near where they connect to your dog’s heart. PDA can cause blood clots to form inside these veins or arteries, leading to heart failure if left untreated.

Joint Diseases

Dachshunds are prone to joint problems, which can be caused by bad breeding or poor diet. These little dogs need lots of exercise, but they also require supplements to help keep their joints healthy. Here are some examples:

• Glucosamine sulfate is a natural substance that works as an anti-inflammatory and lubricant for the joints. It’s often used in combination with chondroitin sulfate to help stimulate the production of cartilage cells, which make up the connective tissue surrounding your dog’s bones. 
• Omega 3 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat as well as promote cardiovascular health–and they’re great for helping prevent arthritis too! A daily dose from food sources like salmon or flaxseed oil should do the trick; if you want something extra, then try adding fish oil capsules into your furry friend’s diet instead.

Obesity Issues

You may have already noticed that your Dachshund is a little on the chubby side. This is because they are prone to obesity, which can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight and want to help him lose some pounds (a good idea!), there are several things you can do:

• Feed him smaller portions of food each day. Instead of giving him one large bowl of dry kibble at mealtime or two large bowls split between breakfast and dinner–which would result in overfeeding–dole out smaller portions throughout the day.
• Try switching from dry kibble to canned food made specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Avoid treats

Be Smart and Do Your Research Before Purchasing a Dachshund 

Before you make the leap and add a Dachshund to your family do your research by:

• Buy from responsible dachshund breeders.
• Make sure the Dachshund has been vet checked and is healthy.
• Ask for references from other people who have bought puppies from this breeder in the past, or ask to see their dogs’ parents (if possible).

The Dachshund is a great dog to have as a pet, but it’s also important to know what you’re getting into. This includes being prepared for vet bills and additional costs associated with raising these adorable dogs. If your dog is not screened correctly, medical expenses will be costly.

Summary

If you’re looking for a puppy, make sure that you purchase from responsible breeders or shelters that will ensure that the puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed before bringing him home with you.

If you’re looking for more information on dachshunds and their care, check out our other posts!

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