Dachshund Puppy Buyer’s Guide

One dog breed known worldwide is the Dachshund – a small dog with a long back, short and stubby legs, a long snout and silky ears! It is a stubborn and tough little dog, but also a dog that can be an exceptional family dog when treated right.

They can be somewhat wary of strangers – both people an animals – but are loyal and loving towards their family members. Dachshunds are intelligent and adventurous, and they never back down from a challenge, unless, of course, someone would be to bribe them with a snack.

It is a dog breed that is easy to fall in love with, and if you think a Dachshund is right for you – then this article should provide you with a few useful tips.

About Dachshund Puppies

The first things to say about Dachshund puppies are that they are tiny and adorable! They wobble around on their tiny legs, so eager to explore the world and to become your new best friend, and it is close to impossible not to fall head over heels when you first meet one. As if that wasn’t enough – a miniature Dachshund puppy is even smaller than the standard kind, and it comes as no surprise that the breed has gained (and sustained) such popularity worldwide.

Dachshunds come in a variety of colors; they can be black, blue and tan, red, tan, chocolate and cream, black and tan, chocolate and tan and cream, but they all have that same long and short-legged body shape that we have all come to love!

A Dachshund puppy is ready to move into its new home when it is between 8 and 12 weeks old, depending on what its breeder believes to be best, but it should not be separated from its mother and littermates before that.

What to Look Out for When Buying a Dachshund Puppy

The first thing you want to do is to make sure your puppy comes from somewhere reliable, and you should take your time instead of just jumping at the first opportunity you get to have a wiener dog puppy.

Find someone who will let you meet the puppy before you decide if you want to buy it, and don’t agree to meet someone somewhere to pick it up without first finding out where it comes from. If you are not careful, you could end up with a Dachshund mix, which becomes a problem if the seller makes you pay for a purebred dog.

Once you have found your breeder, it is time to go meet the puppy, if possible. If you plan to opt for puppy shipping, that works too provided you have chosen a trustable breeder, but when you can – go out there and meet your new Dachshund. Pay attention to how alert the puppy seems – is it curious and outgoing, or is it hiding away in a corner?

A shy Weiner puppy can be a sign of trouble, as it could indicate a future socialization issue, but this is no exact science. You should also observe whether the puppy’s coat looks thick and healthy, it should be at a good weight and have clear and alert eyes, as these are all signs of it being at good health.

Dachshund Life Stages

The oldest known Dachshund lived to be 21 years old, which is a very advanced age for a dog, but the average lifespan of this dog breed is approximately 12-16 years. They start out as those small and irresistible puppies with their smooth coat and shining eyes, and while they grow a lot compared to how small they are when they are born – the Dachshund is a small dog breed and remains small throughout its life.

A Dachshund will generally reach its full adult height when it is somewhere around six months, but they are likely to grow a little wider across the back with time. As for mental maturity, this may vary depending on the individual dog and its upbringing, but it usually happens when the dog is 2-3 years old.

Being a small dog breed, the Dachshund stays an adult for quite long before it advances to becoming a senior dog, and you will have many long and active years to enjoy alongside your fur friend.

Dachshund Health Concerns

Let’s talk about an important factor when deciding whether to buy a Dachshund – the breed’s health. There are some health problems known to affect Dachshunds, and while it does not affect every dog, it is still something worth being aware of.

Patella Luxation, also known as “loose knee” is one of these conditions, and Dachshunds are also prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (most likely a result of their peculiar body shape with the long back and short legs), hip dysplasia, obesity and a number of eye problems.

This is likely to sound scary, but the truth is that most purebred dogs are prone to certain health conditions and diseases. As a Dachshund dog owner, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself and to make sure you bring any concerns up with your veterinarian. Your Dachshund should also be checked regularly by a vet (once a year is recommended), to catch any budding health issues at an early stage.

Dachshund Breeder Information

When a dog breed has unique physical features, such as the Dachshund with their long and exposed back, it is extremely important to pick a breeder that knows what he or she is doing, to reduce the risk of injury and disease further on.

A responsible breeder will have tested and evaluated the parent animals before choosing to use them for breeding, while a backyard breeder probably didn’t care enough to go through the trouble. With the breed being so prone to back injuries, you will want to make sure that your puppy was given a good start in life, and that it comes from a good and healthy genetic background.

You can find responsible breeders listed on the AKC (American Kennel Club) website, and this can help you narrow down the options until you find the Dachshund dog breeder for you. If you live outside the United States, there should still be a national or local kennel club where you reside, and they should be able to help you with the selection of breeders.

Dachshund Puppy Diet

Healthydog food is important for a Dachshund puppy, especially considering how the breed is so prone to obesity and excess weight. You will want to set the standards as early on as possible, as extra weight can be devastating to a Dachshund due to their physique. Their backs cannot handle too much weight, so you always want to keep your Weiner dog at a weight recommended by your trusted veterinarian.

Choose a kibble or a wet food made for small breed puppies in the beginning, as these tend to be adequately sized for a dog the size of your puppy. Look for a natural product without fillers, artificial colors, and flavors, with high protein content and minimal grains or sugars. Your Dachshund deserves a high-quality dog food, and you might also consider buying Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements to help strengthen their bones and joints.

Is a Dachshund Right for You?

This is a dog breed that can be very stubborn, and that may not always be in the mood to follow your orders or requests. It can appear aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, especially if not socialized properly as a puppy, but they are usually very loving and dedicated family dogs.

They can get along well with children if the child or children in question are taught to respect the dog and its space, but it may not be ideal for very small children due to its feisty nature, but also the risk of injury. The Dachshund is a dog that loves to tag along for adventures, and it can walk surprisingly far without getting tired, despite its short legs!

We Think You’ll Like:
Maltipoo Puppies for Sale
How Much Does a Miniature Dachshund Cost?