How Much Does a Dachshund Cost?

Dachshund Cost Square

The Dachshund is a small breed of hound with short legs that resembles a walking sausage. It has thus earned the moniker “sausage dog” or “wiener dog”.

Don’t let its size fool you though – Dachshunds were originally developed to locate and flush out small and medium-sized game such as badgers, rabbits, and other burrow inhabitants.

The breed originates in Germany, and its name means “badger dog” when translated into English. There are two variants of the breed – the standard size and the miniature dachshund.

It is ranked #13 on AKC’s list of most popular dogs in the United States.

Dachshund’s One-Time Expenses

The average cost of dachshund puppies on the AKC marketplace is $1,500.

Lancaster Puppies also have a healthy stock which goes for about $1,400 apiece.

If rescuing doggies from the pound is an option for you, Little Paws Dachshund Rescue will release one for a low $75 to $350 adoption fee depending on age.

Dog licenses and registration both hold additional one-time fees. Licenses, which are mandatory in all states, vary in cost depending on state and county, but the average is about $8.50 to $30.

Unlike licenses, registration is completely optional and only necessary if you intend to let your Dachshund compete in AKC sponsored events. AKC registration costs $30 to $79.99.

Other things you need to consider spending on once in your dog’s lifetime are the following:

  • Tracking – to keep your pet visible no matter where it is, a microchip needs to be implanted via surgery. A Datamars chip costs $10 and $19.99 to register it at PetLink for life.
  • Neutering – this surgery will cost about $125 to $195 depending on the weight of your Dachshund.
  • Shelter – being the adorable little sausages that they are, dachshunds don’t need a large crate. The best dimensions are 23″L x 15″W x 13″H. A crate of this size will cost about $27.99. It’s recommended to find buy one that can double as a travel crate.

Recurring Expenses

Though they may be small, Dachshunds can prove to be a handful to you – and stressful to your wallet! Take a look at some of the extra expenses you can expect to shoulder by choosing the lovable wiener dog:

  • Health Care – veterinary checkups or wellness exams are recommended for all dogs once a month starting from infancy up until 4 months of age. Dachshunds, in particular, have an increased risk of back problems.

Once they reach 6 months, they should be good with 1-2 visits a year from then on. A wellness exam like the one offered at Back 2 Basics costs around $53.

Additionally, you’ll need to deal with a variety of other health issues that all dogs end up experiencing. Worms are a problem that every dog has or will have in their lifetime. You can bring your pup to a veterinarian to be de-wormed which will cost you roughly $6 to $11 for the medicine.

  • Vaccinations – Rabies shots are mandatory for dogs in all states. Other vaccines which your puppy must get are for preventing Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. Pet Vaccination Services offer comprehensive packages ranging from $15 to $105 among others.
  • Food – Follow your breeder’s feeding instructions for your Dachshund puppy. If you notice any allergies occurring, you can contact a vet and get recommendations. One of the best types of kibble for small breed dogs is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe which costs $37.99 for a 12-lb bag.
  • Shipping / Transportation – Pet relocation can be tricky and costly. Shipping companies will take care of every detail but the convenience will come at a price. The base amount you can expect to pay for such an endeavor is about $175, but that doesn’t include the airline ticket which can range from $250 to $875 depending on the destination city and airline carrier.

Make sure your Dachshund’s travel crate is spacious enough to accommodate its size. It’s recommended that you utilize your multi-purpose crate to avoid extra costs – the shippers may charge extra for you to rent one.

Dachshund Cost
How Much Does a Dachshund Cost? 3

What’s Included in the Dachshund Prices

Many breeders treat dogs as part of their own family, thus, providing an unprecedented level of additional care. Here are some possible inclusions to the price of the Dachshund:

  • Initial Vet Checkup
  • Initial Vaccinations
  • Contract of Sale
  • Pedigree Certificate
  • Health Testing Certificates
  • AKC Registration

Buyer’s Guide & Additional Cost-Affecting Factors

Some Dachshunds can, like most other pure-bred dogs, be promoted as having “special rare colors” by breeders. A few of these “rare” coats include Double Dapple, Isabella, Piebald, or Blue. It is important to note that none of these colors are acceptable by the breed standard.

There are also serious health risks involved with breeding dogs that have these colors. Avoid buying from breeders that advertise this, as they are most certainly commercial breeders with only profit in mind and not the welfare of the dog.

In general, female Dachshunds cost more than males, so pick a male if you want to save a little on the overhead price.

Learn how to identify a good puppy breeder. Don’t take web advertisements at face value until you’ve verified that the information is true. The Dachshund is a very popular breed and many will take advantage of this fact.

Kristin Hitchcock

Kristin Hitchcock currently owns a husky-mix but also has experience with a wide range of dogs, cats, reptiles, and fish. She has written for a number of popular pet sites, including The Happy Puppy Site, Cat Life Today, and TheLabradorSite.

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