Adopt Me
Dachshund
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
5-6 inches / Under 11 pounds (miniature). 8-9 inches / 16-32 pounds (standard)
Coat Type:
Short or long-haired, depending on the variety
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Affectionate, fun-loving, independent, curious
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12-16 years
How to Adopt a Dachshund: A Concise Guide
Dachshunds are popular companions that many know as sausage dogs due to their long appearance and short legs. These dogs come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. Dachshunds also have short-haired and long-haired varieties, making them a fitting choice for many prospective dog owners.
While this popularity makes them well-known, it also poses a challenge if you want to adopt a dachshund rather than buying from a breeder. Dachshunds rarely end up in shelters, and when they do, they are usually adopted pretty quickly. However, there are many dachshunds looking for their forever homes in shelters and foster homes. It is only a matter of finding one of these dogs to open your home and give them a second chance at life.
If you’re interested in adopting a dachshund, whether you want a standard short-haired dachshund or a miniature dachshund with long hair, expect to spend about $500 in adoption fees. The exact adoption fee may vary, but this is the average for dachshunds, though puppies and young dogs may have added fees that can make you pay slightly over $500. Nonetheless, the adoption cost is a lot cheaper compared to buying from a dachshund breeder.
The adoption fees may not be particularly high, but prospective owners choosing to go with adoption should be prepared for a long wait. It can take several months before you can find the right dachshund for you and bring them home. The wait times can be even longer if you strictly want a puppy, with wait times of up to six months to a year not being uncommon.
However, this potentially long wait will be worth it. Knowing that you’ve opened your home to a dachshund in need and watching them turn into a happy dog is a rewarding experience like nothing else. You will learn more about adopting a dachshund below, including the breed’s care needs and whether they are suitable for first-time dog owners. Understanding these will help you determine if the dachshund is the dog breed you should adopt.
Dachshunds For Adoption
Adopt Me
Adopt Me
How to Care for an Adopted Dachshund?
Dachshunds, like all dog breeds, require an owner that attends to their daily as well as long-term care needs. It is critical for every prospective dachshund owner planning to adopt one of these adorable dogs to understand what it takes to care for them and decide if the dachshund is truly the right dog breed.
In addition to their typical care needs, which we will discuss in a moment, adopting a dog means that they might come from harsh backgrounds. They likely will have difficulties in the first few weeks adapting to the change and trusting their new owner. It is important to learn as much as possible about the dachshund you adopt to create an optimal environment for them.
For instance, a dachshund that experienced abuse may be wary of human touch, and providing them with a quiet, safe space and allowing them to come to you on their own terms rather than forcing interactions will be the best approach to take. Therefore, understanding your newly adopted dachshund’s background and taking the right action to comfort them will be one of their most important care needs in the early days.
Dachshunds can be considered fairly high-maintenance. They need daily walks that last at least 30 to 45 minutes, with lots of playtime throughout the day to keep active. Since they are fairly smart dogs, dachshunds also require plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and keep their minds sharp. With their hunting backgrounds, scent work and digging games are excellent means for providing the enrichment a dachshund needs.
Dachshunds also have a fair bit of grooming needs. Their teeth must be brushed daily, their ears cleaned every other week, and their nails trimmed as needed. As for coat care, it mainly depends on the coat type of the dachshund you adopt. Short-haired varieties only need weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt to remove dead hair. Long-haired dachshunds, on the other hand, require more frequent brushing and occasional professional grooming to tidy up their appearance.
Lastly, dachshunds have essential care needs, like a high-quality diet, a designated space for them to relax and sleep in, and toys to play with. With all these, dachshunds require an involved owner who can attend to their daily needs.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Dachshund As Your First Dog?
Since dachshunds are fairly high-maintenance, adopting one of these dogs as your first dog can be challenging but rewarding. While they are smart, affectionate, and adaptable dogs, they also possess an independent nature that can make training and handling them difficult for first-time dog parents.
Dachshunds also have a strong prey drive, as these dogs were originally bred to hunt burrow-dwelling animals, particularly badgers. This means that a dachshund may not always listen to the owner if something, like a squirrel or a rat, catches their attention during walks. This behavior can also lead to chasing after wild animals, so keeping them under control is essential to ensure their well-being through training, especially in rural areas.
Next to their stubbornness, another possible challenge for first-time dog owners is the dachshund’s need for mental stimulation. Providing these dogs with adequate mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom, which can cause unwanted acts like excessive barking and destructiveness. Dachshund owners must get their dogs involved in mentally enriching activities to meet their mental stimulation needs, as daily walks and playtime alone won’t be sufficient.
There are also potential health problems. Despite their need to live an active life, dachshunds are prone to developing certain health conditions due to their long bodies, with intervertebral disc disease being the most common. The risk of this means that physical activities must be carefully managed. They shouldn’t be encouraged to jump from high places, like from the sofa to the ground, and their weight must be monitored to prevent obesity, which can add stress to the spine.
With all these to consider, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that first-time dog parents are in for a challenge when it comes to adopting a dachshund. However, if a first-time dog owner is committed to meeting their needs, there isn’t a reason for a dachshund not to be an ideal first dog. It all comes down to the owner’s willingness to provide the care these dogs need. Overall, your experience as a dog owner won’t matter with these adorable dogs if you’re up for the challenge.
Adopt the Right Dachshund for You
If you’ve decided that the dachshund is the right dog breed for you, the next step is to find the dachshund for adoption that matches your preferences – looking for a long-haired miniature dachshund, for example.
Search for the dachshunds up for adoption in your area to locate adoptable dogs. However, don’t base your decision solely on the description you see online. Adopting a dog is a serious task, and you must meet the dachshund you intend to adopt in person to get to know its personality.
This will also be your opportunity to learn as much as possible about their background and ask the questions on your mind, which can ultimately decide if you’re a good match. For instance, if you’re a first-time dog parent and the dachshund you meet has severe behavioral issues, you should look for another dog to adopt, as they will be challenging to control for a novice owner.
If you still want to adopt a dog after meeting them in person and interacting with them, you will need to submit an adoption application to get started. This will include filling out an application form, whether in person or online, to help the workers, volunteers, or foster pet parents decide if you’re a good fit.
The application form may include questions about your home, your family, work, income, and past experience as a dog owner. You should also be prepared for other extensive questions as well as home visits, as this process is critical to ensure that the dogs are going to the right people.
With all these above, now you know how to adopt a dachshund and more about the breed to make an informed decision. If you’re serious about adding a dachshund to your life through adoption, take your time until you meet the right dog. While it is common for prospective owners to want to adopt the first dog they meet, not rushing the process and waiting until you’re absolutely sure about adopting is essential to ensure the well-being of the dog you bring home.
