Dachshunds are popular pets, but we frequently see them given up to Battersea because people underestimate the complexities of the breed and whether they are compatible with their lives.
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 10-16 years
- Size: Miniature (4.5-5kg) / Standard (9-12kg)
- Time: You’ll need to dedicate time every day for exercise and play. Without this, Dachshunds can get bored and start barking.
- Cost: In addition to day-to-day costs, you’ll need an insurance plan or sufficient savings to cover unexpected veterinary treatments as Dachshunds are prone to some health conditions, including spinal disease. You should also consider investing in training classes as Dachshunds particularly benefit from structured guidance.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to dedicate time to exercise and play every day to give them an outlet for their energy and prevent unwanted barking.
Activities that tap into their sense of smell and are not too strenuous for their long backs, such as scent games or food puzzles are prefect types of enrichment.
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You’ll need to dedicate time and effort to training from a young age.
You'll especially need to focus on recall training as Dachshunds can quickly follow their noses and wander off. This can be stressful on walks.
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You’ll need to watch for anything that might strain their backs and hips.
Focus on low-level exercise that avoids high-impact activities like jumping off furniture or climbing lots of stairs.
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You’ll need to socialise and train your Dachshund to help them become familiar with different people, places and sounds.
Dachshunds can be wary of unfamiliar people and dogs, which may lead to barking. Gentle, consistent introductions from an early age help them feel more relaxed.
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of things, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Because of their long backs, Dachshunds are at high risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This is where a slipped disc puts pressure on the spinal cord and can cause pain, paralysis, or problems with walking and going to the toilet.
Treatment and costs
Treating IVDD often involves significant costs and time, including intensive nursing, physiotherapy, or even emergency surgery.
Some Dachshunds can develop a type of heart disease called mitral valve disease. This condition is where a valve in their heart doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction.
Treatment and costs
This is managed with regular medication and check-ups with the vet. In the long run, it can be a life-limiting condition.
This is an inherited eye disease which can vary from mild to serious, sometimes causing complete blindness in both eyes. Responsible breeders often test parents to reduce the chance of passing it on, so it’s good to ask the breeder about this issue.
Treatment and costs
Sadly, this condition isn’t treatable but can cost a lot to diagnose.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment. For a breakdown of how much it costs to own a Dachshund, check out this calculator from the RSPCA.
As there are common medical issues associated with Dachshund which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
