Dachshund Puppies for Sale

overview of the Dachshund Dog Breed

Are you looking for a smaller dog with a friendly personality, a devotion to its owners, a bundle of fun, and an easily-recognized body profile?

If this describes the next family member you want in your home, then browse our Dachshund puppies for sale below! (You can take a look at our other dog breeds for sale on our “all breeds” page.) 

Known for their long, low bodies and strong legs, Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to dig into badger holes, but they have since won a place in many family?s hearts.

If you are ready for a devoted companion that doesn’t take a lot of room but still brings a lot of energy and humor into your home, then a Dachshund puppy may be right for you!

Dachshund temperament

Playful: Dachshunds love to play and have fun. No matter the activity you are doing, they are sure to be close by and wanting to enjoy the moment with you.

Brave: They may be small, but nobody told the Dachshund breed that this matters! Bred originally to fight badgers, they aren’t afraid to confront strangers or times of danger. This bravery can become an issue and result in aggressive or brash behavior if not properly trained.

Protective: Despite their size, Dachshunds can have a protective side. They may be wary of strangers and can be quite loyal to their families.

Alert: Dachshunds have keen senses and are often alert to changes in their environment. They can be good watchdogs and may bark to alert their owners.

Devoted: Dachshunds quickly develop a secure bond with their owners, especially when they have a small family or single owner. They are known to become jealous if they sense their devotion or time with their owner is being challenged by others.

Determined: With their short, strong body and a high level of intelligence, Dachshunds can be stubborn. They aren’t quick to give up on something they want, and their intelligence allows them to focus on something until they have it.

Bold: The breed is not afraid of strangers or other animals, although they are quick to be alert and bark if they sense strangers or danger. However, when they know everything is alright, they are quick to make new friends.

It’s important to note that while these traits are common in many Dachshunds, individual dogs can vary based on genetics, upbringing, socialization, and training. Proper training, socialization, and care are crucial to ensure that a Dachshund develops into a well-mannered and happy companion.

Dachshund Breed history

The Dachshund breed originated in Germany and was bred to dig into badger holes. In fact, the word “Dachshund” literally means “badger dog” in German!

It is thought the breed started being bred and used for badgers in the 1300s or 1400s.  Because of the size of a badger hole and the ferocity of badgers, the German people looked for a small dog with the bravery, boldness, and strength to fight a badger in its hole.

As the breed became standardized, it started growing on people’s hearts and was used for more than just badger hunting and other farm work.  

By the late 1800s, there were common standards when it came to the breed’s size.

The breed entered the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885, and they have been popular ever since.  They hit a significant milestone in the 1950s when they were ranked as one of the most popular breeds.

They did have a dip in popularity during World War I due to their association with the German Republic. Some took to calling the breed “Liberty Hounds” during the war and several years after.

A few breeds that share some characteristics with Dachsunds include Corgis, Jack Russells, and Miniature Pinschers.

Dachshund Average size

The Dachshund is not a large dog and usually stands 8-10? tall at the shoulder as an adult.  Average adult weight has a wide range, varying between 16-32 pounds.

There is a mini breed of Dachshunds called a “tweenie.”  These dogs range from 5-6″ tall and weigh 10-16 pounds on average.

Average Dachshund lifespan

Dachshunds live an average lifespan for a dog with adults living an average of 12-15 years.

Dachshund body features

The Dachshund is easy to spot because of three primary body features:

1. Its long “sausage” body
2. The short, strong legs
3. The long, floppy ears

The Dachshund’s coat comes in a wide range of colors, including red, black, chocolate, cream, brindle, and more. The coat comes in three styles: smooth, long-haired, or wiry.

grooming Your Dachshund Puppy

The Dachshund coat is typically short and thick, meaning that long hair and shedding are not usually big issues.  However, some Dachshunds have longer or wiry coats, and these will usually require more regular grooming and cleaning.

The coat should be brushed regularly several times a week.  Twice a year, the wire undercoat needs to be “stripped” or removed from their coat.  

They don’t need regular baths, usually once every 1-2 months.  If their coat gets dirty, they may need baths more frequently.

Also, because of their shorter legs, make sure to trim their nails every several weeks or more often if necessary.

Keeping Your Dachshund Puppy Healthy

Because of their unique body shape, several health considerations are critical for Dachshunds, especially with their long torso combined with their short feet:

• Make sure they do not become overweight as this strains the back.
• Watch for slipped or ruptured discs in their back.
• Be careful in making them jump – this can cause strain on the back and legs.

The breed is also susceptible to bloat, so watch for unusual restlessness, nervous pacing, or other signs of pain and abnormal behavior.

Like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues among dogs.

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the leg or hip becomes weakened, and it can result in arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your dog from too much running on hard surfaces, especially when they are puppies. However, even for adult Dachshunds, take caution in allowing them to run on hard surfaces.

Typical Dachshund Allergens

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells.  Any animal, including humans, are capable of shedding these dead cells.  While regular grooming and baths help reduce this dander on a Dachshund, it does not entirely remove the problem.

Although some Dachshunds have shorter hair, the breed is not considered to by a low-allergen breed.  Puppies and dogs with long-haired or wiry coats are especially susceptible to causing allergens.

If you have someone in your home with animal allergy concerns, it is good to consult your family physician before buying a Dachshund puppy.

• 1. Are Dachshunds aggressive?
  Well-trained Dachshunds are not aggressive. However, these dogs are fearless and spunky. Their bravery could lead them to take on foes much larger than themselves, and they won’t back down from a challenge.
• 2. Do Dachshunds do well with strange people and animals?
  By nature, Dachshunds are suspicious of strangers and don’t readily welcome new friends into your home. To prevent shyness, be sure to socialize your dog well when they are young. They tend to get along fine with other pets when properly introduced. Given their domineering personality, they often end up at the top of the pecking order.
• 3. Are Dachshunds one-person dogs?
  Dachshunds are a breed that tends to pick their favorite people and stick to them. They may find a favorite and then follow them around wherever they go. They tend to like their special people much more than strangers.
• 4. Are Dachshunds hunting dogs?
  Originally, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. Their badger-hunting heritage may come out in different ways. They may tenaciously beg you for treats and food like a predator relentlessly pursuing prey. They might dig up your flowerbeds or burrow under the fence like they would have burrowed into badger holes. Or, they may effectively “kill” their toys one after the other. If you don’t like these behaviors, you may have to do some training with your dog to teach them what is acceptable and what isn’t.
• 5. Are Dachshunds loud?
  Dachshunds have large lungs and a loud bark. And they do like to use their voice! They tend to be a little loud, and you ought to keep this in mind before purchasing a Dachshund.
• 6. Do Dachshunds have a lot of energy?
  Dachshunds have plenty of energy and stamina. They love exercise and playtime and should get an exercise session daily. Otherwise, they will always keep you entertained with the small missions they’ll perform around the house and the antics they’ll go through.
• 7. Are Dachshunds easy to train?
  Dachshunds are a notoriously stubborn breed. It may take a little extra patience to housebreak and train them. They are tenacious and independent, and you will have to make sure they know who the real leader in the situation is.
• 8. Are Dachshunds kid-friendly?
  Dachshunds normally do great with their owner’s children. They may not like strange children, however, so you may want to supervise things when your child has a playdate. You should also teach your children to play gently with your Dachshund, remembering that she has a fragile back that could easily be injured by rough play.
• 9. Are Dachshunds playful?
  Dachshunds love to play! They are a lively, merry, fun breed. Their fun side comes out at home, where they love to play, be around their owners, and “help” with every little task you undertake.
• 10. Are Dachshunds easily injured?
  You should be especially careful of your Dachshund's long, fragile back. Because they have such long spines, they are more susceptible than some breeds to back issues. Don’t let your Dachshund jump off of high things or become overweight (both of which could pose back issues), and be sure to support his back when you pick him up.