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How Much Does a Dachshund Cost? Price Guide 2024

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By Nicole Cosgrove

shiney black dachshund

If you’re ready to add a new puppy to your family, then the adorable Dachshund has probably caught your eye. These little pups are packed full of personality, and their small size means it’s easy to take them along on all your adventures. Remember, though, the costs of keeping a dog don’t stop after you’ve bought your puppy.

In fact, the initial cost of your fluffy new friend is likely to be the smallest expense over the lifetime of your dog. When you take into account food, vet bills, and training sessions, it’s soon clear that owning a dog isn’t cheap!

Of course, it’s completely worth it, but it’s still always best to be prepared when it comes to owning a Dachshund. As a breed that can suffer from a few different health problems, these little sausage dogs can end up costing more than your average pooch, and that’s something that potential new owners need to remember. If you’re ready to find out everything that you need to know about how much it costs to own one of these cute little critters, read on!

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Dachshund Price: One-Time Costs

If your new Dachshund puppy is your first dog ever, you’ll need to invest in quite a bit of stuff. If you’ve owned dogs before, you’ll likely be able to reuse some of what you already have. Still, you may want to treat your pup to new items!

These expenses can include water and food bowls, beds, leashes, and collars. You’ll also need to budget for veterinary expenses, like wellness checks, microchipping, and more.

The biggest one-time cost will probably be your puppy! So, let’s take a look at that in more detail.

Dachshund standing on grass
Image Credit: Lisa Stokely, Pixabay

Free Dachshunds

While you might find a purebred Dachshund puppy for free, the chances are pretty slim. Puppies that are offered for free will usually be mixed breed puppies from backyard breeders. These may have one Dachshund parent, so they will share a few traits with this breed, but they will also be influenced by the other parent breed.

Dachshunds are prone to a few different health conditions, and while reputable and registered breeders will carry out a range of health checks, you may not find the same from anyone offering free puppies. That can increase the risk of your dog suffering health problems in the future.

Dachshund Adoption

  • $150+

Adopting a Dachshund is a great way to give a puppy or older dog a loving home. It’s worth calling or visiting your local animal shelters to see if they have any dogs available for adoption or searching for breed-specific rescues, like the Dachshund Rescue of North America.

You should expect to have to pay an adoption fee to cover costs like veterinary checks, microchipping, and the general running costs for the shelter. You’ll also probably need to have a home check to make sure you can offer a suitable environment for a Dachshund, including a well-fenced backyard!

Dachshund Breeders

  • $500–$4,000

The price range is broad, and you’ll find breeders at both ends of the scale, with Dachshunds costing between $500 and $4,000. Dachshunds are a popular breed, and this can drive up the price of puppies, as demand usually exceeds supply.

Puppies from distinguished show lines or with certain coat colors or textures may cost more than others. Dachshunds also come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. This can also have a bearing on the price.

The most important thing is taking the time to find a reputable breeder and accepting that their prices may be higher than some others. But if your puppy and their parents have had extensive health checks and been raised to be sociable and friendly, then in the long run, it’s definitely worth a higher investment. Buying from a “cut-price” breeder might seem like a bargain but it’s ultimately usually anything but.

Dachshund Cost: Initial Setup and Supplies

  • $100–$1,000+

When it comes to the initial setup and supplies for your puppy, you can either shop on a budget and cover the essentials or splash out and buy everything that you could possibly need and more!

Buying quality items made to last is probably a good idea, though. We listed a few ideas to get you started.

dachshund
Image Credit: leovalente, Pixabay

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List of Dachshund Care Supplies and Costs

ID Tag and Collar $15–$30
Spay/Neuter $100–$400
X-ray Cost $100–$250
Ultrasound Cost $250–$500
Microchip $45–$55
Harness and leash $20–$80
Grooming tools $30–$100
Bed $25–$100+
Food and water bowls $10–$50
Crate $100
Toys $30
Carrier $40

How Much Does a Dachshund Cost Per Month?

  • $50–$100+ per month

This category can vary because it depends on if you’re just covering the bare minimum or spoiling your Dachshund with all sorts of treats! Once you have the essentials covered, it’s up to you how much more you want to spend. You may decide that pet insurance is worth the investment, for example. Dachshunds can be prone to certain health conditions, so this might be something to look at in more detail.

Remember that what your new puppy wants more than anything is your company and companionship. You definitely don’t need to spend a huge amount each month keeping your puppy happy—your time and attention will be worth more to them than a whole box full of toys.

dachshund standing on ground
Image Credit: Sabrinakoeln, Pixabay

Dachshund Health Care Costs

  • $50–$250+ per month

This is one of your most important considerations, and as with any expense, it can vary a lot. After your puppy’s initial vaccinations, you may find that they need nothing more than a wellness check once a year. Your vet will give them any vaccination boosters that they’re due and an overall check-up.

Other dogs may develop medical conditions that require monthly medication and regular visits to the vet to check their progress. Some Dachshunds develop disc disease, which means surgery may be recommended, depending on how severe their case is.

As your dog gets older, they may develop age-related conditions, like arthritis, so your monthly costs may increase. Don’t forget that dogs of any age will need regular medications for fleas and parasites. It’s also worth booking your dog in for annual teeth cleanings, even if you brush their teeth at home.

Dachshund Food Costs

  • $20–$100 per month

While you might be tempted to go for the budget option here, it’s a much better idea to invest in a high-quality dog food. Dachshunds are active little dogs and benefit from a food that’s high in protein. Look for something with real meat as the first ingredient.

If you’re not sure which food will suit your Dachshund best, ask your vet for advice. Dachshunds should never be allowed to become overweight, as it can place their delicate backs under too much strain. This can lead to ruptured or slipped discs.

Dachshund Grooming Costs

  • $0–$50 per month

Dachshunds come in three different coat types: smooth-coated, long-haired, and wire-haired. Smooth- and wire-haired dogs don’t require much maintenance other than a quick weekly brush for most of the year. When they shed, which they usually do twice a year, you may want to take them to the groomer to get their coats hand stripped to remove shedding hair.

Long-haired Dachshunds can be a little higher maintenance, so you may decide to book your pup in for a monthly grooming session.

Dachshund Medications and Vet Visits

  • $0–$100+ per month

This can vary depending on if your Dachshund develops any medical conditions that require either medication or surgery. The Dachshund’s long back can predispose them to spinal problems, like disc damage, so keeping up to date with vet checks will help reassure you that your dog is happy and healthy.

You might decide to include a daily supplement in your dog’s diet; glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega oils can all be good options for keeping your Dachshund in good health. Your vet will be able to recommend what would be the best supplement for your pup, so always speak to them for advice first.

dachshund
Image Credit: ArtTower, Pixabay

Pet Insurance Costs

  • $25+ per month

Pet insurance for your Dachshund may seem like a luxury item, but if your pup gets ill, you’ll realize that those monthly payments can be well worth it. If your Dachshund has an accident and needs a visit to an emergency vet or they develop a health condition that requires regular medication or surgery, you will be glad that you can just make a claim.

Environment Maintenance Costs

  • $10+ per month

When it comes to maintaining your Dachshund’s environment, these little dogs don’t need much. As long as you have a regular supply of poop bags or a scoop for your own backyard, you’re good to go!

Poop bags $5/month
Poop scoop (one-time purchase) $15+

Dachshund Entertainment Costs

  • $0–$50 per month

What most dogs want more than anything else is time with their owners. The Dachshund is no different in that respect. Since this breed can have a healthy dose of independence, you might decide that the best way to keep your pup entertained is by signing up for regular training sessions. This way, you get to spend plenty of time together while also learning new tricks and skills.

Subscription boxes are also great fun, and these can either include toys, treats, or both. You and your pup can look forward to receiving a box every month, and it can cost as little as $20 per month.

dachshund on grass
Image Credit: James Player, Shutterstock

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Dachshund

  • $50–$200+ per month

If you’re ready to own a cute Dachshund, you’re probably already aware that you’ll need a certain amount of money each month to keep them happy and healthy. After you’ve covered the essentials, you’re free to stop there and stay on a budget or spend more on fun items that you and your pup can enjoy together.

Getting everything set up for your new puppy to come home can be expensive, but once you’ve bought those one-off items, your monthly costs will go down. While many Dachshunds are healthy, some do need more medical care than others, and this is something that you should always be prepared for.

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Additional Costs to Factor In

You might need to consider additional costs, including:
  • Pet sitters or boarding kennels
  • Emergency vet visits
  • Household damage
  • Backyard reinforcement
  • Behavioral training

Owning a Dachshund On a Budget

It’s totally possible to own a Dachshund on a budget, especially if you’ve owned dogs before and have many of the things that they need already. Unfortunately, it’s never possible to know if your puppy will need expensive medical care in the future.

Dachshunds are well known for having spinal issues due to their long backs, so that’s something that any potential owner needs to consider carefully before deciding whether this is the right breed for them.

Dachshunds certainly won’t care if they don’t get a new bed and food bowl every year. What will make them happiest is spending time with their families.

dachshund not drinking
Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock

Saving Money on Dachshund Care

There are certain costs that you can cut down on as much as possible, including grooming sessions, expensive but unnecessary accessories, and things like interactive toys, pet cameras, or GPS trackers.

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Conclusion: Dachshund Price

Owning a Dachshund is always going to end up costing money. How much will depend on your budget and whether your dog needs extensive medical care in the future. After your one-off expenses, owning a dog can be quite cheap on a monthly basis. But you’ll never know if there’s going to be a big vet’s bill around the corner.

Becoming a Dachshund owner will bring plenty of joy, but be sure you’ve considered your budget before taking the plunge. Making sensible investments, like pet insurance or high-quality dog food, is always a better decision than splashing out on the latest cute puppy coat.

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Featured Image Credit: NORRIE3699, Shutterstock

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