Are you looking for a dog that’ll be on your side always? If the answer is yes, you’ll love Dachshunds. This iconic breed is fiercely loyal to one person and they need attention (and can a bit clingy at times).
If you’re a pet parent or considering adopting, we’ll give you the rundown on Dachshund’s to see if they’re the right fit. We’ll cover breed characteristics, personality, cost, common illnesses, and even references to pop-culture. Scroll down to find the freshest Dachshund influencers that’ll brighten up your Insta feed!
But, as we all know, having a dog isn’t always as easy as scrolling through your feed. So before giving the run down on Dachshunds, we’re going to tell you how to protect your pooch, and explain how dog insurance could help take the bite out of vet bills.
Getting pet insurance for your Dachshund
Pet insurance helps cover the costs of your vet bills. You pay a monthly premium and in exchange, you can provide care for your canine or feline fur fam without stressing as much about the costs. With Lemonade pet insurance, pet parents can customize their policy to get the coverage their furry friend needs.
For starters, a basic Lemonade pet health insurance policy includes accident and illness coverage. This will help cover the costs of tests, treatments, and medication if your dog or cat has an unexpected accident or illness.
A basic policy is great for the unexpected things in your fur fam’s future, but Lemonade also offers affordable preventative care, designed to keep your pet healthy, and helps cover expenses you’re probably already paying for. By adding a preventive care package to a Lemonade policy you’ll also get access to live medical chat and be covered for all types of routine care—like your annual wellness exam, checkups, blood tests, several vaccinations, and other routine health care for your pet. Get a quote for the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
We ask a Dachshund about a day in their life…
“When you take me home, it might take you a while to house train me. I’m pretty stubborn. You should start with crate-training, but I’ll probably throw a fit. I just like doing things my own way. Be consistent and firm and I’ll eventually listen.
After a quick house tour, I’d love some breakfast. I could eat for hours, so try to limit my intake. Some of my wiener dog friends are overweight. They’re always complaining about painful back problems. No thanks, I like my back healthy! Rule of thumb? Take me on walks and make sure I don’t overeat.
If you’re like me, you get protective over your family. What’s wrong with a little guard dog? But, just a heads up, if you don’t socialize me while I’m young, I might scare strangers with my extra loud bark.
A few of my dog friends have serious temperament issues. I guess not all breeders respect our health and may cut corners to make an extra buck. My pet mama got me from a reputable breeder, so I’m healthy and happy. I highly recommend doing the same.”
The Dachshund’s personality
Dachshunds, AKA wiener or sausage dogs, are famous across the globe. This breed comes in miniature or standard with short-haired, wirehaired, and longhaired varieties. Obviously every pup is unique, and it’s impossible to predict what kind of Dachshund you’ll be bringing into your life. But breeds do have certain tendencies and characteristics.
They love pleasing their pet parent in any way possible — even by helping to tie your shoe. Sometimes, their overwhelming loyalty can turn into jealousy and make them crabby. It’s always a good idea to socialize them when they’re young and use leashes when you’re around strangers.
Because of their smart brains and headstrong nature, Dachshunds try to make up their own rules. But, when looking at a bossy wiener dog with its short legs and muscular long body, all you can do is giggle.
No backyard needed for a Dachshund home! They won’t need too much exercise, but they do still love regular outdoor playtime. These dogs may surprise you with their loud bark. If you live in a city apartment or have neighbors close by, your Dachshund may need some extra training.
How much does a Dachshund Cost?
While Dachshund puppies can be on the more expensive side, you’ll have to spend less on things like grooming — they’re low maintenance.
You can expect to pay $450-$1,500 for a young Dachshund puppy. If you’re looking to give a dog a second chance, try adopting! Find Dachshund rescues all across the U.S. at Dachshund Station. Your costs will drop to $50-$500.
Be prepared: during the first-year, you’ll spend near $3,500 to get your new friend vaccinated, groomed, and insured. This price drops to $1,000 for each year following.
On average, Dachshunds cost owners around $18,000 in their lifetime. But if you plan on spaying/neutering your dog, hiring a dog walker, and boarding your pup once a year, expect to pay anywhere from $68,000-$134,000 in their lifetime.
What are common Dachshund illnesses?
To you decide if this breed’s for you, we wanted to share some common health issues you might run into. We hope you never see your dog go through these. But if you do, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and know the signs.
Speaking of health problems your pup might encounter, a quick reminder that Lemonade offers stellar Pet Health insurance that’ll keep your Dachshund pup happy and healthy. You can get a quote in just a few minutes—it’s quick, simple, and even a little fun…
Hip and knee dysplasia are common in many breeds. If your dog goes untreated, these diseases could cost you $1,500 to $6,000. Since these conditions are inherited, we recommend asking your breeder for certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Eye problems are common in a few forms. The three main types are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a hereditary disease that eventually leads to blindness. We suggest you ask your breeder about the parent’s eye history to avoid this condition. Cataracts are a cloudy film that forms over the eye and causes blurry vision. Cloudy corneas can also be a symptom of Glaucoma, a disease that puts pressure on your dogs eye potentially causing loss of vision. Rule of thumb? If you notice your Dachshund is itching a lot or has red eyes, schedule an appointment with your vet.
Epilepsy is an inherited condition that causes seizures. Dachshund’s may show signs of this disease during their first few years of life. If your dog is seizing, make sure to prevent them from injuring themselves and call the vet immediately.
Dachshund’s are the most common breed to suffer from Intervertebral Disk Disease. Sadly, it’s a long lasting condition that can be extremely painful. To prevent your four-legged friend from hurting, try to limit activities that might be strenuous on their spine, like jumping on and off furniture and getting carried without support.
Cushing’s Disease develops slowly and can be easily overlooked. It causes your dog’s adrenal glands to overproduce steroid hormones. If you notice excessive drinking, lack of energy, skin infections, hair loss, or weight gain, check in with your vet. Luckily, if you catch this condition early enough, it can be treated with an oral medication.
Canine obesity can lead to a shorter lifespan, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mobility issues. These weight issues could lead to a nasty injury that might prevent your dog from exercising, causing a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break. If you’re worried your wiener dog has put on a few pounds, check out our article on pet obesity for the next steps.
Like humans, dogs show symptoms in a variety of ways. We suggest calling your vet if your dog starts acting differently or a bit off, so you never overlook something serious.
Dachshunds in pop culture
You’re not the only one who loves wieners. Even Napoleon would never take his Dachshunds into battle. He thought his dogs were a reflection of himself: small, bold, and fierce. After passing away, he required that his living Dachshunds be buried with him.
Artists, Picasso and Andy Warhol were inspired by their wiener dog muses and featured their pooches in paintings. Other famous Dachshund pet parents include Queen Victoria who’s royal pooch set major trends.
Instagram-famous Dachshunds
Nothing cheers us up like our favorite Instagram Cockers. Add these photogenic pups to your feed!
Harlow and her wiener siblings are quite the fur fam. They look good on camera and have the cutest cuddles. Drop a follow – you won’t regret it.
Monty is our favorite bow tie connoisseur and sweater weather expert. He’ll make sure your Dachshund isn’t falling behind on the latest doggy-wear trends. A very special boy deserves extra attention.
Holly, Hazelnut, and Honeydew are the trio that no one asked for, but everyone wants. These sisters are Tik Tok stars who love trying new snacks and taking afternoon naps.
Wiener overload! Maya and her two siblings take the most heart warming pics. With their porcupine sister, they might be the coolest fur (and spike?) fam ever.
And don’t forget: Dachshund pet insurance!
Your Dachshund is a bundle of cuteness, and you want to keep that pup happy and healthy—without going bankrupt with vet bills in the process. Enter Lemonade’s Pet Health insurance, which offers an affordable way to make sure your furry friend can live their fullest life. Get your quote in just a few minutes, with a dog insurance policy that Dachshunds and their pet parents both love!
