If you are considering getting a Dachshund, then first and foremost you will want to know how much they cost. What is the average price to adopt one upfront? What are some on the ongoing costs to care for them and keep them as healthy as possible? Requiring such information, I did some research. I have pulled my findings together and have documented them down below.
So, how much do Dachshunds cost? A puppy Dachshund, on average, costs anywhere between $200 and $3,500. The wide variance depends on the lineage, location, and age of the dog, along with the availability of the dachshund’s coat. Other one-time expenses can reach up to $1,500, and ongoing costs can range from $50-$100 per month.
Breeders base their prices on these factors and what they feel their puppies are worth.
Its fair, but it does make it hard to get a definitive price!
But you’ll likely want a dog of this breed.
They are known for having many excellent traits, such as intelligence, loyalty, and playfulness, not to mention they are an excellent pet to have around children.
This is partly why the can be an expensive dog to purchase.
However, it is natural to wonder why there is such a gulf in the price. $200-$3,500 is a big difference and it makes you question if paying toward the upper end of that range is really necessary.
Let us take a closer look at the cost of a Dachshund below.
We will explore their average price in further detail, discussing those factors, along with introducing you to some of the other ongoing care costs you will need to pay.
Average Dachsund Prices
As mentioned above, the initial cost of a Dachshund puppy is anywhere in the range of $200 and $3,500.
The law of supply and demand is what determines the price of a Dachshund puppy.
Some Dachshunds are more sought after because of their coat textures and colors. The more popular the breed, the higher the cost.
There are other reasons too that influence the initial cost of a puppy.
Let’s examine why there is such a variance in the price.
Dachshund puppies that are raised solely as pets usually cost between $400 to $700.
Some independent sellers are known to sell puppies for less than $300; however, it is usually not ethical to obtain a puppy from this kind of enterprise. (These are also known as backyard sellers and puppy mills).
You should consider that more ethical breeders will generally charge more.
This is because they provide better care for their dogs – and as a result, the cost of raising them is more. This cost is then covered in the price you are expecting to pay for your puppy.
An ethical breeders costs involve better medical care, gaining ‘health certification’ for each puppy along with regular health testing.
Puppies from better breeders also typically includes and covers initial vaccinations and worming.
Medical expenses are known to cost up to $100 per puppy, which is then factored into the price when you purchase your puppy.
Additionally, ethical breeders should be feeding higher quality food, socializing the litter from a young age, screening each dog etc.
These are some things to consider when you research for your breeder.
Generally, the cheaper the puppy, the less likely that these aspects are in place.
Therefore, if you are looking for a fully registered, purebred Dachsund puppy, expect to pay a higher price.
These puppies can cost anywhere in the range of $700 to $1,300.
It is worth noting that there are many benefits to opting for this route.
The main benefit is that these dogs are bred by experienced dachshund breeders. You can rest assured, knowing that the health of these dogs will be more guaranteed.
This is because ethical breeding practices also ensure that no dogs are bred together with health concerns, challenges, or that is identified in their lineage.
Premium Dachshunds usually sell for between $1,300 and $4,000. Dachshunds from this category possess a champion bloodline, and they are expensive because they are rare.
They are also very likely to have a much better start in life, with greater attention to detail, medical support, and so on.
It is important to consider that the dachshund breed is also raised for hunting. You need to take this into consideration when seeking out a breeder.
Identify what each litter is being bred for; of course, you are looking for breeders who are selling their dogs to be kept as pets.
Hunting dachshunds are bred for strength, toughness, courage, and aggression. Therefore, these traits may not be suitable if you are looking to bring a dachshund into a young family.
Ultimately, when it comes to purchasing a dachshund, you want to research your breeder extensively. Do you due diligence ahead of time. Be aware that a more expensive dog is typically the better and safer route (but not always).
Consider that just because a dog comes in at a higher price does not guarantee that they were bred from a superior lineage, were raised adequately etc.
Proper research will ensure that you are not duped during this process.
Lastly, you do of course have the option to rescue a dachshund.
As these are popular and well-loved dogs, you should be able to find a local rescue organisation within your area.
When it comes to rescue, you are more likely to find an adult dachshund than a puppy.
Although it is possible to find puppies from time to time. Being patient and being able and willing to travel will also increase your chances if you are looking for a puppy.
Re-homing costs can range from free ($0) to $250. But, when a fee is present, this is usually because the dog has been taken care of. Examples of such care include: spaying/neutring, De-worming, training, flea/tick removal etc.
When it comes to adopting a dog from a rescue, just bear in mind that it is sometimes difficult or impossible to identify and find out the lineage of the dog.
They may have been bred from a backyard breeder or puppy mill and therefore they may be more susceptible to health issues later in life.
Equally, you do not know how they were raised and what their initial owners were like. It may have affected the temperament of the dog and they may not be suitable for a young family.
Again these are just considerations you will need to make. It is important as always to research the rescue and discuss your potential dog with them thoroughly.
Cost Of Owning And Caring For A Dachshund
Once you have found the right Dachshund for you, you must consider the things you need to buy.
Some things are used once; others are ongoing needs throughout your dogs life.
On average, one-time expenses for a dog is around $1,500, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
With this being said, this is an average. Your cost of ownership and looking after your Dachshund will depend on your dog’s particular needs, your location, and the vet clinic where you take them.
Let’s now take a look at the consistent and ongoing expenses for which you must prepare financially:
Food And Toys
Dachshunds may be smaller in stature compared to other breeds; however, they have an insatiable appetite for food.
As long as your pet is adequately nourished, you have nothing to worry about. Food and treats typically cost around $50 a month for your Dachshund. If your vet prescribes a special diet for your pet, this may increase to $100 a month.
When it comes to toys, there is no need to spend too much money. Dachshunds prefer physical exercise to playing with toys; most owners typically spend around $25 to $ 50 a year on toys.
Bedding And Grooming
Your Dachshund will need a cozy bed to lay their head, and you can make one or purchase a suitable bed designed for dogs, they typically cost between $50 to $100 for a proper bed.
When it comes to grooming, smaller dogs like the Dachshunds are easier to keep clean, making grooming fees low-cost.
If your Dachshund is the hairy variety, you could spend around $30 to $300 a year. You can keep costs down by grooming your Dachshund yourself.
Veterinary Expenses
Dachshunds are a healthy dog breed; however, they can develop back problems because of their stature.
Routine visits to your vet are a must to prevent health issues and deal with them before they become worse.
Veterinary care is among the most significant expense among this dog breed.
Wellness checks usually cost between $100 to $150, and this is done once or twice a year.
Labwork can cost an additional $100 to $300.
Dental care is a vital aspect of dog care, costing you between $200 to $500 a year.
Additionally, when you first get your pet you may want to pay for an initial veterinary exam. These generally cost around $80.
To prevent the chance of your dog contracting worms or ticks, you can pay around $10 per month for treatment to eradicate/prevent them.
Lastly, if you would like to spay or neuter your dachshund, this will cost you in the $200-$300 range. Sometimes, it can cost up to $500 depending on where you go.
Pet Insurance
As your dog grows older, the cost of vet visits is likely to increase; this is why you should purchase a pet insurance policy.
The cheapest policy is usually around $10 per month, with limited coverage. If you wish to buy a policy with better coverage, expect to pay between $30 to $50 per month.
Ramps
Around 25 % of Dachshunds are at risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), due to their sensitivity to back injuries. This is where damage occurs to the discs in their spines causing serious pain, severe damage or even paralysis if left untreated. Climbing/Jumping are generally the worst two known factors and offenders.
Therefore, it is advisable to invest in ramps for your home. Ramps help prevent injuries associated with jumping. A decent quality ramp can cost between $120 to $200 and should last you multiple years.
The above are just some of the expenses that you will most likely spend on your pet.
According to the ASPCA, pet owners spend more than $1,000 in the first year alone with initial expenses and $500 a year after.
According to one study, pet ownership could cost you as much as $42,000 for your pet’s entire lifetime.
Finally
No doubt, owning a Dachshund carries a substantial financial commitment.
However, as a dedicated pet owner, you want to do what is best for your Dachshund based on their needs.
You also want them to live a long, happy and healthy life, and investing in them will hopefully ensure that.
It is good to know the numbers before making a puppy a permanent member of your home.
With the right planning, love, and care, you will have an excellent dog in a dachshund. They make great family pets – they are intelligent, loyal, and great around young children.
I hope that you have found all the information you need to make an informed decision on this breed.
While they may seem expensive, consider that all dog breeds are.
Equally, paying more for a puppy initially and seeking out a more ethical, the better breeder is likely to result in a healthier dog and a less expensive one (in terms of potential medical bills) in the long term!
Oh and just consider their unique size, that will need consideration too!
Related Questions
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that a male or female dachshund is better or largely different. Both sexes can be affectionate and loyal, while also being a challenge to look after. The sex of the dog should not be a factor in your decision if you are looking for a difference in temperament. However, you should get the sex in which you feel most comfortable. Consider that females that have not been spayed will enter heat every 6 months (lasting for three weeks). During this time she will be able to fall pregnant. Males, do not go into the season but may attempt to escape and find a mate if left un-spayed. Either way, it is not recommended to own a dog that is able to reproduce (either male or female).
Owning 2 dachshunds is better for the dogs if you can both afford them, and be willing and able to look after them together. Dachshunds are pack animals that do best with frequent socialization. Whether or not you get both at the same time will depend on where you get them from, the individual temperaments of the dogs, and how settled they are.

I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.