Dachshund Puppies for Sale: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Finding dachshund puppies for sale can be exciting, but it's crucial to make informed decisions to ensure you bring home a healthy, well-bred puppy. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of finding and purchasing your perfect dachshund companion.

Where to Find Dachshund Puppies for Sale

Reputable Breeders

• The best source for dachshund puppies for sale is a responsible, ethical breeder who:
• Health tests all breeding dogs
• Provides health guarantees
• Socializes puppies from birth
• Offers lifetime support
• Breeds for health and temperament, not just profit

• **How to Find Reputable Breeders:**
• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace
• Dachshund Club of America breeder referral
• Local dachshund breed clubs
• Dog shows and events
• Veterinarian recommendations
• Word of mouth from other dachshund owners

Rescue Organizations

• Consider adopting from dachshund-specific rescues:
• Lower cost than buying from breeders
• Adult dogs with known personalities
• Already spayed/neutered and vaccinated
• Saving a life
• Still get purebred dachshunds

• **Finding Rescues:**
• Dachshund Rescue of North America
• Local breed-specific rescues
• Petfinder.com
• Adopt-a-Pet.com

Red Flags: Avoiding Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders

Warning Signs of Puppy Mills

• **Avoid sellers who:**
• Have multiple breeds available
• Always have puppies ready to go
• Won't let you visit their facility
• Ship puppies without meeting you
• Sell puppies younger than 8 weeks
• Can't provide health testing documentation
• Offer no health guarantee
• Pressure you to buy immediately
• Advertise heavily online with low prices

Backyard Breeder Red Flags

• - No health testing of parents
• Breeding dogs with genetic issues
• Multiple litters per year
• No knowledge of breed standards
• Can't answer health questions
• No screening of buyers
• No contract or guarantee

What to Expect from Reputable Breeders

Initial Contact

• Good breeders will:
• Ask YOU many questions
• Want to know about your lifestyle
• Require an application
• May have a waiting list
• Invite you to visit
• Provide references

Health Testing Documentation

• Responsible breeders test for:
• IVDD genetic markers
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Cardiac issues
• Patellar luxation
• Other breed-specific conditions

• **Ask to see:**
• OFA or PennHIP results
• CERF eye examination certificates
• Genetic testing results
• Veterinary health certificates

Puppy Socialization

• Quality breeders socialize puppies by:
• Handling daily from birth
• Exposing to household sounds
• Introducing to different people
• Starting crate training
• Beginning potty training
• Providing various toys and experiences

Pricing: What's Fair for Dachshund Puppies?

Typical Price Ranges

**Standard Dachshunds:** $800 - $2,000 **Miniature Dachshunds:** $1,000 - $2,500 **Rare colors/patterns:** May cost more

• **Factors Affecting Price:**
• Breeder reputation and experience
• Health testing performed
• Coat type (longhair often costs more)
• Color and pattern rarity
• Show quality vs. pet quality
• Geographic location
• Registration papers

What's Included in the Price?

• Reputable breeders typically include:
• First vaccinations
• Deworming treatments
• Veterinary health check
• Microchip
• AKC registration papers
• Health guarantee (typically 2 years)
• Starter kit (food, toys, information)
• Lifetime breeder support

Beware of Extremely Low Prices

• If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Very low prices often indicate:
• No health testing
• Poor breeding practices
• Puppy mill operations
• Health problems
• No support after purchase

Questions to Ask Breeders

About the Parents

1. Can I meet the mother and see information about the father? 2. What are their temperaments like? 3. What health testing have they undergone? 4. How old are the parents? 5. How many litters has the mother had?

About the Puppies

1. How old are the puppies? 2. What socialization have they received? 3. Have they been vet checked? 4. What vaccinations have they had? 5. Are they microchipped? 6. What's their current diet?

About Health and Guarantees

1. What health guarantee do you provide? 2. What genetic conditions are covered? 3. What happens if my puppy develops a genetic condition? 4. Do you require spay/neuter for pet-quality puppies? 5. What ongoing support do you offer?

About the Breeder

1. How long have you been breeding dachshunds? 2. Are you a member of breed clubs? 3. Can you provide references? 4. What is your return policy? 5. Do you stay in touch with puppy buyers?

The Purchase Process

Step 1: Application

Complete the breeder's application honestly. They want to ensure good matches.

Step 2: Interview

Expect a phone call or in-person meeting. This is mutual - you're interviewing them too!

Step 3: Deposit

If accepted, you'll typically pay a deposit ($200-$500) to reserve a puppy.

Step 4: Waiting

You may wait weeks or months for your puppy. Use this time to prepare!

Step 5: Selection

Some breeders let you choose; others match puppies to families based on temperament.

Step 6: Pickup

• Visit to pick up your puppy (reputable breeders rarely ship). Bring:
• Crate or carrier
• Collar and leash
• Payment for balance

Step 7: Contract

• Review and sign the purchase contract. It should include:
• Health guarantee terms
• Spay/neuter requirements
• Return policy
• Breeder's responsibilities
• Your responsibilities

Preparing for Your New Puppy

Before Pickup

• - Puppy-proof your home
• Buy supplies
• Find a veterinarian
• Schedule first vet visit
• Plan time off work
• Research training methods

First Days Home

• - Keep environment calm
• Establish routine immediately
• Begin potty training
• Start crate training
• Allow adjustment time
• Schedule vet visit within 72 hours

Online Puppy Sales: Proceed with Caution

Legitimate Online Listings

• Some reputable breeders advertise online, but they will:
• Require video calls
• Insist on meeting you
• Provide extensive documentation
• Have verifiable references
• Never ship without meeting you

Scam Warning Signs

• - Only communicate via email/text
• Request payment via wire transfer
• Offer to ship immediately
• Have no phone number
• Use stock photos
• Price is suspiciously low
• Pressure for quick decision

Alternative: Adopting Adult Dachshunds

Benefits of Adult Dogs

• - Personality is established
• Often already trained
• Past the destructive puppy stage
• May be calmer
• Still bond strongly with new owners

Where to Find Adult Dachshunds

• - Breed-specific rescues
• Local shelters
• Breeders retiring show dogs
• Owner surrenders

Making the Final Decision

Is This the Right Breeder?

• **Green Lights:**
• Extensive health testing
• Clean, appropriate facilities
• Well-socialized, healthy puppies
• Knowledgeable and helpful
• Provides references
• Offers ongoing support
• You feel comfortable and confident

• **Red Flags:**
• Won't answer questions
• Defensive or evasive
• Dirty or inappropriate conditions
• Unhealthy-looking dogs
• Pressure tactics
• No health guarantee
• Your gut says something's wrong

Is This the Right Puppy?

• Consider:
• Temperament matches your lifestyle
• Appears healthy and active
• Appropriate age (at least 8 weeks)
• You feel a connection
• Breeder recommends this puppy for you

After Purchase Support

What to Expect from Your Breeder

• Good breeders provide:
• Answers to questions anytime
• Help with training issues
• Support during health concerns
• Interest in puppy's development
• Willingness to take dog back if needed

Building a Relationship

• - Send updates and photos
• Ask questions when needed
• Follow their advice
• Maintain contact over the years
• Refer others to them

The Bottom Line

Finding dachshund puppies for sale requires research, patience, and careful evaluation. Work with reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and proper socialization. While the process may take time and cost more upfront, you'll be rewarded with a healthy, well-adjusted companion for years to come.

Remember: A responsible breeder is your partner in your dachshund's lifelong health and happiness. Choose wisely, and you'll gain not just a puppy, but a support system for your dog's entire life.