Dachshund Puppy Prices: Complete Cost Guide for 2025

Understanding dachshund puppy prices helps you budget appropriately and recognize fair pricing from reputable breeders. This comprehensive guide breaks down costs and explains what you're paying for.

Average Dachshund Puppy Prices

Standard Price Ranges

• **Pet Quality Puppies:**
• Standard Dachshunds: $800 - $1,500
• Miniature Dachshunds: $1,000 - $2,000
• Average: $1,200 - $1,800

• **Show Quality Puppies:**
• Standard Dachshunds: $2,000 - $3,500
• Miniature Dachshunds: $2,500 - $4,000
• Top bloodlines: $4,000+

• **Breeding Rights:**
• Add $500 - $2,000 to pet price
• Requires additional contracts
• Higher standards required

Regional Price Variations

• **Higher Cost Areas:**
• Major metropolitan cities
• California, New York, Florida
• Areas with high demand
• Limited breeder availability

• **Lower Cost Areas:**
• Rural locations
• Midwest and South
• More breeder competition
• Lower cost of living

**Price Difference:** Can vary by $500-$1,000 based on location alone.

Factors Affecting Dachshund Puppy Prices

Breeder Reputation and Experience

• **Established Breeders:**
• Years of experience
• Proven track record
• Show wins and titles
• Excellent references
• Higher prices justified

• **New Breeders:**
• Building reputation
• May charge less initially
• Still may be excellent
• Verify health testing

Health Testing

• **Comprehensive Testing Costs:**
• IVDD genetic screening: $200-$300
• Eye exams (CERF): $50-$100
• Cardiac evaluation: $100-$200
• Hip/elbow screening: $200-$400
• DNA testing: $100-$200

**Total per breeding dog:** $650-$1,200

**Why It Matters:** Breeders who invest in health testing charge more, but you're paying for peace of mind and healthier puppies.

Coat Type

• **Price by Coat:**
• Smooth: Usually least expensive
• Longhair: $100-$300 more
• Wirehair: $200-$500 more (rarest)

• **Why the Difference:**
• Rarity affects price
• Grooming requirements
• Demand levels
• Breeding challenges

Color and Pattern

• **Standard Colors:**
• Red: Most common, standard price
• Black and tan: Standard price
• Chocolate and tan: Slightly higher

• **Rare Colors:**
• Cream: $200-$500 more
• Blue and tan: $300-$600 more
• Isabella: $500-$1,000 more

• **Patterns:**
• Dapple: $200-$500 more
• Piebald: $200-$400 more
• Double dapple: Avoid (health issues)

**Important:** Never pay premium for double dapple—these puppies often have serious health problems.

Size

• **Miniature vs. Standard:**
• Miniatures typically cost $200-$500 more
• Higher demand for small dogs
• More challenging to breed
• Apartment-friendly appeal

**"Teacup" Warning:** Extremely small "teacup" dachshunds often have health issues. Reputable breeders don't breed for extreme sizes.

Registration Papers

• **AKC Registration:**
• Usually included in price
• Adds $50-$100 value
• Proves purebred status
• Required for showing

• **Without Papers:**
• $200-$500 less
• Still purebred
• Can't show or breed
• Fine for pets

Age

• **8-12 Week Puppies:**
• Standard price
• Peak cuteness
• Full socialization time

• **Older Puppies (4-6 months):**
• Often discounted $200-$500
• More training
• Personality established
• Past difficult puppy stage

• **Adult Dogs:**
• Significantly reduced
• Retired show dogs
• Returned dogs
• Great option for many

What's Included in the Price?

Standard Inclusions

• **Health Care:**
• First vaccinations
• Deworming (multiple treatments)
• Veterinary health check
• Health certificate
• Microchip

• **Documentation:**
• AKC registration papers
• Pedigree (3-5 generations)
• Health guarantee (typically 2 years)
• Vaccination records
• Health testing results of parents

• **Supplies:**
• Small bag of puppy food
• Blanket with mother's scent
• Toy
• Information packet
• Training tips

• **Support:**
• Lifetime breeder support
• Training advice
• Health guidance
• Return policy

Additional Costs

• **Not Usually Included:**
• Spay/neuter ($200-$500)
• Additional vaccinations
• Microchip registration fee
• Training classes
• Supplies and equipment

Red Flags in Pricing

Too Cheap

• **Warning Signs:**
• Prices under $500
• "Discount" puppies
• Bulk pricing
• Urgent sales

• **What It Means:**
• Puppy mill
• Backyard breeder
• No health testing
• Poor breeding practices
• Likely health problems

Too Expensive

• **Unjustified High Prices:**
• Over $4,000 for pet quality
• Premium for "rare" colors that aren't rare
• Charging extra for "teacup" size
• No health testing to justify price

• **When High Prices Are Justified:**
• Exceptional show bloodlines
• Extensive health testing
• Proven breeding program
• Show wins and titles
• Truly rare coat type (wirehair)

Hidden Costs of Ownership

First Year Expenses

• **Initial Setup:**
• Supplies: $200-$400
• Crate, bed, bowls, toys, etc.

• **Veterinary Care:**
• Remaining vaccinations: $100-$200
• Spay/neuter: $200-$500
• Wellness exams: $100-$200
• Preventatives: $200-$300

• **Training:**
• Puppy classes: $100-$300
• Private training: $50-$150/session

• **Food:**
• Quality puppy food: $200-$400/year

• **Grooming:**
• Smooth coat: $0-$100
• Longhair: $200-$400
• Wirehair: $300-$500

**Total First Year:** $2,500-$4,500 (including puppy purchase)

Annual Costs

• **Ongoing Expenses:**
• Food: $200-$400
• Vet care: $300-$500
• Preventatives: $200-$300
• Grooming: $0-$400
• Toys/supplies: $100-$200
• Pet insurance: $300-$600 (optional)

**Annual Total:** $1,100-$2,400

Financing Options

Payment Plans

• **Some Breeders Offer:**
• Deposit to reserve
• Installments before pickup
• Final payment at pickup

• **Typical Terms:**
• 50% deposit
• Balance due at pickup
• No interest
• Non-refundable deposit

Pet Financing

• **Third-Party Options:**
• Care Credit
• Scratch Pay
• Pet financing companies

• **Considerations:**
• Interest rates
• Credit requirements
• Payment terms
• Total cost

Saving for a Puppy

• **Budget Planning:**
• Set monthly savings goal
• Account for all costs
• Build emergency fund
• Plan for first year expenses

Adoption Alternative

Rescue Costs

• **Adoption Fees:**
• $200-$500 typically
• Includes spay/neuter
• Current on vaccinations
• Often microchipped

• **Benefits:**
• Lower cost
• Saving a life
• Adult personality known
• Often already trained

• **Finding Rescues:**
• Dachshund-specific rescues
• Local shelters
• Petfinder.com
• Adopt-a-Pet.com

Making the Investment

Is It Worth It?

• **What You're Paying For:**
• Health testing of parents
• Proper socialization
• Quality care and nutrition
• Breeder expertise
• Ongoing support
• Health guarantee
• Peace of mind

• **Long-Term Value:**
• Healthier puppy
• Fewer vet bills
• Better temperament
• Breeder support
• 12-16 years of companionship

Budgeting Tips

• **Before Buying:**
• Save for purchase price
• Budget for first year costs
• Build emergency fund ($1,000+)
• Consider pet insurance
• Plan for ongoing expenses

• **Cost-Saving Strategies:**
• Buy supplies gradually
• Shop sales
• DIY grooming (smooth coats)
• Preventive health care
• Training at home

The Bottom Line

Dachshund puppy prices reflect the breeder's investment in health testing, quality care, and proper breeding practices. While $1,200-$1,800 may seem expensive, you're paying for a healthy, well-socialized puppy from tested parents with ongoing breeder support.

Extremely low prices often indicate puppy mills or backyard breeders, leading to higher costs in vet bills and heartache. Extremely high prices should be justified by exceptional bloodlines and extensive health testing.

Budget for the full cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. A well-bred dachshund puppy is an investment in 12-16 years of companionship, and choosing quality over price pays dividends in health, temperament, and peace of mind.