How to Choose the Right Dachshund Puppy for Your Family

Choosing a Dachshund puppy is an exciting decision that will impact your life for the next 12-16 years. This comprehensive guide will help you select the perfect puppy for your family, lifestyle, and expectations.

Understanding Your Lifestyle Needs

Before you even start looking at puppies, honestly assess your lifestyle and what you can offer a dog.

Activity Level

• Dachshunds are moderately active dogs. Consider:
• Can you provide daily walks?
• Do you have time for play sessions?
• Are you home enough to meet a puppy's needs?
• Do you enjoy outdoor activities?

Living Situation

• Dachshunds adapt well to various living situations:
• Apartments: Yes, but need regular outdoor time
• Houses with yards: Ideal, but yard must be secure
• Stairs: Can be problematic for their backs
• Climate: They get cold easily and may resist going out in bad weather

Family Composition

• **With Children:**
• Best with children 8+ years old
• Young children may accidentally hurt them
• Teach children proper handling
• Supervise all interactions

• **With Other Pets:**
• Generally good with other dogs if socialized
• May have high prey drive with small pets
• Introductions must be gradual and supervised
• Consider the other pet's temperament

Time Commitment

• Puppies require significant time:
• Potty training: Every 2-3 hours initially
• Training sessions: Multiple short sessions daily
• Exercise: At least 30-60 minutes daily
• Grooming: Varies by coat type
• Companionship: Dachshunds don't do well alone for long periods

Choosing Coat Type

Dachshunds come in three coat varieties, each with different care needs and personalities.

Smooth Coat

• **Characteristics:**
• Short, sleek coat
• Minimal grooming needs
• Weekly brushing sufficient
• May need sweaters in cold weather

• **Personality Tendencies:**
• Often described as more independent
• Can be more stubborn
• Typically very affectionate
• May be more vocal

• **Best For:**
• People wanting low-maintenance grooming
• Warmer climates
• First-time Dachshund owners

Longhaired

• **Characteristics:**
• Flowing, silky coat
• Requires regular brushing (3-4 times weekly)
• Prone to matting without care
• Feathering on ears, legs, and tail

• **Personality Tendencies:**
• Often calmer and more laid-back
• Typically gentler temperament
• May be less vocal
• Often more patient with children

• **Best For:**
• People who enjoy grooming
• Families with children
• Those wanting a calmer temperament
• People who don't mind regular grooming costs

Wirehaired

• **Characteristics:**
• Rough, wiry outer coat
• Soft undercoat
• Requires hand-stripping or clipping
• Distinctive beard and eyebrows

• **Personality Tendencies:**
• Often the most outgoing
• Typically very playful
• May be more mischievous
• Often friendliest with strangers

• **Best For:**
• Active families
• People wanting a more outgoing dog
• Those willing to learn specialized grooming
• Experienced dog owners

Size Considerations: Miniature vs. Standard

• **Miniature Dachshunds:**
• Weight: Under 11 pounds
• Height: 5-6 inches
• More fragile, especially as puppies
• May be more difficult to potty train
• Better for apartments
• May be more prone to small dog syndrome
• Need extra care around children and larger dogs

• **Standard Dachshunds:**
• Weight: 16-32 pounds
• Height: 8-9 inches
• More sturdy and robust
• Slightly easier to potty train
• Better with active families
• More tolerant of children
• Can handle rougher play

Color and Pattern

While color shouldn't be the primary factor, it's worth understanding:

• **Common Colors:**
• Red (most common)
• Black and tan
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Blue and tan (dilute, may have health issues)
• Isabella (fawn, dilute, may have health issues)

• **Patterns:**
• Dapple (merle pattern)
• Brindle
• Piebald (white with patches)
• Sable

• **Health Considerations:**
• Double dapples (two dapple parents) often have serious health issues
• Dilute colors (blue, Isabella) may have skin and coat problems
• Responsible breeders avoid breeding combinations that cause health issues

Evaluating Puppies

When you visit a litter, observe carefully:

Health Indicators

• **Physical Health:**
• Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)
• Clean ears (no odor or excessive wax)
• Healthy coat (shiny, no bald patches)
• Clean rear end
• Good body condition (not too thin or fat)
• Energetic and playful
• No coughing, sneezing, or labored breathing

• **Red Flags:**
• Lethargy or weakness
• Bloated belly (could indicate worms)
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Limping or difficulty moving
• Excessive scratching
• Dull, dry coat

Temperament Assessment

• **Observe the Puppy:**
• How do they interact with littermates?
• Are they confident or shy?
• Do they approach you or hang back?
• How do they react to new stimuli?
• Are they overly aggressive or submissive?

Simple Tests:

• **Confidence Test:**
• Clap your hands gently
• Confident puppy: Curious, approaches
• Shy puppy: Backs away, hides
• Balanced puppy: Startles briefly, then investigates

• **Sociability Test:**
• Sit on the floor and call the puppy
• Good sign: Comes readily, wants to interact
• Concern: Completely ignores you or seems fearful

• **Handling Test:**
• Gently pick up and hold the puppy
• Good sign: Relaxes or wiggles happily
• Concern: Struggles frantically or seems terrified

• **Toy Test:**
• Roll a toy or ball
• Good sign: Shows interest, may chase
• Concern: No interest or extreme fear

Personality Types

• **The Bold Puppy:**
• First to explore
• Confident and outgoing
• May be more challenging to train
• Best for experienced owners
• Needs firm, consistent training

• **The Balanced Puppy:**
• Moderately confident
• Friendly but not overwhelming
• Curious but cautious
• Best for most families
• Easiest to train

• **The Shy Puppy:**
• Hangs back from new experiences
• May hide behind littermates
• Needs patient, gentle handling
• Best for quiet households
• Requires extra socialization

**Important:** Don't automatically choose the boldest or shyest puppy. The balanced puppy in the middle often makes the best family pet.

Questions to Ask the Breeder

A responsible breeder will welcome your questions:

• **About the Parents:**
• Can I meet the mother (and father if available)?
• What are their temperaments like?
• Have they been health tested?
• Any history of IVDD or other health issues in the line?
• What are their ages?

• **About the Puppies:**
• How old are the puppies?
• Have they been vet checked?
• What vaccinations have they received?
• Have they been dewormed?
• What socialization have they received?
• What are they eating?

• **About the Breeder:**
• How long have you been breeding?
• Are you involved in dog shows or performance events?
• Can you provide references?
• What health guarantee do you offer?
• Will you take the dog back if needed?
• Do you have a contract?

• **Red Flags:**
• Breeder won't let you visit
• Can't meet the mother
• Puppies seem unhealthy or fearful
• Breeding facility is dirty or smells bad
• Multiple litters available at once
• Breeder knows little about the breed
• No health testing or guarantees
• Pressure to buy immediately
• Willing to sell puppies under 8 weeks old

The Breeder's Environment

Pay attention to where the puppies are raised:

• **Good Signs:**
• Clean, well-maintained facility
• Puppies raised in the home
• Exposure to household sounds and activities
• Toys and enrichment provided
• Mother is calm and friendly
• Breeder is knowledgeable and passionate

• **Concerns:**
• Outdoor-only kennels
• Dirty or smelly conditions
• Puppies seem isolated
• Mother is aggressive or fearful
• Multiple breeds being bred
• Commercial breeding operation feel

Male vs. Female

Both make wonderful pets, but there are some differences:

• **Males:**
• Typically 1-2 pounds heavier
• May be more affectionate and cuddly
• Can be more territorial
• May mark if not neutered
• Sometimes easier to train
• May be more playful throughout life

• **Females:**
• Typically slightly smaller
• May be more independent
• Can be moodier
• Heat cycles if not spayed
• Sometimes more stubborn
• May be more reserved with strangers

**Important:** Individual personality matters more than sex. Spaying/neutering also minimizes many sex-related behaviors.

Special Considerations

• **For Families with Children:**
• Choose a confident, friendly puppy
• Avoid overly shy or aggressive puppies
• Consider a longhaired for gentler temperament
• Standard size may be more durable
• Ensure children understand proper handling

• **For First-Time Dog Owners:**
• Choose a balanced, easy-going puppy
• Smooth coat for easier grooming
• Work with a breeder who offers support
• Consider puppy training classes
• Be prepared for the stubborn streak

• **For Active Families:**
• Choose an energetic, confident puppy
• Wirehaired may be most playful
• Standard size for more stamina
• Still remember back care limitations
• Provide mental stimulation too

• **For Seniors:**
• Choose a calmer puppy
• Longhaired often more laid-back
• Miniature may be easier to handle
• Consider an older puppy or young adult
• Ensure you can meet exercise needs

Making the Final Decision

**Trust Your Instincts:** Sometimes a puppy just feels right. If you've done your research and the puppy is healthy, trust your gut.

**Don't Rush:** It's okay to wait for the right puppy. A good breeder will have a waiting list, and it's worth the wait.

**Consider the Long Term:** This puppy will be with you for 12-16 years. Choose based on long-term compatibility, not just cuteness.

**Be Honest:** If a puppy isn't right for you, it's okay to say no. The breeder will appreciate your honesty.

Preparing for Your Puppy

Once you've chosen your puppy:

• **Before Bringing Puppy Home:**
• Puppy-proof your home
• Purchase supplies (crate, food, toys, etc.)
• Find a veterinarian
• Arrange time off work if possible
• Set up a designated puppy area
• Plan your training approach

• **First Days Home:**
• Keep things calm and quiet
• Establish routine immediately
• Begin crate training
• Start potty training
• Limit visitors initially
• Schedule vet appointment

Red Flags to Avoid

• **Puppy Mills and Pet Stores:**
• Puppies from unknown sources
• No health testing
• Poor socialization
• Higher risk of health and behavior problems
• No breeder support

• **Backyard Breeders:**
• Breeding without health testing
• Little knowledge of breed standards
• No involvement in dog community
• Breeding primarily for profit
• No health guarantees or contracts

• **Online Scams:**
• Prices too good to be true
• Won't video chat or let you visit
• Pressure to send money quickly
• Shipping puppies sight unseen
• No verifiable references

The Bottom Line

• Choosing the right Dachshund puppy involves:
• Understanding your lifestyle and needs
• Researching coat types and sizes
• Finding a responsible breeder
• Evaluating puppy health and temperament
• Asking the right questions
• Trusting your instincts
• Being patient for the right match

The time you invest in choosing the right puppy will pay off with years of companionship, love, and joy. A well-matched Dachshund will become an integral part of your family, bringing laughter, loyalty, and endless entertainment to your life.

Remember, you're not just choosing a puppy—you're choosing a family member who will share your life for over a decade. Make the choice thoughtfully, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most loving, entertaining, and devoted companions you could ask for.