Dachshund insurance and breed information
Stubborn, yet sweet, the Dachshund is well known for its 'sausage-like' appearance. Fiercely loyal, this breed forms strong family bonds and enjoys lots of playtime.
At a glance
About 1 hour of exercise per day
Life expectancy of 12 to 16 years
Small, between 7kg and 15kg
Alert, curious, playful
About 1 hour of exercise per day
Life expectancy of 12 to 16 years
Small, between 7kg and 15kg
Alert, curious, playful
Dachshund – an outgoing and affectionate family favourite
Don't be fooled by their size; Dachshunds have big personalities. They are loyal, bold and affectionate companions with a lot of energy. Their playful nature and small stature make them a strong choice for families.
Are you looking for insurance for your Dachshund?
Buying or rehoming a Dachshund
If you’re bringing home a Dachshund, you’ll want to go to a responsible breeder. Or you can adopt a rescue. In either case, it’s best to prepare for their arrival. Consider the following:
- Make sure your home is safe. Remove anything you don’t want chewed, or that could be a choking hazard
- Decide on the best diet for your Dachshund and buy some food
- Go to a pet store and buy essentials like a collar, ID tag, lead, dog bowls and a bed
- Speak to everyone in your household and prepare them for your dog’s arrival. Children need advice on how to behave with and around a new dog
- Check your garden and make sure there is nowhere for your Dachshund to escape. Look for holes in fencing or gaps in bushes
- Dachshunds can have short, long or wiry coats. Each variation requires a different amount of maintenance. Learn how to groom your dog at home
- Despite their small size, Dachshunds have a lot of energy. Learn about their exercise needs, including walks, running and play
- Consider pet insurance, it could help with potential vet fees
Fun fact
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. Dachshund means ‘badger dog’ in German.
Top 5 health conditions in Dachshunds
We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions for Dachshunds. These are based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims.
Condition | Number of claims | Average paid out |
|---|---|---|
41 | £569.11 | |
31 | £1,127.47 | |
31 | £1,171.18 | |
31 | £3,893.14 | |
23 | £833.62 |
Common health issues and problems in Dachshunds
Dachshunds have the potential for a very long life and happy life. Some have been known to live for over 20 years.
As with most breeds, they can be more prone to certain health conditions. This could be due to their genetics, build and commonalities in the breed.
Click on the hotspots for more information on common health issues affecting Dachshunds. Information provided by our in-house vet team (November 2023).
How are premiums likely to grow for older Dachshunds?
As your dog ages, they will become more expensive to insure. Regardless of breed, older dogs are likely to need more veterinary care. If your dogs breed is prone to health conditions, it’s more probable they will develop them as they get older.
The Dachshunds long body and short legs can make them susceptible to IVDD. There are also hereditary conditions to consider, such as hip dysplasia. Older Dachshunds are increasingly likely to develop issues, so the premiums go up. It can also make them more expensive to insure compared to other breeds, such as Labradors.
Dachshund temperament and family friendliness
Dachshunds are a typically family-friendly breed due to their fun and energetic demeanour. They are a faithful and loyal breed and get lots of joy from spending time with their family.
Dachshunds can get snappy if play is too rough, they can also bark – a lot. A family with older children is best suited. Every family member must understand how to interact with your dog safely. To build a strong bond, it’s a great idea to have everyone in the household get involved with some training.
Family friendly
- Intelligent
- Faithful
- Playful
- Energetic
