How Much Is A Sausage Dog In Australia?
Even when they’re not dressed in never-not-funny hot dog costumes, Dachshunds are such good sports. Goofy, energetic and social, it’s no wonder why so many people choose them as canine companions.
But how much is a sausage dog and how does one get one? Let’s address that, as well as other things you need to know as a future Dachshund owner.
How Much Does a Dachshund Cost In Australia
Dachshunds are the sixth most popular dog breed in Australia (1). And as it goes, demand and supply affect the cost, among other things.
Related: The Best Dachshund Food.
So, how much are sausage dogs? In Australia, they can cost anywhere between $1000 and $5000. The price of each pup depends on a variety of factors.
Breeder
First of all, a breeder’s reputation affects Dachshund price. A good word travels far in the dog breeding business. That’s why breeders that prioritise the health and overall happiness of puppies over their profits are well known and highly regarded among their peers.
When you’re buying from a reputable breeder, you know that your puppy was raised with care. Aside from doing all the necessary health checkups, dog breeders take extra steps to socialise puppies during their early days.
“Even if this is not your first dog, remember, you are evaluating the person who will give your new baby the care it needs for the first 2 to 3 months of its life. You want to be sure that person cares about their well-being.” - Dr. Krista Vernaleken (2)
Furthermore, reputable breeders will encourage you to meet the dog’s parents, which will give you a good idea of how your puppy’s appearance and temperament might be as a grown dog.
Now, all this extra care comes at a cost. But when it comes to the wellbeing of young puppies, it is worth it.
Pedigree
Puppies from award-winning parents and grandparents are so-called “champion line puppies.” While it does sound pretty cool to have title winning ancestors, it doesn’t particularly mean your puppy will grow up to be a champion as well. In fact, it’s not guaranteed that your dog might even fit the standards.
But, if you plan on starting a dog breeding business yourself, then having a dog with a champion bloodline would increase the price of your puppies.
Appearance
Dachshunds come in three sizes: rabbit, miniature and standard-sized. But aside from size, they can also be categorised by their fur type, which can be smooth, long or wired. And then, of course, we have fur colours. There are as many as 15 Dachshund colours, with the most common being red, cream, chocolate and a black & tan combo.
Now, each of these characteristics determines the price of Dachshund puppies. Naturally, the most popular ones typically cost more. Smooth miniature Dachshunds are the most favoured type in Australia, making up almost half of the breed’s population in the country (3). Still, wired sausage dogs are typically more expensive than the other two, with their price commonly over $3000.
It’s worth noting that there are a few patterns and colours that are highly priced for their rarity. That’s the case with double dapple and piebalds, both of which are unrecognised by the ANKC. The reason they’re not accepted is that their unique fur is a result of a specific gene they carry. And although they’re beautiful, these dogs are more prone to health problems than other Dachshund types. This means that, along with their initially high price, these puppies also come with lengthy vet bills in the future.
Not every rare colour is a result of bad genes though. Long-haired sable Doxies, for instance, are very rare but have no known health issues related to the genetics of the coat colour.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the puppy’s gender also plays a role in determining the price. Generally, female dogs are priced higher, given they can give birth to many little Dachshunds in the future.
Health Checkups
As you know, vet bills can add up to a nice sum. That’s especially the case with Dachshunds, as there are a few diseases pups and/or their parents need to be screened for.
One such disease is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. PRA is a hereditary disease that affects a dog’s eyesight. Now, it’s worth noting that a dog can be a carrier of the gene that causes PRA and not be affected by it. That’s why parent testing for the disease is necessary, but adds up to the price of the litter.
Of course, puppies should also be dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped while still living with their mom, and all those medical costs will affect how much you need to pay.
How To Find A Dachshund Breeder
Since they’re so popular, it’s no wonder you can find a bunch of ads for Dachshund litters online. And like any aspiring dog parent, you surely want to find the perfect pup for your household. But, even if you’re set on getting a dog from a reputable breeder, how do you find one?
Well, your best bet is to go with an ANKC-registered breeder. Upon registration, these breeders get their Breeder Identification Number (BIN) or a Breeder Registration Number (BRN), which is proof of their accreditation. This number allows you to look them up on official breeder registries.
Now, ANKC is the official Australian breeder body, but each state also has its own state body. Checking their websites is a good place to start when searching for a reputable breeder. Alternatively, you can check out clubs like https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/ and https://rightpaw.com.au/, both of which have huge databases of Dachshund breeders.
Whether you go with the state or NGO breeder directory, the website will allow you to directly get in touch with them. From there, it’s up to you to find out the perfect pup for you. But don’t limit your communication to text or call, meet the breeder (and the dogs) in person. A reputable breeder should insist on that as well, as they would want to know their precious puppies are in good hands.
Adopt A Sausage Dog
One thing’s for sure, good companions aren’t defined by an impeccable pedigree and great genes. If you’re looking for a best friend, not a title-winning dog, consider adopting a Dachshund from a shelter. Unfortunately, there are many sausage dogs currently in shelters all over Australia, waiting for a new home. And maybe one of them could be your ideal match.
If you’re considering adopting, check out https://dachshundrescue.com.au/ and https://d2dr.org.au/. Both of which are registered, non-profit rescue groups dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Dachshunds. Alternatively, https://www.adoptapet.com.au/ has a huge directory of dogs in shelters all around the country, so you can search for a Doxie there. Finally, your local shelters might be where you find your sausage dog.
Final Thoughts
Being one of the most popular breeds in Australia, finding a puppy won’t be hard. But the price of the dog will vary depending on their bloodline, appearance, litter size and other factors.
However, you don’t necessarily need to pay a great sum for a loyal companion. Dachshunds from shelters are also good boys and girls who would make a great addition to the household.
Check out our breed cost breakdowns below:
References
- “Most Popular Dog Breeds In Australia Revealed In Brand New Survey.” January 17, 2023. Star 104.5. Retrieved April 09, 2023. https://www.star1045.com.au/home/most-popular-dog-breeds-in-australia-revealed-in-brand-new-survey/
- Vernaleken, K. June 15, 2020. “Checklist for Buying a Puppy from a Reputable Breeder.” Ethos Veterinary Health. Retrieved April 09, 2023. https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/buying-a-puppy-from-a-reputable-breeder/
- “National Animal Registration Analysis.” Dogs Australia. Retrieved April 09, 2023. https://dogsaustralia.org.au/media/9962/rego-stats-list_2018-2022.pdf
We have our female wire haired mini daschund on heat and looking to mate her with a black and tan mini daschund. We aren't a registered breeder or have papers. Just wondering how much is recommended to sell the puppies for if she becomes pregnant.