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Dachshund Adoption

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What do you need to know before you adopt a Dachshund? We asked the experts!
 

Canadian Dachshund Rescue says:

Dachshunds are fun, curious dogs that make loving and loyal family pets.  Their iconic long bodies can be prone to back issues, so jumping from furniture and the use of stairs should be discouraged.  Sometimes referred to as stubborn, these hunting dogs can be quite strong-willed.  Patience may be required for housetraining.  Due to their size, shape and personality, Dachshunds are often best-suited for homes with children over the age of 12.

Dachshund Rescue NW & Dachshund Club of Spokane says:

These are some of the basics I tell adopters when they come to our dog rescue when thinking about getting a "wiener dog" for the first time:

Hunting dogs like Dachshunds were not well suited for apartments. They were bred to run and hunt badgers and wolverines, so we never adopt them to children under age 7.  Try to limit their prey in the household including birds, ferrets, hamsters, cats or anything that runs.  

Doing your research before adopting is important. Dachshunds are prone to back issues and if they are too fat they could run into those problems much sooner. Not all Dachshunds will develop IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) but we have noticed many folks are surprised about this, since they never did any research before they bought a cute Dachshund puppy.

Please be aware that Dachshunds were bred to hunt in packs or alone.  That "or alone" part means they are way too smart for their owners.  They may be difficult to housetrain, and need a strong human leader to train them. This is a very happy go lucky, playful opinionated breed of dogs.  If folks expect them to obey them 24/7 they might want to find another breed.  We are very lucky the Dachshunds allow us to live in their homes.

Dachshunds are very funny dogs who need people with a toy budget (and, preferably, lots of toys with squeakers).  

Because the Dachshund was bred to hunt things underground they love dirt.  Do not be concerned if they dig holes in your yard because they is exactly what they were bred to do.

Dachshunds that do not have a job will keep themselves entertained, if you get our meaning, so be prepared to adopt a very needy child and keep ahead of them or they can be destructive, willful and noisy.  We keep our dogs working so they are way too tired to be naughty when inside.

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Find a Dachshund available near you!

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More about the Dachshund

Thinking about adopting a Dachshund puppy? Here are three reasons to adopt an adult instead:

1. You have kids.

Like most people, you’ve probably heard time and again that if you have kids, you should adopt a Dachshund puppy (or, gasp! find a Dachshund puppy for sale). The rationale is that an adult shelter dog is an unknown quantity, so buying or adopting a Dachshund puppy is safer. Actually, the opposite is closer to the truth. Puppies are not usually a great choice with kids; they have very limited control over their biting/mouthing impulses, and when you mix that with lots of energy and unbelievably sharp little teeth, it’s a recipe for your small fry to be in tears.  Puppies are tiny chewing machines and can destroy a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket in short order.  Adult dogs, on the other hand, are generally calmer, and their personalities are already fully developed and on display.  When you meet an adult dog, you can see how they are with kids and with other animals.  This takes the guesswork out of wondering how a puppy will turn out as a full-grown dog.

2.  You value your possessions.

Puppies teethe.  They have a biological need to chew, they want to play constantly, and they can’t discriminate between appropriate chew toys and, say, your favorite pair of Manolos.  Puppies eventually can be trained out of this behavior, of course, and there are exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking, an adult Dachshund (or any adult dog) is much less likely to shred your drapes like coleslaw or function as a “helpful” canine document shredder.

3.  You work, or otherwise leave the house.

Pop quiz: how often does a two-month-old puppy need to be taken out to do his business during the day?  A) every six hours; B) every eight hours; or C) every two hours?

If you answered B, or even A, you’re an eternal optimist! The correct answer, though, is C: every two hours. When you’re housetraining a puppy, the general rule of thumb is that they can hold their bladder one hour for each month they’ve been alive (up to a max of about eight to ten hours).  So a three-month-old Dachshund puppy needs to go outside every three hours, a four-month-old needs to go every four hours, and so on.  If you’re retired, or you work from home, or you’re taking the puppy to work with you or to a doggy daycare (make sure your puppy is up-to-date on all vaccines before considering that last option), great! But if you’re planning on leaving your dog alone during your workday, you’ll definitely want to adopt a full-grown dog, ideally from a Dachshund rescue that can help you find the right dog for your lifestyle.

Let’s bust these myths about adopting a Dachshund

Time to get real: when we ask people what reservations they have about Dachshund adoption, we hear the same things over and over again.  If you’re operating under any of these mistaken beliefs, you just might be missing out on meeting the best friend you’ll ever have.   So it’s time for us to set the record straight:

  • You CAN find purebred Dachshunds for adoption in an animal shelter or rescue group.
  • Dachshunds and Dachshund puppies for adoption are NOT in any way inferior to or different from those for sale.
  • The dogs in the shelter are NOT there because they’re bad dogs.
  • If you want a puppy, you DON’T have to buy a Dachshund puppy.  Dachshund puppies ARE available for adoption.
  • If you have children, adopting a dog is likely the SAFEST option.

Here’s the truth: you absolutely can find a Dachshund, even a Dachshund puppy, for adoption in an animal shelter or rescue group.  And they don’t end up there because they’re bad dogs.  In fact, often the only difference between the dog in the shelter and the one on your couch is a bit of bad luck.  Think about it: let’s say you buy a Dachshund puppy for sale by a breeder. Your new dog is great; you immediately enroll the two of you in obedience classes, and soon your best pal is housebroken and well trained. But what would happen to your wonderful Dachshund if, tragically, something happened to you? What if he escaped from your home and ran away? Your best pal would very likely end up in an animal shelter.  The lucky person who adopts your Dachshund would be getting a great dog!  Animal shelters are filled with wonderful, healthy, well-behaved dogs who have been in homes before, but whose owners have fallen on hard times.  Many of them are housebroken and trained.  Dachshund rescue organizations often care for their adoptable dogs in foster homes, which means their foster families will be able to tell you if the Dachshund you want to adopt is good with other animals or kids, and if he or she is housebroken and knows any basic commands. As you can see, adopting from a rescue organization is likely the very safest way for people with children to add a new Dachshund to their family!

Dachshund Rescue Organizations

Below you'll find many Dachshund focused rescue organizations. This is not a complete list! If you are a Dachshund focused rescue and would like to be included, please sign up for an Adopt-a-Pet.com account here, then submit your request using the Contact Us link after you login to your Adopt-a-Pet.com rescue or shelter account. Thank you!

  • Alberta Dachshund Rescue - Delburne AB
  • Dixie Dachshund Rescue Inc. - Owens Cross Roads AL
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America - South - Little Rock AR
  • 7 Bells South Dachshund Weenie Ranch - Searcy AR
  • All American Dachshund Rescue -South Central - Elkins AR
  • AZ Dachshund Rescue - Mesa AZ
  • Arizona Dachshund Rescue and Sanctuary - Queen Creek AZ
  • Dachshund Rescue of Arizona - Phoenix AZ
  • Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue - Queen Creek AZ
  • Dachshund Rescue - Burnaby BC
  • Dachshund Resque San Diego - San Diego CA
  • 2nd Chance Dachshund Rescue - San Diego County CA
  • Foxy Doxy Dachshund Rescue - Atascadero CA
  • All American Dachshund Rescue - Southwest - Sacramento CA
  • Southern California Dachshund Relief, Inc. - North - San Jose CA
  • Desert Dogs Dachshund rescue - North - Niland NA
  • Golden Gate Dachshund Rescue - San Francisco NC
  • Colorado Dachshund Rescue - Fort Collins CO
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Boulder CO
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Loveland CO
  • Dachshund Rescue Colorado (DRCO) - Aurora CO
  • NOLA Dachshund Rescue-Northeast - Columbia CT
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - All New England CT
  • Florida Dachshund Rescue - Myakka City FL
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Jackson NJ
  • All American Dachshund Rescue - Melbourne FL
  • Dixie Dachshund Rescue, Inc. - Brooksville FL
  • DASH Rescue FL - Melbourne FL
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America - Southeast - Cumming GA
  • Dachshund Rescue, Education, Awareness & Mentoring - Atlanta GA
  • Little Long Dogs Dachshund Rescue - Athol ID
  • MidWest Dachshund Rescue - Tinley Park IL
  • Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society - Midwest - Blairstown NJ
  • Dachshund Rescue Of North America ( North Central) - Kewanee IL
  • Short Legs Dachshund Rescue -
  • All American Dachshund Rescue - Northern Midwest - Indianapolis IN
  • Doxie Haven Dachshund Rescue - Evansville IN
  • Bluegrass Working Terrier Assoc. Rescue - Waddy KY
  • Gulf Coast Dachshund Rescue - Lake Charles LA
  • 7Corners Rescue - Leander TX
  • Dachshund Rescue-Maryland/Virginia - MD/VA
  • DASH Rescue - Pocomoke City MD
  • All American Dachshund Rescue: Mid East Region - Baltimore MD
  • Maryland Dachshund Rescue - Thurmont MD
  • Michigan Dachshund Rescue - Hazel Park MI
  • Fundoxie Dachshund Rescue - Marne MI
  • DASH Rescue, MI - Davison MI
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Minneapolis MN
  • Central Missouri Dachshund Rescue - Warrensburg MO
  • The Senior Dog House and Rescue - Columbia Falls MT
  • Husker's Hope Dachshund Rescue - Lincoln NE
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Nebraska - Omaha NE
  • 7Corners Dachshund Rescue - CT/NY/TX
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America - Northeast - Manahawkin NJ
  • Cascade Beagle Rescue, East - Phillipsburg NJ
  • New Mexico Dachshund Rescue - Santa Fe NM
  • LV Hot-Diggity Dachshund Club and Rescue - Las Vegas NV
  • On My Way Home Dachshund Rescue - Henderson NV
  • Las Vegas Doberman Pinscher and Dachshund Rescue - Las Vegas NV
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America, Inc. - NY - Grand Island NV
  • DASH Rescue, NY - Penn Yan NV
  • Embellish Pets Adoption Group - Cuyahoga Falls OH
  • BRENDAS SMALL DOG RESCUE - Centerburg OH
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America - Western Pennsylvania - Western Pennsylvania PA
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey and Maryland - York PA
  • Furever Dachshund Rescue - North Smithfield RI
  • Carolina Loving Hound Rescue - Greenville SC
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue - Hixson TN
  • One Dog At A Time Rescue - LaFollette TN
  • SAVE A DACHSHUND - Lake City TN
  • Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue Northeast Texas - Winnsboro TX
  • Houston Dachshund Rescue - Houston TX
  • Blue Bonnet Dachshund Rescue - Coolidge TX
  • Promised Land Dachshund Sanctuary - Gardendale TX
  • Dixons Dachshund Rescue - San Angelo TX
  • Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates - Purcellville VA
  • DASH Rescue VA - Christiansburg VA
  • Long Dog Dachshund Rescue - Newport News VA
  • Dachshund Rescue of North America Inc. - Manassas VA
  • Pug Snugs Pug Rescue - Vancouver WA
  • CONNECT THE DOX - Lynnwood WA
  • MidWest Dachshund Rescue - Whitewater WI
  • SECOND CHANCE RESCUE - St. Leesburg VA
  • All American Dachshund Rescue - Spring TN
  • All Texas Dachshund Rescue - Pearland TX

 

Breed Photo

Rescues and shelters near you

Dogingham Palace Rescue/Ashburn
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FOHA - Dogs
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Pet Rescue Foundation, Inc.
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Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
Sterling, VA

With Our Regards, Inc.
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Dogwood Sheltie Rescue
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Admiral's Advocacy
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Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue
Herndon, VA

SCMR - VA
Herndon, VA

Humane Society of Loudoun County
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Forget-Me-Not NoVA
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Open Hearts Rescue
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Furry Suits Rescue
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New Love Animal Rescue
Herndon, VA

New Rattitude - Maryland
Poolesville, MD

Friends Of Homeless Animals - Cats
Aldie, VA

Love Shack Dog Rescue
Aldie, VA

NBRAN Virginia
Reston, VA

Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast, Inc.
Silver Spring, MD

Boxer Rescue and Adoption Inc.
Reston, VA

Dogingham Palace Rescue/Great Falls
Great Falls, VA

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation
Chantilly, VA

Collie Rescue, Inc.
Chantilly, VA

Blue Ridge Great Pyrenees Rescue & Education
Fairfax, VA

Kim's Urban Hounds Rescue - Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

Kim's Urban Hounds Rescue -Fredericksburg
Fairfax, VA

NOVA Pets Alive!
Fairfax, VA

Tails of the Unwanted - Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

Healing Hearts Animal Rescue Group
Centreville, VA

Home At Last Sanctuary, Inc
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Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society
Centreville, VA

Fur-Ever Paws Dog Rescue - Boyds MD
Boyds, MD

Loudoun County Animal Services
Waterford, VA

Annies Orphans
Gaithersburg, MD

No More Sad Eyes Rescue
Oakton, VA

Bourbon County Rescue
Germantown, MD

Chasing Colt Animal Rescue
Catharpin, VA

Independent Animal Rescue
Germantown, MD

Rescue Without Borders- Germantown MD
Germantown, MD

Sweetheart Sanctuary
Vienna, VA

United Maltese Rescue
Germantown, MD

Worthy Dog Rescue
Vienna, VA

Loudoun SPCA
Middleburg, VA

Middleburg Humane Foundation
Middleburg, VA

Wolf Trap Animal Rescue
MCLEAN, VA

Nova Rottweiler Rescue
Germantown, MD

PetConnect Rescue
Potomac, MD

Dewey Animals, Inc.
Centreville, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Purcellville VA
Purcellville, VA

DC Dogos, Inc. - VA
Vienna, VA

Mutt Love Rescue
Fairfax, VA

American Lhasa Apso Club Rescue - Northwest Region
Gaithersburg, MD

City of Fairfax Animal Shelter
Fairfax, VA

Fairfax County Animal Shelter
Fairfax, VA

MIRRAGL
Fairfax, VA

The Commonwealth Humane Society
Fairfax, VA

The Humane Society of Fairfax County
Fairfax, VA

The Humane Society of Fairfax County 2
Fairfax, VA

Whitney Foundation
Fairfax, VA

Gentle Creatures
Rockville, MD

Hedgesville Hounds
Rockville, MD

K-9 Lifesavers
Rockville, MD

Montgomery County Humane Society
Rockville, MD

Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection, formerly Potomac Valley AMR
Virginia, Maryland, DC, MD

GROWL - MD
Gaithersburg, MD

Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.
Adamstown, MD

Dachshund Rescue of North America Inc.
Manassas, VA

Westie Rescue MidAtlantic
Dunn Loring, VA

Montgomery County SPCA
Gaithersburg, MD

Pets Bring Joy
Fairfax, VA

United Yorkie Rescue - VA
Fairfax, VA

United Yorkie Rescue - VA- Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

Friends Of Montgomery County Animals
Germantown, MD

BB&G Pomeranian Rescue
Lovettsville, VA

Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue
Mclean, VA

Jasmine's House, Inc. - MD Chapter
Clarksburg, MD

Band for Animal
Fairfax, VA

Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue
Clifton, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Frederick MD
Buckeystown, MD

One Planet Rescue - MD chapter
Rockville, MD

Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Operation
Bethesda, MD

Blue Ridge Doberman Rescue
Bluemont, VA

Key to Lion's Heart Rescue
Derwood, MD

Promises Animal Rescue, Inc
Gainesville, VA

Empty Shelter Project
Manassas, VA

Bull Terrier Rescue of Virginia (BTRVA)
Manassas, VA

Friends for Animals
Manassas, VA

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, Virginia Chapter
Manassas, VA

Best DAWG Rescue Inc.
Bethesda, MD

Lab Rescue LRCP - Rockville MD
Rockville, MD

Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue
Rockville, MD

DC Area Weimaraner Rescue
Manassas Park, VA

Doberman Assistance Rescue & Education
Arlington, VA

HART (Homeless Animals Rescue Team)
Fairfax Station, VA

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
Fairfax Station, VA

Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation
Arlington, VA

Allbreed Rescue & Referral Inc
Gaithersburg, MD

Mutts Matter Rescue
Rockville, MD

Bring Home the Brindle Dog Rescue
Ijamsville, MD

Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Inc. District of Columbia, Virginia
Washington, DC

MerryLea Rescue
Frederick, MD

Operation Paws for Homes - MD Chapter
Frederick, MD

Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue
Bristow, VA

American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Maryland
Bristow, VA

Reggie's Friends - Arlington
Arlington, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Fairfax VA
Fairfax, VA

USNMC Rescue
Jefferson, MD

Grand Dogs Rescue 2
Silver Springs, MD

Chow Chow Rescue of Maryland
Silver Spring, MD

Roxie's Fund, Inc*
Silver Spring, MD

Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue
Arlington, VA

The Halfway House Animal Rescue - Arlington
Arlington, VA

Dog World Rescue, Inc.
Alexandria, VA

SPCA of Northern Virginia
Arlington, VA

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
Washington, DC

Capitol Canines Animal Rescue
Washington, DC

City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties
Washington, DC

Tails of the Unwanted - Maryland
Silver Spring, MD

Tara's House Animal Rescue, Inc. - Silver Spring Chapter
Silver Spring, MD

Capital Animal Care
Arlington, VA

Rescue Angels, Inc. - Virginia Chapter
Arlington, VA

Rescuzilla - Northern VA, D.C.
Arlington, VA

Caring Hearts Rescue
Springfield, VA

Hope for Donghae Paws(VIRGINIA)
Springfield, VA

Ozark Mutts and Stuff, Inc VA
Springfield, VA

Pups 2 Luv Rescue
Springfield, VA

Purrs, Paws, and Claws - Springfield Chapter
Springfield, VA

To The Rescue Inc.
Springfield, VA

Blackdogs Rescue - Bluemont Foster Group
Bluemont, VA

New Beginnings German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
Monrovia, MD

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA

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