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So You Want To Adopt?

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So You’re Thinking About A Dachshund?

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tail seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Pets require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion. Check out some of our Dachshund FAQs for more details.

Things To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from a rescue means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a pet into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:
  • Is a Dachshund the right breed for me? Dachshunds are a wonderful breed, but they are not for every household. Dachshunds are a part of the Hound group and are characterized by the AKC as friendly, curious, and spunky. Dachshunds are known for their long, low silhouette, alert expression, and bold personality. Dachshunds can be standard-sized (16 to 32 pounds) or miniature (11 pounds or less) and come in one of three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired, and a variety of colors. Dachshunds are not built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming but are otherwise up for most activities. Their big-dog bark, alertness, and vigilance make them excellent watchdogs. Dachshunds are bred to be independent hunters, which can lead them to be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their spunky, endearing nature and unique look have won them a dedicated following all over the world.
  • Can you afford a Dachshund? Adoption fees range from $275 to $475 based on the age and health of the Dachshund. The costs of dachshund ownership can also be very high. Dachshunds can have unique health needs, especially their long, low backs. You'll also need to account for regular veterinary care, including shots, heartworm/ flea/tick prevention, possible training classes, grooming, toys, food, and other expenses that can add up quickly.
  • Why do you want a dog? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a dog. Adopting a Dachshund just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that dachshunds may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
  • Do you have time for a Dachshund?  Dachshunds cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in shelters and rescues are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
  • Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a Dachshund can cause?  Barking, flea infestations, chewed-up furniture, accidents from dachshunds who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected veterinary emergencies, like IVDD, are unfortunate but common aspects of Dachshund ownership.
  • Can you have a dog where you live? Many rental homes and apartment units don't allow pets. Those that do, have specific requirements and fees. Make sure you check your rental agreement before you do anything else.
  • Is it a good time for you to adopt a Dachshund?  If you have children under six years old for instance, you might consider waiting before you bring a rescue dachshund into the family. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible and to be taught how to pick up and hold a dachshund and to leave them in peace when a dachshund has retreated to their bed. If you're a student, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
  • Are your living arrangements suitable for a Dachshund? HSome dachshunds are very active. They require a great deal of exercise and can be obsessive about having you throw that ball time and again, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a dachshund, do more research! Consider other breeds and talk to dachshund owners, this way, you'll ensure you choose a dog that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
  • Who will care for your Dachshund while you're traveling for work or on vacation?  You'll need reliable family, friends, and neighbors or money to pay for boarding or pet-sitting service.
  • Will you be a responsible Dachshund owner?  Obeying community leash and licensing laws, picking up after your dog when in public, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your Dachshund love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
  • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the Dachshund for his or her entire lifetime?  When you adopt a Dachshund, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime, in sickness and in health.

Get a dog For Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an dog shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless dogs are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs at the shelter who are more than a year old-dogs who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the dog.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion dog can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the pet.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please click the links at the top of the page to see our many wonderful dogs available for adoption at the Tennessee Dachshund Rescue.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to know more about him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application., and we will be in touch with you as soon as we can!

Ready to Adopt?

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