The Dachshund: Pune's Favourite Sausage Dog — Complete Owner's Guide
If you have been searching for a Dachshund puppy for sale in Pune, you are about to discover why this long-bodied, short-legged breed has captured hearts in India for decades. Affectionately called the Sausage Dog or Wiener Dog, the Dachshund is one of the most recognisable and beloved small dog breeds in Pune. Whether you are comparing the Dachshund price in Pune across breeders, browsing an online pet shop in Pune, or simply deciding between a Standard and a Miniature Dachshund in Pune, this complete guide gives you everything you need before bringing one home.
Appearance
The Dachshund’s silhouette is instantly unmistakable — a long, muscular body on short, stubby legs with a confident, alert expression that belies just how bold this small dog truly is. Standard Dachshunds weigh 7–14.5 kg; Miniature Dachshunds weigh under 5 kg. They stand 20–25 cm tall. The breed comes in three coat types: the low-maintenance smooth coat, the elegant long-haired coat, and the rugged wire-haired coat — each with a distinctly different look and texture. Colours include rich red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, and the striking dapple Dachshund pattern of mottled silver, blue, or chocolate. This visual variety makes the Dachshund dog in Pune one of the most popular choices for buyers wanting something unique and charming.
Reputable Breeder
When you decide to buy a Dachshund puppy in Pune, the source you choose matters enormously — especially for a breed this prone to hereditary back problems. Always approach a KCI-registered Dachshund breeder in Pune and visit the kennel in person. A reputable breeder will show you the health history of both parents, provide three-generation pedigree papers, and give you the full vaccination and deworming record. The Dachshund price in Pune from ethical, health-tested litters ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000, with long-haired and dapple Dachshund varieties often priced higher. Avoid buying from unverified online listings at suspiciously low prices — spinal problems inherited from poor breeding can cost far more to treat later. At petshopinpune.com, we partner exclusively with verified, responsible Dachshund breeders in Pune.
Health Clearances
The most critical health concern for any Dachshund owner is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) — a spinal condition directly linked to the breed’s elongated back. IVDD is responsible for the majority of Dachshund back problems in India and can result in partial or complete paralysis if not caught early. Before purchasing, confirm the parents have been screened for spinal issues. Other common Dachshund health issues in India include progressive retinal atrophy, obesity (which dramatically worsens IVDD risk), and dental overcrowding. Confirm the complete Dachshund vaccination schedule in Pune — 6-week, 9-week, and 12-week core vaccines plus annual boosters. Regular vet check-ups every 6 months are non-negotiable for this breed throughout its life.
Socialization
The Dachshund’s big personality in a small body can quickly turn into stubbornness and territorial aggression without proper early socialisation. Expose your puppy to diverse people, children, sounds, and other animals between 3 and 14 weeks of age. Pune’s rich neighbourhood environments — busy apartment complexes in Baner, parks in Kothrud, and pet-friendly cafes in Koregaon Park — are excellent for this. Without good socialisation, Dachshunds can develop excessive barking and snappiness with strangers. Puppy classes offered at certified dog training centres in Pune are a worthwhile investment that pays off for the dog’s entire 12–16 year lifespan.
Training
Dachshunds are intelligent but notoriously independent — a trait that stems from their history of hunting alone underground. Dachshund training in Pune requires patience, consistency, and always positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections or frustration-based training will cause a Dachshund to completely shut down. Short, reward-based sessions of 5–10 minutes work best. Dachshund toilet training in India is one of the most searched topics for this breed — crate training combined with a strict schedule is the most effective approach. Leash manners and recall commands should also be prioritised early. Certified trainers offering small dog training in Pune can be invaluable for first-time Dachshund owners.
Exercise Needs
Despite their short legs, Dachshunds have surprisingly good stamina and need moderate daily exercise — two 20–30 minute walks per day is ideal for an adult. However, exercise management is critical: high-impact activities such as jumping on and off furniture, climbing steep stairs, and aggressive roughhousing must be minimised to protect the delicate spine. Use ramps instead of stairs wherever possible. Dachshunds are one of the most suitable breeds for apartment living in Pune as long as they receive their daily walks and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, sniff mats, and hide-and-seek games provide excellent low-impact mental exercise.
Temperament
Don’t let the small size fool you — the Dachshund has the heart, confidence, and sometimes the stubbornness of a much larger dog. They are curious, playful, fiercely loyal, and surprisingly courageous. Dachshunds bond deeply with their primary owner and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. They are known for being vocal — a strong instinct from their hunting lineage — making the Dachshund barking problem in India one of the most searched concerns among owners. With good socialisation they are wonderful with children and other dogs. Their playful, comical nature and expressive face make them one of the most entertaining companion dogs in the world.
Grooming
Dachshund grooming in Pune varies significantly by coat type. Smooth-coat Dachshunds need only a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth or rubber mitt — the most low-maintenance of any coat. Long-haired Dachshund grooming requires brushing 3–4 times a week and trimming around the ears, paws, and tail every 6–8 weeks. Wire-haired coats require stripping twice a year. All varieties need: ear cleaning weekly (their long, floppy ears trap moisture and bacteria), nail trimming monthly, and teeth brushing at least 3 times per week. Professional dog grooming in Pune is available at pet salons for Rs. 600–1,500 per session.
Spinal Health Management
Given that IVDD is the single biggest health risk for Dachshunds — and searches for Dachshund spine problems in India and Dachshund back problems are among the highest-volume queries for this breed — proactive spinal care deserves its own section. Keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight at all times: every excess kilogram dramatically increases spinal disc pressure. Use a harness instead of a neck collar for walks. Install ramps for your sofa and bed. Avoid letting them jump from heights. Feed a joint-support diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and consider glucosamine supplements from age 3 onwards. The best dog food for Dachshunds in India should be a small-breed formula with controlled calorie density and joint-support ingredients. High-quality Dachshund dog food in Pune is available at petshopinpune.com.
Dachshund — Complete Breed Overview
| Breed Name | Dachshund (German: 'Badger Dog') |
| Nicknames | Sausage Dog, Wiener Dog, Dackel, Teckel, Doxie |
| Origin | Germany — bred for badger hunting since the 15th century |
| Breed Group | Hound / Scent Hound |
| Sizes Available | Standard (7–14.5 kg) and Miniature (under 5 kg) |
| Coat Varieties | Smooth (short), Long-haired, Wire-haired |
| Coat Colours | Red, black & tan, chocolate & tan, cream, dapple, brindle, sable, piebald |
| Height | Standard: 20–25 cm | Miniature: 13–18 cm at shoulder |
| Appearance | Elongated muscular body, very short legs, long muzzle, floppy ears, expressive eyes |
| Temperament | Brave, curious, playful, stubborn, loyal, alert, vocal, independent |
| Good With Children | Good with older children; supervise with toddlers — can be snappy if startled |
| Good With Other Pets | Moderate — good with dogs of similar size; prey drive toward small animals |
| Guard Dog Ability | Good watchdog — alert, vocal barker; not a physical deterrent due to size |
| Apartment Friendly | Excellent — ideal for Pune apartment living with daily walks + ramp use |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years — one of the longest-lived dog breeds |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate — 2 x 20–30 min walks/day; NO jumping, stairs, or high-impact play |
| Training | Intelligent but independent; positive reinforcement only; consistency essential |
| Socialisation | Critical from 3–14 weeks; prevents excessive barking and stranger aggression |
| Grooming | Smooth: weekly wipe | Long-haired: brush 3–4x/week | Wire: strip 2x/year |
| Shedding | Smooth: Low | Long-haired: Moderate | Wire-haired: Low |
| Critical Health Issue | IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) — spinal disc herniation is #1 health risk |
| Health Clearances | KCI/OFA: Spine screening, eye (PRA), cardiac screening for breeding pairs |
| Common Health Issues | IVDD, PRA, obesity, dental overcrowding, ear infections, luxating patella |
| Vaccination Schedule | 6-wk, 9-wk, 12-wk core vaccines; anti-rabies at 3 months; annual boosters |
| Nutrition | Small-breed, calorie-controlled kibble with Omega-3 & glucosamine for spine |
| Spinal Protection Tips | Use ramps (not stairs), harness (not collar), prevent jumping, maintain weight |
| Barking Tendency | High — strong instinct; early training essential for apartment harmony in Pune |
| Separation Anxiety | Moderate-to-High — does not like being left alone for long; bonds intensely |
| First-Time Owner | Suitable — but patience for training required; toilet training can be challenging |
| Maintenance Cost/mo. | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 6,500 (food, vet, grooming, dental care, ramps/accessories) |
| Price in Pune | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 40,000 (standard to show-quality KCI registered) |
| Popular Varieties Pune | Miniature smooth, Miniature long-haired, Dapple (merle pattern) Dachshund |
| Where to Buy in Pune | petshopinpune.com — KCI-verified, spine-health-screened Dachshund puppies |