Feeding your dachshund puppy
Puppies need high-quality, small-breed puppy food split into 3–4 meals a day. Keep your dachshund lean — extra weight is the single biggest risk factor for back problems.
Care guide
Bringing home a dachshund
Everything we wish every new dachshund family knew before puppy comes home.
Protecting their long back
No jumping off couches or stairs. Use ramps, carry them up and down steps for the first year, and keep them at a healthy weight. A strong core means a strong back.
Crate training & house training
Dachshunds thrive with consistent routines. A crate becomes their den. Take them out every 1–2 hours at first and celebrate every success enthusiastically.
Socialization in the first 16 weeks
This window matters. Introduce your puppy gently to new people, surfaces, sounds, and friendly dogs. Confidence built now lasts a lifetime.
Grooming basics
Smooths need weekly brushing, longhairs every few days, wirehairs need hand-stripping a few times a year. Nails trimmed every 2–3 weeks; ears checked weekly.
Finding a great vet
Look for a vet experienced with small breeds. Schedule your first visit within the first week — bring your records and a list of questions.