Adopting a dachshund - what to look for
Where to find a dachshund to adopt, what questions to ask, what it costs at the start.
Adopting is more responsibility than buying - you take on a dog with a history you mostly do not know. It is also the best decision you can make as an owner.
Where to look
- Shelters - dachshunds are there, though rarely purebred. Not always puppies.
- Breed-specific rescues - look for local “rescue” organizations focused on dachshunds or hunting breeds; check their registration, financials and adopter reviews before committing
- Adoption portals - public listings from shelters and registered rescues (be careful with general classifieds, where scams are common; always verify the dog’s source)
- Breeders retiring females - after breeding career, often look for a retirement home
Questions you must ask
- What is the dog’s history? - how they ended up at the shelter, how long there
- Age and health status - do they have a health card, vaccinations, microchip
- Have they been screened for IVDD - dachshunds with injury history are at higher risk
- How do they react to other dogs / cats / children - critical for daily life
- Are they spayed / neutered - shelters usually do this before adoption
- Do they have separation anxiety - did the dog return to the shelter? Why?
First-months costs (rough estimates)
The figures below are rough author estimates based on Polish urban prices in early 2026. Confirm with your own vet and the rescue you choose, as regional differences are significant.
- Adoption fee - typically 200-500 PLN (municipal shelters often symbolic; rescues higher, with sterilization included)
- First vet visit - basic check-up and possible deworming
- Gear - harness, leash, bowl, bed, carrier
- Food for the first month
- Blood panel in the first month (recommended for a dog of unknown history)
- Possible dental - if teeth were neglected, the cost rises significantly
Realistically, the first month is several thousand PLN. Plan a buffer.
Adopting a dog with IVDD history is not a reason to back out - just to be aware of costs and prep (ramps, shorter walks, possibly physio).
Adaptation time
The 3-3-3 rule:
- First 3 days - dog in stress, may hide, not eat, have accidents
- First 3 weeks - dog settles in, learns routine
- First 3 months - true personality emerges
Do not make decisions about the dog in the first week. Give them time.