How Much Does a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) Cost?
As a small breed, the Dachshund (Smooth Haired)'s costs are driven by food portions, grooming needs, and routine vet care. Like most breeds, the biggest health-related costs come from preventive care and the occasional emergency vet trip. Day-to-day costs are driven mainly by food, routine vet care, and basic supplies. This is a popular breed, so adoption or purchase prices tend to run above average — shop around and consider rescue options.
Get My Personalised EstimateWhat these figures assume: US national average pricing, own home (no pet deposit), standard food, grooming at the breed's typical frequency, insurance and professional training included, no daycare, routine dental care only. See how this is calculated or change these assumptions.
First Year Costs (inc. setup)
Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)
Budget for emergencies
We recommend keeping $2,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.
About the Dachshund (Smooth Haired)
The Dachshund (Smooth Haired) is a small-sized dog breed with an average lifespan of 17 years. First-year ownership costs typically run around $3,710, which includes the purchase or adoption fee, initial vet visits, vaccinations, starter supplies, and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance.
From year two onwards, ongoing costs average $1,840 per year. The largest recurring expense is vet care at $480/year, followed by food at $410/year.
Over a 17-year lifespan, the total estimated cost of owning a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) is approximately $33,150. These figures are US national averages — your actual costs will vary based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you use a breeder or rescue organisation. Use our calculator above to get a personalised estimate.
What drives Dachshund (Smooth Haired) costs
The Dachshund's long back and short legs make intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) the defining cost risk of the breed — roughly a quarter of Dachshunds experience it, and disc surgery runs $3,000–$8,000. Keeping the dog lean, using ramps instead of stairs, and discouraging jumping on and off furniture are the cheap, high-impact ways to protect its back.
Offsetting that risk, the smooth Dachshund is cheap to groom (~$165/year) and has one of the longest lifespans of any dog at ~17 years. That long life is a double-edged budget item: low annual costs, but a very long tail — insurance taken out early (~$535/year) is usually worth it precisely because of the IVDD exposure.
Written by Darren Newland. Health information here summarises published veterinary and breed-health sources for cost-planning purposes and is not clinical advice — we do not have a veterinarian on staff. Talk to your vet about your own animal.
How to save on Dachshund (Smooth Haired) costs
- →Adopt rather than buy. Rescue organisations typically charge $150–$400, against $535+ from a breeder — a difference of about $260. Adult dogs from shelters usually arrive vaccinated and desexed, which also removes part of the $480 initial vet bill.
- →Insure early, before anything is pre-existing. At $535 a year, insurance is one of the larger predictable costs — but Dachshund (Smooth Haired)s insured as puppies see lower premiums and, more importantly, no pre-existing-condition exclusions. Every condition that appears before cover starts is excluded for life, which is why waiting is the expensive option.
- →Do not over-buy on food. Food is a modest $410 a year for this breed. Bulk buying saves little at this volume and risks the bag going stale, so buying a quality food in sensible quantities beats chasing bulk discounts.
- →Groom at home. This breed's coat is cheap to maintain — about $165 a year. Nail clippers, a brush and a bottle of shampoo cover almost all of it, so professional grooming is genuinely optional here rather than a fixed cost.
- →Build an emergency fund. We suggest $2,000 in a dedicated pet savings account for a small breed. A single emergency surgery runs $3,000–$8,000 without insurance, and four in five owners face an unexpected veterinary bill at some point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) cost?
A Dachshund (Smooth Haired) typically costs $3,710 in the first year, including the purchase or adoption fee ($535), initial vet visits ($480), supplies ($590), and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance. Annual ongoing costs from year two are approximately $1,840/year.
How much does a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) cost per month?
After the first year, a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) costs approximately $153/month on average. This covers food ($34/month), vet care ($40/month), grooming ($14/month), and insurance ($45/month).
Is a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) expensive to own?
Dachshund (Smooth Haired)s cost approximately $1,840/year to maintain — in the mid-range for annual dog ownership costs. Over their 17-year lifespan, total costs come to around $33,150.
How much does a Dachshund (Smooth Haired) puppy cost?
A Dachshund (Smooth Haired) puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $535. Rescue or shelter adoption fees are usually $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and desexing. Remember the purchase price is just one part of the first-year cost of $3,710.
What is the biggest health cost risk for a Dachshund?
Back problems. The breed's long spine makes intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) common, and surgery can cost $3,000–$8,000. Keeping the dog slim, avoiding stairs and jumping, and insuring early are the best ways to manage the risk and cost.
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