FloriDachs Miniature Dachshunds

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Finding a Reputable Miniature Dachshund Breeder

Dachshund puppies are one of the 10 most popular breeds. They are such great companions, that a lot of people have just gone wild for them. They are small, cute, and well-mannered when trained properly - which makes them a great addition to any home. However, the big question that a lot of people ask is where can they get these adorable puppies and how do you know if the breeder you are choosing is reputable?

The answer is very simple; you can either buy a puppy from a friend,relative or pet store that may have dachshunds or look for qualified miniature Dachshund breeder(s). If you know someone that raises dachshunds, then you can wait until they breed and ask if you can get one; however, you are not assured of the quality of these pups since the one who raised them is possibly the same as you-a simple pet lover with perhaps little to no experience in breeding pedigree dogs. So getting one from a qualified breeder(s) is possibly the best solution. Sometimes, this can prove difficult to do as there are a lot of things you should be looking at when selecting your breeder.

You can generally find breeders in every state, as long as you know how and where to look. The best way would be by using the internet. Using online databases and search engines, you will have access to a lot of miniature Dachshund breeders. However, be sure to only purchase from qualified and reputable breeders to ensure that the puppy you might acquire is bred for health and has been socialized appropriately. 

Look for a breeder that is an expert in terms of taking care of and raising dachshunds since how these pups are raised will mean a lot regarding how the dog(s) behave. Look for a breeder that breeds dachshunds with the AKC described standard in mind.  The breeder should be taking temperaments and health risks into consideration when pairing their dogs so that the offspring will be a true representation of the breed.

It may seem difficult at first, but in the long run, getting your puppy from a well-qualified breeder(s) is well worth it since you not only get a spectacular new companion – you get a resource and a friend in the breeder as well. So how does a person make this decision? 

I have some thoughts on this and have elaborated on what I look for (as a breeder myself) when I am looking for a new puppy of my own.

            1)    You should never feel uncomfortable speaking to a breeder, and you should not                     feel as though you are being interrogated. The conversation should be a give                                   and take of information. You ask questions, the breeder asks questions, and it                           should feel completely comfortable. If you are uncomfortable, move on                       immediately.

            2)    Have a list of questions prepared so you do not forget any vital information you                     may want to ask regarding the breeder and/or their dogs and practices.

                     Some of these questions might be:

                      a)     Do you require my puppy be spayed or neutered? 
                                        The answer may not align with your own personal values regarding                                         this decision, but if they have sound reasoning for the response make                                         notes and move to the next question.

                       b)    What is your worming schedule for your puppies and what other                                                      protocols do you have in place to guarantee their health?
                                          You are looking for a protocol to actually exist, to be in place and to                                           feel that the information being provided is sound and makes sense,                                                   it should generate a feeling of confidence in the breeder.

                       c)    Ask what their vaccination schedule is – do they vaccinate? When do                                              they do it (age)? 
                                         Answers may vary, some breeders follow an early intervention                                                            protocol and others may follow a newer protocol which says                                                vaccination prior to 8 weeks is over vaccinating. There is strong                                                          evidence for both sides of the argument, so again, a knowledgeable                                          response and evidence of a protocol is the best sign. 
                                         *  In Florida, we are required to have the first set of required                                                                 vaccines and a health certificate for all puppies sold 
                                             (8 weeks or older).
                                         * The vaccines you should be hearing about include:
                                                Distemper, hepatitis, Parvo, Corona, Influenza and Bordetella.
                                                     * The Leptospirosis vaccine should be addressed as dangerous                                                                                     for dachshunds and is a good indicator if the breeder really                                                                                         knows their breed.  
                       d)    When do you wean your puppies?  
                                        The answer should be around 4-5 weeks of age in a natural manner                                         conducive to the well-being of the mother. Weaning should be                                         defined as a gradual process for the mother and puppies with the                                         protocol looking to establish healthy eating for the pups and reducing                                         stress on the mother.  
                                             * Mothers do know best when it comes to weaning, so an                                                                          indication that each litter is different and these are                                                                                  guidelines not set rules for each litter is preferable.

                      e)  When does my puppy get to come home?  
                                      This falls along the same lines as weaning and the emotional and                                       physical well-being of the puppy should factor into the answer as well                                                as any state or local age laws/requirements.  
                                              * In Florida, 8 weeks of age is the requirement. Look for the                                                                  breeder to mention that this may or may not be their                                                                            personal requirement; they may wish to hold onto a puppy                                                                longer if it is deemed necessary for growth, emotional                                                                          well-being or any other valid reason they feel the puppy                                                                      needs to stay with them a little longer to be in the best                                                                          possible condition.

By this time you should have a pretty good idea if this is the kind of breeder you would like to do business with. The prospective breeder should probably have already given you additional information about their set up, personal dogs and perhaps offered to let you see their establishment, if you so desire. Some may not do this on the initial call, so do not hesitate to ask and see how they react. 

             1)    If they do not allow visiting under any circumstances, I suggest moving on.  

             2)    If they do allow it, this is a good sign - but be aware that breeders do need to be                             cautious about exposure to disease, people who are “just looking” and potential                             thieves unfortunately, so sometimes they may seem reserved about committing to                         this early on.  Just make sure the answer makes sense to you and that a visit will                         happen at an appropriate time for you and the breeder - not just the breeder.

             3)    A good breeder will make sure you are fully informed and has your best interest –                         and the puppies’ – in mind. They will do everything possible to make sure a good                           match is achieved.
                            * This includes sending pictures and possibly video along with visiting                                and/or talking on the phone or via text or internet. This should not be a                                problem or an issue for your breeder.  
                            * Please keep in mind your breeder may have other employment, needs to                                 have time to take care of their dogs/puppies and may have other                                 commitments as well - so be reasonable on response times for these                                 requests.

Once you have decided on the breeder you feel most comfortable with, there are some other guidelines you should be aware of that will finalize your selection of this particular breeder.

             1)    The breeder should raise their puppies in a clean, roomy environment indoors                                 with access to people and regular household activities.

             2)    You want to be sure that the breeder is socializing the puppy properly, select a                               breeder that breeds for the “whole dog” - health, temperament, longevity,                                        conformation, etc.
             3)    The breeder should offer some sort of health guarantee.
                             * In Florida we have a statute that protects both the buyer and the seller. It                                 includes an automatic 1 year health guarantee against congenital defects                                 by law, not all states are the same so be sure what you are getting. 
                                FL Puppy Lemon Law - Statute 828.29

I hope this is helpful in finding a reputable breeder and I wish you the very best of luck!

Follow your instincts and you will find the puppy that is right for you and your family. You will feel confident that your breeder is working for you and has your best interests as well as your puppies’ in mind!


Sincerely,

  FloriDachs Miniature Dachshunds