Is a Dachshund right for me?
Many people just love the idea of a dachshund! A dachshund is one of the most recognized breeds and for good reason! Not many dogs are a half a dog tall and one and a half dogs long! But it is important to choose a breed that is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Dachshunds are not for everyone.
Being bred for hunting badgers, dachshunds can be a little ball of energy, very strong willed, determined and independent. Dachshunds think they are the size of a German Shepherd and it is often said they have the Heart of a lion, Brain of a fox, Body of a sausage and Bark of a doberman. ​ The determination, stubbornness and sneakiness makes dachshunds incredibly difficult to potty train. They are smart enough to get around the rules so they don't have the slightest inconvenience of being outside in the weather.
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I once read an article from E.B. White that seemed to give quite a humorous and accurate depiction of a dachshund. While comical and somewhat harsh, it is very true! Especially to that of a dachshund puppy. ​ "Being the owner of dachshunds, to me a book on dog discipline becomes a volume of inspired humor. Every sentence is a riot. Someday, if I ever get a chance, I shall write a book, or warning, on the character and temperament of the dachshund and why he can't be trained and shouldn't be. I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a dachshund to heed my slightest command. When I address Fred I never have to raise my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something he wants to do." - E.B. White
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Dachshunds are very social dogs who want to be right with you, oftentimes right underfoot. We are constantly tripping over one (or two or three) dogs! They are very "helpful" in all that you do! They are not a dog to leave alone for long periods of time.
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Having said that, dachshunds can be wonderful family dogs but be cautious with small children. Dachshunds are wonderfully snuggly. You will probably sit down and have your doxie on your lap within 3 seconds. Dachshunds are playful and love to chew. You may find yourself buying every toy imaginable. Dachshunds can be good at fetch and some tricks. They do require exercise although jumping is not recommended. A dachshund loves to feel a part of the pack, so he will want to go on all your adventures. Get your walking shoes ready!
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I love the description that our friends across the world at ONATAH Dachshunds lists on her site. A very humorous and true representation of dachshunds... you've got to have a sense of humor while raising doxies! Check it out here!
Please check the AKC page linked below for more helpful information about this breed.
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Notification List! What is the process?
We require all potential puppy families to fill out an application to be considered for our notification list. We are choosy about our puppy families because we want our pups in a safe and longtime home with their "furEVER family"! Please take time to fill out the application and be as specific as possible. Upon application approval, you will be added to our master notification list. There is no order to the list and it does not operate like most breeders who have a formal waitlist. Our entire approved list will be notified by email about choosing puppies at the same time.
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In the first weeks of your puppy's life, we will focus on making sure every puppy is healthy and thriving. After about 2-3 weeks, we will be able to determine coat length. At 3 weeks we will post more about the puppy's predicted coloring, size and personality. At 3-4 weeks of age, we will send out an alert email with what day/time we will send the puppy picking email. Then we will contact the entire notification list with the puppy picking email at the same time so that everyone gets a fair chance. Once you receive the picking email, be ready to contact us with your preferred puppy pick. We find that puppies tend to go rather quickly. If you don't yet have a preference, we can help you choose a puppy based on our observations of personality beginning to form. If for some reason, you are looking for a specific puppy and no such puppy was born, you can wait for a next litter or proceed elsewhere. There is no obligation for purchase, nor money collected to be on our notification list.
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After contacting us with your puppy selection, we will proceed in the order with which we receive texts/calls and respond on a first come - first served basis. At that time, we will send an invoice for a deposit. We cannot accept a deposit before this time. Once the deposit is secured, the puppy is officially yours! New puppy families receive weekly updates and communication until pick up day. After that, you are in the Benedict Doxies family and receive free "doxie support" for life!
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Male vs. Female
(From a breeder friend...) Does a male or a female make a better pet for you and your family?
It’s not uncommon for people to believe that a female dog will make a better pet. We get a lot of calls for people wanting that “special little girl”. For whatever reason they don’t think that females will exhibit “alpha” behaviors like humping and/or marking. A lot of people think that females are more passive and friendly and that they don’t take part in fighting over dominance, which could NOT be farther from the truth. If you check out the structure of dog packs, the females determine the pecking order and rule the roost. The result of that behavior is that the females become more stubborn, independent, and territorial than the males. These females are much more intent on exercising their control by participating in that “alpha” behavior like humping. Most fighting will usually break out between two females.
Males tend to be more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and even more demanding of attention. The males are very attached to their owners, tending to be more dedicated, reliable and less temperamental. They are more sociable, more accepting of other pets, playful for years, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by treats/food, words of praise and are so eager to please that training actually becomes easier. Their playful nature, however, can make males more easily distracted. The boys are more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games, no matter what their age. The boys are fun-loving until the day they die, whereas girls tend to be more standoffish and dignified the older they get.
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Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as marking and lifting their legs or humping. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors will disappear if they ever existed. So before making your decision on that age old dilemma of male verses female, hopefully this will give you some helpful info to think about!
Deposits
When we have available puppies, we will post them on our Instagram and Facebook pages as well as the website. We will give notice as to the day we will be accepting deposits and will take deposits for each puppy on a first come-first serve basis. The deposit is $300 and is part of the cost of the puppy. Remainder of the balance is due at pickup.
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Looking for that specific puppy?
A lot of people come to us looking for a specific puppy whether that may be only dapple, only cream, only long hair etc. We love that the dachshund comes in so many unique colors, patterns and coat types. We will always do our best to get you the exact pup you are looking for however, since we are a small in home breeder, we may not always have the exact coloring you are wanting. We have found that customers wanting a specific sex, color and coat type typically wait longer to receive their pup. Being open to more than a few possibilities always helps!
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Pricing Information and Colors
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Investment
We believe that a dog is a member of the family. Your dachshund will be a part of your family for 12-16 years. Our prices start at $2000 depending on coat type and color. Specialty colors will be more expensive. Full registration (for breeding/showing) is available to select buyers for $500 extra.
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It is important to us that your puppy is able to meld into your family's routine. All puppies will come home being socialized in our home and will be used to noises and action of a household. To the best of our ability, your pup will have been exposed to the outdoors as weather allows. We pride ourselves on exposing our puppies to many different noises, flooring surfaces, and atmospheres. This is important puppy training in the first weeks of life.
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Health Guarantee/Information​
Our puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee for any life threatening genetic disorder. Buyer shall refer to contract for terms of refund.
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All puppies will have their first vet visit before they come home at 8 weeks. They will receive their first shot and health check. Puppies will get regular de-wormings at home in the first few weeks of life.
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Bringing Home My Puppy
Puppies are able to go to their new homes at 8 weeks old. We prefer you to pick up your puppy in person to see your pup in its home environment. We like to meet you and your family and for you to meet our dogs. Limited shipping arrangements can be made at the breeder's discretion. We will not ship a puppy under a plane!
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On pick up day, we invite you to come snuggle your pup while we review your contract, feeding information and care instructions. We will provide a new puppy packet, copy of contract, toys, supplies, a blanket that smells like momma and dog food that your puppy has been eating. All puppies will come home eating dry food.
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We recommend Diamond Naturals as a healthy yet budget friendly option for food. Puppies eat Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula in a white/navy blue bag. As with any puppy, you should feed according to the bag and feed 3 times a day when your puppy is small. Switching foods should be done gradually and by mixing current food and new food to keep your puppy from getting sick.
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AKC Information
All of our breeding dogs are registered with the AKC. Puppies will only come with appropriate AKC registration paperwork to approved showing/breeding homes. Pet homes will not need this paperwork. Please visit the AKC site for more information on raising your puppy. Here, you will find valuable information that will help you raise a happy and healthy pup!
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