Dachshund insurance
Dachshund insurance
Tiny dog, big personality! Napo's lifetime Dachshund insurance includes dental treatment as standard, unlimited 24/7 video vet appointments through FirstVet, and payments made straight to your vet.
Tiny dog, big personality! Napo's lifetime Dachshund insurance includes dental treatment as standard, unlimited 24/7 video vet appointments through FirstVet, and payments made straight to your vet.
Dachshund quick facts
Dachshund quick facts
Meet your new favourite long-bodied legend. Dachshunds are funny and fiercely loyal. Generally, they’re hardy little dogs, but their long backs mean they're one of the breeds most likely to face spinal trouble.
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Size & weight:
Small, around 9-12kg (4-5kg for miniature dachshunds)
Coat:
Smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired
Exercise
Up to 1 hour a day
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Breed group:
Hound
Temperament:
Bold, playful, loyal
Dachshund temperament & personality
Dachshund temperament & personality
Dachshunds are clever, brave and full of character. Originally bred to hunt, they've got a stubborn streak and a surprisingly big bark for their size!
They bond closely with their humans and love being included in everything, but that same independence can make them a little strong-willed at times.
Dachshunds are clever, brave and full of character. Originally bred to hunt, they've got a stubborn streak and a surprisingly big bark for their size!
They bond closely with their humans and love being included in everything, but that same independence can make them a little strong-willed at times.
Dachshund training and exercise needs
Dachshund training and exercise needs
Dachshunds are smart but can be stubborn, which is why short, engaging, reward-based sessions tend to work better than repetition.
Dachshunds need regular walks and love a good sniff about, but go easy on the jumping.
Leaping on and off the sofa or racing up and down stairs puts strain on that lovely long back, so a ramp and a bit of supervision go a long way!
Dachshunds are smart but can be stubborn, which is why short, engaging, reward-based sessions tend to work better than repetition.
Dachshunds need regular walks and love a good sniff about, but go easy on the jumping.
Leaping on and off the sofa or racing up and down stairs puts strain on that lovely long back, so a ramp and a bit of supervision go a long way!
Dachshund grooming
Dachshund grooming
Typical Dachshund coat colours include red, black-and-tan, chocolate-and-tan, cream, shaded red, brindle and dapple. There are three coat types Dachshunds can have: smooth, long-haired or wire-haired.
How much grooming they need depends on which you've got. Smooth coats are low-maintenance, while long and wire-haired Dachshunds need a regular brush to stay tidy.
As grooming is routine care, it isn't covered by pet insurance. Worth knowing when you're totting up the cost of owning a Dachshund!
Typical Dachshund coat colours include red, black-and-tan, chocolate-and-tan, cream, shaded red, brindle and dapple. There are three coat types Dachshunds can have: smooth, long-haired or wire-haired.
How much grooming they need depends on which you've got. Smooth coats are low-maintenance, while long and wire-haired Dachshunds need a regular brush to stay tidy.
As grooming is routine care, it isn't covered by pet insurance. Worth knowing when you're totting up the cost of owning a Dachshund!
What health conditions are Dachshunds prone to?
What health conditions are Dachshunds prone to?
Dachshunds are generally healthy little dogs. That said, their long backs mean they’re more prone to certain health issues worth knowing about before bringing one home.
Common conditions include IVDD, knee and joint issues, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy.
Insure your Dachshund with Napo now to keep them covered for life.
Dachshunds are generally healthy little dogs. That said, their long backs mean they’re more prone to certain health issues worth knowing about before bringing one home.
Common conditions include IVDD, knee and joint issues, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy.
Insure your Dachshund with Napo now to keep them covered for life.
IVDD (back and disc problems)
Research shows Dachshunds are around 10-12 times more likely to develop intervertebral disc disease than other breeds. It’s a painful spinal condition (where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae compress the spinal cord) that may need surgery to treat.
IVDD (back and disc problems)
Research shows Dachshunds are around 10-12 times more likely to develop intervertebral disc disease than other breeds. It’s a painful spinal condition (where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae compress the spinal cord) that may need surgery to treat.
Eye conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy can affect a Dachshund's sight gradually over time, and is worth discussing with your vet early.
Eye conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy can affect a Dachshund's sight gradually over time, and is worth discussing with your vet early.
Luxating patella
A slipping kneecap is a common joint problem in small breeds like the Dachshund, ranging from an occasional mild hop to a more serious issue that needs surgery. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight helps take the pressure off their joints.
Luxating patella
A slipping kneecap is a common joint problem in small breeds like the Dachshund, ranging from an occasional mild hop to a more serious issue that needs surgery. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight helps take the pressure off their joints.
Other things to keep an eye on
Progressive retinal atrophy - an inherited eye condition that can gradually affect a Dachshund’s sight over time, so it’s worth discussing with your vet early
Ear infections - their long, floppy ears don't get much airflow which can make infections more likely, so you’ll need to keep them clean and dry
Dental disease - Napo pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, as long as you take your Dachshund for annual dental check-ups
Other things to keep an eye on
Progressive retinal atrophy - an inherited eye condition that can gradually affect a Dachshund’s sight over time, so it’s worth discussing with your vet early
Ear infections - their long, floppy ears don't get much airflow which can make infections more likely, so you’ll need to keep them clean and dry
Dental disease - Napo pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, as long as you take your Dachshund for annual dental check-ups
How much does Dachshund insurance cost?
How much does Dachshund insurance cost?
The cost of insuring a Dachshund depends on their age and the level of vet fee cover you choose. Napo's lifetime cover limits range from £2,000 to £16,000 a year, so you can pick what you need for your dog and budget.
As Dachshunds get older, they may develop health conditions like allergies and IVDD that need ongoing care, not just one-off treatment - but that's exactly what lifetime pet insurance is built for.
The cost of insuring a Dachshund depends on their age and the level of vet fee cover you choose. Napo's lifetime cover limits range from £2,000 to £16,000 a year, so you can pick what you need for your dog and budget.
As Dachshunds get older, they may develop health conditions like allergies and IVDD that need ongoing care, not just one-off treatment - but that's exactly what lifetime pet insurance is built for.
Dachshund FAQs
Dachshund FAQs
Are Dachshunds good with children and other pets?
Dachshunds make great family dogs, bonding closely with their humans. With their delicate backs, it's worth teaching children to handle them gently and support their body properly.
Are Dachshunds good with children and other pets?
Dachshunds make great family dogs, bonding closely with their humans. With their delicate backs, it's worth teaching children to handle them gently and support their body properly.
Do Dachshunds get on with cats?
Often, yes - particularly with proper introductions. Their strong personalities mean they usually settle in well with other household pets.
Do Dachshunds get on with cats?
Often, yes - particularly with proper introductions. Their strong personalities mean they usually settle in well with other household pets.
What's the difference between a miniature and standard Dachshund?
Miniature Dachshunds are smaller (typically under 5kg) while standard Dachshunds are larger (usually 9-12kg).
What's the difference between a miniature and standard Dachshund?
Miniature Dachshunds are smaller (typically under 5kg) while standard Dachshunds are larger (usually 9-12kg).
Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
Dachshunds can be vocal as they were bred to hunt - they have a surprisingly big bark for their size! They'll often alert you to visitors or noises, but early training can help manage it.
Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
Dachshunds can be vocal as they were bred to hunt - they have a surprisingly big bark for their size! They'll often alert you to visitors or noises, but early training can help manage it.
Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs?
Yes, their small size means they suit flat living well, but their exercise and back-care needs (like avoiding excessive stairs) are worth planning for in any home.
Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs?
Yes, their small size means they suit flat living well, but their exercise and back-care needs (like avoiding excessive stairs) are worth planning for in any home.
Should Dachshunds be allowed to climb stairs and jump on furniture?
It's best to limit both. Jumping on and off furniture and racing up and down stairs puts strain on a Dachshund's long back and can raise the risk of them having disc problems. A ramp and a bit of supervision helps.
Should Dachshunds be allowed to climb stairs and jump on furniture?
It's best to limit both. Jumping on and off furniture and racing up and down stairs puts strain on a Dachshund's long back and can raise the risk of them having disc problems. A ramp and a bit of supervision helps.
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙