Frequently Asked Questions

Rolling Dachshunds has been a family-owned and operated Dachshund breeding program since 1995. Over the years, we've placed puppies with more than 800 loving families across the country. Our health-first approach means every breeding decision is guided by comprehensive health testing, temperament evaluation, and a genuine love for the breed. Our puppies are raised in our family home — never in kennels — and receive daily socialization from day one.

We specialize in both AKC-recognized Dachshund sizes -- Miniature (under 11 lbs) and Standard (16 to 32 lbs) -- across all three coat varieties: Smooth, Longhaired, and Wirehaired. Each combination has its own charm, and we can help you determine which is the best fit for your lifestyle and living situation. All of our breeding dogs are AKC-registered and health-tested.

Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic, and every coat type sheds at least some. Smooth coats shed lightly year-round, longhaired coats shed seasonally and need regular brushing, and wirehaired coats shed the least but benefit from periodic hand-stripping. For families with mild allergies, the wirehaired variety is often the most manageable choice. No dog is 100% allergen-free, so we recommend spending time with an adult Dachshund before committing.

Grooming depends on coat type. Smooth Dachshunds need a weekly brush and the occasional bath. Longhaired Dachshunds need brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles, with baths every few weeks. Wirehaired Dachshunds need periodic hand-stripping or trimming to maintain their rough texture. All Dachshunds benefit from regular ear cleaning (their long ears can trap moisture), routine nail trims, and consistent tooth brushing. We send every puppy home with a coat-specific grooming guide.

Dachshunds are clever and quick to learn, but they were bred as independent hunters, so they come with a famous stubborn streak. They respond best to short, upbeat training sessions, plenty of positive reinforcement, and high-value rewards. Housetraining in particular takes patience and consistency. With the right approach, Dachshunds excel at basic obedience, tricks, scent work, and even low-impact agility. We start foundation socialization and handling while the puppies are still with us.

Dachshunds enjoy daily activity but need spine-friendly exercise. Most adults do well with two 20-to-30-minute walks a day plus interactive play. Standards can handle a bit more; Miniatures a bit less. Avoid jumping on and off furniture, repeated stair climbing, and rough play that twists the spine -- use ramps or lift your dog to protect the long Dachshund back. Puzzle toys, scent games, and basic training sessions are excellent ways to burn mental energy.

Absolutely. Dachshunds are known for their gentle, patient temperament and make wonderful family dogs. They tend to be playful and protective with children while remaining calm and well-mannered. Dachshunds also get along well with other dogs and pets, especially when properly socialized from a young age. Our early socialization program helps ensure every puppy is confident and comfortable around children, adults, and other animals.

Dachshunds are a long-lived breed, typically living 12 to 16 years with good care. Keeping your Dachshund at a lean weight, feeding a quality diet, providing spine-friendly exercise, and staying current on veterinary care all contribute to a longer, healthier life. Our health testing program and 2-year health guarantee are designed to give your Dachshund the best possible start.

Our comprehensive 2-year health guarantee covers genetic conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), luxating patellas, and other congenital heart and eye conditions. We also provide a 14-day communicable disease window from the date you receive your puppy. Because Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds is heavily influenced by environment, diet, and activity, we provide detailed care guidance to help you protect your dog's back throughout life. Full details are available on our Health Guarantee page.

Every Rolling Dachshunds puppy comes with AKC registration, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, a veterinary health certificate, a puppy starter kit with food, blanket, and toy, and our comprehensive 2-year health guarantee. We believe in transparency — there are no hidden fees or surprise costs.

Yes! We offer two convenient delivery options. Door-to-door delivery is available for $300 — your puppy is hand-delivered right to your home by a professional pet nanny. Airport pickup is also available for $250, where your puppy will be flown in-cabin (never cargo) with a pet nanny and you'll pick them up at your nearest major airport. Both options include real-time updates during travel.

Reserving your puppy is simple. Start by filling out our puppy inquiry form so we can learn about your family and preferences. Once we've matched you with the perfect puppy, a $500 deposit secures your reservation ($100 of which is refundable if plans change). We'll keep you updated with photos and milestone reports until your puppy is ready to come home.

Our puppies benefit from Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) starting at just 3 days old, which has been shown to improve stress tolerance, immune function, and overall resilience. We also follow the Rule of 7, ensuring each puppy is exposed to at least 7 different surfaces, sounds, people, and experiences before going home. Because our puppies are raised in our family home, they're accustomed to everyday household sounds, children, and other pets.

Our parent dogs undergo comprehensive health evaluations including PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) genetic testing, cord1-PRA screening, patella evaluations, cardiac exams, thyroid testing, and Brucellosis testing prior to each breeding. We carefully select breeding pairs with sound conformation and balanced back length to support long-term spine health. Responsible breeding starts with healthy, well-tested parents.