fbpx

Pet Insurance for Miniature Dachshunds

Find out all about the Miniature Dachshund, and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by 
Savvy Editorial Team
Savvy's content writing team are professionals with a wide and diverse range of industry experience and topic knowledge. We write across a broad spectrum of finance-related topics to provide our readers with informative resources to help them learn more about a certain area or enable them to decide on which product is best for their needs with careful comparison. Meet the team behind the operation here. Visit our authors page to meet Savvy's expert writing team, committed to delivering informative and engaging content to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our authors
, updated on September 26th, 2023       

Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

Price range

$1,500 –$2,500

Height

13cm - 23cm

Weight

4kg - 5kg

Personality

Curious, brave, intelligent

Coat length

Short, smooth

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

No

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Miniature Dachshund

Overview

The Miniature Dachshund, commonly known as the ‘sausage dog,’ is a tiny hunting dog originally bred in Germany to be small enough to enter rabbit burrows and badger dens. They can be traced back at least 600 years. Their short legs and low-to-the-ground bodies made them ideal for running through undergrowth and digging up rabbits and badgers. They needed a loud bark so their humans could hear them even when deep underground. They have retained this characteristic to the modern day, and have a very loud voice for such a tiny dog. 

Miniature Dachshunds come in three sizes, standard, miniature and toy, although only standard and miniatures are recognised by the various kennel clubs around the world. Although small, these playful dogs need plenty of exercise and are very prone to dig, so may not be suitable for those who are proud gardeners.  

Miniature Dachshunds are known for their bold and independent nature, which can make them hard to train. They will sulk if reprimanded and have long memories. They have a strong prey drive and will chase any other small pets, so should never be trusted with rabbits or guinea pigs. Although Miniature Dachshunds have low-maintenance coats, and are suitable for apartment living, they should not be encouraged to climb stairs due to their inherent spinal issues. 

Common diseases and conditions of Miniature Dachshunds

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Miniature Dachshunds are predisposed to IVDD, a spinal disc condition that causes the vertebrae to weaken and protrude into the spinal canal.  
  • Obesity: They are very prone to obesity, so their weight must be carefully controlled. 
  • Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort. 
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The hunting instincts of Dachshunds may lead them to dig under fences, and they love burrowing under blankets. However, they should not be encouraged to jump up onto furniture (or beds) due to their inherent spinal issues. If they are permitted to burrow into bed with you, a ramp should be provided up to the bed to ensure spinal injury doesn't occur. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Miniature Dachshund?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Miniature Dachshunds

 What are the different sizes of Miniature Dachshunds?

Miniature Dachshunds typically come in two recognised sizes: standard and miniature. Miniature Dachshunds weigh 5kg or less and measure about 13-18 cm in height. Standard Miniature Dachshunds weigh between 5kg-7kg, and stand about 20-23cm tall.    

Do Miniature Dachshunds bark a lot, and are they prone to excessive barking?

Yes, Miniature Dachshunds have a tendency to bark, and they can be vocal dogs. However, excessive barking can often be attributed to factors like inadequate exercise, boredom, or anxiety. Proper training and socialisation can help curb excessive barking in Miniature Dachshunds. 

Are Miniature Dachshunds good family pets, especially for families with children?

Miniature Dachshunds can make excellent family pets. They are affectionate and loyal. However, they are not the best choice for families with very young children, as their long, fragile bodies can be prone to injury if handled roughly. Supervision and proper training are essential when introducing them to kids of any age. 

Do Miniature Dachshunds require a lot of grooming?

Miniature Dachshunds have short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition. Additionally, maintaining their dental health and trimming their nails as needed are essential aspects of grooming. 

Helpful guides on pet insurance

Is pet insurance worth it

Is Pet Insurance Worth it?

Are you wondering about the cost of pet cover and wondering is pet insurance worth it? Find out all you...

Pet owner holding dog paw

Pet Euthanasia Cost Australia

Saying goodbye to a cherished pet is never easy. Our guide offers insights into pet euthanasia costs and options, helping...

Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Miniature Dachshund

We'd love to chat, how can we help?

By clicking "Submit", you agree to be contacted by a Savvy Agency Owner and to receive communications from Savvy which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.