Picture this: you’re relaxing at home when your single dachshund gives you that look – the one that says they’re bored, lonely, or plotting their next mischievous adventure. With 68 million dog-owning households in the U.S. and an average of 1.5 dogs per household in 2025, you’re not alone in considering a canine companion for your wiener dog.
Should I get 2 dachshunds? Yes, if you can handle doubled expenses, training time, and space requirements. Dachshunds are naturally social dogs that often thrive with a compatible companion, reducing separation anxiety and providing mutual stimulation.
The decision to welcome a second dachshund into your home involves careful consideration of your lifestyle, budget, and current dog’s personality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transitioning from one to two dachshunds.
Benefits of Having Two Dachshunds
Dachshunds are inherently social creatures with strong pack instincts. Adding a second dachshund to your household can create numerous advantages for both dogs and owners.
Companionship and Reduced Separation Anxiety
Many dachshund owners report significant improvements in their dog’s behavior after introducing a second dachshund. These intelligent dogs often suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
A canine companion provides constant social interaction, mental stimulation, and emotional support. Your dogs can play together, comfort each other during thunderstorms, and maintain their pack hierarchy naturally.
Enhanced Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Two dachshunds will naturally exercise each other through play, wrestling, and chase games. This self-generated activity helps maintain healthy weight levels and prevents boredom-related destructive behaviors.
Interactive play between dogs also provides mental stimulation that single toys or puzzle feeders cannot match. The constant social dynamics keep both dogs mentally sharp and emotionally satisfied.
Financial Considerations: What Does It Really Cost?
Before answering should I get 2 dachshunds, you must honestly assess your financial readiness. The numbers are straightforward but significant.
| Expense Category | Single Dachshund | Two Dachshunds |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Basic Care | $1,533 | $3,066 |
| Veterinary Care | $580 | $1,160 |
| Food (Premium) | $400-600 | $800-1,200 |
| Insurance (Optional) | $300-600 | $600-1,200 |
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the obvious doubled expenses, several hidden costs emerge with two dachshunds:
- Duplicate equipment: beds, leashes, toys, feeding stations
- Increased grooming frequency and costs
- Potential for synchronized health issues requiring simultaneous treatment
- Travel accommodations and pet-sitting fees
Space and Living Arrangements
Successfully housing two dachshunds requires thoughtful space planning and environmental modifications. These considerations go beyond simply having enough square footage.
Essential Space Requirements
Each dachshund needs their own designated areas for eating, sleeping, and retreat. Resource competition can quickly escalate into behavioral problems without proper spatial boundaries.
Consider your yard size, indoor living space, and ability to provide separate areas during feeding times or when conflicts arise. Apartments can work, but require more diligent management and exercise planning. Understanding your dachshund’s size requirements helps determine appropriate space allocation for each dog.
How to Successfully Introduce a Second Dachshund
The introduction process significantly impacts long-term household harmony. Follow these proven steps for the smoothest transition:
- Neutral territory meetings: Arrange initial meetings in parks or neutral locations, not your home
- Parallel walks: Walk both dogs side by side with adequate distance for several sessions using properly fitted harnesses for better control
- Supervised home visits: Allow brief, supervised interactions in your home before permanent placement
- Separate resources initially: Maintain separate feeding stations, beds, and toys for the first few weeks
- Gradual integration: Slowly increase unsupervised time together as comfort levels improve
Age and Personality Matching
The success of your two-dachshund household heavily depends on compatible personalities and energy levels. Consider your current dog’s age, temperament, and social history when selecting a companion.
Puppies paired with senior dogs often create stress for the older animal. Similarly, high-energy dogs matched with calm personalities may lead to frustration on both sides.
Training Challenges and Solutions
Training two dachshunds simultaneously presents unique challenges but also unexpected advantages. These stubborn yet intelligent dogs can either reinforce each other’s good behaviors or compound training difficulties.
Individual vs. Group Training
Initially, train each dog separately to establish individual relationships and commands. Once basic obedience is solid, group training sessions can reinforce pack hierarchy and shared behavioral expectations. For specialized skills, you might also consider training your dachshunds for hunting as a bonding activity.
Common challenges include synchronized misbehavior, attention competition during training sessions, and difficulty maintaining focus with distractions. Patience and consistency remain your most valuable training tools.
Health Considerations for Multiple Dachshunds
Owning two dachshunds means doubled vigilance for breed-specific health issues. Intervertebral disc disease, obesity, and dental problems affect dachshunds disproportionately.
Preventive Care Strategies
Synchronized veterinary schedules help manage costs and ensure consistent care. Many veterinarians offer multi-pet discounts for routine services like vaccinations and wellness exams.
Monitor both dogs for signs of competitive eating, which can lead to obesity. Separate feeding schedules and portion control become crucial with multiple dogs.
When Two Dachshunds Might Not Be Right
Honest self-assessment helps determine if you should get 2 dachshunds. Several scenarios suggest waiting or reconsidering:
- Your current dachshund shows aggression toward other dogs (though some protective behavior is normal, as dachshunds can be good guard dogs)
- Limited financial resources for doubled expenses
- Insufficient time for individual attention and training
- Rental restrictions or housing limitations
- Existing behavioral issues that need resolution first
Remember that some dachshunds genuinely prefer being only dogs. Forcing companionship on a dog who thrives alone can create stress and behavioral regression.
The question should I get 2 dachshunds ultimately depends on your specific situation, resources, and commitment level. Two dachshunds can provide incredible companionship, entertainment, and joy when properly managed. However, they also require doubled time, money, and attention. Assess your current dog’s personality, your financial stability, available space, and long-term commitment before making this significant decision. When done thoughtfully, a two-dachshund household can be incredibly rewarding for both dogs and their human family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get two dachshund puppies at the same time?
Getting two puppies simultaneously, known as littermate syndrome, can create training challenges and prevent proper bonding with humans. Most experts recommend waiting 6-12 months between adding dogs to establish individual relationships and training foundations.
Will two dachshunds get along if they’re different sizes?
Standard and miniature dachshunds can coexist successfully with proper introduction and supervision. Size differences may affect play styles, but personality compatibility matters more than physical size. Monitor interactions to ensure the smaller dog isn’t overwhelmed.
How much space do I need for two dachshunds?
While dachshunds adapt to various living situations, two dogs need separate feeding areas, sleeping spots, and adequate exercise space. A fenced yard is beneficial but not mandatory if you commit to regular walks and exercise routines.
Do two dachshunds require double the training time?
Initially, yes. Each dog needs individual training sessions to establish commands and boundaries. Once basic obedience is established, group training can be effective. Expect 3-6 months of intensive individual training for optimal results.
Can I leave two dachshunds alone together?
After proper introduction and establishment of pack hierarchy, most dachshund pairs can be left alone safely. Start with short periods and gradually increase duration. Provide separate resources and remove high-value items that might cause conflicts.
Should I get a male and female dachshund pair?
Opposite-sex pairs often have fewer dominance conflicts than same-sex combinations. However, spaying and neutering are essential to prevent unwanted breeding and reduce territorial behaviors. Personality compatibility remains more important than gender.
What’s the ideal age gap between two dachshunds?
A 2-4 year age gap often works well, allowing the older dog to be established and trained while still being young enough to adapt to a companion. Avoid pairing very young puppies with senior dogs, as energy levels and needs differ significantly.