Dachshund Breeding

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

Dachshund breeding: how does it work?

Dachshund breeding is a delicate process that requires careful preparation, especially if it is the first litter.

Due to the small size of our beloved four-legged sausages, complications can never be ruled out.

However, if the breeding process is well-planned, you have nothing to worry about. Ensuring your dachshund can breed under the best conditions is all about anticipation. In fact, your veterinarian can guide you throughout the entire process.

Are you planning to breed your precious smooth, wire, or long-haired dachshund? Here are a few things to know before you get started. 😊

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The stages of dachshund breeding

Breeding in dachshunds takes place in a few stages:

Mating;
Pregnancy;
Whelping (giving birth).

To ensure this long process goes smoothly, proper monitoring is essential.

For peace of mind, you can consult your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s health and get advice on the right diet before, during, and after the pregnancy.

Mating in dachshunds

In all dog breeds, the best time for mating is during the heat cycle. In dachshunds specifically, the first heat usually occurs around 6 to 8 months of age. It lasts an average of 20 days and then recurs every 6 months.

To avoid complications during whelping, veterinarians recommend waiting for the second or even third heat cycle before planning a first mating, which is around one year of age.

Indeed, this is when your furry friend will have reached sexual maturity. In other words, the female will be physically ready to accept a male dachshund. Furthermore, it is from this age that we see complete consolidation of her skeleton.

How do I know if my dachshund is in heat?

As mentioned earlier, the heat period lasts about 20 days and is divided into several phases.

The first sign of heat is characterized by light bloody discharge that lasts about 9 days.

In scientific terms, this phase is called “proestrus“.

Next comes the estrus phase, which corresponds to the ovulation period.

🐶 Ideally, mating should take place 2 or 3 days after ovulation.

The ovulation period

It should be noted that the timing of ovulation varies significantly from one female to another. In most cases, breeding failures are due to an imprecise estimation of this fertile window.

If you want to maximize your chances of a successful breeding, it is possible to perform a test, just like humans do.

The veterinarian can perform vaginal smears or a blood test to detect progesterone levels. If this level is high, it means the female is entering her fertile period.

The pregnancy period in dachshunds

To know if the mating was successful, you now need to know how to detect the signs of pregnancy in your dachshund.

The first concrete clue is her big appetite. 😊

Indeed, the future dachshund mom becomes a real glutton! She finishes everything you offer her and may even ask for more. Of course, it is imperative to ensure a balanced diet.

Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice on the daily quantity and nutritional intake to ensure good health for the mother and the future dachshund puppies.

Generally speaking, the pregnancy period in a dachshund lasts 9 weeks (62 to 64 days). During this time, the dog will gain weight as she has a larger appetite.

To avoid potential excess weight that could complicate her health leading up to the birth, you can continue with short outdoor walks. It is even possible to have her do some light exercise up to a certain point.

Once again, you should always consult your veterinarian to find out which activities are suitable for her condition.

Important note:

It should be emphasized that the female dachshund must have been vaccinated and dewormed prior to pregnancy. Administering vaccines to a pregnant dachshund can pose risks that may compromise the proper development of the fetus.

From labor to delivery

When labor begins, your dachshund will seek refuge in a corner and will not want to come out. 😊

It could be her usual bed or a quiet place where she feels safe. You can also prepare this cozy corner for her by creating a warm space away from any noise and with low lighting.

In this final stretch, she will not want to eat or drink. Depending on your furry friend’s personality, she may not want you to approach her…

With each contraction, she will lick her hindquarters repeatedly. It is her way of easing the pain. Some will even become very restless and pant heavily. Note that the duration of contractions varies for each dog.

Before the actual birth, a water sac will be expelled, and the first puppy will appear a few minutes later. ✨

In principle, this first delivery is often the most difficult. The others will follow naturally. Generally, the number of puppies per litter varies between 2 and 4.

After the birth, avoid picking up the dachshund puppies or moving them immediately. Give them time to bond with their mother. 🥰

Moreover, after a few moments, the puppies will instinctively look to nurse. For her part, the mother will proceed to clean the babies thoroughly.

A few tips after the birth

Avoid giving raw food to the nursing mother.
Increase her daily ration (refer to the veterinarian’s instructions).
Ensure the water bowl is never empty.

Final paws

We hope this information has clarified your understanding of the fascinating process of dachshund breeding!

If you have any questions, anecdotes to share, or experiences to tell, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. The community of dachshund lovers is always ready to exchange and share knowledge. 😃

Continue exploring our blog for more informative and entertaining articles about our four-legged friends. Your feedback is valuable and helps create a dynamic and engaged community!

The DoxieLife team
💚 – last modified 01/16/2026