The Dachshund, known affectionately as the sausage dog or wiener dog, is a small scent hound with a long body, short legs and a bold, stubborn character far bigger than its frame. The name means badger dog in German, because the breed was built to go down burrows after badgers, and that heritage shows in a brave, determined, sometimes headstrong dog that loves to dig and follow a scent. They come in miniature and standard sizes and in three coat types, smooth, long-haired and wire-haired.
Dachshunds turn up in Sydney and NSW rescue through owner life changes, moves and, sometimes, owners who could not manage the barking, the stubborn streak or the back problems the breed is prone to. Purebred Dachshunds place quickly, so Dachshund crosses appear more often. Whether purebred or cross, the individual dog matters most, and the foster carer or shelter notes on temperament and how the dog is with people, children and other pets are far more useful than the breed label.
A Dachshund suits an owner who wants a characterful, loyal, portable companion and who will protect its long back with sensible care. Browse the Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses currently listed from rescues and shelters across Sydney and New South Wales.
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List your dog for rehoming →Dachshund Adoption Guides
The pre-adoption reading list specific to Dachshunds in Sydney and NSW.
Dachshund Adoption in Sydney
Where to adopt a Dachshund or Dachshund cross, why they end up in rescue, and adopt versus breeder cost.
Dachshund Health Issues
The highest-risk breed for back (IVDD) problems, obesity, and the health signs every owner should watch.
Dachshund Training & Behaviour
The stubborn, scent-driven, barky reality: house training, barking, prey drive, and back-safe activity.
Dachshund Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt a Dachshund near me in Sydney?
LocalPetFinder lists Dachshunds available for adoption from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Western Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Rescues that regularly take in dogs of this type include RSPCA NSW at Yagoona and Animal Welfare League NSW at Kemps Creek, alongside foster-based groups. Listings update regularly, so browse the Dachshunds above and apply directly through the rescue.
Are there Dachshund rescues near Sydney?
Yes. Several Sydney and NSW rescues regularly have Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses, including RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Monika's Doggie Rescue and Maggie's Rescue, plus breed-focused foster networks. A dedicated single-breed rescue is not always active, so the fastest path is to set an alert here and watch the general rescues. Use LocalPetFinder to see which rescues currently have Dachshunds available near you.
Where can I adopt a Dachshund puppy in Sydney?
Purebred Dachshund puppies are uncommon in Sydney rescue and are usually adopted very quickly, so the best strategy is to set an alert here and be ready to apply fast. Most Dachshunds in rescue are young adults, older dogs, or Dachshund crosses, and these make just as loving a pet as a purebred puppy while often being calmer and already part house-trained. A rescue puppy or young dog costs a few hundred dollars fully desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, against several thousand from a breeder with a waitlist. If you searched "dachshund puppies sydney" or "dachshund puppies for sale", browse the Dachshunds above and set an alert for new arrivals.
Are these Dachshunds for sale in Sydney?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Dachshund here comes from a Sydney or NSW rescue, not a breeder or classified seller, and the adoption fee already includes desexing, vaccination and microchipping. That fee is typically a few hundred dollars, against often several thousand from a breeder with none of the vet work done. If you searched "dachshund for sale sydney", adopting gets you a vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Dachshund in Sydney, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable breeder often charges several thousand dollars and may have a waitlist, while a rescue Dachshund costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are a known hotspot for scams and backyard breeding. The ACCC Scamwatch has documented deposit scams for pets that do not exist. For most Sydney families, adopting a rescue Dachshund is cheaper, faster and gives a dog in need a home.
How do I protect a Dachshund's back?
The long body and short legs make Dachshunds highly prone to intervertebral disc disease, a serious back and spinal condition, so protecting the spine is the single most important part of daily care. Keep the dog lean, discourage jumping on and off furniture and beds, use a ramp or steps and lift the dog with support under the chest and hindquarters. A harness rather than a neck collar is kinder on the body. If a Dachshund ever suddenly refuses to move, cries, or drags its back legs, treat it as an emergency and see a vet straight away.
What health problems do Dachshunds have?
The big one is intervertebral disc disease affecting the back, which is why weight and back care matter so much. Beyond that, the breed can be prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, which is a slipping kneecap, and eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy. Keeping a Dachshund at a healthy weight protects the back, the joints and the general health all at once. A rescue Dachshund arrives desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and vet-checked, and any known issue is noted. Ask your vet about back, weight and dental care.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs?
They can be lovely family companions, but they suit families with older, gentle children better than those with toddlers. A Dachshund is small and has a vulnerable back, so it can be injured by rough handling or by a child who picks it up wrongly. They are loyal and bond closely to their people, and they can be vocal and a little stubborn. Early reward-based training helps. Each rescue listing notes how the individual dog has gone with children and other animals in foster care.
How much exercise does a Dachshund need?
Around thirty to sixty minutes a day of gentle walking plus some play and sniffing, which suits their scent-hound nature. Avoid repeated jumping and hard stair use to protect the back. Their nose can lead them astray, so a secure yard and a lead in open areas are sensible. In a Sydney summer, walk in the cool of the early morning or evening, and keep year-round paralysis tick prevention up if you walk in bushland or coastal areas.