Raising Dachshunds the Old-Fashioned Way
Happy Doxies started as one family's love for a single stubborn, velvet-eared dachshund and grew — slowly, deliberately — into a small home-based program built around the belief that a puppy's first weeks shape the dog they become. We keep our litters small on purpose, so every puppy gets real attention, not a number on a chart. Today we place puppies with families throughout the United States and Canada.
We're not a commercial kennel and never will be. Our dogs live in our house, sleep near our bedroom, and are held by our kids before they're ever handed to a new family. That's not a marketing line — it's the only way we know how to do this.
The Happy Doxies Timeline
Our First Litter
What began as one much-loved family dachshund becoming a mother turned into four puppies raised entirely by hand — and four families who kept in touch for years after.
Formalizing the Program
We partnered with a local veterinary practice for structured health screening and officially began registering litters with the AKC.
Going Nationwide
Safe ground and flight-nanny delivery options opened our program to families well outside driving distance for the first time.
150th Family Milestone
We placed our 150th puppy with a family, a milestone that still gets celebrated with a photo wall in our living room.
Still Small, By Choice
We could grow bigger. We choose not to — small litters mean we can still tell you exactly how every puppy is doing, because we watched it happen ourselves.
Our Values, Not Just Our Puppies
Health First, Always
Every breeding decision starts with health screening, never appearance alone. A sound, healthy dog is non-negotiable.
Full Transparency
Ask us anything — health history, parents' temperament, past litters. We'd rather over-share than leave you guessing.
Lifetime Support
Our relationship doesn't end at pickup. Years later, families still call us with questions, and we still pick up the phone.
Right Home, Not Just Any Home
We ask questions before you pay a deposit, because a good match matters more to us than a quick sale.
Meet the Program
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Program Size | Small — typically 3–5 litters per year, home-raised |
| Average Litter Size | 4–6 puppies |
| Typical Wait for a Reserved Litter | 4–10 weeks |
| In-Person Visits | Welcome by appointment for local families |
| Out-of-State & Out-of-Country Families | More photos available on request before you commit |
| Delivery Area | All 50 US states, plus Canada |
Everything to Know About the Dachshund
Understanding the breed before you bring one home makes for a better match, on both sides. Here's the honest rundown.
| Type | Weight | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature Dachshund | 8–11 lbs | 5–6 inches | Apartments, laps, smaller households |
| Standard Dachshund | 16–32 lbs | 8–9 inches | Active families, more room to roam |
Three Coats, One Big Personality
Smooth Coat
Short, sleek, and low-maintenance. Minimal shedding upkeep — an occasional wipe-down is often enough.
Long Coat
Soft, slightly wavy feathering around the ears, chest, and legs. Needs brushing every week or two.
Wire Coat
Dense, coarse, and weatherproof with distinctive eyebrows and a beard. Benefits from occasional hand-stripping.
You're Likely a Great Fit If You...
- Enjoy a dog with a strong personality and don't mind a little stubbornness
- Can commit to daily walks despite their small stature — they need the exercise
- Are willing to manage stairs and jumping carefully to protect their long backs
- Want a dog that bonds intensely and stays close by, indoors and out
A Note From Us
Dachshunds were bred to track scent underground, and that instinct never fully switches off. Expect a dog that digs, follows its nose, and occasionally ignores you entirely mid-sniff. It's part of the charm — most of our families wouldn't trade it for anything.