Where can I adopt a Dachshund in Montreal?

Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses come up in Montreal-area rescue, though purebred Dachshunds are popular and in demand, so they can be adopted quickly when they appear. Start with the Montreal SPCA, the best-known organization on the island, and set up alerts so you hear when a Dachshund comes in. Beyond the SPCA, a number of smaller foster-based rescues across greater Montreal take in Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes, and there are also Dachshund and small-breed-specific rescues in the broader region that specialize in the breed, worth getting on the radar of if you specifically want a Dachshund. Because purebreds are in demand, many adopters open to the breed also consider Dachshund crosses (Dachshund mixes come up fairly often) and other small hound-type dogs, which broadens the options and often means a shorter wait. Dachshunds are a charming, characterful breed, but they have a couple of very important considerations, above all their vulnerability to back problems (intervertebral disc disease, IVDD) due to their long-backed build, which requires ongoing care and management, so a good rescue will want to make sure you understand the breed, particularly the back-care commitment. On LocalPetFinder you can browse currently adoptable dogs across Montreal-area organizations and filter for what you want; if a Dachshund or a suitable small-hound mix is available it will show up there, and setting an alert means you hear about the next one. When adopting an adult Dachshund, ask the rescue about any known back issues, as this is the most important health consideration for the breed.

What is the Dachshund temperament like?

Dachshunds are bold, clever, curious, lively, and affectionate, they are famously big personalities in small bodies, courageous (even to the point of being fearless despite their size), devoted to their people, and full of character, which is a big part of their charm and appeal. They were bred as hunting hounds (originally to hunt badgers, hence the name, "badger dog" in German, and the long, low, digging body), and that hunting heritage shapes the temperament: Dachshunds are determined, tenacious, and independent (bred to work underground on their own), which makes them clever but also stubborn, so training requires patience and the right approach; they have a strong prey drive and love to dig and follow scents; and they can be quite vocal, they have a surprisingly loud bark for their size and can be prone to barking (a trait to consider in shared housing). Dachshunds are typically devoted and affectionate with their families and often bond closely with one or a few people, and they can be good with children and other pets when well socialized, though their boldness and their delicate backs mean interactions with young children need care and supervision (see the family question). They can also be wary of strangers and make alert little watchdogs. Coat type can influence temperament somewhat (the long-haired is often described as more laid-back, the wire-haired as more terrier-like and mischievous, and the smooth as somewhere in between), though individual variation is large. Overall, the Dachshund temperament, bold, clever, devoted, stubborn, and characterful, makes the breed a delightful, entertaining companion for owners who appreciate a big personality and can handle a stubborn streak, patient training, some vocalness, and, crucially, the careful back management the breed requires.

What are the coat types and sizes of Dachshund?

Dachshunds come in three coat types and two (sometimes considered three) sizes, giving quite a range within the breed. The three coat types are: smooth (the classic short, sleek coat, low-maintenance, needing minimal grooming); long-haired (a longer, often slightly wavy coat with feathering, which needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats and is often associated with a somewhat calmer temperament); and wire-haired (a coarse, wiry coat with a beard and eyebrows, which needs regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping or trimming, and is often associated with a more terrier-like, mischievous temperament). The coat type is largely a matter of preference and grooming appetite, the smooth being the lowest-maintenance and the long and wire coats needing more grooming. The sizes are: standard (the larger size, typically around 16 to 32 pounds) and miniature (the smaller size, typically 11 pounds and under); there is also, informally, the very small "tweenie" (between mini and standard) and, in some places, a "kaninchen" or rabbit size smaller than mini, though the two main sizes are standard and miniature. Both sizes share the breed's core traits and, importantly, both share the long-backed build that makes back care so important (the back-problem risk applies across sizes). When adopting, the coat type affects grooming needs and the size affects things like the dog's space and exercise needs and how it fits your household, and with a rescue an adult dog's coat, size, and temperament are already apparent, so you can choose one that suits you. Whatever the coat and size, the crucial thing that applies to all Dachshunds is the need for careful back management, which is covered in depth in our back-care guide.

How much does it cost to adopt a Dachshund in Montreal?

Adoption fees at Montreal-area organizations, including the Montreal SPCA, typically run in the range of a few hundred dollars for a dog (often roughly $300 to $600, varying by organization and the animal's age), and that fee usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, good value versus arranging those separately. Breed-specific Dachshund and small-breed rescues may have their own fee structures. In Quebec, an adoption fee is not a purchase price, since 2015, article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec has recognized animals as sentient beings, not property. Adopting is far less expensive than buying: reputable Dachshund breeders in Canada typically charge in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a puppy, and given the popularity of the breed and how often Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes need rescue, adopting is both economical and helpful. Beyond the adoption fee, budget realistically for the ongoing costs of the breed: good-quality food (and managing portions carefully, as keeping a Dachshund lean is genuinely important for protecting its vulnerable back), routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, grooming (minimal for a smooth Dachshund, more for a long or wire coat), and training. One cost consideration specific to the breed deserves emphasis: because Dachshunds are prone to back problems (IVDD) that can require expensive treatment (including potentially costly surgery), pet insurance is particularly worth considering for a Dachshund, and budgeting for the possibility of back-related veterinary costs is wise. Overall, a Dachshund is a relatively affordable small dog to own in terms of basic costs, but the potential for significant back-related veterinary expenses is a real consideration, and adopting rather than buying saves substantially upfront while giving a dog in need a home.

Are Dachshunds good family dogs and good with children?

Dachshunds can be good family dogs, and many are devoted, entertaining family companions, but there are important considerations, particularly around young children, that make them a better fit for some families than others. On temperament, Dachshunds are affectionate and devoted to their families and can be good with children they are raised with and properly socialized around, and their big personalities make them fun family dogs. However, two factors warrant caution with young children. First, and most importantly, the Dachshund's vulnerable back: because Dachshunds are so prone to back injuries (IVDD), they need to be handled carefully and protected from rough handling, jumping, and being dropped or mishandled, and young children may not reliably handle a Dachshund gently or safely (picking it up incorrectly, which must always support the back and hindquarters, or playing too roughly), which can risk injuring the dog's back, so households with very young children need to be able to supervise and manage interactions carefully to protect the dog. Second, temperament: Dachshunds can be bold, sometimes stubborn, and, if not well socialized or if handled roughly, some can be snappy, and they may not tolerate the unpredictable behaviour of toddlers well, so as with many small breeds, supervision and teaching children to interact gently and respectfully are essential. For families with older, gentle, dog-respectful children who can be taught to handle the dog carefully (especially its back), a Dachshund can be a wonderful family pet, but for families with very young children, the combination of the delicate back and the breed's temperament means careful consideration and management are needed, and some families may find an older, sturdier, more tolerant breed easier. For an adopted Dachshund, ask the rescue about the individual dog's history and temperament with children, and consider an adult with a known good temperament around kids. In all cases, protecting the Dachshund's back through careful handling is paramount in a household with children.

Is a Dachshund a good fit for my household?

A Dachshund is an excellent fit for an owner or family who wants a bold, clever, affectionate, characterful small companion and who understands and is committed to the careful back care the breed requires, and a less ideal fit for those who cannot manage the back-care needs or who want an easily-trained, quiet, or low-consideration dog. The breed suits you if: you want a big-personality small dog that is devoted, entertaining, and full of character; you understand and are committed to protecting the dog's vulnerable back (managing jumping, handling the dog carefully, keeping it lean, and being prepared for the possibility of back problems), which is the single most important consideration for the breed; you can handle a stubborn, independent streak with patient, positive training; you can accept some vocalness (Dachshunds can be barky), which is worth considering for shared housing; and your household can protect the dog's back (which, in a home with young children, requires careful supervision and management). Dachshunds are well suited to apartment and condo living in terms of their size and moderate exercise needs, though the back care (managing stairs and jumping) and the potential vocalness are considerations for apartment life. It is a less ideal fit if you cannot commit to the back-care management, want a dog you do not have to think carefully about handling, want an easily-obedient or quiet dog, or have very young children and cannot closely supervise interactions to protect the dog's back. When adopting, be honest about your ability to provide the careful back management the breed needs, and talk to the rescue about the individual dog's temperament, any back history, and needs, so they can help you find the right Dachshund, an adult with a known temperament and health status can be an especially good match.

Dachshund Adoption in Montreal

The short answer

Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses come up in Montreal rescue (purebreds are popular and go fast), so start with the Montreal SPCA, smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues, and Dachshund/small-breed rescues, and set alerts. The breed is bold, clever, devoted, stubborn, and characterful, a big personality in a small body, in three coats (smooth, long, wire) and two sizes (standard, miniature). The defining consideration, across all coats and sizes, is the vulnerable long back (IVDD risk), which needs careful lifelong management. Also stubborn (patient training) and vocal (a consideration in shared housing). Adoption runs ~$300 to $600 vs $1,500 to $3,000+ from a breeder.

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A Dachshund in a Montreal park — The Dachshund is a bold, clever, characterful companion, delightful for an owner committed to the careful back care the long-backed breed needs.

Few breeds pack as much personality into as small a package as the Dachshund, bold, clever, devoted, and often hilarious. But that iconic long-backed build comes with a serious responsibility: protecting the dog's vulnerable spine. Understanding the back-care commitment (and the stubborn streak) before you adopt is the key to a happy Dachshund household. Here is the honest picture.

Where to adopt in Montreal

Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses come up, though purebreds are popular and in demand, so they go fast. Start with the Montreal SPCA and set alerts. Beyond it, smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues and Dachshund/small-breed-specific rescues in the broader region handle the breed.

Because purebreds are in demand, many adopters also consider Dachshund crosses (which come up fairly often) and other small hound-type dogs, often meaning a shorter wait. On LocalPetFinder you can browse adoptable dogs across Montreal-area organizations and set an alert. When adopting an adult Dachshund, ask the rescue about any known back issues, this is the most important health consideration for the breed.

Temperament: a big personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, curious, lively, and affectionate, famously big personalities in small bodies, courageous, devoted, and full of character. Bred as badger hounds (the long, low, digging body), they're determined, tenacious, and independent (worked underground alone), so clever but stubborn (patient training needed), with a strong prey drive and love of digging and scents, and they can be quite vocal (a surprisingly loud bark, a consideration in shared housing).

Typically devoted and affectionate, often bonding closely with one or a few people, they can be good with children and other pets when socialized (with care given their delicate backs, see below), and make alert little watchdogs. Coat type influences temperament somewhat (long-haired often calmer, wire-haired more terrier-like, smooth in between), though individual variation is large. Overall, delightful and entertaining for owners who appreciate a big personality and can handle a stubborn streak, some vocalness, and, crucially, the careful back management the breed requires.

Coats and sizes

Three coats: smooth (classic short, sleek, low-maintenance), long-haired (longer, often wavy with feathering, needs regular brushing, often calmer), and wire-haired (coarse, wiry, with beard and eyebrows, needs brushing plus periodic hand-stripping or trimming, often more terrier-like). Two main sizes: standard (~16 to 32 lbs) and miniature (~11 lbs and under), with an informal “tweenie” in between.

Coat type is mostly a matter of grooming preference (smooth is lowest-maintenance), and size affects space and exercise needs. Crucially, both sizes share the long-backed build that makes back care so important, the IVDD risk applies across coats and sizes. With a rescue, an adult's coat, size, and temperament are already apparent, so you can choose one that suits you, but whatever you choose, the need for careful back management applies. See our back-care guide.

What it costs

Route	Typical cost	Includes
Rescue / Montreal SPCA	~$300 to $600	Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip
Reputable breeder	$1,500 to $3,000+	Puppy

In Quebec, an adoption fee is not a purchase price (animals are recognized as sentient beings). Budget for food (manage portions, keeping a Dachshund lean genuinely protects its back), vet care, grooming (minimal for smooth, more for long/wire), and training. One breed-specific cost deserves emphasis: because Dachshunds are prone to back problems (IVDD) that can need expensive treatment or surgery, pet insurance is particularly worth considering, see our health guide.

Family dogs and children

Dachshunds can be good family dogs, but two factors warrant caution with young children. First and most important, the vulnerable back: Dachshunds need careful handling (always supporting the back and hindquarters) and protection from rough play, jumping, and mishandling, and young children may not reliably handle one safely, risking back injury. Second, temperament: bold and sometimes stubborn, and if not well socialized or handled roughly, some can be snappy and may not tolerate unpredictable toddler behaviour well.

For families with older, gentle, dog-respectful children who can be taught to handle the dog carefully (especially its back), a Dachshund can be a wonderful pet. For families with very young children, the delicate back plus the temperament means careful consideration and management are needed, and some families may find a sturdier, more tolerant breed easier. For an adopted Dachshund, ask the rescue about the individual dog's history with children. In all cases, protecting the back through careful handling is paramount in a household with children.

Is it a good fit for you?

An excellent fit for an owner or family who wants a bold, clever, affectionate, characterful small companion and is committed to the careful back care the breed requires (managing jumping, careful handling, keeping the dog lean, and being prepared for possible back problems), the single most important consideration. Also suits you if you can handle a stubborn streak with patient training and accept some vocalness. Well suited to apartment living (size and moderate exercise), though back care (stairs, jumping) and vocalness are considerations there.

A less ideal fit if you can't commit to the back-care management, want a dog you don't have to handle thoughtfully, want an easily-obedient or quiet dog, or have very young children and can't closely supervise to protect the dog's back. When adopting, be honest about your ability to provide careful back management, and talk to the rescue about the individual dog's temperament, any back history, and needs, an adult with a known temperament and health status can be an especially good match.

Browse adoptable dogs in Montreal

Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes come up, so set an alert. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I adopt one in Montreal?

Dachshunds and Dachshund crosses come up (purebreds go fast). Start with the Montreal SPCA, smaller Montreal-area foster-based rescues, and Dachshund/small-breed rescues, and set alerts. Consider Dachshund crosses too. When adopting an adult, ask about any known back issues, the most important health consideration.

What is the temperament like?

Bold, clever, curious, lively, and affectionate, a big personality in a small body. Bred as badger hounds, so determined, independent, and stubborn (patient training), with a strong prey drive and a loud bark (vocal). Devoted to their people and alert watchdogs. Delightful for owners who appreciate character and manage the back care.

What coats and sizes do they come in?

Three coats, smooth (low-maintenance), long-haired (needs brushing, often calmer), and wire-haired (brushing plus hand-stripping, often terrier-like), and two main sizes, standard (~16 to 32 lbs) and miniature (~11 lbs and under). Both sizes share the long-backed build, so back care applies to all.

How much does adoption cost?

Roughly $300 to $600 at Montreal-area organizations (including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip), versus $1,500 to $3,000+ from a breeder. Budget for food (keep the dog lean to protect its back), vet care, grooming, and training. Because of IVDD risk, pet insurance is particularly worth considering.

Are they good with children?

They can be, with older, gentle, dog-respectful children who can handle the dog carefully. Two cautions with young kids: the vulnerable back (careful handling is essential, always supporting back and hindquarters) and temperament (some can be snappy if handled roughly). Careful supervision and management are needed, protecting the back is paramount.

Is it a good fit for my household?

Excellent for an owner who wants a bold, clever, characterful small dog and is committed to the careful back care (managing jumping, careful handling, keeping the dog lean). Suits apartments (size, moderate exercise), with back care and vocalness as considerations. Less ideal if you can't manage the back care or want an easily-obedient, quiet dog.

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