Owner cradles the head of an older golden Labrador
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Read morePet Insurance for Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
Affordable, comprehensive pet insurance designed for Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshunds.
✓ Up to £12,000 vet fee cover
✓ Receive up to 100% back on eligible vet bills
✓ 95% of claims paid within 3 days
✓ Simple, quick claims process with support from our friendly UK team
✓ Proud to be Feefo Platinum Trusted Service rated
Trusted by owners that love their dogs as much as you do
Smooth-Haired Dachshund – Costs, Cover & Common Health Issues
The Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund is instantly recognisable for its long body, short legs, and confident personality. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, their name literally translates to “badger dog.”
Recognised by the The Kennel Club as a Toy breed (despite their bold character), Miniature Smooth Dachshunds are affectionate, loyal, and surprisingly brave. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their playful, sometimes stubborn nature.
They are one of the fastest-rising popular breeds in the UK, particularly in urban areas, thanks to their compact size and big personality.
🐾 Average lifespan: 12–16 years
🐾 Average adult weight: Up to 5 kg (Miniature variety)
🐾 Originally bred in Germany over 300 years ago
🐾 One of the UK’s fastest-growing breeds registered with The Kennel Club
Dachshund lying in the sun
Common Smooth-Haired Dachshund Health Issues
Due to their long body shape, Dachshunds are prone to certain spinal and genetic conditions.
Common Health Issues:
-
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – £4,000–£8,000 surgery
-
Luxating Patella – £1,500–£3,000 surgery
-
Dental Disease – £250–£800 treatment
-
Obesity – Increases risk of spinal complications
-
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – £300–£600 testing
Spinal surgery for IVDD can be urgent and costly, which is why many Dachshund owners choose lifetime cover.
🐶 Bold, Curious, Big-Hearted — Protect Your Dachshund Properly
Your Guide To Owning a Short-Haired Dachshund
Wondering if a Short-Haired Dachshund is the right dog for you? Here’s a few things you should know before you bring a ‘little noodle’ home…
Dachshund sitting on a park bench
Diet & Nutrition
Diet plays a crucial role in protecting a Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund’s spine and joints.
Key dietary considerations:
- Strict portion control to prevent weight gain
- High-quality protein to support muscle tone
- Joint supplements may support spinal health
- Avoid excessive treats and table scraps
Maintaining a lean body condition is one of the most important preventative steps for this breed.
Two dachshunds playing on a field
Exercise Requirements
Despite their small size, Miniature Smooth Dachshunds are active and curious.
Daily exercise needs:
- 30–60 minutes per day
- Gentle walks (avoid excessive stair climbing)
- Mental stimulation through scent games
- Avoid high jumps on and off furniture
Because of their spinal structure, owners should minimise activities that involve jumping from heights or rough play.
Dachshund playing on the grass
Who Is the Miniature Smooth Dachshund Perfect For?
This breed is ideal for:
- Apartment or city living
- Individuals or couples
- Families with older children
- Owners who enjoy training and interactive play
- People wanting a small dog with a big personality
They may be less suited to homes with very young children who may accidentally handle them roughly, as spinal injuries can occur.
Why Insurance Matters for Smooth-Haired Dachshund
With spinal surgery for IVDD potentially costing thousands of pounds, veterinary bills for this breed can escalate quickly. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical for the best recovery outcomes.
Comprehensive insurance gives you peace of mind that if the unexpected happens, you can prioritise your Dachshund’s health — not the cost of care.
Choose The Best Policy For Your Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund
Superior – the most comprehensive insurance cover we offer, with the lowest excess, giving you confidence that your dog will be looked after if illness or injury strikes.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£12,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£9,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Superior
Mid-point
Entry
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£12,000
£9,000
£6,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
100%
100%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
–
–
–
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Mid-range – our most flexible plan, offering a choice of co-payment and excess levels and packed with a range of optional extras to suit your dog’s needs.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£12,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£9,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Key
Vital
Core
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£12,000
£9,000
£6,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
90%, 80% or 70%
90%, 80% or 70%
90%, 80% or 70%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
£1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Safety-net – accidents or illness can happen at any time, and our Catastrophe and Economy policies provide cover for your dog when emergency treatment is needed.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.
-
Veterinary fees
£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months -
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£6,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
-
Claimable period
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year. -
Veterinary fees
£3,000
-
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
-
Third party liability
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
-
Day to day care
–
-
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Benefits
Economy
Catastrophe 2
Catastrophe 1
Claimable period
Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.
Veterinary fees
£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months
£6,000
£3,000
Percentage of veterinary fees covered
100%
100%
100%
Third party liability
£1,000,000 per claim
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim
Day to day care
–
–
–
Age restrictions
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
8 weeks – under 8 years.
Terms, conditions, and excesses apply. Cover depends on acceptance criteria, and there may be policy limits and exclusions. Make sure to check the policy details on the dog insurance page before taking out a policy.