Dachshunds are wonderful pets, can be great with kids, and are so much fun to have around, that a dachshund puppy for Christmas seems like a great idea, right? Well... it can be a great idea if you still follow all of the rules for finding a great puppy.

One of the first things you need to do when searching for a new dachshund puppy is to find a breeder that you really click with. Your relationship with a breeder is very important because they are an invaluable resource for you now and in the future. Good breeders will take the time to educate you in depth on the dachshund breed. They will also be able to discuss the personalities of all of their dogs because they know each one of them and spend a lot of time taking care of their dogs. If, heaven forbid, some issue were to come up with your puppy, a good breeder will take the time to work through the issue with you to find a solution to any problem. If it is a behavior issue, they will talk to you about some strategies to overcome the issue. If it is a health issue, they will work with you to find the best outcome for everyone involved - you, the puppy, and the breeder. I always recommend finding a breeder before picking a puppy because once you fall in love with a dachshund puppy; it can be heartbreaking to find out that they come from a breeder who is uncaring or unknowledgeable.

The PROS about having a Dachshund Puppy as a Christmas Gift:

1. Dachshund puppies are a great addition to your family. If you have kids, especially young kids, the long haired dachshunds are more social and accepting of other people and animals than the smooth coat or wirehaired dachshunds.

2. Puppies are more cuddly and loving than a stuffed animal.

3. Dachshund puppies are a long lasting gift. They will be part of your family for a very long time.

4. You may have extra time off of work and they kids are out of school so you will have extra time to devote to starting your puppy off on the right foot.

The CONS about having a Dachshund Puppy as a Christmas Gift:

1. Puppies take A LOT of attention and care and need disciplined training to make sure they are well behaved members of your family. Christmas can be a very busy time and all of your family activities may not allow you the time to devote to your puppy.

2. The holidays are typically a time when you either have lots of family over to your house or you have to spend a lot of time away from your house with your family. Both of these situations can cause your puppy undue anxiety. Either there is too much going on with lots of people or they are left alone and do not have the chance to bond with you.

3. Dachshund puppies can be messy and they can get into things that they should not be chewing on. You need to pay extra attention to your puppy so that they do not mess on your Christmas tree skirt or chew up your daughter's favorite new gift.

4. Puppies do not come from Santa's workshop and cannot be manufactured to be ready at just the right time for Christmas.

If you are considering getting a dachshund puppy for the holidays, really take the time to think it through. Puppies should never be impulse buys and never purchased from a pet store. A dachshund puppy is a huge commitment and an expensive investment. You need to do your due diligence and make sure that a dachshund is the right breed for your family, find a professional caring breeder, and know that it takes time and commitment to raise a social, well behaved dog. If you take the time to make sure that everything is right, then a dachshund puppy for Christmas can be a wonderful gift.