Helpful answers in one place
Questions families often ask
Learn what to expect before reserving a puppy, preparing for pickup, and welcoming your dachshund home.
- 8–9 weeks
- Typical go-home age
- Mount Vernon
- Pickup location
- Lifetime
- Breeder support
Planning ahead
Getting started
These answers explain the first steps, visits, reservations, and pickup arrangements.
How does the adoption process work?
After you contact us, we’ll walk you through the application and approval process. Once approved, you can place a deposit to reserve a puppy. We’ll stay in touch with updates, photos, and pickup details as the go-home date approaches.
Can I choose my puppy, or do you help with matching?
We offer both options. You are welcome to choose based on photos or an approved visit, and we can also recommend a puppy whose personality may fit your home and lifestyle.
Can I visit the puppies or meet the parents?
Visits may be scheduled by appointment once puppies are old enough. Meeting the parents can help you understand likely temperament and size. To protect our dogs, puppies, and privacy, visits are limited to approved families and confirmed directly with Heartland.
Do you offer delivery, or is pickup required?
Local pickup is preferred in Mount Vernon, Illinois. In some situations, Heartland may be able to help coordinate ground delivery within a reasonable distance. Contact us to discuss what may be possible for your family.
Preparing for the transition
Bringing your puppy home
A little preparation helps the first days together feel calmer and more predictable.
When can puppies go home?
Puppies are generally ready for their new homes at 8–9 weeks of age, after they have been weaned and received their first age-appropriate care. Heartland will confirm when each puppy is ready.
What comes home with my puppy?
Each puppy comes with a health guarantee, current vaccination and deworming information, and important paperwork such as health records and registration information. The take-home pack may also include food, a familiar blanket, and a toy.
What food do you use?
Puppies are currently fed Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food. Heartland will provide feeding details so you can keep the diet consistent during the transition. If you plan to change foods, make the change gradually and ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for your puppy.
How are puppies socialized?
Puppies are handled daily, introduced to normal household sounds, and given regular attention from the Heartland family. These early, positive experiences help them begin building confidence before going to their new homes.
Long-term confidence
Breeding & ongoing support
Heartland values thoughtful breeding, personal guidance, and staying connected after pickup.
What guides your breeding program?
Heartland focuses on healthy parents with sound temperaments, appropriate time between litters, and puppies raised in a clean, nurturing home environment. You are welcome to ask about a specific puppy’s parents, records, and care.
What support is available after pickup?
Heartland offers lifetime breeder support. Families are welcome to reach out with questions about the transition, training, behavior, or everyday care. Medical concerns should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
How large does a dachshund usually get?
Adult size varies by the dog and its parents. Miniature dachshunds are generally 11 pounds or under at 12 months of age, while standard dachshunds are larger. Heartland can share information about the parents to help you understand what may be likely for a particular puppy, but adult size cannot be guaranteed.
Need a personal answer?
Let’s talk about your questions
If you do not see what you need here, contact Heartland. We’re happy to explain the process and help you decide what comes next.