Now living on a quiet hobby farm nestled in the Laurentians of Quebec, Kamryn is relatively new to Canada and spent her childhood in California developing a passion for Dachshunds.
“My dad was the one who first introduced me to Dachshunds,” Kamryn recalls. “We used to talk about how fun it would be to take them on family trips and outings because of their travel size” When Kamryn lost her father at just 14 years old, the obsession she had with these dogs became something more profound. “They became a connection to the memories I had with my dad.’’
Now, surrounded by tranquility on her property in the forest, Kamryn breeds long-haired and smooth-coated Dachshunds at
Laurentian Dachshunds, offering puppies that are not only beautiful and healthy, but raised with intention and care. “I feel really lucky to be doing this in Canada,” she says. “It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl obsessed with sausage dogs.”
A Breed That Comes in Six Varieties
Dachshunds, Kamryn explains, are a deceptively diverse breed. There are really six distinct varieties including wire-haired, smooth, and long-haired, and each one comes in either miniature or standard size,” she says. “Each variation brings its own personality.”
Kamryn specializes in smooth and long-haired miniature Dachshunds and definitely sees distinctions between them. “Smooth-coated Dachshunds tend to be a bit more reserved with strangers and family-centered. They are the more intelligent of the two from my experience. They also absolutely hate going out in the rain,” she laughs. “Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be more social with strangers and better at braving rain, mud or snow.”
Despite their size, these dogs are full of character and surprises. “They’re intelligent, but also very stubborn. That’s something I wish more people understood, their so-called ‘lack of trainability’ isn’t about being unintelligent. It’s about them testing your consistency and perseverance. They know exactly what they’re doing.”
The Ideal Households for Dachshunds
According to Kamryn, Dachshunds thrive in homes that are present and patient. “These aren’t dogs you can leave alone all day while you work a 9-to-5,” she says. “They’re best for families with flexible schedules, retirees, or households where someone’s always home.”
They are dogs who bond deeply and expect consistency in return, especially when it comes to training. Kamryn emphasizes the importance of timing with training: “There’s a critical development window when puppies are ready to absorb everything. If you wait too long, you miss that opportunity.”
Kamryn’s waitlist is over a year long. This is something she hopes encourages reflection, not frustration. “People need to be patient,” she says. “If a puppy buyer is acting on impulse, they’re not likely working with a reputable breeder. The right puppy is worth waiting for.”
Kamryn’s Advice for Aspiring Puppy Parents
For those considering adding a Dachshund to their family, Kamryn offers this guidance:
- Look for passion, not just puppies. A good breeder is deeply invested in the breed in preserving its health, temperament, and future. They should know a ton about the breed and you should feel that passion when speaking with them.
- Do your research. Ask detailed, informed questions. Request health testing documentation and be cautious of unethical breeding practices, especially around ‘rare’ colors or coat types.
- Understand the commitment. “This isn’t a short-term decision,” Kamryn says. “Make sure the breeder has a contract, and make sure you’ve thought about this dog’s whole life and not just the puppy phase.”
In a world of online puppy ads, Kamryn is part of a small but vital movement, one that centers ethics, patience, and legacy. Through her dedication, she’s not only honoring her own history but helping others write beautiful new chapters of their own, one Dachshund at a time.
