I'm Wendy H., the breeder behind Once Upon a Ween located in Scappoose, OR. Ethical, in-home breeder of miniature dachshunds focused on preserving the breed through genetic testing and careful pairings. Puppies receive enrichment, early socialization, and individualized care. Litters per dam are limited to protect long-term health.
Q. & A. with Wendy
Why did you start breeding?
After a lifetime with dachshunds, I became acutely aware of how much a dog’s future is shaped by decisions made before a puppy ever goes home. Rather than passively support breeding practices, I chose to become directly responsible—applying knowledge, accountability, and intention to contribute positively to the breed.
What makes your program special?
My breeding dogs are first and always my pets and remain with me for their entire lives. I strictly limit the number of litters each female has and place puppies only in carefully vetted homes. This allows me to prioritize long-term health, temperament, individual development, and lifelong accountability over volume or convenience.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Our puppies are miniature size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include smooth and longhaired coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include piebald, red, chocolate and tan, gray (blue) and cream, chocolate and cream, black and cream, and dapple. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Wendy
Wendy has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $350 non-refundable deposit and between $2,150 - $2,650 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Includes health guarantee, AKC registration, vaccines, deworming, and socialization. Deposit is refundable only if puppy cannot be delivered. Full rights +$500.”
Contract & health guarantee
Wendy may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Wendy offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Wendy directly.
Once Upon a Ween meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Once Upon a Ween reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Dachshunds.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).