The Long Haired Dachshund breed comes in either standard or miniature size. Here’s everything you need to know about about the breed.
Long haired dachshunds do have a few differences from the other two varieties of dachshunds, which are wire haired and smooth haired.
While they are puppies they have short hair, but then their hair grows out by the time they become an adult dachshund.
Guide to Long Haired Dachshunds
The long haired dachshund does require grooming as they have a beautiful flowing coat.
Their coat is soft and longer on the ears, chest, and stomach and has some feathering on the tail and back of the legs. They have a single coat, whereas the wire-haired dachshund has a double coat which is curly and rough.
The long haired dachshund does shed seasonally. However, they don’t shed a lot and they are fairly easy maintenance.
They do require regular brushing to get rid of any tangles in their hair. Special attention should be made to brushing behind the ears and their tail. If you don’t do this, they can get matts, which then would have to be shaved out with clippers.
It is easy to groom your long haired dachshund as you only need a dog brush and a metal comb. This will also help keeps them from shedding all over the house.
Even with their long hair, they are pretty clean dogs and only need a bath like once a month, unless you let them dig in the yard and get dirty.
1. One difference is that the long hair dachshund normally has the nicest disposition over the short haired and wire-haired dachshund. Usually, they are more obedient as well.
The reason for this is because of their crossbreeding origination. They bred the smooth haired dachshunds with the long haired spaniels to produce the long haired dachshund.
2. Another difference, is that the Long haired Dachshund has fewer issues with back problems than the other two coat varieties.
This doesn’t mean they can’t develop back problems as all dachshunds have a tendency for back issues. It just means of the three varieties, the long haired dachshund generally has the lowest incidence of back problems.
3. The third difference is that the long haired dachshund can sometimes develop Progressive retinal atrophy. This means they have the genetics that they could develop this, but doesn’t mean that they all will develop this. It is just something to pay attention to.
Exercising Long Haired Dachshunds
The long haired dachshund like the other two varieties were bred to be good hunters.
If they get bored they are likely to want to dig or bark excessively.
They do very well in houses with little yard space, but they need to get enough exercise. The long haired dachshund requires at least an hour of exercise each day. It is recommended to take them on short 15-20 minute walks about 3 times a day.
But the key is not to over-exercise them and also make sure you don’t allow them to jump up and down off sofas as they can injure their long backs. You shouldn’t let them go up and down stairs either.
The long haired dachshund is stubborn and when walking they tend to want to sniff and go on scent trails, so you need to make sure you train them correctly.
If you are not always able to walk them several times a day, you can play with them as they like to fetch a toy or play tug of war.
Recommended Toys For A Long Haired Dachshund
The long haired dachshund reaches their physical maturity in about 12 -18 months. They don’t mature mentally until almost 24 months.
The long haired dachshund is a very intelligent dog, very playful, and devoted to their owners. They like their cuddle time, but also are independent and can be very stubborn.
They are bold and not afraid, so you have to be careful when approaching other dogs as some dachshunds can be guarded and aggressive towards other dogs and strangers.
They also have a tendency to bark whenever someone comes to the door.
There is an old joke that the inventor of the doorbell never owned a dachshund.
With proper behavior training, you can help calm them down when approaching other dogs or people and also stop excessive barking.
Realize that barking is naturally bred in them, and you don’t want them to stop barking altogether.
But you do want to stop the excessive barking and the only way to do that is with proper dachshund training.
Stop Dachshund Barking
They are very devoted to their owners and if you leave them alone very long they can become stressed and decide to chew on things in your house.
You can get a large kennel cage for indoors when you have to leave for a short time. Preferably don’t leave them alone for more than 4 or 5 hours.
The American Kennel Club classifies all dachshunds as hounds. They also have their own club, which is the Dachshund Club of America, established in 1895.
Long Haired Dachshund Facts & Characteristics
Here are the characteristics of the long haired dachshund for both standard size and miniature.
Size
8-9 inches for standard and about 5-6 inches for miniature
Weight
16 – 32 pounds for standard and 11 pounds and under for miniature
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Breed Type
Hound
Purpose
Hunting Badgers
Socialization
May be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers
Color
Black And Tan, Tan, Red, Cream, Brindle and Piebald
Temperament
Strong willed, Independent Intelligent, Quick-Witted, Affectionate and Sassy
Behavior
Likes to sniff, chew, and bark especially when bored, stressed, or lonely.
Long Haired Dachshund Health
The long haired dachshund can develop dental issues with their teeth and gums, so it is recommended to do regular tooth brushing.
Make sure you purchase a toothpaste that they enjoy, as some dachshunds do not like having their teeth brushed. However, with a good toothpaste flavor, they may actually enjoy it.
If your long haired dachshund doesn’t like their tooth brushing, you can get a dog chew like Greenies as well.
If you want a dog that is quick to your every command and easy to work with, the dachshund may not be for you. But if you want a lovable cuddly dog that is independent, stubborn, and smart, this could be a good fit for you.
The long haired dachshund as well as the other dachshund varieties love to eat. So one good way to get them to be an obedient and trained dog is using dog treats. This is a positive way to train them, but remember, you need to have patience.
Like all dachshunds, the long haired dachshund has a long lifespan for a dog. They generally live between 12 and 17 years, and if they are well cared can even live longer. I have had several of my dachshunds live to be 17 + years.
