Finding a Dachshund Long Hair Breeder: The Complete...

If you've fallen for the flowing ears and feathered tail of a longhaired dachshund, you're not alone. This variety has surged in popularity over the past decade, and searching for a reputable dachshund long hair breeder is one of the most common queries we see from prospective owners. But before you put down a deposit, you need a clear picture of what life with this dog actually looks like — the good, the challenging, and the expensive.

This guide gives you the breed-specific data you need to make an informed decision, whether you're working with a breeder or considering a longhaired dachshund from a breed rescue.

Breed Overview: The Longhaired Dachshund at a Glance

The longhaired dachshund is not a separate breed — it's one of three coat varieties (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired) within the dachshund breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Originating in Germany in the 15th–17th centuries, dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog). The longhaired variety was developed by crossing smooth dachshunds with spaniels and setters, producing a dog with a silky, slightly wavy coat better suited to cold, wet fieldwork.

Dachshunds fall into two size classes: standard and miniature. The AKC does not recognize a third "tweenie" size, though some breeders market dogs in the 11–16 lb range under that label. Longhaired dachshunds appear in both standard and miniature sizes.

Longhaired Dachshund Quick Reference

Attribute	Standard	Miniature
Weight	16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg)	11 lb and under (5 kg and under)
Height at withers	8–9 in (20–23 cm)	5–6 in (13–15 cm)
Lifespan	12–16 years
Coat type	Silky, slightly wavy, longer on ears, chest, underside, legs, and tail
Size class	Small	Toy/Small
AKC group	Hound Group
Energy level	Moderate
Grooming frequency	Brushing 3–4×/week; bath every 4–6 weeks
Family fit	Good for older children; caution with toddlers and small pets

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Longhaired Dachshund Is Really Like

Longhaired dachshunds tend to be slightly calmer than their smooth or wirehaired counterparts — a legacy of the spaniel and setter genetics introduced to create the coat. That said, they are still dachshunds through and through. Here are the core traits you should expect:

1. Independent and opinionated. Dachshunds were bred to enter badger tunnels alone and make decisions without human direction. This means your longhaired dachshund will often evaluate your command and decide whether it's worth obeying. It's not stubbornness in the traditional sense — it's autonomous problem-solving. Expect to negotiate rather than dictate.

2. Deeply bonded to one person. Longhaired dachshunds tend to form an intense attachment to a single household member. They will follow that person from room to room, sleep pressed against them, and show visible distress when they leave. Separation anxiety is a genuine risk with this variety, particularly in households where the dog is left alone for more than 4–5 hours regularly.

3. Vocal and alert. These dogs have a deep, surprisingly loud bark for their size and will use it. Doorbell rings, passing dogs, rustling leaves at 2 AM — all are valid reasons to announce the news. If you live in an apartment with thin walls or shared walls, this is a significant consideration.

4. Prey-driven. The hunting instinct is alive and well. A longhaired dachshund will chase squirrels, rabbits, and sometimes cats with genuine intensity. Off-leash recall in unfenced areas is unreliable for the vast majority of dachshunds, regardless of training level.

5. Affectionate and cuddly. When they're not hunting imaginary badgers under your coffee table, longhaired dachshunds are burrowers. They will tunnel under blankets, curl into your lap, and demand physical contact. This is a breed that genuinely wants to be touching you at all times.

Exercise & Activity: How Much Does a Longhaired Dachshund Actually Need?

Despite their short legs, dachshunds are working dogs with real stamina. Underexercised dachshunds become destructive, vocal, and prone to obesity — which is dangerous for a breed with a vulnerable spine.

Daily Exercise Recommendations by Age

Life Stage	Duration	Recommended Activities	Activities to Avoid
Puppy (2–6 months)	5 minutes per month of age, 2×/day	Short leash walks on grass, sniffing games, gentle play	Stairs, jumping, forced running
Adolescent (6–12 months)	20–30 minutes, 2×/day	Leash walks, nosework, flirt pole (ground level)	Agility jumps, long hikes, rough play with large dogs
Adult (1–8 years)	30–45 minutes total/day	Two leash walks (15–20 min each), scent games, digging box, swimming (supervised)	Stair-climbing repetitive exercise, high-impact jumping
Senior (8+ years)	20–30 minutes total/day, adjusted to comfort	Short gentle walks, indoor enrichment, sniffing mats	Any activity causing stiffness or reluctance

A critical note on stairs: repeated stair use is one of the leading environmental risk factors for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dachshunds. Install baby gates at stairway entrances and carry your dachshund up and down stairs, or provide a ramp for furniture access. This is non-negotiable for long-term spinal health.

Common Health Issues: What a Responsible Dachshund Long Hair Breeder Will Screen For

The dachshund's iconic long-backed, short-legged structure (chondrodysplastic conformation) creates specific health vulnerabilities. A responsible breeder will openly discuss these risks and provide health testing documentation. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the following conditions are disproportionately prevalent in the breed:

Breed-Specific Health Conditions in Longhaired Dachshunds

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening/Prevention
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Herniation or rupture of spinal discs causing pain, nerve damage, or paralysis	~25% of dachshunds will experience IVDD in their lifetime	Avoid stairs/jumping; maintain lean weight; some breeders screen via genetic markers
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Degenerative eye disease leading to blindness	Higher in longhaired variety due to spaniel lineage; estimated 5–10% carrier rate	OFA/CERF eye exam annually; DNA test available (Optigen rcd4)
Patellar Luxation	Kneecap slips out of position, causing lameness	~5–8% of miniature dachshunds	OFA patella evaluation; avoid obesity
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)	Degenerative heart valve condition, leading to heart failure in advanced stages	Common in older miniature dachshunds; onset often 8–10 years	Annual cardiac auscultation by veterinarian
Lafora Disease (Late-Onset Epilepsy)	Genetic form of epilepsy causing myoclonic seizures, typically onset 5–7 years	Documented in miniature longhaired dachshunds; carrier rate varies by line	DNA test available (Laboklin); responsible breeders test breeding stock

Always consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate health screening and any symptoms you observe. No article replaces professional veterinary care.

Grooming the Longhaired Dachshund Coat

The longhaired dachshund's coat is its most distinctive feature and its most time-consuming maintenance requirement. The silky, slightly wavy hair is longer on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs (feathering), and tail.

Brushing: 3–4 times per week using a slicker brush and a steel comb. Pay special attention to the ear feathering and the "skirt" (belly hair), which mat easily. Line-brush technique works best — part the coat and brush in small sections from skin outward.

Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks using a mild dog-specific shampoo. The longhaired coat takes significantly longer to dry than smooth or wirehaired varieties. Use a high-velocity dryer on a cool setting to prevent mats from tightening during the drying process.

Ear care: The long, heavy ear feathering restricts airflow to the ear canal, making longhaired dachshunds more prone to ear infections than other varieties. Clean ears weekly with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser and keep the inner ear hair trimmed short.

Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Long nails alter a dachshund's foot angle and put additional stress on an already vulnerable spine.

Professional grooming: Many owners opt for professional grooming every 8–10 weeks, particularly for sanitary trims and ear hair thinning. Budget $50–$80 per session depending on your region.

Training & Intelligence: What Works (and What Doesn't)

Dachshunds rank 49th out of 138 breeds in Stanley Coren's working/obedience intelligence rankings, which measures how quickly a dog learns and obeys commands from a handler. This places them in the "average" category — but that ranking doesn't capture the full picture. Dachshunds are highly intelligent problem-solvers; they simply lack the biddability (desire to please) of breeds like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers.

Trainability rating: Moderate. Expect 15–25 repetitions to learn a new command, with inconsistent compliance unless the reward is high-value.

Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement only. Force-free, reward-based training using high-value food rewards (freeze-dried liver, small cheese pieces) works best. Clicker training is particularly effective for shaping behaviors. Keep sessions short — 5 to 8 minutes maximum — as dachshunds lose focus quickly on repetitive drills.

House-training challenge: Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to house-train compared to most breeds. Their small bladders, combined with a dislike of going outside in cold or wet weather, create a perfect storm for indoor accidents. Plan for 4–8 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks. Many owners of miniature dachshunds successfully litter-train or use indoor potty pads as a supplement.

Never use aversive methods — shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls will damage your dachshund's trust and can trigger fear-based aggression. These dogs have long memories for negative experiences.

Family Suitability: Kids, Other Pets, and Apartment Living

With children: Longhaired dachshunds do well with respectful children aged 8 and up who understand not to pick up the dog without support under the chest and hindquarters. Teach children to interact at floor level rather than carrying the dog. Supervision is mandatory with any child under 10.

With other dogs: Dachshunds generally enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly if socialized from puppyhood. Same-sex aggression can occur, particularly between intact males. Pairing with dogs of similar or larger size is fine, but supervise rough play — a large dog can inadvertently injure a dachshund's spine during play.

Cost of Ownership: What to Budget Before You Contact a Dachshund Long Hair Breeder

Longhaired dachshunds are typically the most expensive of the three coat varieties, due to lower supply and higher grooming costs. Here's a realistic breakdown based on 2025–2026 market data:

Cost Breakdown: Longhaired Dachshund

Expense	Estimated Cost	Frequency
Puppy from health-tested breeder	$2,500–$5,000+	One-time
Adoption from breed rescue	$300–$600	One-time
Initial veterinary setup (vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter)	$500–$900	First year
High-quality kibble or balanced diet	$40–$70/month	Ongoing
Professional grooming	$50–$80/session	Every 8–10 weeks
Pet insurance (recommended for IVDD risk)	$40–$80/month	Ongoing
Annual vet exams & preventives	$400–$700/year	Annual
IVDD surgery (if needed, without insurance)	$5,000–$12,000	Emergency
Estimated first-year total (purchased puppy)	$4,500–$8,000	Year 1
Estimated annual cost after year 1	$1,800–$3,200	Annual

A note on pet insurance: Given the ~25% lifetime risk of IVDD and potential $5,000–$12,000 surgical cost, pet insurance is strongly recommended for dachshunds. Enroll as a puppy before any back symptoms appear — most insurers will exclude IVDD as a pre-existing condition if you wait. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Fetch offer policies that cover hereditary conditions.

How to Evaluate a Dachshund Long Hair Breeder

Not everyone advertising longhaired dachshund puppies is a responsible breeder. Here's what to look for — and what should send you walking away:

Health testing you should see documented:

• OFA or PennHIP evaluation for patellar luxation
• CERF/OFA eye examination (current within 12 months)
• DNA test results for PRA (Optigen rcd4 test) and Lafora disease
• Written health guarantee covering genetic conditions for a minimum of 2 years

Red flags:

• Breeder cannot produce OFA/CERF certificates (checkable at ofa.org)
• Puppies advertised as "rare colors" at premium prices — dilute colors (blue, Isabella) are linked to color dilution alopecia and are disqualified in the AKC breed standard
• No take-back clause in the contract — responsible breeders always require the dog be returned to them if you cannot keep it
• Multiple litters available simultaneously or year-round
• Puppies shipped without a phone/video conversation and home screening
• Prices significantly below $2,000 for a health-tested, AKC-registered longhaired puppy

Consider breed rescue: Organizations like the Dachshund Rescue of North America (DRNA) and All American Dachshund Rescue regularly have longhaired dachshunds and dachshund mixes available. Adult dogs from rescue come with known temperaments and veterinary histories, which can be an advantage over a puppy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to find your longhaired dachshund? Start by searching the AKC Marketplace for breeders who health-test, and cross-reference their dogs' health certificates at OFA.org. Simultaneously, check with Dachshund Rescue of North America for adoptable longhaired dogs in your region. Take your time — the right dog is worth the wait.