Long Haired Dachshund Dog
Everything about the dachshund long haired dog: temperament, health risks like IVDD, grooming needs, exercise, costs.
If you've ever watched a long haired dachshund trot across a room, ears swinging and feathered tail held high, you understand why this variety has a devoted following. The dachshund long haired dog combines the breed's famous boldness with a softer, more flowing silhouette — and, many owners argue, a slightly mellower personality than the smooth-coated variety. But behind that elegant fringe lies the same tenacious badger-hunter built on a chassis that demands careful spinal management for its entire life.
This guide covers everything a prospective or current owner needs to know: exact size ranges, the IVDD risk data that every dachshund parent should memorize, grooming routines that prevent painful matting, realistic cost breakdowns, and honest assessments of whether this breed fits first-time owners, families with young children, or apartment dwellers.
Origin and Breed History
The dachshund originated in Germany, with records of "Teckel" or "Dackel" badger-hunting dogs dating to the 15th century. The name itself — Dachs (badger) + Hund (dog) — reveals the breed's purpose: a low-slung, fearless digger that could enter burrows and drag out prey weighing several times its own body mass.
The long haired variety was developed through selective crosses between smooth-coated dachshunds and small spaniels — likely the Stöberhund (a German field spaniel type) and possibly the Irish Setter — during the 17th and 18th centuries. The goal was a dog with enough weather-resistant coat to work in cold, wet brush while retaining the dachshund's tunnel-hunting build. The American Kennel Club recognized the dachshund in 1885, and the long haired coat is one of three AKC-accepted varieties alongside smooth and wirehaired.
Today's long haired dachshund is primarily a companion dog, though some owners still participate in earthdog trials and scent work that channel the breed's hunting instincts.
Physical Characteristics and Size
Dachshunds come in two AKC-recognized sizes: standard and miniature. The long haired coat does not change the underlying structure — it simply adds a silky, slightly wavy outer coat with pronounced feathering on the ears, chest, underside, legs, and tail.
| Attribute | Miniature | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 11 lb (under 5 kg) | 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg) |
| Height at Withers | 5–6 in (13–15 cm) | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Body Length (nose to tail base) | 12–15 in (30–38 cm) | 17–22 in (43–56 cm) |
| Coat Type | Double coat; silky, slightly wavy outer coat with softer undercoat | |
| Common Colors | Black & tan, red, chocolate & tan, cream, dapple (merle), brindle, sable | |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | |
| Size Class | Small (miniature) / Small-to-Medium (standard) | |
The long haired coat reaches full length around 18–24 months of age. Puppies often look deceptively smooth-coated until their adult feathering grows in. The ears should have long, flowing fringe; the tail is heavily plumed and carried in a gentle upward curve, never curled over the back.
Temperament and Personality
Long haired dachshunds carry the same core breed traits as their smooth and wirehaired cousins, but many owners and breeders report a slightly softer, more biddable disposition — likely a legacy of the spaniel crosses. Here are the five traits that define the breed:
1. Bold and curious. A long haired dachshund will investigate every crack in the sidewalk, every rustle in the leaves, and every visitor's shoes. This is scent-hunter behavior: their nose drives their brain. Expect your dog to spend walks with its head down, tracking, rather than looking up at you for direction.
2. Stubbornly independent. Bred to make decisions alone inside a badger tunnel, dachshunds don't look to humans for permission the way retrievers do. If your long haired dachshund decides the neighbor's hedge is more interesting than your recall cue, it isn't ignoring you — it's prioritizing. This is normal breed behavior, not a training failure.
3. Deeply loyal to their person. Dachshunds tend to bond intensely with one or two people and can be aloof or suspicious with strangers. This isn't shyness; it's selective attachment. Early socialization (exposure to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and environments between 8 and 14 weeks) is critical to prevent fear-based reactivity.
4. Vocal and alert. The dachshund's bark is disproportionately deep for its body size — an evolutionary advantage when you need to sound formidable inside a dark tunnel. In a home setting, this translates to a dog that will announce the mail carrier, a squirrel on the fence, and the sound of a chip bag opening three rooms away. They are not a quiet breed.
5. Playful but not hyperactive. Long haired dachshunds enjoy interactive play — tug, flirt pole, scent games — but they are not endurance athletes. They tend to have bursts of energy followed by long naps, often burrowed under a blanket (burrowing instinct is hardwired).
Exercise and Activity Needs
Despite their short legs, dachshunds are working dogs that need structured daily activity to maintain muscle tone (which supports their vulnerable spine) and prevent obesity (which exacerbates spinal risk).
| Life Stage | Minutes/Day | Activity Types |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (3–12 months) | 5 min per month of age, twice daily (e.g., 25 min at 5 months) | Free-play on flat grass, sniff walks, short training sessions; avoid stairs and jumping |
| Adult (1–7 years) | 30–45 minutes total | Two leash walks (15–20 min each) on flat terrain; scent games; controlled flirt pole sessions |
| Senior (8+ years) | 20–30 minutes total | Gentle leash walks; swimming (excellent low-impact option); indoor puzzle toys |
Activities to avoid: Stair climbing (carry your dachshund up and down stairs, or install ramps), jumping on and off furniture (use ramps rated for at least 50 lb), and high-impact agility jumps. The dachshund's elongated thoracolumbar spine simply cannot absorb repetitive vertical shock. Activities like flyball and competitive agility with jumps are not appropriate for this breed.
Activities that suit them well: Earthdog trials (AKC-sanctioned), scent work/nosework (where their tracking drive shines), rally obedience, and swimming with a canine life jacket for buoyancy and spinal support.
Health Issues and Spinal Risk Management
The dachshund's unique body shape is the source of its most serious health vulnerability. Every prospective owner should understand these conditions before committing to the breed. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment planning — the information below is educational, not a substitute for professional care.
| Condition | Prevalence | Typical Onset | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | ~25% of dachshunds (highest of any breed) | 3–7 years (Type I); 7+ years (Type II) | Disc herniation compresses the spinal cord. Type I (acute, calcified disc extrusion) is most common in chondrodystrophic breeds. Surgery costs $3,000–$8,000+; recovery requires 6–8 weeks strict crate rest. Prevention: maintain lean body condition, no jumping, use harnesses only (never neck collars for leash walking). |
| Patellar Luxation | ~5–8% of miniature dachshunds | Can be congenital; often noticed 4–12 months | Kneecap slips out of the femoral groove. Grades I–II may be managed conservatively; Grades III–IV typically require surgical correction ($1,500–$3,500 per knee). |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Estimated 2–4% (long haired lineages) | Typically 5–10 years | Gradual, painless retinal degeneration leading to blindness. No cure; DNA testing available (Optigen rcd1 test). Responsible breeders screen parents. |
| Obesity-Related Complications | ~30–35% of pet dachshunds (estimated) | Any age | Even 1–2 lb of excess weight dramatically increases spinal load. A standard dachshund should have a visible waist and easily palpable ribs (Body Condition Score 4–5/9 per WSAVA guidelines). |
| Dental Disease | ~60–70% by age 3 (small breeds generally) | 2–5 years | Small mouths crowd teeth, accelerating plaque buildup. Daily brushing with enzymatic toothpaste and annual veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are strongly recommended. |
- Sudden reluctance to move, jump, or climb
- Hunched back or trembling when touched along the spine
- Dragging one or both hind legs (paresis or paralysis)
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Crying out when picked up
Time is critical: surgical outcomes are significantly better when decompression occurs within 24–48 hours of acute symptom onset.
Grooming the Long Haired Coat
The long haired dachshund's coat is lower-maintenance than a wirehaired's hand-stripping regimen but higher-maintenance than the smooth variety's wipe-and-go coat. Expect to spend 20–30 minutes per week on grooming.
| Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Full-body brush-out | 2–3 times per week | Slicker brush (medium size), steel comb for ear fringe and leg feathering |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser; cotton balls (never cotton swabs in the canal). Long, heavy ears trap moisture and debris — this breed is prone to otitis externa. |
| Feathering trim (sanitary/feet) | Every 4–6 weeks | Blunt-tipped scissors or grooming clippers with a #10 blade. Trim hair between paw pads to prevent slipping on hard floors (a slip hazard that can injure the spine). |
| Bathing | Every 4–8 weeks (or as needed) | Oatmeal-based or mild canine shampoo; thorough blow-dry on low heat to prevent skin fungal issues in the dense undercoat |
| Nail trimming | Every 2–3 weeks | Guillotine or scissor-style nail trimmer; styptic powder on hand. Long nails alter gait and increase spinal stress. |
| Dental brushing | Daily (ideal) or minimum 3×/week | Canine enzymatic toothpaste (poultry or malt flavor); finger brush or small-head toothbrush |
Matting hotspots to watch: Behind the ears (where the ear fringe rubs against the neck coat), the armpits, and the "skirt" along the underside. If you find a mat, work it apart gently with your fingers and a steel comb — never cut mats out with scissors close to the skin, as dachshund skin is thin and easily lacerated.
Training and Intelligence
Dachshunds rank 49th out of 138 breeds in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs working/obedience intelligence scale — which means they understand new commands after 25–40 repetitions and obey known commands about 50% of the time on the first ask. This is not a reflection of cognitive ability; dachshunds are problem-solvers who simply evaluate whether compliance serves their interests.
Trainability rating: Moderate (3/5)
Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement (food rewards, toy rewards, life rewards like sniffing privileges), clicker/marker training, and short sessions (5–10 minutes maximum — dachshunds disengage when bored). Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods are essential: this breed is sensitive to harsh correction and will shut down or become defensively reactive if punished.
Priority training goals:
- Rock-solid recall — their prey drive means they will chase a rabbit into traffic without hesitation. Practice recall in fenced areas with high-value rewards (real meat, freeze-dried liver) before ever trusting them off-leash in open areas.
- "Drop it" and "leave it" — critical for a breed that picks up and ingests everything during scent-driven walks.
- Crate training — essential for IVDD recovery scenarios. A dachshund that is already crate-comfortable will experience far less stress during the 6–8 weeks of strict confinement that follow spinal surgery.
- Housetraining patience — dachshunds are notoriously slow to housetrain (6–12 months is common). Consistency, frequent outdoor trips (every 1–2 hours for puppies), and zero punishment for accidents are the formula.
Family Suitability
Strengths
- Adaptable to apartments and small homes (no yard required if walked daily)
- Affectionate and entertaining companion
- Long lifespan (12–16 years) for years of bonding
- Good with other dogs in the household if properly introduced
- Low exercise volume compared to sporting or herding breeds
Considerations
- Not ideal for families with toddlers — a child picking up or dropping a dachshund can cause spinal injury
- High prey drive: cats, rabbits, and small pets may be viewed as quarry
- Vocal breed — may not suit noise-sensitive living situations (thin-walled apartments, close neighbors)
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone 8+ hours daily
- Housetraining can test a first-time owner's patience
With children: Long haired dachshunds do best with children aged 8+ who can be taught to handle the dog gently — supporting the chest and hindquarters simultaneously when picking up, never squeezing, and not allowing the dog to jump off laps. Supervised interactions are non-negotiable with younger children.
With other dogs: Generally good, especially if raised together. Same-sex aggression can occur in some lines. Multi-dachshund households are common and usually harmonious, but introduce adults carefully on neutral territory.
With cats and small animals: Variable. A long haired dachshund raised with a cat from puppyhood often coexists peacefully, but the prey drive is real and can surface unpredictably. Never leave a dachshund unsupervised with hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits.
Cost of Ownership
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy from responsible breeder | $2,000–$4,500 | Includes health testing of parents (OFA/pennHIP, eye clearance, PRA DNA test), early socialization, AKC registration, spay/neuter contract, take-back clause. Long haired variety often priced at the higher end due to lower supply than smooth. |
| Adoption/rescue | $200–$600 | Breed-specific rescues (e.g., Dachshund Rescue of North America) occasionally have long haired adults or seniors. |
| First-year veterinary care | $800–$1,500 | Includes puppy vaccination series (DHPP at 8, 12, 16 weeks; rabies at 12–16 weeks), spay/neuter ($300–$700), fecal exams, heartworm test, microchip. |
| Annual routine veterinary care | $500–$900 | Annual exam, vaccinations/titers, heartworm preventive, flea/tick preventive, annual dental assessment. |
| Food (quality kibble or balanced diet) | $300–$500/year | Standard dachshund eats ~¾ to 1½ cups/day depending on caloric density and activity. Look for AAFCO complete-and-balanced statement. |
| Grooming supplies and professional grooming | $150–$350/year | Most owners handle brushing at home; professional bath/trim every 6–8 weeks if preferred ($40–$65/session). |
| Pet insurance | $40–$80/month ($480–$960/year) | Strongly recommended given IVDD surgical costs. Policies with $5,000–$10,000 annual maximums and 80–90% reimbursement are typical. Enroll before any spinal symptoms appear — IVDD is often excluded as a pre-existing condition. |
| Equipment (ramps, harness, crate, beds) | $200–$400 (initial) | Orthopedic bed ($50–$120), ramp for couch/bed ($40–$90), front-clip harness ($25–$45), crate ($40–$70). |
| Estimated first-year total | $4,500–$9,000+ | Varies widely based on puppy source, insurance choice, and whether any health issues arise. |
| Estimated annual cost (years 2+) | $1,500–$3,000 | Routine care, food, insurance, supplies replacement. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the long haired dachshund right for first-time dog owners?
It can work, but it isn't the easiest first breed. The combination of slow housetraining, stubborn recall, and the constant vigilance required to protect the spine means a first-time owner needs patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn breed-specific management (ramps, harness-only walking, weight control). If you're prepared for that learning curve, the long haired dachshund's affectionate nature and manageable exercise needs are rewarding. If you want a biddable, easy-to-train first dog, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a poodle mix instead.
How much exercise does a long haired dachshund need daily?
Adult long haired dachshunds need 30–45 minutes of total daily activity, split into two leash walks of 15–20 minutes each on flat terrain, supplemented with indoor scent games or short training sessions. Puppies follow the "5 minutes per month of age, twice daily" rule. Senior dogs (8+) benefit from 20–30 minutes of gentle walking and low-impact activities like swimming.
What health problems is this breed most prone to?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the defining health risk, affecting an estimated 25% of dachshunds — the highest prevalence of any breed. Other concerns include patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), obesity-related complications, and dental disease. Responsible breeders screen for PRA via DNA testing and evaluate patellas through OFA certification.
How big does a long haired dachshund get?
Miniature long haired dachshunds weigh under 11 lb (under 5 kg) and stand 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) at the withers. Standard long haired dachshunds weigh 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg) and stand 8–9 inches (20–23 cm). The long coat can add a visual inch or two to the apparent height, but the skeletal frame follows the same standard as smooth and wirehaired varieties.
Is the long haired dachshund good with children and other pets?
They do well with respectful children aged 8 and older who understand how to handle a long-backed dog gently. Toddlers and young children pose a real spinal injury risk through rough handling or dropping. With other dogs, socialization from puppyhood usually produces good results. Cats raised alongside a dachshund are often tolerated, but smaller pets (rodents, rabbits) trigger the breed's prey drive and should never be left unsupervised together.
How much does a long haired dachshund cost to buy and maintain?
Expect to pay $2,000–$4,500 for a puppy from a responsible breeder who health-tests parents, or $200–$600 through a breed-specific rescue. First-year costs (puppy price, veterinary care, equipment, insurance) typically range from $4,500–$9,000+. Ongoing annual costs for a healthy adult dog run $1,500–$3,000 per year including food, routine veterinary care, insurance, and supplies. Pet insurance is strongly recommended to offset potential IVDD surgery costs of $3,000–$8,000+.
Do long haired dachshunds shed a lot?
They are moderate shedders — noticeably more than smooth dachshunds but far less than double-coated breeds like Huskies or German Shepherds. You'll see seasonal shedding increases in spring and fall. Regular brushing (2–3 times weekly) captures most loose hair before it reaches your furniture.
Sources consulted: American Kennel Club — Dachshund Breed Standard, Merck Veterinary Manual — Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs, American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
