Long Coated Dachshund Breed Profile: Temperament, Health & Care Guide
Complete long coated dachshund breed profile covering temperament, health risks like IVDD, grooming needs, exercise requirements, and 2026 ownership costs.
The long coated dachshund stands apart from its smooth and wirehaired cousins with a flowing, silky coat and a reputation for being the most laid-back of the three dachshund varieties. Originally bred in Germany to flush badgers from underground burrows, this low-slung hunter has evolved into a devoted companion dog that thrives in apartments and family homes alike. If you're researching the long coated dachshund as a potential addition to your household, this guide covers every detail you need — from IVDD risk management to realistic annual costs.
Breed Overview: Origin, Size & Lifespan
Dachshunds trace their origins to 15th-century Germany, where foresters needed a dog low enough to enter badger setts and tenacious enough to fight quarry underground. The longhaired variety emerged in the 17th century through crosses between smooth dachshunds and small spaniels — likely the German Stöberhund and French spaniel types — giving the breed its softer temperament and weather-resistant coat. The American Kennel Club recognized the dachshund in 1885, and all three coat varieties compete under a single breed standard today.
Dachshunds are classified as a small breed (sometimes called a hound-group toy by casual owners, but officially they sit in the AKC Hound Group). They come in two sizes: standard and miniature. The long coated dachshund is available in both.
| Attribute | Standard | Miniature |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16–32 lb / 7.3–14.5 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 | Long, silky, slightly wavy; feathering on ears, chest, legs, tail | |
| Energy Level | Moderate | |
| Grooming Frequency | Brushing 3–4× per week; bath every 4–6 weeks | |
| Family Fit | Good with respectful children 8+; moderate with other pets | |
Physical Characteristics: What a Long Coated Dachshund Looks Like
The long coated dachshund shares the iconic dachshund silhouette — elongated body, short muscular legs, deep chest, and a tapered muzzle — but is distinguished by its coat. The hair is soft, slightly wavy (never curly), and longest on the underside of the neck, chest, belly, behind the legs, and the tail, where it forms a graceful flag. Ear leather is heavily feathered, often extending well below the jaw.
Coat colors span a wide range: red (the most common), black and tan, chocolate and tan, wild boar, cream, blue and tan, and Isabella (fawn) and tan. Patterns include dapple (merle), brindle, sable, and piebald. Note that double dapple (merle-on-merle) breeding is associated with deafness and ocular defects and is strongly discouraged by responsible breeders and the AKC breed standard.
The body proportions matter for health: a well-bred dachshund's body length (breastbone to base of tail) should be roughly twice the height at the withers. Dogs that are excessively long or short-legged relative to the standard face elevated spinal stress.
Temperament & Personality: Five Core Traits
Among the three coat varieties, longhaired dachshunds are widely regarded by breeders and owners as the calmest and most affectionate — a legacy of their spaniel ancestry. Here are the defining behavioral traits you'll encounter:
1. Devoted but Velcro-Clingy. A long coated dachshund bonds intensely with one or two people. Expect your dog to follow you from room to room, curl up on your lap the moment you sit, and protest loudly if closed out of the bedroom. This loyalty makes them wonderful companions but predisposes them to separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches.
2. Alert Watchdog Without Excessive Aggression. They will announce visitors, delivery drivers, and squirrels with a surprisingly deep bark for their size. However, longhaireds tend to warm up to strangers faster than wirehaireds once introductions are made. They're vocal, not aggressive.
3. Stubbornly Independent. Centuries of solo underground hunting wired the dachshund to make its own decisions. In training, this manifests as a dog that understands your cue perfectly but weighs whether compliance is worth the effort. "Selective hearing" is a breed hallmark.
4. Burrow-Obsessed. Even pampered long coated dachshunds living in climate-controlled homes will tunnel under blankets, burrow into couch cushions, and dig at bedding before settling. This is hardwired denning behavior, not anxiety — provide a designated burrow spot (a snuggle sack or crate with a fleece blanket) to save your upholstery.
5. Playful but Not Hyper. Unlike terriers of similar size, the longhaired variety tends toward bursts of play followed by long naps. They enjoy scent games and gentle fetch but rarely demand all-day activity.
Exercise & Activity Needs
A common mistake is assuming small dogs don't need real exercise. Dachshunds were working hunters — they need structured daily activity to maintain muscle tone (critical for spinal support) and prevent obesity.
| Life Stage | Daily Exercise | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (3–12 months) | 5 min per month of age, 2× daily | Short leash walks on flat ground; indoor scent games; avoid stairs and jumping |
| Adult (1–7 years) | 30–45 minutes total | Two 15–20 min leash walks; sniffari sessions; gentle fetch on grass; nosework puzzles |
| Senior (8+ years) | 20–30 minutes total | Shorter, slower walks; swimming (excellent for joints); indoor enrichment |
Activities to avoid: Stair climbing (carry your dachshund up and down stairs, or install ramps), high-impact jumping on/off furniture (use pet ramps rated for at least 50 lb / 23 kg), and jogging on hard surfaces. The elongated spine cannot absorb repetitive vertical impact safely.
Mental exercise matters just as much. Ten minutes of scent work — hiding treats in a snuffle mat or setting up a mini nosework course — tires a dachshund as effectively as a 20-minute walk. Their hunting heritage makes olfactory enrichment particularly rewarding.
Common Health Issues: What Long Coated Dachshund Owners Must Know
The dachshund's unique body structure creates specific health vulnerabilities. Always consult your veterinarian about a preventive care plan tailored to your individual dog. The following conditions have documented breed predisposition:
| Condition | Prevalence | Typical Onset | Key Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | ~25% of dachshunds (1 in 4) | 3–7 years | Back pain, reluctance to jump, dragging hind legs, hunched posture, acute paralysis |
| Patellar Luxation | ~5–8% of small breeds; elevated in miniatures | Birth to 4 years | Intermittent "skipping" gait, sudden leg held up, difficulty rising |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Documented in longhaired lines | 2–5 years | Night blindness first, then progressive vision loss |
| Obesity-Related Complications | Extremely common; estimated 30–40% of pet dachshunds | Any adult age | Visible fat pads, ribs not palpable, exercise intolerance — worsens IVDD risk dramatically |
| Dental Disease | Majority by age 3 (common to all small breeds) | 1–3 years | Tartar buildup, gingivitis, tooth loss, oral pain |
- Sudden inability to walk or drag hind legs
- Screaming or yelping when picked up
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe hunched posture with trembling
Early intervention (within 24 hours) dramatically improves surgical outcomes. Deep pain perception at presentation is the strongest prognostic indicator — dogs that still feel deep pain have approximately 90–95% surgical success rates, while those that have lost deep pain for over 48 hours drop to roughly 50–60%.
Prevention strategy: Keep your dachshund at a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9). Studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association confirm that maintaining ideal weight significantly reduces IVDD severity and recurrence. Use ramps for all furniture access, avoid breeding from lines with IVDD history, and discuss spinal screening with your breeder.
Grooming Requirements for the Long Coat
That beautiful silky coat requires a real commitment. Neglect it for even a week and you'll face painful mats behind the ears, in the armpits, and along the belly feathering.
Brushing (3–4 times per week): Use a stainless steel slicker brush (medium size, such as the Chris Christensen Big G) followed by a wide-tooth steel comb to check for tangles. Pay special attention to the ear feathering, which mats quickly due to friction. Line-brush in sections rather than skimming the surface.
Bathing (every 4–6 weeks): Use a dog-specific moisturizing shampoo and conditioner — human products strip the coat's natural oils and increase tangling. Rinse thoroughly; residual shampoo causes skin irritation along the belly where hair is thinner.
Ear care (weekly): Long, feathered ears trap moisture and debris, making long coated dachshunds prone to otitis externa. Clean weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser. If you notice a yeasty smell, head shaking, or brown discharge, see your vet — ear infections are painful and require medicated treatment.
Nail trims (every 2–3 weeks): Overgrown nails alter foot angle and increase spinal strain. If you can hear nails clicking on hard floors, they're too long. Use a scissor-style clipper or a Dremel rotary tool on a low setting.
Sanitary trim (monthly): Trim the hair around the anus and vulva/prepuce to prevent fecal and urinary matting. A blunt-tipped grooming scissor works best.
Training & Intelligence
Dachshunds are intelligent but rank lower on obedience-based intelligence scales (Stanley Coren places them in the "average working/obedience intelligence" category) because their independence makes them less biddable than breeds like Border Collies or Poodles. This doesn't mean they can't learn — it means your training approach must be strategic.
Trainability rating: Moderate. Expect 25–40 repetitions for a new cue to become reliable, compared to 5–15 for a top-tier biddable breed. Patience is non-negotiable.
Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement exclusively — food rewards (small, high-value treats like freeze-dried liver or chicken), clicker marking, and play rewards. Force-free, reward-based training aligns with LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles and produces better long-term compliance for independent breeds. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls; these damage trust and can provoke fear-based aggression in a dog that already has a strong self-preservation instinct.
Priority training goals:
- Housebreaking — dachshunds are notoriously difficult to potty train. Crate training from day one, a strict outdoor schedule (every 1–2 hours for puppies), and high-value outdoor rewards are essential. Some owners report 4–6 months for reliable housebreaking vs. 2–3 months for easier breeds.
- Recall — their hunting instinct means off-leash reliability is difficult. Practice in fenced areas and accept that many dachshunds will never be fully trustworthy off-leash in unfenced areas with wildlife present.
- Handling exercises — accustom your puppy to paw handling, ear inspection, and tooth brushing early. Veterinary visits are smoother when a dachshund tolerates manipulation without snapping.
Family Suitability: Kids, Pets & Apartment Living
✅ Strengths
- Excellent apartment dogs — compact size, moderate energy, relatively quiet after initial alert barking
- Deeply affectionate with their primary people
- Low shedding compared to wirehaired varieties
- Good travel companions due to small size
- Long lifespan — many live 14–16 years with proper care
⚠️ Considerations
- Not ideal for families with toddlers — fragile spine makes rough handling dangerous; best with children 8+ who understand gentle interaction
- High prey drive toward small animals — cats can coexist if raised together, but rabbits, hamsters, and birds are at risk
- Separation anxiety prone if left alone 6+ hours daily
- Stubbornness frustrates first-time owners expecting instant obedience
- IVDD risk means lifetime ramp use and weight management are mandatory
With children: A long coated dachshund does well with respectful, supervised children aged 8 and older. Teach children to never pick up a dachshund by the front legs or under the armpits (this torques the spine) — instead, support the chest and hindquarters simultaneously. Never allow a child to carry a dachshund while walking; falls from arm height can cause vertebral fractures.
With other dogs: Generally sociable, especially if socialized before 16 weeks. Same-sex aggression can occur in some lines. Introduce new dogs on neutral territory.
With cats: A dachshund raised alongside a cat from puppyhood usually coexists peacefully. Adult dachshunds with no cat exposure may chase — supervise introductions carefully and provide the cat with high escape routes.
Cost of Ownership: Purchase Price & Annual Budget
Budgeting realistically prevents surrender and ensures you can afford emergency care (IVDD surgery alone can cost $3,000–$8,000).
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Puppy from responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registered) | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
| Adoption from breed rescue | $300 – $600 |
| Initial veterinary setup (vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Quality kibble (AAFCO complete, small-breed formula) | $300 – $500/year |
| Preventive medications (flea/tick, heartworm) | $200 – $400/year |
| Routine veterinary care (annual exam, dental cleaning, bloodwork) | $400 – $800/year |
| Grooming (professional bath/trim every 6–8 weeks, optional) | $400 – $700/year |
| Pet insurance (accident + illness) | $400 – $700/year |
| Supplies (ramps, crate, harness, grooming tools) | $200 – $400 first year |
| Estimated annual cost (after first year) | $1,900 – $3,500 |
First-year total: Expect $4,500–$8,000+ when including puppy purchase. This is a 12–16 year financial commitment — lifetime cost of $30,000–$60,000 is realistic for a well-cared-for dachshund.
Cost-saving tips: Invest in pet insurance early (before any IVDD symptoms appear, as pre-existing conditions are excluded). Learn basic grooming at home. Use a well-fitted harness (not a collar) for walks to reduce neck strain — the Ruffwear Front Range or a custom-fit H-harness are solid options.
Is a Long Coated Dachshund Right for You? FAQ
Is the long coated dachshund right for first-time owners?
Conditionally yes. The longhaired variety's calmer temperament makes it the most beginner-friendly of the three coat types. However, first-time owners must be prepared for challenging housebreaking (4–6 months), stubborn training sessions, and a non-negotiable commitment to weight management and spinal protection. If you want a small dog that's easy to train and low-maintenance, consider a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Bichon Frise instead.
How much exercise does a long coated dachshund need daily?
Adults need 30–45 minutes of total daily activity, ideally split into two 15–20 minute leash walks plus mental enrichment (sniffari, puzzle toys, nosework). Puppies follow the "5 minutes per month of age" rule. Avoid stairs, jumping, and jogging on pavement at all life stages.
What health problems is the long coated dachshund prone to?
IVDD is the primary concern, affecting approximately 1 in 4 dachshunds. Additional risks include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), obesity-related complications, and dental disease. Choose a breeder who screens breeding stock for spinal health and PRA, and maintain your dog at a lean weight to reduce spinal load.
How big does a long coated dachshund get?
Standards weigh 16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg) and stand 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) at the withers. Miniatures weigh 11 lb (5 kg) or less and stand 5–6 inches (13–15 cm). There is no "tweenie" official size category — dogs between 11–16 lb fall in a gray area but are typically shown as standards.
Is the long coated dachshund good with children and other pets?
They do well with gentle children aged 8+ who understand how to support the dog's spine when handling. Toddlers and dachshunds are a risky combination due to the dog's fragile back. With other dogs, they're generally sociable. Cats raised alongside them are usually fine, but small pets (rabbits, rodents, birds) trigger their hunting instinct.
How much does a long coated dachshund cost to buy and maintain?
Expect $2,500–$5,000+ from a responsible breeder, or $300–$600 from a breed rescue. Annual maintenance costs run $1,900–$3,500 including food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance, and preventives. Factor in potential IVDD surgery costs of $3,000–$8,000 as a reason to carry pet insurance from puppyhood.
Where can I find a responsible long coated dachshund breeder?
Start with the AKC Marketplace and filter for breeders who perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing on breeding stock. Ask for documentation of PRA genetic testing, patella evaluations, and any spinal imaging. The Dachshund Club of America maintains a breeder referral list. Alternatively, contact Dachshund Rescue of North America for adoptable longhaired dachshunds.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's specific health needs, diet, and care plan.
Robin Maitland
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
