Long Hair Dachshund: Complete Breed Guide & Care Tips

Breed Overview: The Long Hair Dachshund at a Glance

The long hair dachshund is one of three coat varieties of the iconic Dachshund breed, alongside smooth-haired and wire-haired types. Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this variety is distinguished by its silky, flowing coat and feathered legs — a look that sets it apart from its shorter-coated siblings while sharing the same bold, tenacious personality that earned the breed its nickname: "badger dog."

Originating in Germany in the 15th–17th centuries, Dachshunds were purpose-bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rabbits by entering burrows. The long-haired variety likely emerged from crosses with spaniel-type dogs (such as the German Stöberhund) in the 17th–18th centuries, giving the breed its softer coat and, many owners report, a slightly mellower disposition compared to the smooth-coated type.

Dachshunds come in two size classifications: Standard and Miniature. The AKC does not recognize a third "tweenie" size officially, though some breeders market dogs falling between the two standards.

Attribute	Standard	Miniature
Weight	16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg)	11 lb and under (5 kg and under)
Height	8–9 inches (20–23 cm)	5–6 inches (13–15 cm)
Lifespan	12–16 years	12–16 years
Coat Type	Long, silky, slightly wavy; feathering on ears, chest, legs, tail
Energy Level	Moderate
Grooming Needs	Moderate to high (brushing 3–4× weekly, professional trims every 8–10 weeks)
Family Fit	Good for families with older children; supervision needed with toddlers
Size Class	Small	Toy/Small

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

The long hair dachshund carries the same fearless, curious temperament as all Dachshunds, but experienced owners and breeders often describe this coat variety as the most relaxed of the three. Here are the core traits you can expect:

1. Independent thinkers. Bred to make decisions alone in underground tunnels, Dachshunds don't look to their owners for constant direction. This means your long hair dachshund may assess a situation and decide whether compliance is worth it — a trait often mistaken for stubbornness. In practice, this looks like your dog hearing your recall cue, glancing at you, and then continuing to sniff that interesting patch of grass for another 30 seconds.

2. Devoted companions (often to one person). Long hair dachshunds tend to bond intensely with a primary person. They follow that person room to room, sleep pressed against them, and may show mild aloofness with visitors. This "velcro dog" tendency is stronger in long-haired lines than in smooth-coated Dachshunds, likely a legacy of spaniel ancestry.

3. Alert and vocal. Expect barking at doorbells, passing dogs, rustling bags, and suspicious wind gusts. Their deep, loud bark relative to body size was an asset underground; in an apartment, it's something you'll need to manage with training. They are excellent watchdogs but poor guard dogs — they'll announce an intruder enthusiastically, then likely request belly rubs.

4. Playful with a prey drive. Squirrels, rabbits, and even fast-moving toys trigger their chase instinct. Off-leash reliability is notoriously difficult to achieve with this breed. A secure fence (at least 4 feet / 1.2 m, with the bottom secured against digging) is essential for safe outdoor play.

5. Sensitive to tone. Despite their boldness, long hair dachshunds respond poorly to harsh corrections. They shut down or become avoidant when yelled at. Positive reinforcement — treats, play, and praise — produces far better training results and preserves your bond.

Exercise & Activity Needs

A common mistake with long hair dachshunds is underestimating their exercise requirements. These are hunting dogs, not lap ornaments. Insufficient activity leads to weight gain (which is devastating for their spines) and behavioral problems like excessive barking and destructive chewing.

Activities to avoid: Stair climbing (especially descending), jumping on/off furniture, and any activity involving repetitive spinal flexion. Use ramps for couch and bed access — a pet ramp like the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Ramp ($40–$55) is a worthwhile investment. Avoid agility courses with jumps or weave poles; earthdog trials and nose work competitions are ideal sport outlets for this breed.

Common Health Issues in Long Hair Dachshunds

The Dachshund's distinctive elongated body creates specific health vulnerabilities that every prospective owner should understand. The Merck Veterinary Manual identifies several conditions that disproportionately affect this breed.

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Prevention / Management
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Herniation or rupture of spinal discs, causing pain, nerve damage, or paralysis	~25% of Dachshunds (some studies cite up to 1 in 4)	Weight management, no jumping/stairs, harness (never collar) for walks, consider pet insurance
Patellar Luxation	Kneecap dislocates from its groove, causing intermittent lameness	Common in miniature varieties	Maintain lean body condition; surgical correction for severe cases
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Gradual degeneration of the retina leading to blindness	Identified in long-haired lines; carrier status testable	DNA testing of breeding stock; no cure but dogs adapt well
Lafora Disease (Late-Onset Epilepsy)	Genetic condition causing seizures, typically appearing after age 5	Higher prevalence in miniature long-haired Dachshunds	DNA test available; anticonvulsant management under veterinary care
Obesity-Related Complications	Excess weight stresses spine, joints, and cardiovascular system	Estimated 30–40% of pet Dachshunds are overweight	Measured feeding, no free-feeding, body condition score (BCS) monitoring — target 4–5 on a 9-point scale

IVDD emergency warning signs: If your long hair dachshund suddenly yelps when picked up, arches its back, refuses to move, drags a rear leg, or loses bladder control, this is a veterinary emergency. Seek immediate care — early surgical intervention (within 24–48 hours of paralysis onset) offers the best prognosis for recovery, with success rates of 80–95% for dogs that still have deep pain sensation. Always consult your veterinarian promptly if you notice any signs of back pain or mobility changes.

Grooming Requirements

The long hair dachshund's coat is its signature feature, and it requires consistent maintenance. Unlike the smooth variety (which needs minimal grooming), the long-haired coat mats easily behind the ears, in the armpits, and along the feathered leg furnishings.

Brushing: 3–4 times per week using a slicker brush (such as the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker, $30–$45) followed by a stainless-steel comb to catch remaining tangles. Pay special attention to the ear feathering and the "skirt" along the belly and rear legs.

Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks using a dog-specific moisturizing shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and leads to dry, brittle coat. Conditioner is recommended for the long furnishings.

Professional grooming: Every 8–10 weeks for a sanitary trim (around the rear), paw pad trimming, and thinning of the ear furnishings to prevent matting. Expect to pay $50–$80 per session depending on your region.

Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Long nails alter foot angle and put additional stress on the spine — keeping nails short is a structural health issue for this breed, not just cosmetic.

Ear care: The long, heavy ear feathering restricts airflow to the ear canal, increasing infection risk. Check and clean ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser. Watch for head shaking, odor, or dark discharge.

Training & Intelligence

Dachshunds rank lower on Stanley Coren's obedience intelligence rankings, but this reflects their independence, not a lack of cognitive ability. Long hair dachshunds are clever problem-solvers — they'll figure out how to open cabinet doors, manipulate puzzle feeders, and find the one gap in your fence. Training success depends on working with their motivation, not against their nature.

Trainability rating: Moderate. They learn cues quickly but compliance is inconsistent without strong reinforcement history.

Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement using high-value food rewards (freeze-dried liver, small cheese pieces), clicker training, and short sessions (5–10 minutes maximum). Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods are essential — shock collars, prong collars, and alpha rolls damage trust and increase fear-based reactivity in this sensitive breed.

Priority training goals:

• Housetraining — Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to housetrain. Crate training from day one, a strict outdoor schedule (every 1–2 hours for puppies), and high-value rewards for outdoor elimination are essential. Expect 4–6 months for reliable housetraining; some individuals take longer.
• Recall — Prey drive overrides training in high-distraction environments. Practice in enclosed areas and never rely on recall alone in unfenced spaces.
• Handling desensitization — Start early: touch paws, ears, mouth, and back daily with treats paired in. This makes grooming, vet visits, and IVDD-related handling far less stressful.
• Bark management — Teach a "quiet" cue by rewarding silence after alert barking. Never yell (they interpret this as you barking along).

Family Suitability: Kids, Pets, and Living Spaces

With children: Long hair dachshunds do best with children ages 8 and older who understand how to handle a long-backed dog gently. Toddlers who pick up, squeeze, or drop dogs pose a serious spinal injury risk. Teach children to support the dog's chest and hindquarters simultaneously when lifting, and never allow a child to carry the dog while walking. Always supervise interactions.

With other pets: Same-species sociability varies by individual. Many long hair dachshunds enjoy the company of another dog (ideally another small breed), but introductions should be gradual. Their prey drive makes them unreliable with pet rabbits, hamsters, or birds. Cat cohabitation is possible if the dog is raised with the cat, but chasing behavior is common.

Apartment living: Their small size makes them physically suited to apartments, but their vocal tendencies can create neighbor conflicts. If you live in an apartment, commit to adequate daily walks and mental stimulation to reduce nuisance barking. A white-noise machine near shared walls helps muffle alert barking.

Cost of Ownership

Budgeting realistically before bringing home a long hair dachshund prevents financial stress and ensures you can afford the veterinary care this breed may need.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Frequency
Puppy from responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registration)	$2,000–$4,500	One-time
Adoption from breed-specific rescue	$300–$600	One-time
Initial veterinary setup (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip)	$400–$800	First year
High-quality kibble or balanced diet	$35–$60/month	Ongoing
Professional grooming	$50–$80 per session	Every 8–10 weeks
Pet insurance (recommended for IVDD coverage)	$35–$65/month	Ongoing
Routine vet care (annual exam, vaccines, heartworm/flea prevention)	$400–$700/year	Annual
Potential IVDD surgery (if needed)	$3,000–$8,000+	As needed
Estimated first-year total	$3,500–$7,500+
Estimated annual ongoing cost	$1,500–$2,800

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for this breed. IVDD surgery alone can exceed $8,000, and policies that cover hereditary conditions (such as those offered by Trupanion, Healthy Paws, or Lemonade) provide critical financial protection. Enroll while your dog is young and symptom-free — pre-existing spinal conditions are universally excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions