Find a Reputable Source & Breed Guide

Why Finding the Right Long Haired Dachshund Breeder Matters

If you've set your heart on a long haired Dachshund, you've chosen one of the most striking varieties of the breed. That flowing, silky coat — longer on the ears, chest, underside, and the back of the legs — gives these dogs an elegant silhouette that sets them apart from their smooth and wirehaired cousins. But the coat isn't just cosmetic. Long haired Dachshunds carry a distinct temperament profile, specific grooming demands, and a health risk landscape that responsible long haired dachshund breeders should be transparent about before you ever put down a deposit.

The Dachshund ranks consistently among the top 15 most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC registration data. That popularity creates demand — and demand attracts irresponsible breeders. This guide gives you the framework to evaluate breeders critically while also providing a complete breed profile so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

Breed Overview: Origin, Size, and What Makes the Long Haired Variety Unique

The Dachshund — literally "badger dog" in German — was developed to hunt burrowing animals. The breed's elongated body and short legs aren't a design quirk; they're functional adaptations for entering badger setts and rabbit warrens. The original Dachshunds were smooth-coated. The long haired variety emerged in Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries, likely through deliberate crosses with spaniel-type dogs — possibly the Stöberhund or early German spaniels — to produce a weather-resistant coat suited to hunting in cold, wet underbrush.

Today, the long haired Dachshund comes in two official size categories recognized by the AKC:

Longevity is a genuine strength of the breed. A well-bred long haired Dachshund from health-tested parents typically lives 12–16 years, with many reaching 15+ when spinal health is managed proactively. The long haired variety tends to be slightly calmer than the smooth or wirehaired types — a reflection of the spaniel influence — though they remain true hounds at heart.

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Long Haired Dachshund Actually Feels Like

Long haired Dachshunds carry five core personality traits that define daily life with the breed:

1. Affectionate to the point of clinginess. Expect your long haired Dachshund to follow you from room to room, curl up on your lap the moment you sit down, and develop strong preferences for one or two people in the household. This isn't aloof independence — it's a breed that genuinely wants physical proximity. Many owners describe theirs as "Velcro dogs."

2. Stubbornly intelligent. Dachshunds are smart enough to figure out latch mechanisms, food puzzle toys, and exactly which behaviors get a reaction from you. But they were bred to make independent decisions underground, facing a badger alone. That means they'll assess your command and decide whether compliance is worth their time. This isn't stupidity — it's a working dog's calculated independence.

3. Surprisingly bold for their size. A 12-pound miniature long haired Dachshund will bark at a delivery driver, a strange dog three times their size, or a plastic bag blowing across the yard. They have a deep, resonant bark that catches visitors off guard. This makes them effective watchdogs but requires management to prevent nuisance barking.

4. Prey-driven and scent-oriented. On walks, your long haired Dachshund will nose the ground with intense focus, tracking whatever animal passed through hours ago. Off-leash reliability is extremely difficult to achieve with this breed — their hunting instinct overrides recall training when a compelling scent appears. Always walk in fenced areas or on a long line.

5. Softer than other coat varieties. The spaniel heritage gives long haired Dachshunds a somewhat gentler disposition. They tend to be less sharp-edged than wirehaired types and less high-strung than smooths. Many owners and trainers report that long hairs are slightly more tolerant of handling, making them a marginally better fit for families with calm, respectful children.

Physical Characteristics and Coat Details

The long haired Dachshund's coat is their signature feature. The hair is sleek, slightly wavy (never curly), and grows noticeably longer on the ears, forming elegant "feathering" that frames the face. The chest has a pronounced mane, the underside and back of the legs carry longer hair, and the tail has a flag-like plume. Coat colors include black and tan, chocolate and tan, red, wild boar, cream, dapple (merle), and brindle — though responsible long haired dachshund breeders avoid double-dapple pairings due to associated deafness and eye defects.

Body conformation follows the same AKC breed standard as other varieties: a long, low-slung body with a prominent keel (breastbone), a deep chest, well-developed forequarters for digging, and a tail that follows the line of the spine. The head is elongated with a slightly arched skull, almond-shaped dark eyes, and rounded ears set high on the head.

Exercise & Activity Needs: Realistic Daily Requirements

Despite their short legs, long haired Dachshunds are not couch-only dogs. They were bred for endurance hunting and need structured daily activity to maintain muscle tone — particularly the core and back muscles that support their vulnerable spine.

Recommended activities: Leash walks on varied terrain (grass, packed dirt), scent-work games (hide treats in a snuffle mat or around the yard), controlled fetch in a fenced area, and interactive puzzle toys for mental stimulation.

Activities to avoid: Stair climbing (carry your Dachshund up and down stairs, or install ramps), jumping on/off furniture (use pet ramps rated for their weight — I recommend the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Ramp for couches), high-impact agility with jumps, and running alongside bicycles. Every jump compresses the intervertebral discs that Dachshunds are already predisposed to damaging.

Common Health Issues: What Reputable Long Haired Dachshund Breeders Screen For

This section is critical. When evaluating long haired dachshund breeders, you should ask to see documentation of health testing for the following conditions. A breeder who says "our dogs are healthy" without providing test results is not doing due diligence.

Important note on double dapple breeding: Some breeders market "double dapple" long haired Dachshunds at premium prices. This mating (dapple × dapple) produces puppies with a high risk of congenital deafness, blindness, and severe eye malformations including microphthalmia. The AKC and veterinary ophthalmologists advise against this practice. A responsible breeder will never intentionally produce double dapples.

Always consult your veterinarian about a preventive care plan tailored to your Dachshund's specific risk factors, including weight management (obesity dramatically worsens IVDD risk), dental care, and age-appropriate screenings.

Grooming Requirements: Tools, Frequency, and Technique

The long haired Dachshund's coat requires regular maintenance to prevent mats, tangles, and debris buildup. Unlike wirehaired Dachshunds that need hand-stripping, the long haired variety can be maintained at home with the right tools and routine.

Training & Intelligence: Methods That Work for This Independent Thinker

Dachshunds score in the "average working intelligence" range on canine intelligence scales, meaning they typically learn a new command in 25–40 repetitions and obey a known command on the first attempt about 50% of the time. That's not a deficiency — it reflects a breed that was selected to work independently rather than take constant direction from a handler.

What works: Positive reinforcement training using high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken, or commercial training treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals), clicker marking, and short sessions of 5–10 minutes. Keep it fun and varied — repetition drills will cause a Dachshund to check out mentally.

What doesn't work: Harsh corrections, alpha rolls, prong collars, or shock collars. Dachshunds are sensitive to tone and body language despite their bold exterior. Aversive methods damage the trust relationship and can trigger fear-based aggression — a particular risk with this breed because they're already prone to resource guarding.

Priority training goals:

• Housetraining — Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Be prepared for 4–6 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks. Miniature long hairs may take longer due to smaller bladder capacity. Consider an indoor grass patch or bell-training for apartment living.
• Recall — Practice in increasingly distracting fenced environments, but never trust recall in open areas. Their prey drive will override training when they lock onto a scent or small animal.
• Handling and grooming desensitization — Start ear, paw, and mouth handling in the first weeks home. The long coat requires lifelong grooming, and a dog who resists brushing creates a stressful experience for both of you.
• Resource guarding prevention — Trade-up games from puppyhood (offer something better in exchange for what they have) reduce the likelihood of guarding behavior developing.

Family Suitability: Kids, Other Pets, and Apartment Living

With children: Long haired Dachshunds do best with children ages 8 and up who understand how to handle a long-backed dog gently — no picking up by the armpits, no letting the dog's back sag unsupported, no rough play. A Dachshund who feels threatened or is handled roughly may snap. This breed is not ideal for toddlers who are still learning gentle interaction. Always supervise dog-child interactions regardless of age.

With other dogs: Dachshunds generally do well with other dogs, especially when socialized from puppyhood. They tend to be confident and may try to boss around much larger dogs — which can lead to trouble if the other dog doesn't tolerate it. Same-sex pairs of Dachshunds can sometimes develop rivalry. Two Dachshunds often bond closely to each other.

With cats and small animals: Proceed with caution. The prey drive means cats may be chased, and small pets (hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs) should never be left accessible. Some individual Dachshunds coexist peacefully with cats, especially when raised together, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Apartment living: Long haired Dachshunds adapt well to apartments. Their size is manageable, and they're content to nap on furniture for hours. The main challenges are barking (work on "quiet" cue early) and stair access (carry them or provide ramps). They need their daily walks but don't require a yard.

How to Evaluate Long Haired Dachshund Breeders: A Practical Checklist

Now that you understand the breed, here's how to assess whether a breeder is producing puppies you can feel confident about. This is the framework I recommend using when researching long haired dachshund breeders:

Expected puppy pricing from responsible long haired dachshund breeders (2026 estimates):

• Miniature long haired Dachshund: $2,500–$4,500
• Standard long haired Dachshund: $2,000–$3,500
• Show-potential puppies from champion lines: $4,000–$6,000+

Prices below $1,500 from a breeder claiming health testing should trigger skepticism. The cost of health testing (OFA evaluations, DNA panels, veterinary ophthalmology exams) alone runs $800–$1,500 per breeding pair, before prenatal care, whelping supplies, puppy vaccinations, and early socialization.

Cost of Ownership: Annual Budget Breakdown

Emergency fund recommendation: Keep $2,000–$5,000 accessible for potential IVDD episodes. A Dachshund requiring disc surgery can cost $3,000–$8,000 for the procedure, imaging (MRI runs $1,500–$2,500 alone), and post-operative rehabilitation. Pet insurance with a comprehensive policy can mitigate this significantly — enroll while your puppy is young and before any spinal symptoms appear, as pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the long haired Dachshund right for first-time dog owners?

Yes, with caveats. The long haired variety's somewhat softer temperament makes them more forgiving of beginner mistakes than wirehaired or smooth Dachshunds. However, first-time owners should be prepared for the housetraining challenge (expect 4–6 months), the grooming commitment (2–3 brushings per week), and the need to manage spinal health throughout the dog's life. If you're willing to invest time in training and learn the breed's specific needs, a long haired Dachshund can be a wonderful first dog.

How much exercise does a long haired Dachshund need daily?

Adult standards need 30–45 minutes per day, while miniatures need 20–30 minutes. Split this into two walks plus indoor play or scent games. The key is consistency rather than intensity — daily moderate activity maintains the muscle tone that supports their spine. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping and stair climbing entirely.

What health problems is this breed most prone to?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the single biggest health concern, affecting up to 25% of Dachshunds. Other breed-specific risks include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, patellar luxation, Lafora disease (especially in miniatures), and mitral valve disease in senior dogs. Buy from breeders who health-test parents and maintain your dog at a lean weight to reduce risk.

How big does a long haired Dachshund get?

Standard long haired Dachshunds weigh 16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg) and stand 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) at the shoulder. Miniatures weigh 11 lb (5 kg) and under, standing 5–6 inches (13–15 cm). Their body length is significantly longer than their height — expect an overall length of 17–22 inches for standards.

Are long haired Dachshunds good with children and other pets?

They do best with children 8 and older who can handle them gently and respect their space. With other dogs, they're generally sociable but may try to assert themselves over larger dogs. Cat coexistence varies by individual and is never guaranteed due to the breed's prey drive. Small pets should be kept completely separate.

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, with show-potential puppies reaching $6,000+. Annual maintenance costs run $1,400–$2,600 for food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance, and supplies. Budget an additional $2,000–$5,000 emergency fund for potential spinal issues, or enroll in comprehensive pet insurance early.