Long-Haired Dachshund Puppy: Complete Care Guide by Age & Milestone

Long-haired dachshund puppies are a unique combination of bold hound temperament wrapped in a silky, feathered coat that demands more grooming than their smooth or wirehaired cousins. If you've just brought one home—or are preparing to—this guide maps out exactly what to expect from week 4 through the end of the first year, with breed-specific details you won't find in a generic puppy manual.

Long-haired dachshunds (often called "longhaired doxies") were developed by crossing smooth dachshunds with spaniel-type dogs—likely the German Stöberhund or various setter breeds—to produce a water-resistant coat suited for hunting in cold, wet brush. That spaniel heritage shows up in their slightly softer temperament compared to smooths, though they remain every bit the tenacious scent hound underneath.

Long-Haired Dachshund Puppy Milestones: Week by Week

Dachshunds mature more slowly than many breeds. Their long backs and short legs mean skeletal development must be carefully monitored—over-exercising a young doxie can contribute to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) later in life. Here's what to expect at each stage.

Weeks 4–8: The Breeder's Window

At 4 weeks, your long-haired dachshund puppy is beginning to wean, transitioning from mother's milk to a gruel of high-quality puppy kibble soaked in warm water or puppy milk replacer. By 6 weeks, the coat is still short and puppy-soft—the signature feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail won't develop until 6–12 months. Puppies at this stage are learning bite inhibition from littermates, and reputable breeders begin early neurological stimulation (ENS) and introduction to household sounds.

What you should see from a responsible breeder: Puppies handled daily, exposed to varied surfaces (tile, carpet, grass), dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks per the AKC deworming protocol, and first DHPP vaccine administered at 6–8 weeks.

Weeks 8–12: Homecoming and Adjustment

This is when most long-haired dachshund puppies go to their new homes. Expect 2–4 pounds of curious, stubborn, food-motivated puppy. The critical socialization window (3–14 weeks) is fully open—everything your puppy experiences now shapes their adult temperament. Dachshunds are prone to wariness of strangers and other dogs if undersocialized, so this period is non-negotiable.

Physical expectations: Puppy should be eating 3–4 meals per day of a small-breed puppy formula. Bladder control is roughly 1 hour per month of age, so an 8-week-old puppy needs outdoor trips every 2 hours minimum. Sleep needs are 18–20 hours per day.

Weeks 12–16: Confidence Building

Your puppy's personality is emerging. Long-haired dachshunds tend to be slightly more biddable than smooths, but they are still independent scent hounds who will follow their nose before following your command. This is prime training time—keep sessions to 3–5 minutes, use high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, small bits of boiled chicken), and practice positive reinforcement only. Never use physical corrections on a dachshund; their spines are fragile, and aversive methods damage trust with this sensitive breed.

Grooming note: Begin brushing 2–3 times per week now with a pin brush and metal comb, even though the adult coat hasn't arrived. You're building the habit. Pay special attention behind the ears and the "skirts" on the chest and legs where matting will eventually occur.

Weeks 16–24: The Adolescent Shift

Teething peaks. Your long-haired dachshund puppy is losing baby teeth and the adult coat begins replacing puppy fuzz. You'll notice increased chewing, drooling, and possibly a temporary decrease in appetite. The feathering on ears, chest, and the backs of the legs starts becoming visible around 5–6 months. This is also when dachshund puppies often test boundaries—expect selective hearing and increased stubbornness.

6–12 Months: Approaching Adulthood

Most long-haired dachshunds reach their full height by 10–12 months but continue filling out in chest and muscle until 18–24 months. The adult coat fully develops between 12–18 months. Spaying or neutering is typically discussed with your vet around 6–9 months, though some veterinarians now recommend waiting until 12 months for small breeds to allow full skeletal maturation. Discuss timing with your vet based on your individual puppy.

Feeding Schedule: Exact Portions by Age and Weight

Long-haired dachshund puppies are prone to obesity, which puts dangerous strain on their elongated spines. Overfeeding even by small amounts compounds over months. Use the table below as a starting point and adjust based on body condition score (BCS)—you should be able to feel ribs without pressing, and see a visible waist when viewed from above.

Key feeding notes: Choose a kibble with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages, formulated for small breeds (kibble size matters for tiny mouths). Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy, Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy, and Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy are all solid options in the $40–$65 per 12-lb bag range. Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. Always provide fresh water and pick up uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to establish mealtime structure.

Potty Training Timeline: Realistic Expectations for Dachshunds

Here's what most generic guides won't tell you: dachshunds are among the more challenging breeds to house-train. Their small bladders, stubborn temperament, and dislike of wet or cold weather (especially relevant for long-haired varieties whose belly fur drags and soaks up moisture) combine to make potty training a 4–8 month process for most owners. Some long-haired dachshunds are not fully reliable until 10–12 months.

Long-haired-specific tip: After outdoor potty trips in rain or dew, wipe your puppy's belly and leg feathering with a microfiber towel. Wet fur against the skin causes discomfort that can create negative associations with going outside—and can lead to skin infections in those feathered areas.

Crate training supports potty training because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. Here's how crate time limits progress by age:

Never use the crate as punishment. For a long-haired dachshund, add a washable fleece pad rather than a thick bed—they tend to burrow and can overheat under heavy bedding, and puppy accidents are easier to clean from a flat pad.

Vaccination Schedule for Your Long-Haired Dachshund Puppy

Dachshund puppies follow the standard core vaccination protocol, but their small size means vaccine reactions—while uncommon—are slightly more frequent than in larger breeds. The AVMA vaccination guidelines recommend the following core schedule. Your veterinarian may adjust based on local disease prevalence and your puppy's health status.

Vaccine reaction watch: Small breeds including dachshunds have a slightly higher rate of mild vaccine reactions (lethargy, facial swelling, vomiting within 24–48 hours). The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that severe anaphylactic reactions remain rare (fewer than 1 in 1,000 doses). Your vet may recommend spacing vaccines 2–3 weeks apart rather than combining multiple shots in one visit, and may suggest pre-treating with an antihistamine for subsequent boosters if your puppy reacts.

The Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14 Checklist

The primary socialization period for puppies closes around 12–14 weeks. For long-haired dachshunds—a breed genetically predisposed to wariness and vocal reactivity—this window is the single most important investment you can make in your dog's future temperament. According to the AKC socialization guidelines, puppies need positive exposure to novel stimuli during this period to develop confidence.

Important: Before your puppy has completed their full DHPP series (around 16 weeks), avoid high-traffic dog areas like dog parks and pet store floors. Socialization can happen safely through controlled exposures—carried outings, car rides, invited visitors, and structured puppy classes that verify vaccination status.

Teething Timeline and Relief Strategies (3–6 Months)

Long-haired dachshund puppies begin losing their 28 deciduous (baby) teeth around 12–16 weeks, with all 42 adult teeth typically in place by 6–7 months. During this period, expect increased chewing, occasional drooling, mild gum bleeding (you may find tiny spots of blood on chew toys—this is normal), and sometimes a decrease in appetite or reluctance to eat hard kibble.

Safe chew options for teething dachshund puppies:

• Kong Classic (XS or Small): Fill with a mixture of plain yogurt and mashed banana, freeze for 2–4 hours. The cold numbs sore gums. ($8–$12)
• Nylabone Puppy Chew (X-Small): Designed for teeth under 25 lb; softer than adult versions. Replace when worn down to the size of a large grape. ($5–$8)
• Frozen wet washcloth: Twist a clean washcloth, soak in water or low-sodium chicken broth, freeze. Supervise use and remove if pieces tear off. (Essentially free)
• Benebone Puppy (Small): Bacon-flavored nylon, shaped for small mouths. Good for aggressive chewers. ($10–$14)

Avoid: Rawhide (choking and intestinal blockage risk), antlers and hard nylon bones (can fracture puppy teeth), and any chew small enough to swallow whole. Dachshunds are enthusiastic gulpers—always supervise chewing sessions and size up if you're unsure.

If your puppy seems to be in significant pain (refusing food for more than one meal, pawing at the mouth excessively, or whining while chewing), consult your veterinarian. Retained baby teeth—where the adult tooth erupts alongside the baby tooth—are common in small breeds and may require veterinary extraction to prevent misalignment.

Common Long-Haired Dachshund Puppy Problems and Solutions

Puppy Biting and Nipping

Dachshund puppies are mouthy—bred to grab and hold prey, biting is deeply ingrained. Expect nipping to peak between 8–16 weeks and gradually decrease as bite inhibition develops.

Solution: When teeth touch skin, say "ouch" in a calm, medium-volume tone and immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds (stand up, turn away, or step behind a baby gate). Redirect to an appropriate chew toy and reward when the puppy mouths the toy instead. Consistency from every household member is essential. Never hold the puppy's mouth shut, hit, or use alpha rolls—these methods increase fear-based biting and are especially dangerous for a dachshund's spine.

Excessive Whining and Crying (Especially in the Crate)

Dachshunds are velcro dogs who bond intensely with their people. Crate whining is extremely common in the first 2–4 weeks home.

Solution: Place the crate in your bedroom for the first 2–3 weeks so your puppy can hear and smell you. Use a Snuggle Puppy (a plush toy with a heartbeat simulator and heat pack, ~$30–$40) to ease nighttime anxiety. Wait for 3–5 seconds of silence before opening the crate—opening during whining teaches that noise equals freedom. If whining persists beyond 30 minutes after the last potty break, take puppy out to eliminate (keep it boring—no play, straight back to crate), then resume waiting for quiet.

Destructive Chewing on Furniture and Shoes

Dachshunds chew. This peaks during teething but can persist into adolescence if not managed.

Solution: Puppy-proof by removing accessible items (shoes in closets, cords behind furniture covers). Provide 4–5 rotating chew toys—variety prevents boredom. Use bitter apple spray (Grannick's Bitter Apple, ~$8–$12) on furniture legs as a deterrent while teaching boundaries. Increase mental stimulation: 10 minutes of sniffing a snuffle mat or working a puzzle feeder tires a dachshund puppy more than 20 minutes of physical exercise and reduces destructive behavior.

When Can My Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?

This is one of the most common questions new dachshund puppy owners ask, and the answer requires balancing disease risk against the closing socialization window.

Before full vaccination (before 16 weeks): Your puppy can go outside in your own yard (if no unvaccinated dogs have access), be carried in public spaces, ride in the car, and attend structured puppy classes where all attendees verify vaccination status. Avoid dog parks, pet store floors, and areas with unknown dog traffic where parvovirus may be present in the soil.

After full vaccination (2 weeks after the 14–16 week DHPP dose, typically around 18 weeks): Your puppy can safely walk in public areas, visit dog parks (though many trainers recommend waiting until 6+ months for dog parks due to the unpredictable nature of unknown dogs), and attend group training classes freely.

Meeting other dogs: Controlled introductions with known, vaccinated, dog-friendly dogs can begin immediately at 8 weeks. Puppy playdates with littermates or similarly aged, vaccinated puppies are ideal. Always supervise and interrupt if play becomes one-sided (one puppy consistently pinning or chasing a reluctant partner).

First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Long-Haired Dachshund

Budgeting accurately prevents unpleasant surprises. The following ranges reflect 2026 US pricing for a standard-size long-haired dachshund puppy. Miniature dachshunds may cost slightly less on food and medication (which is often weight-based).

Cost-saving tips that don't compromise care: Learn home grooming (a $30 Andis slicker brush and a $15 metal comb handle 80% of maintenance between professional sessions). Enroll in group training rather than private unless specific behavioral issues arise. Compare pet insurance quotes from Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade—enrolling at 8 weeks locks in lower premiums and ensures pre-existing condition exclusions don't apply to future IVDD claims, which are the #1 health expense for dachshunds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I bring my long-haired dachshund puppy home?

Between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Reputable breeders typically release puppies at 8–10 weeks. Bringing a puppy home before 8 weeks is not recommended—puppies learn critical bite inhibition and social skills from littermates during weeks 6–8. If a breeder offers a puppy younger than 8 weeks, consider this a red flag.

How often should I feed my puppy at each age?

Four meals per day from 8–12 weeks, three meals per day from 3–6 months, and two meals per day from 6 months onward. See the feeding schedule table above for exact portion sizes. Consistency matters more than precision—feed at the same times daily and measure portions with a standard measuring cup rather than estimating.

When will my long-haired dachshund be fully potty trained?

Most long-haired dachshunds are reliably house-trained between 6 and 12 months with consistent scheduling. Some individuals take longer—this breed is known for being challenging to housebreak. Crate training, a strict outdoor schedule, and patience are your best tools. If your puppy is still having daily accidents past 8 months, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections or anatomical issues before assuming it's purely behavioral.

What vaccines does my long-haired dachshund puppy need and when?

Core vaccines include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) given as a series at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, plus Rabies at 14–16 weeks. Bordetella is recommended if attending puppy classes. See the vaccination table above for the full schedule. Your veterinarian may also recommend Leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines depending on your geographic area and lifestyle.

How do I stop my dachshund puppy from biting and nipping?

Use the "ouch and withdraw" method: when teeth touch skin, say "ouch" calmly, withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds, then redirect to a chew toy and reward appropriate chewing. This mimics how littermates teach bite inhibition. Consistency from every family member is critical. Expect nipping to gradually decrease between 4–6 months as adult teeth come in and bite inhibition solidifies. Never use physical punishment—it damages trust and can cause spinal injury in this breed.

When can my puppy go outside and meet other dogs?

Your puppy can explore your own yard and be carried in public spaces from day one. Controlled playdates with known, vaccinated dogs can start at 8 weeks. Full public access (sidewalks, parks, trails) should wait until 2 weeks after the final DHPP dose at 14–16 weeks—typically around 18 weeks of age. Dog parks are best delayed until 6+ months when your puppy has better social skills and size to handle unpredictable interactions.

How do I care for the long-haired dachshund's coat as a puppy?

Puppy coat care is about building habits. Brush 2–3 times per week with a pin brush starting at 8 weeks, even though the adult coat hasn't developed. Once the adult feathering comes in (6–18 months), increase to 3–4 times per week and add a metal comb for the areas behind the ears and the leg feathering. Bathe every 3–4 weeks using a gentle puppy shampoo. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps maintain the coat's health and keeps the sanitary areas trimmed. The long-haired variety's coat is single-layered (no undercoat), so they shed less than you'd expect—but those long hairs are more visible on furniture and clothing.