Long Dachshund Puppies: Week-by-Week Care, Feeding & Training Guide

Bringing Home Long Dachshund Puppies: What Makes This Breed Unique

Long dachshund puppies — the longhaired variety of the iconic Dachshund — combine the breed's signature bold personality with a silky, flowing coat that demands extra grooming commitment from day one. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers (Dachshund literally means "badger dog"), these low-slung hounds carry a big-dog attitude in a compact frame. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, the longhaired variety likely resulted from crosses between smooth Dachshunds and various spaniel breeds, giving them a gentler temperament than their wirehaired or smooth counterparts — though they remain tenacious, curious, and notoriously stubborn when it comes to training.

Long dachshund puppies typically weigh 8–11 lb (3.6–5 kg) at maturity for the miniature variety and 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg) for the standard. Their elongated spine makes them uniquely vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which affects an estimated 1 in 4 Dachshunds during their lifetime. Every care decision you make as a puppy owner — from how you carry them to what surfaces they jump from — should be filtered through spinal protection.

Age-Specific Milestones for Long Dachshund Puppies

Understanding what to expect at each developmental stage prevents unnecessary panic and helps you provide age-appropriate stimulation. Long dachshund puppies mature slightly slower than many small breeds, particularly in terms of emotional confidence and housetraining reliability.

Feeding Schedule and Portions by Age

Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which directly worsens IVDD risk by placing additional load on the spine. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends feeding to maintain a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9) rather than following package guidelines blindly, which often overestimate portions for low-activity small breeds.

Choose a kibble formulated for small-breed puppies (kibble size matters for their small mouths) that meets AAFCO standards for growth. Look for a named protein source (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient and guaranteed analysis showing minimum 22% protein and 8% fat for puppy growth stages.

Important: These are starting estimates. Weigh your puppy weekly and adjust portions based on body condition — you should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when viewed from above. Transition to adult food between 10–12 months to avoid excess calorie intake during the adolescent growth plateau.

Vaccination Schedule for Long Dachshund Puppies

Long dachshund puppies follow the standard core vaccination protocol recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Because Dachshunds have a slightly higher rate of vaccine reactions than many breeds (particularly in dogs under 22 lb/10 kg), your veterinarian may recommend splitting vaccines across separate visits rather than administering multiple shots simultaneously.

Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14

The primary socialization window for all puppies closes between 12–14 weeks of age, according to the AVMA's socialization guidelines. For long dachshund puppies, this window is especially critical because the breed tends toward wariness with strangers and can develop fear-based reactivity if undersocialized. The longhaired variety is generally softer in temperament, but this does not eliminate the need for systematic exposure.

Between weeks 8–14 (after your puppy comes home), aim for at least 5–7 new positive experiences per day. Carry your puppy in public spaces before full vaccination is complete — avoid setting them on ground where unknown dogs have been, but expose them to sights, sounds, and handled-by-strangers experiences.

Potty Training Timeline and Troubleshooting

Dachshunds have a well-documented reputation for being challenging to housetrain. Their small bladders, combined with a stubborn streak and sensitivity to cold/wet weather (which makes them reluctant to go outside in rain), typically extend the potty training timeline compared to larger breeds.

When will my puppy be fully potty trained? Most long dachshund puppies achieve reliable housetraining between 4–8 months of age, though some individuals — particularly males — may take up to 12 months for full reliability. "Reliable" means fewer than 1–2 accidents per month with consistent routine. Expect 3–5 accidents per week during weeks 8–12, decreasing to 1–2 per week by 16 weeks with diligent management.

Troubleshooting common potty training problems:

• Refuses to go outside in rain/cold: This is extremely common in Dachshunds. Use a covered area (porch, garage entry), a dog raincoat, or a designated indoor potty pad area near the door as a weather backup. Never punish weather reluctance.
• Submissive/excitement urination: Common in young Dachshunds when greeting people. Ignore the puppy for the first 30 seconds upon entering; greet calmly at their level; take them outside immediately after any greeting.
• Accidents in crate: The crate may be too large (puppy eliminates in one corner and sleeps in another). Use a divider to make the space just large enough for standing, turning, and lying down. If accidents persist despite correct sizing, rule out urinary tract infection with your vet.

Crate Training Progression and Time Limits

Crate training is essential for long dachshund puppies for two reasons: it accelerates potty training by leveraging their instinct not to soil their sleeping area, and it prevents unsupervised access to furniture — jumping on and off couches and beds is a leading cause of IVDD-related disc injuries in the breed.

Select a crate sized for your puppy's expected adult dimensions, then use a divider panel to reduce the space during puppyhood. For miniature Dachshunds, a 24-inch crate is typically correct; for standards, a 30-inch crate. Wire crates with removable plastic pans are easiest to clean during the accident-prone early months.

Never use the crate as punishment. Dachshunds form strong negative associations quickly, and a crate-phobic dog is significantly harder to manage during travel, boarding, or veterinary hospitalization. If your puppy whines in the crate, wait for a brief pause in vocalization (even 3 seconds of silence) before releasing — this teaches that quiet, not noise, opens the door.

Teething Timeline and Relief Strategies

Long dachshund puppies begin losing their 28 deciduous (baby) teeth between 3–4 months of age, with the process typically completing by 6–7 months when all 42 adult teeth are in place. Dachshunds are predisposed to retained deciduous teeth — particularly the canine teeth and incisors — which occurs when the baby tooth fails to fall out as the adult tooth erupts. This can cause misalignment and increase periodontal disease risk later in life.

Teething timeline:

• 3–4 months: Incisors begin loosening; increased mouthing and chewing behavior
• 4–5 months: Canine teeth (fangs) shed; this is when retained teeth are most commonly noticed
• 5–6 months: Premolars and molars erupt; peak chewing intensity
• 6–7 months: All adult teeth should be present; schedule a veterinary dental check to confirm no retained baby teeth remain

Safe chew recommendations for teething relief:

• Frozen wet washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist into a rope, freeze for 2 hours. Supervise use and remove if threads come loose.
• Kong Classic (size Small for miniatures, Medium for standards): Fill with plain yogurt mixed with mashed banana, freeze overnight. The rubber is gentle on erupting gums.
• Benebone Puppy (size appropriate to weight): Nylon chew designed for puppies under 6 months — softer than adult versions.
• Frozen carrot sticks: Large whole carrots (not baby carrots, which are a choking hazard for small breeds). Supervise and discard when small enough to swallow whole.

Avoid: Rawhide (choking and intestinal blockage risk), antlers or weight-bearing bones (tooth fracture risk), and any chew small enough to be swallowed whole. If a retained baby tooth is visible alongside an adult tooth at 6+ months, consult your veterinarian — surgical extraction under anesthesia is typically required.

Common Long Dachshund Puppy Problems and Solutions

Puppy biting and nipping: Long dachshund puppies use their mouths to explore and play, and their hunting heritage means they may be more mouthy than some breeds. How do I stop puppy biting/nipping? Use the redirection method: when teeth touch skin, say "ouch" in a calm, firm tone (not a high-pitched yelp, which can excite some puppies further), immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds, then offer an appropriate chew toy. Consistency across all household members is essential. Never hold the puppy's mouth shut, alpha roll, or use physical punishment — these methods increase fear and can trigger defensive aggression in a breed already prone to resource guarding.

Excessive whining in crate: Dachshunds are vocal dogs, and longhaired varieties often "talk" with grumbles, whines, and howls. Distinguish between needs-based whining (potty, pain, hunger) and attention-seeking whining. If you've confirmed needs are met, implement planned ignoring: no eye contact, no verbal response, no crate opening during vocalization. Reward the first moment of silence. This typically takes 3–7 nights of consistency.

Destructive chewing: Between 4–8 months, adolescent Dachshunds may redirect their chewing from teething-relief to boredom-driven destruction. Provide a rotation of 4–5 appropriate chew toys (refresh weekly to maintain novelty), ensure at least 30–45 minutes of structured activity daily (sniff walks, training sessions, puzzle feeders), and puppy-proof all rooms by removing shoes, cords, and low-shelf items.

Jumping on/off furniture: This is the single most important behavioral management issue for Dachshund owners. Every jump off a couch or bed puts compressive and shear forces on the elongated spine. From day one, provide pet ramps or stairs for any furniture access you permit, and consider a strict "four paws on the floor" rule for the first year while you assess your dog's build and risk factors. Lift your puppy using both hands — one supporting the chest, one supporting the hindquarters — keeping the spine horizontal.

First-Year Cost Breakdown

Budgeting accurately prevents surprises. Costs below reflect 2026 US averages and may vary by region (urban areas typically run 20–40% higher than rural areas).

Frequently Asked Questions

When can my long dachshund puppy go outside and meet other dogs?

Your puppy can explore controlled outdoor environments (your own yard, carried in a sling through public areas) immediately upon coming home. However, avoid ground-level contact with areas where unknown dogs have been until 7 days after the final DHPP booster at 14–16 weeks. Puppy socialization classes that require proof of first vaccination (from 10 weeks onward) are generally considered safe by the AVMA and provide critical socialization during the closing window. Dog parks should wait until full vaccination is confirmed at 16+ weeks.

How often should I feed my long dachshund puppy at each age?

At 8–12 weeks: 4 meals daily. At 12–16 weeks through 6 months: 3 meals daily. From 6 months onward: 2 meals daily. Never free-feed a Dachshund — their food drive and obesity risk make measured portions essential. Remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to establish meal routines that also support predictable potty schedules.

Do longhaired Dachshund puppies require professional grooming?

Yes, starting around 4–6 months when the adult coat begins developing. Longhaired Dachshunds need brushing every 1–2 days to prevent mats behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the feathering of the legs and tail. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks for bath, blowout, sanitary trim, and nail care is standard. Begin handling exercises and brush introductions during the socialization window so grooming is not a stressful novelty at the first salon visit.

Should I use a collar or harness for my long dachshund puppy?

Always use a harness for leash walking. Dachshunds are prone to tracheal issues, and neck pressure from a collar — especially when a determined hound pulls toward an interesting scent — can damage the trachea and cervical spine. A front-clip harness (such as the Ruffwear Front Range or Kurgo Tru-Fit) gives you steering control without neck strain. A flat collar with ID tags can be worn for identification but should not be used for leash attachment.

Are long dachshund puppies good with children?

Longhaired Dachshunds tend to be gentler and more patient than smooth or wirehaired varieties, but all Dachshunds are easily injured by rough handling due to their long spines. Children must be taught to support the puppy's full body when holding them and to never allow the puppy to jump from their arms. Supervised interaction is mandatory for children under 10, and children should not be responsible for walking a Dachshund puppy unsupervised — a sudden pull on the leash from a child can injure the dog's neck or back.