Long Haired Dachshund breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Long Haired Dachshunds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Long Haired Dachshund breed
Long Haired Dachshunds are a charming and distinctive dog breed known for their elongated bodies and silky, flowing coats. Originating in Germany, they were initially bred for hunting small game, particularly badgers.
With their unique appearance and friendly nature, Long Haired Dachshunds have become popular as companion pets and show dogs.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They have an average height of around 20-25cm.
They weigh between 4.5-7kg.
In terms of life expectancy, Long Haired Dachshunds typically live for 12 to 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Long Haired Dachshund like?
Long Haired Dachshunds are known for their friendly, affectionate, and lively temperament. They are intelligent dogs with a curious nature. While they can be a bit stubborn at times, early and consistent training can help channel their energy and independence in a positive direction.
Long Haired Dachshunds are generally good-natured and enjoy being part of the family. They can make great family pets, but it's important to supervise their interactions with young children due to their delicate long backs.
Socialisation from a young age is crucial to help them feel comfortable around people and other animals.
Our Long Haired Dachshund Community
"Angus is a very friendly pup, he loves to run around and also have cuddles/belly rubs. Angus is a little softy who loves sticks, paddling in water on walks and a good cuddle on the couch."
Angus’ owner, Katie from Manchester
"Harry is the most gorgeous, happy and playful pup. He loves cuddling up with humans. He’s curious, always sniffing around. He loves playing with other dogs and gets along with cats too."
Harry’s owner, Manoell from London
How much exercise does a Long Haired Dachshund need?
Long Haired Dachshunds require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep their minds stimulated. Aim for around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day, such as walks, playtime, or interactive games.
Be mindful of their long backs and avoid activities that put excessive strain on their spines, such as jumping from heights or navigating steep stairs.
When it comes to Long Haired Dachshund puppies, it's important to provide age-appropriate exercise. Puppies have developing bones and joints, so their exercise should be limited to short, gentle play sessions and controlled walks.
Until they are around 4 months old, as a very general rule, limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice a day. Gradually increase the exercise duration as the puppy grows. Full adult exercise levels can typically be reached around 12 to 18 months of age. Your vet can advise on your individual pup’s exercise needs.
Need an extra hand exercising your Long Haired Dachshund? Find a local borrower today.
Do Long Haired Dachshunds need a lot of grooming?
Long Haired Dachshunds have beautiful, long coats that require regular grooming to keep them healthy and tangle-free.
Brush their coats at least a few times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Pay special attention to the areas behind the ears, under the belly, and around the legs, as these areas are more prone to tangles. They are moderate shedders, so regular brushing will help minimise loose hair around your home.
Additionally, occasional baths can help keep their coat clean and fresh. Every 2-3 months is often sufficient, but more regular if advised by your vet or they are dirty. A professional groomer can also help and advise on your pooch’s grooming needs.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Long Haired Dachshunds easy to train?
Long Haired Dachshunds can be moderately easy to train, but they have a reputation for being a bit stubborn. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed.
Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and obedient dogs. Consider enrolling in puppy training classes or seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer to help you navigate the training process.
Remember, every Long Haired Dachshund is unique, and individual dogs may have different needs and temperaments.
Want to experience spending time with a Long Haired Dachshund to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Long Haired Dachshund near you.
What do Long Haired Dachshunds eat?
To keep your Long Haired Dachshund healthy, provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. The amount of food will vary depending on factors such as metabolism, age, and overall health. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity.
For Long Haired Dachshund puppies, feed them a specially formulated puppy food for small breed dogs 3-4 times a day until 6 months old when this should be reduced to twice a day. Typically, puppies can transition to adult food around 10-12 months of age. Consult with your veterinarian for specific guidance on feeding schedules, portion sizes, and transitioning to adult dog food.
Are Long Haired Dachshunds healthy?
Long Haired Dachshunds, like other Dachshund varieties, are prone to certain health conditions. These can include:
Bones and joints
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Long Haired Dachshund is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Keep an eye on their weight, as extra pounds can strain their long backs and lead to spinal issues. Provide gentle exercise and avoid activities that involve excessive jumping or stair climbing.
BorrowMyDoggy loves Long Haired Dachshunds
BorrowMyDoggy has over 170 Long Haired Dachshund members
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
