The long haired mini dachshund is a beloved breed, known for its playful and affectionate nature. They typically weigh between 11 and 16 pounds.
Their short stature, ranging from 6-9 inches, belies their bold and adventurous personalities. Mini dachshunds are full of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Despite their small size, long haired mini dachshunds have a big appetite and need to be fed a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. They require 1-2 cups of food per day, divided into 2-3 meals.
Their beautiful, flowing coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Long haired mini dachshunds need to be brushed several times a week, and may require occasional trimming to keep their coat looking its best.
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Temperament and Personality
Long-haired mini dachshunds are known for their friendly personalities, making them a great addition to families. They're often described as having a more outgoing nature compared to other coat types.
Dachshunds can be "one-person" dogs, meaning they bond closely with one family member, but long-haired dachshunds are less likely to be this way. This means they can easily adapt to a new family environment.
Long-haired dachshunds are generally more friendly with strangers than other dachshund coat types, but proper socialization is still essential to ensure they're well-mannered. Socialization can make all the difference in how they interact with new people.
They're full of personality, often being courageous and curious, which can sometimes get them into trouble. If you don't provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they might resort to chewing up objects in your home.
Despite their small size, long-haired mini dachshunds can be quite energetic, requiring regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Meeting their needs in this area can prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing.
Long-haired dachshunds are likely to be affectionate with their families, enjoying physical affection like petting, cuddling, and sitting on your lap. They may have times when they prefer to be left alone, but overall, they make great companions.
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Grooming and Care
Grooming a long-haired mini dachshund is relatively low-maintenance. They only need to be brushed around once per week to keep their long fur from tangling.
To prevent matting, brush their coat at least once a week. This will keep your dog looking sleek and cared for.
You should also pay attention to the stomach area after a romp outside, as debris may get caught in their long fur. Cutting the fur on the belly shorter can help prevent this issue.
Brushing their teeth once daily is also recommended.
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Grooming
Long-haired dachshunds are a relatively low-maintenance breed, but they still require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat looking sleek.
You'll need to brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting, and daily grooming is recommended to keep their long, silky coat looking its best.
As a dachshund owner, you'll quickly notice that they shed year-round, but only moderately. You'll still find hair on your clothes, but it's not as excessive as with other breeds.
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To keep your dachshund's coat looking its best, use a good brush to gently work out tangles and mats. This will help prevent painful skin irritation and keep their coat healthy.
Don't forget to pay attention to your dachshund's stomach area after a romp outside, as debris can get caught in their long fur. You may need to trim the fur on their belly shorter if this becomes a problem.
Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent overgrowth, which can be painful for your dachshund. Brushing their teeth daily is also recommended to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Bathing
Bathing is essential for your dog's overall health and cleanliness, but it's crucial not to overdo it.
Bathe your dog when they need it, as their coats contain natural oil that can be stripped with over-bathing.
Certain shampoos have a double effect, cleaning the dog coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites.
Health and Nutrition
When you're considering bringing a long-haired mini dachshund home, it's essential to prioritize their health and nutrition. You should buy dog food specifically meant for smaller breeds and follow the feeding guidelines on the package.
To keep your long-haired mini dachshund at a healthy weight, it's crucial to be mindful of treats and handouts. Extra weight can put stress on their long back and even lead to herniated discs. This is particularly important for dachshunds, as they're prone to back problems.
Feeding your long-haired mini dachshund as a small-sized dog with specially-formulated dry food, recommended by your vet, is a great place to start.
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Regular Weight Monitoring
Regular weight monitoring is crucial for maintaining your Mini Dachshund's overall health. This involves regularly checking their body condition score, which rates their overall body condition on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being too thin and 9 being overweight.
You should be able to feel your dog's ribs and spine without having to press too hard, but you shouldn't be able to see them either. If you're unsure where your dog falls on the scale, ask your veterinarian for help.
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Your Mini Dachshund may not be able to run long distances, but they still need regular physical activity for weight maintenance and general well-being. This includes daily exercise, which can help prevent obesity and other health issues.
Here's a rough guide to help you monitor your Mini Dachshund's weight:
Pet Nutrition
When choosing food for your long-haired dachshund, look for dog food specifically meant for smaller breeds and follow the feeding guidelines on the package.
The best dog foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists and undergo feeding trials, ensuring they meet AAFCO guidelines.
Obesity is a major concern for dachshunds, as extra weight can put stress on their long back and even lead to herniated discs.
Treats should be factored into your dog's overall diet and daily calorie intake, so be mindful of the extra calories they bring.
To determine your dog's calorie needs, use online calculators or do the math yourself, as the guidelines on dog food bags often don't account for treats or handouts.
Feeding your dachshund as a small-sized dog with specially-formulated dry food, recommended by your vet, can help keep them healthy.
Purebred dogs, like long-haired dachshunds, can inherit health problems, so it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.
Mini Lifespan
Mini Dachshunds have an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years.
Their lifespan can vary depending on genetics, overall health, diet, and lifestyle.
Female Mini Dachshunds tend to live slightly longer than males.
Small dogs like Mini Dachshunds generally live longer than big dogs.
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Training and Behavior
Training a long-haired mini dachshund requires patience and consistency. You'll want to start with reward-based training using high-value treats and short sessions to keep them engaged.
Dachshunds can be stubborn and willful, making it essential to have a trainer, especially if you're inexperienced. Group classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and learn around distractions.
Long-haired dachshunds are capable of learning tricks, but be mindful of their backs and avoid activities that involve jumping. They should also not participate in agility training due to safety concerns.
Consistency is key when training a long-haired dachshund. Use basic command words like "Sit", "Stop", and "Fetch" and reward them with small treats.
Socialization is crucial for long-haired dachshunds to prevent unwanted behaviors like being protective of their families. Proper socialization will help them become confident and calm in new situations.
Good with Kids?
Dachshunds may growl or snap at children who won't leave them alone.
While they can do well with older children who understand how to be gentle and respect a dog's boundaries.
The dachshund's long back makes them somewhat fragile, so it's essential to teach children how to properly pick them up.
Young children may attempt to pick the dog up incorrectly and potentially cause injury, so it's crucial to supervise interactions.
If a doxie is to live with children, they must be respectful and willing to interact with the dog on the floor.
Getting Along with Other Animals
Socialization and training are key to helping your dachshund get along with other animals. With proper training, dachshunds can do okay with cats and other dogs.
However, their hunting instincts will always be present, so it's essential to supervise them around small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs. They must be taught to leave these animals alone.
Supervise your dachshund outdoors, as their instincts will incline them to chase squirrels, rabbits, and other animals.
Are Aggressive?
Long-haired dachshunds are not aggressive, but they can be feisty and will let you know when they're bothered by growling or snapping.
Every dog is an individual, and you may meet some long-haired dachshunds that are incredibly sweet and patient, while others are more ornery.
As long as you socialize your dachshund during puppyhood and treat them respectfully, you shouldn't have a problem.
Proper socialization is key to preventing unwanted behavior, so make sure to expose your dachshund to new people, places, and experiences from an early age.
Even with good socialization, some dachshunds can be protective of their families, which isn't always a good thing if it means they won't let anyone near.
By being aware of these potential traits and taking steps to address them, you can help your long-haired dachshund become a well-adjusted and loving companion.
How to Train a
Training a dachshund requires patience, especially when it comes to their strong-willed nature. They can be stubborn and willful, making it essential to use reward-based training to motivate them.
Use high-value treats to keep them engaged, and keep training sessions short to avoid boredom. Start with minimal distractions and gradually increase them to help your dachshund learn to focus.
It's best to take a group class to help your puppy learn around distractions like other people and animals. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the trainer any questions you might have.
Dachshunds can learn tricks, but you need to be selective about which ones to teach. Avoid tricks that involve jumping, as it can injure their long backs.
Training should start early, ideally with a crate to help your puppy learn to sleep in it and reduce separation anxiety. Use small treats as rewards to help them associate the crate with a safe space.
Developing basic command words like "Sit", "Stop", and "Fetch" is crucial, and be consistent when using them. This will help your dachshund understand what you want them to do.
Walking on a leash requires voice commands and road awareness to ensure your puppy's safety.
Can You Show?
If you're interested in showing your long-haired dachshund, you can absolutely do it - I've seen them on TV dog shows before! Just make sure to pick a puppy from parents that fit the breed standard.
To increase your chances of success, purchase a dachshund from a reputable breeder who has produced show dogs before.
Lifestyle and Costs
Long-haired Mini Dachshunds are very active little dogs that require lots of exercise with their family. They can match a human's fitness level, but if not exercised enough, they can become lazy and show their boredom through loud, deep barking or escaping and digging up your garden.
You can expect to spend around $40 per month on food for your long-haired Mini Dachshund. Additionally, you'll need to factor in vet fees and accessories, which can add up over time.
Prices for Long-haired Mini Dachshunds can vary greatly, from $200 to $3500, depending on the breeder and the dog's pedigree, coloring, and pattern.
Are Apartment Dogs?
Living in an apartment can be a great option for many dog owners, but it's essential to consider the needs of your furry friend. Long-haired dachshunds, for instance, can thrive in apartments due to their small size.
You'll need to commit to taking them for daily walks or bringing them to parks where they can run around and play. This is crucial for their physical and mental well-being.
Their tendency to bark, however, might make them a less-than-ideal choice for apartment living. Dachshunds are very vocal, and this can lead to noise complaints from neighbors.
Puppy Costs
A Long-haired Dachshund puppy can cost anywhere from $200 to $3500, depending on the breeder and the dog's pedigree, coloring, and pattern.
Food for your new furry friend will cost around $40 per month, so factor that into your budget.
Reputable breeders charge more for their dogs, but you may find that those with unusual coloring are more available to adopt.
You can also consider adopting an older dog, which may be a more affordable option.
Vet bills and accessories are also necessary expenses to consider when owning a Dachshund.
Show dogs can be quite pricey, with prices ranging from $1000 to $3500, depending on the breeder's credentials and the dog's pedigree.
However, if you're just looking for a pet, you won't need to worry about the dog's show quality.
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Breeding and Ownership
Long-haired mini dachshunds can be a bit more high maintenance than their smooth-coated counterparts, but many owners find the extra effort worth it. Their beautiful, silky coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
In fact, their coats should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for the dog. Regular grooming also helps to prevent hair from getting everywhere in the house.
Long-haired mini dachshunds are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them well to ensure they're comfortable around kids.
Are Purebred?
Long-haired dachshunds are purebred dogs as long as they are born from two dachshund parents. Dachshunds are a breed recognized by the AKC, and long-haired coats are also considered acceptable by the breed standard.
Some people note the difference between a long-haired dachshund with two long-haired parents and one with only one long-haired parent. Those with two long-haired parents are more likely to have a better temperament, according to some breeders.
Finding a Breeder
Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when searching for a long-haired dachshund. You should ask potential breeders or agencies about their credentials, such as how long they've been in business and their experience with the breed.
It's essential to learn about the breeder's credentials, especially if you plan to show your dog. A reputable breeder should be happy to share their experience and qualifications with you.
Ask to see health testing results for the parent animals. This is crucial for ensuring the puppies will be healthy and free from genetic disorders.
You should also ask to see where the dogs are kept and meet the parent dogs, if possible. This will give you a sense of their temperaments and the potential temperaments of the puppies.
A respectable breeder will be happy to show you the dogs' living conditions and introduce you to the parent dogs.
Socialization is key for puppies to become friendly and confident. Ask the breeder about their socialization methods and how they ensure the puppies are well-adjusted.
Make sure the puppies are up-to-date on vaccinations and ask for their health history. This will help you know which shots are still needed.
Some breeders offer a health guarantee with a contract. This can provide peace of mind and protect your investment in case your puppy develops a serious illness early on.
Here's a list of questions to ask a potential breeder:
- What are your credentials?
- Have the parent animals undergone health testing?
- Can I see where the dogs are kept?
- Can I meet the parents?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
- Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract?
- What do you require of potential adopters?
Choosing the Right Dog
If you're considering bringing a long-haired dachshund into your family, it's essential to consider their temperament and needs. They can be rather yappy and aren't great with young children, so they may not be the best fit for families with little ones.
Long-haired dachshunds are perfect for owners who want a watchdog, as they can be quite vocal. They also make great companions for those who enjoy a playful but not excessively energetic dog.
A confident leader who is knowledgeable about dog training is a must, as long-haired dachshunds can be stubborn and willful. Hiring a professional doesn't hurt, either!
If you're okay with a dog that bonds strongly with one person only, a long-haired dachshund may be the perfect fit for you. They also enjoy cuddling, but they can respect when they're not in the mood.
Here are some key characteristics to consider when deciding if a long-haired dachshund is right for you:
- You want a watchdog
- You don’t mind a vocal breed
- You want a dog that is playful but not excessively energetic
- You’re okay with a dog that bonds strongly with one person only
- You want a dog that enjoys cuddling but can respect when they are not in the mood
- You want a dog that can live with other dogs
On the other hand, if you have young children, live in an apartment with noise concerns, or want a dog that's easy to train, a long-haired dachshund may not be the best fit. They also may not be suitable for homes with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are miniature long haired Dachshunds good dogs?
Miniature long-haired Dachshunds are confident and strong-willed companions with big personalities. They make great pets for active owners who can match their energetic and adventurous spirit.
At what age is a mini dachshund fully grown?
A Miniature Dachshund typically reaches its adult height between 8 and 12 months of age. By this age, males are usually around 6-8 inches tall, and females around 5-7 inches.
Do long haired mini Dachshunds shed a lot?
Longhaired mini Dachshunds shed more than other coat types, with a prominent shedding season twice a year. They have a dense undercoat that sheds noticeably with the changing seasons.
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