The Miniature Long Haired Dachshund is a delightful breed known for its distinct appearance and charming personality. These petite canines possess the classic dachshund body shape—long-bodied with short, stubby legs—but boast a beautiful, flowing coat that sets them apart.
Unique Appearance: The long-haired coat gives these dachshunds a distinctive look, with silky fur that adds an element of elegance. Their coats are not only beautiful but also surprisingly easy to maintain with regular grooming.
Affectionate Companions: Miniature long haired dachshunds are known for their loving disposition. They form strong bonds with their human families and enjoy snuggling up on the couch or following their owners around the house.
Sturdy and Compact: Despite their diminutive size, these dachshunds are sturdy dogs, capable of keeping up with active families. Their manageable size also makes them suitable for apartment living.
Before committing to a Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, it is important to consider the following aspects, as these dogs have specific needs and characteristics that potential owners should be aware of:
Grooming Requirements: Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds have beautiful silky coats that can require regular grooming to keep them in top condition. Expect to brush them several times a week to prevent matting.
Health Concerns: Like other Dachshunds, the Miniature Long-Haired variety can be prone to certain genetic health issues. This includes intervertebral disc disease due to their elongated spine and joint problems due to their short legs.
Exercise Needs: Despite their small size, Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds are energetic and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
The Miniature Dachshund was specifically bred to hunt smaller game such as rabbits. Over time, the Dachshund was further refined into various coat types, including the long-haired variety which features a silky coat with featherings on the legs and ears.
Despite its hunting origins, the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund's charming appearance and spirited nature quickly endeared it to families worldwide, and today it remains a beloved companion across continents. While the breed retains its innate curiosity and tenacity, it is just as renowned for its affectionate and loyal disposition.
The Miniature Long Haired Dachshund stands approximately 13-18 cm at the shoulder. They are small, compact dogs with a distinctly elongated body.
They typically weigh around 4.5 kg or less when fully grown, which is characteristic of the miniature variety within the Dachshund breed.
The Miniature Long Haired Dachshund has a silky coat that forms feathering on the ears, legs, undercarriage, and a flag of hair on the tail. They come in a wide variety of colours including reds, creams, and can also be found in patterns.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds have a courageous and alert nature which makes them quite good watchdogs. They might not be intimidating due to their size, but their alertness ensures that they will quickly notify their owners of any intruders or unusual happenings.
Yes, they can be quite vocal, often barking to alert their owners of anything unfamiliar. This is part of their natural watchdog instinct, but training can help to manage excessive barking.
Though they are intelligent, Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds can be quite stubborn, which might pose challenges during training. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods will work best for training this breed. Persistence and patience are key.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds generally have a lifespan of about 12-16 years. They are considered to be a relatively long-lived breed among dogs.
Despite their small size, Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are energetic dogs that require regular exercise. They benefit from at least 30 minutes to an hour of activities daily, which can include walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating games.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues, which include:
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Due to their long spines, they are susceptible to disc problems which can cause severe pain and mobility issues.
Obesity: Dachshunds can easily become overweight, which exacerbates health issues, particularly back problems.
Dental problems: Regular dental care is essential, as they are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs that result in the deterioration of the retina, leading to impaired vision and eventual blindness.
Epilepsy: Some dachshunds are prone to seizures.
As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: typically ranges from £600-£1,200 for a well-bred Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppy. Other monthly costs, including food, vet bills, and grooming, can average around £50-£100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppy buying advice
