The long-haired dachshund has its origins in Germany. Like the wire-haired and short-haired dachshunds, it has its origins in the original dachshund. For a short time, the long-haired dachshund was the most popular, but was then replaced by the wire-haired dachshund. It has the genes for the hunting instinct, but is considered to be very friendly and somewhat calmer.
What types of long-haired dachshunds are there?
The long-haired dachshund is available in the following variations:
- Standard Longhaired Dachshund
- Miniature Longhaired Dachshund
- Rabbit Longhaired Dachshund
What do long-haired dachshunds look like?
Long-haired dachshunds have short legs and a long body . Their ears hang down and their snout is pointed and somewhat longer . The most striking feature is their long fur, which is shiny and shimmering . The fur structure is smooth and has a soft undercoat. The long-haired dachshund has comparatively short fur on its face.
Proper coat care for long-haired dachshunds
Because of the long top coat and the soft, dense undercoat, the long-haired dachshund requires special coat care to keep the coat beautiful. The coat should be combed regularly, about 1-2 times a week with a special brush. This way the coat does not mat, cannot form burrs and remains smooth and supple. It is normal for the long-haired dachshund to lose some fur.
A little tip: Please do not shear your long-haired dachshund's fur. This could destroy the protective structure of the fur.
What colors does a long-haired dachshund have?
Depending on the type of long-haired dachshund, it comes in different colors. The following color variations are permitted:
- Solid color: red, cream, (blue/grey)
- Multi-coloured: black-red, brown-red, black with lighter markings, brown with lighter markings
- Tiger (marbled pattern with irregular spots): black, brown, grey
How big do long-haired dachshunds get?
The standard long-haired dachshund is the largest and heaviest with a back length of about 40cm, a shoulder height of about 30cm and a weight of about 9kg . This is followed by the miniature long-haired dachshund with a weight of about 4-6kg and a back length of about 33 - 37cm. Its back length is about 12-15cm. Rabbit long-haired dachshunds are the smallest of the three dachshund varieties, have a back length of about 30cm and a shoulder height of 11cm. They are the smallest and lightest of their kind and weigh about 3kg .
American Longhaired Dachshunds
American Dachshunds are dachshunds that were specifically bred in America. They are characterized by brighter colors and more compact bodies . The chest of American Dachshunds is considerably broader than that of the German Dachshund.
How old do long-haired dachshunds get?
Long-haired dachshunds live between 13 and 15 years and therefore have a relatively high life expectancy compared to other dog breeds. Some live even longer. However, attention should be paid to their health and the following tips should be followed:
- Regular veterinary examinations
- Continuous dental care (a deer antler serves as a natural toothbrush)
- Balanced diet with high-quality food
- Sufficient exercise through long walks
- Restful sleep – an orthopedic bed offers comfort and support
- Sufficient mental and physical activity and sufficient play time
- Avoid frequent ascent and descent of long stairs
- Avoid jumping up and down if possible
There are some typical diseases that can be traced back to the breed. These include, for example:
- Dachshund paralysis (Make sure your long-haired dachshund is not overweight)
- Eye diseases
- Heart disease
As long as you follow these tips, nothing stands in the way of your dachshund living a long life.
What is the character of long-haired dachshunds?
- Friendly and open-minded: Long-haired dachshunds are generally good-natured and friendly towards people and other animals.
- Affectionate and loyal: They are very loyal to their owners and often develop a strong bond with their family.
- Intelligent and eager to learn: They are smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy mastering new tricks and commands.
- Stubborn and willful: Despite their intelligence, long-haired dachshunds can sometimes be stubborn and have a mind of their own.
- Brave and self-confident: Despite their small size, they have great self-confidence and show no fear, even when faced with major challenges.
- Hunting instinct: As original hunting dogs, they often retain a strong hunting instinct and enjoy sniffing.
- Playful and lively: They are active and love to play, both indoors and outdoors.
- Protective instinct: They are alert and watchful, which makes them good guard dogs.
- Patient and gentle: Compared to other types of dachshunds, long-haired dachshunds are often a little gentler and more patient to handle.
Training of long-haired dachshunds
Training long-haired dachshunds requires patience and consistency , as they have a mind of their own and can sometimes be stubborn . Due to their intelligence, they learn quickly , but it is important to set clear rules and enforce them consistently. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, can and should be used for this.
You should get them used to other people, animals and different environments when they are still puppies . Since they have a strong hunting instinct, recall and obedience training should be practiced from the beginning to avoid later challenges. Their gentle and good-natured nature makes training fun.
Is the long-haired dachshund suitable for everyone?
- Long-haired dachshunds as family dogs: Since long-haired dachshunds are always friendly and loyal to their loved ones, they are an excellent family dog. They also get along well with children. However, you should make sure that they are given enough challenges in the form of training or games.
- Long-haired dachshunds as a dog for beginners: In contrast to other types of dachshunds, the long-haired dachshund is even better suited as a dog for beginners because it is more patient. However, training should not be underestimated because they can also have a mind of their own.
What do I need for the initial equipment for my long-haired dachshund?
When purchasing your initial dog accessories, you should consider the following:
- Pleasant and quiet place to sleep – accordingly, an orthopaedic bed can fulfill this
- Food and water bowl – healthy food and a few treats
- Dog harness , collar and dog leash – especially for puppies, a dog harness is useful at the beginning. Later you can switch to a collar
- Transport bag – A transport bag is necessary for trips or trips to the vet
- Toys and activities – Dachshunds need attention and love to play
- Care products – The coat of the long-haired dachshund requires gentle and regular care
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We have shown you the special features and characteristics of the long-haired dachshund. You can find out more about dachshunds in our blog , for example in our blog article about wire-haired dachshunds .