Miniature Long Haired Dachshund breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Miniature Long Haired Dachshund
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund breed
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are delightful little dogs known for their long bodies, short legs, and floppy ears. They are a small version of the Dachshund breed and were originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers. Their name "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German. These charming dogs have a loving and devoted nature, making them wonderful companions.
Weight, height and life expectancy
The average height of a Miniature Long Haired Dachshund ranges between 13-18 cm.
In terms of weight, these pooches typically weigh between 4.5-6.8kg.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds generally live between 12-16 years.
What is the temperament of a Miniature Long Haired Dachshund like?
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds have an affectionate and lively temperament. They are known for their loyalty and love being around their families. While they can be initially reserved around strangers, proper socialisation from a young age can help them become more comfortable with new people and other animals. These curious dogs have a strong prey drive and may exhibit a fearless and determined nature.
Our Miniature Long Haired Dachshund Community
"Patsy is an extremely affectionate, outgoing and beautiful little girl. She loves children and other dogs (especially fellow sausages!). She's happy to do long or short walks, hates the rain and is happiest snuggling on a lap."
Patsy's owner, Kirsty from London
"Albert is a wonderful boy who loves company of other dogs and people. He is very social and will always choose playing with other dogs over going for a walk. He loves food almost as much as he loves company and will eat anything - but his favourite treat is chicken!"
Albert's owner, Amy from Walton-on-Thames
How much exercise does a Miniature Long Haired Dachshund need?
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds require daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They should be given around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day.
It's important to note that due to their long back and short legs, they are prone to back problems. Therefore, it's essential to avoid activities that involve jumping or excessive strain on their spine. Supervised walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games are ideal for meeting their exercise needs.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppies have plenty of energy and require regular exercise to support their growth and development. However, it's crucial to be mindful of their young age and delicate structure. Puppies should have short bursts of playtime throughout the day, totalling around 15 to 20 minutes.
This can include gentle walks, interactive toys, and supervised socialisation with other friendly dogs. As they grow, you can gradually increase their exercise time and intensity. Full exercise at an adult level can typically be introduced around 9 to 12 months of age.
If you are still unsure, consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Dachshund's age and physical condition.
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Do Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds need a lot of grooming?
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds come in a variety of coat colours, including black and tan, cream, chocolate, red, and dapple colourings.
Their long, silky fur is prone to tangling and matting, especially around the ears, belly, and legs, so brushing them at least 2 to 3 times a week is essential to prevent knots. Using a slicker brush or a comb designed for long-haired breeds can help keep their coat smooth and shiny.
In addition to regular brushing, professional grooming every 1–3 months is recommended to trim their coat, tidy up their feathering, and ensure their nails and ears are well-maintained. Frequent bathing isn’t necessary, but when you do bathe them, use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to preserve their coat’s natural oils.
Keeping a consistent grooming routine not only ensures your Dachshund looks its best but also promotes healthy skin and prevents discomfort caused by mats or tangles.
Are Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds easy to train?
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times. Begin training and socialisation as early as possible to establish good behaviours at a young age.
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and rewards to motivate and encourage your dog during training sessions. Keep training sessions short and engaging to hold their attention. Aim for several short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.
Be consistent in your commands, expectations, and rules. This will help your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund understand what is expected of them. Expose your dog to different environments, people, and other animals from an early age to ensure they become well-rounded and friendly. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can train your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund to be a well-behaved, sociable pooch.
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What do Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds eat?
A nutritious and balanced diet is important for the health of Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds. Feed them high-quality dog food for small breeds, appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Dividing their daily food portion into two meals can help prevent overeating and aid digestion.
For puppies, it's important to feed them a specially formulated puppy food until they reach approximately 12 months of age.
Additionally, Dachshunds are prone to weight gain, so monitor their food intake and treat portions carefully. Healthy snacks like small pieces of carrots or apple (with no seeds) can be a good alternative to high-calorie treats.
Consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your dog's individual needs.
Are Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds healthy?
While Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for this breed include:
Bones and Joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
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.
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be.
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
Obesity
Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation leading to secondary health concerns.
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 Miniature Dachshunds is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet’s Top Tip
Protect your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund’s back! To prevent spinal issues like IVDD, avoid jumping or frequent stairs. Use ramps, keep them at a healthy weight, and ensure regular, low-impact exercise. Consult your vet if you notice signs of pain or stiffness.
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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.
