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Long-backed and short-legged, the Miniature Long Haired Dachshund is possibly the most glamorous of the Mini Dachshund types, with a shining, silky coat that is straight or with a slight wave. The coat forms feathering on the ears, legs, and undercarriage and the tail should sport a silky flag of hair. Although small, the Mini Long Haired Dachshund is still a powerful and muscular dog with a deep, broad chest and well-developed forelegs.
The most common health problem seen in the Dachshund is related to their body shape - with their long backs and short legs they are more prone to spinal disorders and joint problems;
- Intervertebral disc disease: a condition where there is abnormality in the discs which act to cushion the bones in the spine. The discs can dislodge or burst, which puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord leading to back pain and weakness or paralysis of the limbs.
- Angular limb deformities: caused by asynchronous growth of a pair of bones, which appear bowed or rotated and may result in pain and lameness.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are also prone to:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Cushing's syndrome¹, which is where too much natural steroid hormone (called cortisol) is produced, leading to symptoms such as excessive drinking and tiredness.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by this condition.
- IVDD Scheme for Dachshunds
¹G. Carotenuto et al, 'Cushing’s syndrome—an epidemiological study based on a canine population of 21,281 dogs', 2019, Open Veterinary Journal
Do not underestimate the Mini Long Haired Dachshund as while they are small in size they are giant in personality. This is a strong-minded and independent little dog whose natural inclination is to take on the world, and they are totally confident they will win! Clever and quick to learn, but not easy to motivate, the Mini Long Haired Dachshund requires a patient owner with a sense of humour and the time to dedicate to good socialisation and on-going training, entertainment and activity. Not inclined to warm to strangers quickly, they do adore their owners and family, though are likely to bond more strongly with just one person.
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Long Haired Miniature Dachshund’s origins lie in 15th Century Germany, as a dog bred to go to ground after badgers, and their place in the Hound group is something of a translation error (‘hund’ meaning ‘dog’ and not ‘hound’). As an earth-dog, designed to go down holes and hold quarry at bay until hunters could dig to them, they are really a terrier with all the feist and spirit one would associate with terrier types.
The standard sized Dachshund is recorded as early as 1735 but was probably around for longer than that, and at certain times in their history were crossed with working French Basset types (bred to be long and low so they could be followed on foot rather than on horseback). It was normal to work hounds alongside terriers so it is easy to see how this cross came about.
Once in England and finding favour with royalty (Queen Victoria owned several), the breed became longer, lower and more refined. When the need arose for a smaller dog to go to ground after rabbits rather than the larger badger, Dachshunds were selectively bred down to reduce height and chest size. The first Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds appeared in the UK in the 1930’s where the Long Haired version became the most popular of the three very quickly.
The Miniature Dachshunds are a little less robust than their standard counterparts – easier to pick up, but also easier to trip over. Owners will need to be reasonably fit and active, interested in some fun training and for the Long-Haired Mini, capable of brushing out their glorious coat. This breed doesn’t cope well with stairs and is best suited to single storey living.
The Mini Long Haired Dachshund will enjoy half an hour to an hour of slow exercise per day, with games, training and fun activities on top. A happy and fulfilled Mini Long Haired Dachshund will then be happy to warm your lap or feet, but a bored, lonely or under-amused dog will be unhappy, noisy and difficult to live with.
A variety of interesting walking routes is a must, with secure places for off lead fun – remember this is a hunting dog with all the same instincts of their larger relatives, including the desire to go down holes and see who is at home! A secure garden and training a strong and reliable recall is vital! They should however always be exercised with caution as their shape will prohibit jumping, stairs or sharp twists and turns for fear of injury.
Not demanding on space, the Mini Long Haired Dachshunds needs can be met in town, city or country homes. A secure garden is vital as they are able to squeeze through very small spaces and are skilled diggers. Beware long flights of stairs as their backs are a weak point, and although they are small enough to be lifted and carried, this is also not good for their backs. Better suited for single storey living in bungalows or flats.
Toy-sized dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds should be completely brushed and combed at least once a week. The extra hair between their pads should be trimmed as needed. Special attention should be paid to keeping the ears clean as drop eared dogs are more likely to develop ear infection. Although a dainty eater, a long-coated Dachshund can sometimes get food on their long ears, so these may need additional cleansing.
With patience and kindness the Mini Long Haired Dachshund can be trained to a good level of obedience, but early socialisation with other people, children, pets and livestock is important. A good recall, ‘leave it’ and a ‘shush’ or quiet cue will keep them pleasant to live with and safe to let off lead but these are likely to be on-going training requirements for life, rather than something you teach as a puppy and consider ‘done’ thereafter!
Although independent minded, the clever Mini Long Haired Dachshund will enjoy fun training of suitable tricks and doggy activities such as man-trailing, Rally or Hoopers, if you want to put in the work.
This isn’t an ideal for the busy family or those with young children, or even those with older children who have frequent young visitors as the Mini Long Haired Dachshund would prefer a quieter home with fewer comings and goings and owners dedicated to them. They are rather delicate with their long backs and very easy to trip over, so take this into consideration as well.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
