Long-Haired Dachshund: What Sets This Coat Apart

Could a long-haired dachshund fit your home? The silky coat might catch your eye first, but daily life with this dog depends just as much on its temperament, training needs, and the care required to protect its long back.

The long-haired dachshund combines the confidence of a hunting dog with a softer, feathered coat. Many enjoy curling up beside their families after a walk. They can also be persistent, vocal, and surprisingly determined when an interesting scent takes over.

This guide covers what living with a long-haired dachshund involves, from brushing its coat and choosing food to understanding the health questions worth asking before bringing one home.

Long-Haired Dachshund at a Glance

• Origin: Germany
• Breed group: Hound
• Coat: Soft, straight or slightly waved, with longer feathering
• Typical standard weight: Around 20–26 pounds (9–12 kg)
• Lifespan: Often around 12–16 years
• Temperament: Lively, affectionate, courageous, and independent
• Exercise: Regular daily walks, sniffing, and play
• Grooming: Several brushing sessions each week
• Shedding: Yes
• Best suited to: Owners who can provide regular grooming, consistent training, daily activity, and sensible back protection

Size classifications differ between kennel clubs. The UK recognises standard and miniature varieties, while other countries may use different classifications. Check the standard used by your local kennel club when comparing measurements.

What Does a Long-Haired Dachshund Look Like?

The coat is the obvious distinction. Long-haired dachshunds have soft hair that lies flat or forms a slight wave, with longer feathering around the ears, chest, underside, legs, and tail.

That feathering creates an elegant outline, especially when the dog moves. It also collects leaves, grass seeds, mud, and small tangles during walks. Regular grooming keeps the coat comfortable and prevents knots from becoming difficult to remove.

Underneath the hair, the body has the familiar dachshund shape: a long back, short legs, a strong chest, and a confident head carriage. These dogs were developed to hunt animals such as badgers and rabbits, so their build reflects a working purpose.

Long-Haired Dachshund Colors

Long-haired dachshunds appear in several colours and patterns. Red is familiar, while black and tan, chocolate and tan, and dapple patterns can also occur.

Accepted colours depend on the variety and the kennel club’s rules. A colour advertised by a breeder is not automatically accepted under every breed standard, and unusual colouring should never take priority over health.

Be particularly cautious about double-dapple breeding. Mating two dapple dachshunds can increase the risk of puppies being born with serious hearing or vision problems. Ask breeders about the parents’ coat patterns and health history rather than choosing a puppy based on appearance alone.

Personality: Affectionate, Alert, and Still a Hunter

Long-haired dachshunds are often described as gentler or more relaxed than smooth-haired and wire-haired varieties. That reputation can be useful when comparing coat types, but it is not a guarantee. Individual temperament depends on genetics, socialisation, training, and experience.

Expect a dog that enjoys company and likes knowing where its family is. Many are happy to curl up on the sofa after an outing, but they still need opportunities to investigate their surroundings.

Their hunting background shows up in everyday behaviour. A scent under the hedge, a rabbit crossing the garden, or a noise outside the front door may command more attention than your recall cue.

Are Long-Haired Dachshunds Good Family Dogs?

They can be loving family companions, especially in homes where children understand how to treat dogs gently. Their small size can make them seem easy to pick up, but their long backs require careful handling.

Teach children to let the dog approach voluntarily, avoid squeezing its body, and leave it alone while eating or resting. Adults should supervise interactions, particularly with young children who may not recognise when a dog feels uncomfortable.

Dachshunds can also live with other dogs and, in some households, cats. Introductions should be gradual because some individuals have a strong instinct to chase smaller animals.

Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters should be kept securely separated. Even a friendly dachshund may react to quick movement as though it were prey.

Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Bark a Lot?

Many are alert and vocal. They may bark when someone approaches the house, when they hear an unfamiliar sound, or when they become excited.

Early training helps prevent barking from becoming an everyday struggle. Reward quiet behaviour, teach your dog where to settle, and avoid shouting in response. Extra noise can increase excitement rather than calm the situation.

These dogs also form close attachments to their families. Some struggle when left alone for long periods, so gradually teaching a puppy to spend short, comfortable periods by itself is worthwhile.

Grooming a Long-Haired Dachshund

A long-haired dachshund needs more coat care than its smooth-haired relative. The good news is that a manageable routine prevents most tangles from becoming difficult mats.

Plan to brush or comb the coat at least three times a week. Some dogs need more frequent attention, particularly when their feathering is thick or after outdoor adventures.

Where Tangles Form First

Start with the areas where hair rubs together or collects debris:

• Behind the ears: Fine hair can knot quickly, especially after walks or play.
• Chest and underside: Longer hair may catch grass, twigs, and dirt.
• Legs and armpits: Movement and friction can form tight tangles.
• Tail: Feathering can collect leaves and small pieces of vegetation.
• Paws: Check between the toes and around the pads for debris.

Work through tangles gently, holding the hair near the skin so brushing does not pull painfully. Never cut a tight mat close to the skin with ordinary scissors. A groomer can remove it safely if it cannot be loosened without discomfort.

Bathing, Ears, and Nails

Bathe your dog when its coat is dirty or smells unpleasant, using a shampoo formulated for dogs. Rinse thoroughly and dry the feathering well.

Check the ears regularly, particularly after outdoor adventures. If you notice redness, a strong odour, discharge, or persistent scratching, contact your veterinarian instead of trying multiple cleaning products.

Nails also need routine checks. If they click loudly against hard floors or begin to curve, they may need trimming. Ask a groomer or veterinary professional to show you the correct technique if you’re uncertain.

Should You Trim the Coat?

Light trimming around the feet or areas that collect debris may help with maintenance. Avoid shaving the coat simply because it seems easier unless a veterinarian or experienced groomer recommends it for a specific reason.

A long-haired dachshund does not need an elaborate show-style coat to be comfortable. Regular brushing, sensible bathing, and prompt attention to tangles are the priorities.

If you’re comparing coat types, our guides to the Smooth-Haired Dachshund and Wire-Haired Dachshund explain how their grooming needs differ.

Exercise: Give That Nose Something to Do

Short legs do not mean a dachshund wants to spend the day lounging. Most healthy adult long-haired dachshunds enjoy daily walks, time to sniff, and games that engage their minds.

Around an hour of daily activity can be a useful starting point for many adults, although fitness, age, and health affect how much an individual dog needs. The Royal Kennel Club lists exercise of up to an hour per day for this variety.

A walk should allow time for exploration rather than being a race around the block. Scent games, food puzzles, and short training sessions can also help keep your dog occupied.

Protecting the Back During Everyday Activities

The dachshund’s long back deserves special consideration. Avoid encouraging repeated jumps from high furniture, and use a ramp or suitable steps where practical. Carry your dog with support under both the chest and hindquarters when lifting it.

Stairs are not automatically forbidden for every dachshund, but repeated climbing and jumping may be worth reducing, particularly in puppies or dogs with known spinal problems. Ask your veterinarian for guidance tailored to your dog’s condition and home.

Keep your garden secure, too. A dachshund following a scent may investigate gaps under fencing or dig beneath a boundary. A reliable recall is helpful, but it should not be the only safety measure near roads or wildlife.

Training a Long-Haired Dachshund

Dachshunds are intelligent, but they were bred to make decisions while working independently. That can make training feel inconsistent if you expect instant obedience in every situation.

Keep sessions short and reward the behaviour you want to see. Food rewards, praise, and play can all work well, depending on the individual dog.

Start with a few everyday skills:

• Recall: Practise in a secure area before introducing more distractions.
• Loose-lead walking: Reward your dog for staying near you without pulling.
• Settling: Teach a comfortable mat or bed routine for quiet periods indoors.
• Handling: Make gentle brushing, paw checks, and lifting part of a positive routine.
• Alone-time practice: Build independence gradually rather than leaving a puppy alone for long periods straight away.

Avoid harsh corrections. They can make a dog anxious or resistant, and they do little to teach what you want it to do instead.

Socialisation matters as well. Introduce your puppy to different people, sounds, surfaces, and environments at a comfortable pace. The goal is a dog that can cope with everyday life without feeling overwhelmed.

Feeding a Long-Haired Dachshund

A complete, balanced diet suited to your dog’s life stage is the foundation of good nutrition. Puppies need food formulated for growth, while adults need an appropriate maintenance diet. Your veterinarian can help you choose a suitable option if your dog has allergies, digestive problems, or other health concerns.

For dachshunds, portion control deserves particular attention. Extra weight puts more strain on the back, so check body condition regularly rather than relying only on the number shown on the scale.

Feed according to the product’s guidance, then adjust portions based on your dog’s body condition, activity, and veterinary advice. Treats count toward daily calories, too. Keep them small, especially during training.

Fresh water should always be available.

For more help with food choices and feeding routines, read our dog nutrition guide.

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The best choice depends on the specific recipe, your dog’s age, calorie needs, health, and how the food fits your budget and routine. Fresh food is not automatically more suitable for every dog, so check the nutritional adequacy information before choosing a meal.

A few points are worth reviewing:

• Choose for the right life stage. Confirm that the recipe is appropriate for a puppy or adult dog.
• Measure portions carefully. Calorie needs vary, and dachshunds benefit from maintaining a lean body condition.
• Change food gradually. Introduce a new diet over several days, or longer if your veterinarian recommends it.
• Plan for storage. Fresh-frozen food requires appropriate freezer and refrigerator space, plus safe handling.
• Compare ongoing costs. Work out the daily feeding cost before committing to a particular format.

If your dog has a medical condition or needs a weight-management plan, ask your veterinarian before making a significant dietary change.

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Health Concerns to Understand Before Getting a Dachshund

Long-haired dachshunds share the main health considerations of the wider breed. Their body shape makes spinal health particularly important, and responsible breeding decisions can help address inherited risks.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease, often shortened to IVDD, affects the discs between the bones of the spine. A damaged disc can press on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, problems walking, or paralysis.

Signs can include a hunched back, reluctance to move, yelping when handled, wobbliness, or unusual weakness. Sudden inability to walk or dragging the legs is an emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately and avoid manipulating your dog’s back or legs.

Maintaining a healthy weight, using careful lifting technique, and reducing repeated high jumps are sensible precautions. They cannot eliminate the risk, so knowing the warning signs matters.

Other Conditions to Discuss With Your Vet

Dachshunds can also be affected by heart disease and inherited eye conditions. The specific risks vary by individual and family line.

Routine veterinary checks give you an opportunity to discuss preventive care, changes in mobility, eye health, dental care, and weight. Breeders should be able to explain the health screening they undertake and provide relevant documentation.

The Royal Kennel Club’s breed information outlines recommended health screening, including spinal screening for IVDD and eye testing. Ask a breeder which tests are appropriate for the parents and what the results show.

This article provides general care information, not a diagnosis. If your dog develops pain, weakness, sudden mobility changes, or another concerning symptom, contact a veterinarian.

Finding Long-Haired Dachshund Puppies for Sale

Searching for long-haired dachshund puppies for sale can bring up breeders, adverts, and listings with very different standards of care. Take your time. A puppy’s appearance or price tells you little about the conditions in which it was raised.

Look for a responsible breeder who welcomes questions, allows you to understand the puppy’s background, and provides health records. You should be able to learn about the parents’ temperament, relevant health screening, early socialisation, and the environment where the puppies are raised.

Before paying a deposit, ask:

• What health checks have the parents had, and can I see the results?
• How are the puppies socialised and handled?
• What food are they currently eating?
• What veterinary care and records will come with the puppy?
• What support is available after the puppy goes home?

Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to pay quickly, refuse reasonable questions, or focus on rare colours and unusually small size while avoiding health discussions.

What About Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds?

Miniature long-haired dachshunds share the same coat type and many of the same behavioural traits. Their smaller size does not remove the need for exercise, grooming, training, or spinal care.

If you are specifically looking for a miniature, our Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund guide covers the smaller variety in more detail.

You can also consider adoption. Breed-specific rescues and general shelters sometimes have dachshunds or dachshund mixes looking for homes. An adult dog may be a good choice if you want a clearer picture of its established temperament and grooming needs.

Is the Long-Haired Dachshund Right for You?

This variety may suit you if you enjoy an affectionate companion, have time for regular grooming, and can provide consistent training. Its coat is beautiful, but it needs upkeep, especially around the ears, chest, legs, and tail.

Think carefully if you want a dog that requires little brushing, is reliably quiet, or can be trusted off-leash around wildlife without training. A dachshund’s hunting instincts remain part of the picture, even in a comfortable family home.

The other consideration is long-term care. A dog that may live 12–16 years deserves a home prepared for routine veterinary costs, sensible exercise, healthy feeding, and careful handling.

If that fits your lifestyle, the long-haired dachshund can be a devoted companion with plenty of personality.

Frequently Asked Questions