Long-Haired Dachshund: What Sets This Coat Apart

If you picture a dachshund, you’re probably picturing the smooth-coated kind. The long-haired dachshund is the same breed with a completely different look: silky, feathered fur instead of a sleek short coat. Underneath that fur, though, it tends to run calmer and more easygoing than its short-haired cousins.

I’ve trained several of these dogs, and that long coat isn’t just decoration, it comes with its own care routine. Here’s what makes this variety different.

Long-Haired Dachshund Quick Facts

• Size: Small
• Weight: About 20–26 pounds (9–12 kg) for the standard variety
• Height: Roughly 8–9 inches at the shoulder
• Coat: Soft, silky, longer feathering on chest, belly, ears, and legs
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Best for: Owners with some dog experience

Temperament: Calmer Than the Other Varieties

Long-haired dachshunds are lively, bold, and genuinely brave for their size. That confidence is a hallmark of the breed across all three coat types.

Here’s the difference, though: the long-haired variety tends to be noticeably calmer and more obedient than the smooth-coated or wire-haired versions. Trust me on this one, that’s not a minor detail if you’ve dealt with a stubborn dachshund before.

This dog still has a strong nose and a genuine love of tracking scents outdoors. Indoors, it settles into being a devoted, affectionate homebody that loves its people.

Where This Coat Type Came From

Dachshunds trace back to 15th-century Germany, though similar-looking dogs show up even earlier in Egyptian and Mexican art. The German breed standard was set in 1879, and the breeder’s club followed in 1888.

Prince Albert brought dachshunds to Britain, where they became popular family pets through the 1800s alongside their original job as badger hunters. The name itself gives that away: “Dachs” means badger in German, and “Hund” means dog. Standard-sized dachshunds were built specifically to go after badgers underground, though they’ve been used for other hunting work too.

That popularity took a hit during World War I, when German-associated breeds fell out of favor for reasons that had nothing to do with the dogs themselves. That prejudice is long gone, and the dachshund is back to being one of the most popular family breeds around, in every coat variety.

If you’re curious how this variety compares to its smooth-coated relative, our guide to the Dachshund covers the classic short-haired look side by side with this one.

Health: The Back Problem You Need to Know About

Most of this breed’s health issues trace back to selective breeding for that long, low body shape. Spinal problems are the big one, and they’re common enough that every dachshund owner should understand the risk going in.

Heart problems show up more often in this breed than average, and hereditary eye conditions can appear too, which is why routine eye checks matter before any breeding decision.

I’m a trainer, not a vet, so treat this as general awareness rather than medical advice. If you’re looking into breeders, ask real questions about how they screen for these issues, and be wary of anyone chasing exaggerated body proportions purely for looks.

Exercise and Weight Management

Plan on about an hour of activity a day. Work on a reliable recall before letting your dog off-leash, since the true hunting instinct shows up fast outdoors, usually aimed at the nearest rabbit burrow.

Here’s the detail that matters more than people expect: keeping this dog at a healthy weight isn’t just about general fitness. Extra pounds put direct pressure on that long spine, which raises the risk of the back problems mentioned above. A lean dachshund is a genuinely healthier one.

Feeding Basics

Two meals a day works better than one large bowl, and fresh water should always be available. Follow your specific food’s feeding guidelines rather than guessing at portions, and check in with your vet if you’re ever unsure whether your dog’s weight is on track.

Grooming Needs

That soft, silky coat runs longer on the chest, belly, tail, and backs of the legs, and those are exactly the spots that tangle first. Comb it at least three times a week to stay ahead of mats.

Being this low to the ground means the coat sweeps up dirt and debris on every walk. Give your dog a quick check when you get home, especially after time in longer grass.

Common Mistakes New Owners Make

• Letting weight creep up. With this breed’s back, extra weight is a real health risk, not just a cosmetic issue.
• Skipping the recall training. That hunting instinct is strong, and an off-leash dachshund without a solid recall will chase a scent and keep going.
• Assuming the coat cleans itself. Skipping regular brushing leads to mats faster than owners expect, especially in the feathered areas.
• Letting kids rough-house unsupervised. Given the spine risk, rough play or jumping from furniture needs real supervision.

Is the Long-Haired Dachshund Right for You?

This variety fits owners who want a dachshund’s personality with a calmer, more trainable edge, and who are ready to commit to regular grooming and careful weight management. It’s not the right choice for anyone hoping to skip the brushing routine.

Not sure this is the coat type or breed for you? Our Dog Breed Quiz can help you compare it against other small breeds based on your home and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the long-haired dachshund calmer than other dachshunds?

Generally, yes. It’s known for being more relaxed and obedient than the smooth-coated and wire-haired varieties, though individual personality still varies.

Are long-haired dachshunds hypoallergenic?

No. This breed is not considered hypoallergenic, and the longer coat needs regular brushing to manage shedding.

Why do dachshunds have back problems?

Their long spine and short legs, the result of selective breeding, make them more prone to spinal issues like disc disease than most breeds. Keeping a healthy weight helps reduce that risk.

How much grooming does a long-haired dachshund need?

Plan on combing the coat at least three times a week, with extra attention to the feathered areas on the chest, belly, ears, and legs.

Are long-haired dachshunds good with kids?

Generally yes, but supervision matters more here than with sturdier breeds, given the risk that rough play poses to this dog’s back.

Is the long-haired dachshund a popular breed?

Yes, and it always has been. The breed has a long history of celebrity and royal owners across every coat type, and long-haired dachshunds remain a common choice among small-dog fans today.