Long-haired Dachshund: Your Complete Guide

Of the many dog breeds, Dachshunds are indeed a popular choice for pet lovers. These wiener dogs, or sausage dogs as they fondly called, come in three distinct coat varieties from where each dachshund gets its name. There are the long-haired dachshund, the shorthaired dachshund, and the wire-haired dachshund.

In this article, we’ll be taking a keen look at the long-haired dachshund. We’ll be answering lots of questions about this dog breed.

Some of the points we will cover include: the origin of the dachshund breed, its temperament, care requirements. We will also discuss the pros and cons of buying one of the long-haired dachshunds.

Let’s start from the beginning and take a look at the history and origin of the elegant looking long-haired dachshund.

Where do Longhaired Dachshunds come from?

The origins of the long-haired dachshunds are a bit unclear. Although claims of it being originally from Spain have been disproved, this leaves France and Germany as the remaining options.

For instance, there are theories that this dog breed came from the Basset Hound, which are characteristically similar.

The Basset Hound comes from France, and it interestingly shares same forelegs and paw contour type with the dachshund.

Conversely, Germany is the favoured country of origin of the long-haired Dachshunds.

There are theories about breeding the Dachshund in Germany as far back as the 17th century.

The theories suggest that locals bred this “dach” “hund” which both means “badger” “dog” in German, to hunt for and dig out badgers.

The long-haired dachshunds grew in popularity in the US around the 1900s, however, with World War I, interests in these ‘badger dogs’ fell to a minimum.

After the war, breeders saw to it that this breed didn’t go extinct, and by 2007, interest in the long-haired dachshund had spiked.

In essence, breeders agree that the long-haired dachshund originates from Germany.

What are the most common colors of the long-haired dachshunds?

One of the things which makes the dachshund breed popular is indeed its colours and markings.

As a matter of fact, sausage dogs made a name for themselves thanks to their colours and their minuscule legs with hot-dog body shapes.

If you come across a dachshund, their physical attributes are what you’d use to identify them. But the question is did they always come in many colours? Is there a difference in patterns and markings among dachshunds? Let’s take it a one at a time.

Talking about the most common colours of the long-haired dachshunds would mean looking into how they came into being in the first place.

It’s important to know that Dachshunds breed which we identify as a ‘scent hound’ today was bred for hunting small burrowing animals like the badgers.

They basically smell, track, and dig out their prey, which is the reason for their shortened legs – an adaptation that lets them avoid being stuck in burrows.

Dachshunds were originally bred with flat coats which were smooth and short. Also, the colours of these dachshunds were mostly red and black. It didn’t have any known brown coat colours unlike widely speculated.

Dachshunds – Terriers Crossings

With time, breeders started crossing Dachshunds with Terriers. They hoped that the fierceness of the Terrier would be rubbed off on the crossed offspring, creating champion hunters.

Consequently, the successful crossing of the Terrier and Dachshunds birthed what we now call the wire-haired dachshunds which brought with it the ‘wild boar’ coat colour.

Dachshunds – Setters and Spaniels Crossings

On the other side, the long-haired dachshunds came from the crossing of the regular dachshunds with gun-dogs Setters and Spaniels.

There was basically one goal with this crossing, to breed a variant of the dachshund which has a calmer temperament and can become a companion rather than a hunting dog.

Crossing the longer coated gundogs with the dachshund saw a production of dachshunds with entirely new coat texture aptly named the long-haired dachshunds.

Also, asides the new coat texture, the new variant of the breed brought several new coat colours.

Namely, the most common of colours of the long-haired dachshunds today are red, blue (gray), chocolate (brown), and fawn (Isabella), cream and wheaten.

There’s the random question about whether standard Dachshund colours and those of the mini Dachshunds can differ. While this is usually felt possible, it’s not the fact.

Dachshunds, whether the standard or the miniature (unofficially tweenie), typically have the same markings, patterns, and coat colours.

In case you’re unsure what Dachshunds are standard and which are miniature, AKC standards put the standard dachshund as those weighing between 16 and 32 pounds.

Miniature Dachshunds, on the other hand, weighs 11 pounds and lower. The unofficial ‘tweenie’ Dachshund, however, doesn’t have any AKC recognized size/weight.

Is Genetics Playing Roles in Long-haired Dachshund Colors?

Ultimately, genetics does play role in all dachshund coat colours. Canine genetics is helping us get to know lots of information regarding our favourite pets.

For instance, it’s common knowledge that your dog’s coat colour (or even markings and patterns) may be a pointer of possible health issue which may have originated during birth or as it developed.

What do you do about this? Simple! Be sure you do your own research and find out about things to look for when choosing a long-haired dachshund puppy.

Also, be thorough in your selection of breeder as it would ultimately influence your long-haired dachshund puppy’s health and quality of life.

Another question we would quickly answer is if dachshund coat colours influence the health of puppies.

Do Dachshund Coat Colors Influence Puppies Health?

A question seldom asked by would-be owners of long-haired dachshunds is if coat colours influence their pet’s health. In truth, it’s a bit complicated.

Undoubtedly, genes that create some coat colours, markings or patterns may play additional role in aiding the development of your dog.

Recessive (dilute) colour genes like those which typically produce pets with blue eyes or white coat colour are a typical case sample.

A combination of white coat colour and blue eyes has been linked to deafness in dachshunds. Namely, it happens in double dapple dachshunds.

This is one reason why dachshunds which feature white-coats and either one or both eyes blue coloured, are not used for breeding.

We’ll cover other health issues of the long-haired dachshund in details in the appropriately named subheading below. For now, let’s talk about sausage dogs temperament.

Long-haired Dachshund Temperament & Grooming

Okay, let’s talk about the temperament and grooming of these petite dogs.

For the most part, dachshunds require low grooming needs.

First of all, long-haired dachshunds need regular brushing to get rid of shading hair. Normally, a thorough brushing once a week should do the job.

Also, long-haired doxies will sometimes need a bath. I recommend to bath your weiner dog only when it gets smelly or dirty.

Despite their relatively tiny size, dachshunds can be very courageous and intelligent, loyal, and steadfast.

Intelligence is a critical factor in a dachshund’s life. The lovely long-haired breed can be very attached to its owners and hence might need much attention.

When left with no one for long, it may lead your dachshund to suffer separation anxiety or stress.

Regarding temperament, most Dachshunds need to be trained to be social. This is because they are somewhat territorial in nature and would go into defense mode against strangers and other dogs.

According to the Dachshund Club of America, the courage of the stumpy legged dogs is enviable. As small as long-haired dachshunds are, they are hardly scared. They can take on any opponent, whether a dog that is way larger than themselves or other intruders.

A long-haired dachshund (believed to have originated from the spaniel breed), is however said to be the sweetest and most easy-going amongst the dachshund breed.

But it still has the fierce temper of the typical dachshunds. To get the long-haired dachshunds to be more loveable, you need to let it socialize more as early as possible.

You should ensure you give your furry friend a feeling of safety, comfort, and love.

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Do long-haired dachshunds show aggression?

The Dachshund Club of America states that these dogs are a little bit rash. There are controversies in opinions, but some studies make it known that one of the most aggressive breeds of dogs is the dachshund. I personally think that the aggressiveness of a dachshund is an individual factor, which is closely related to its upbringing.

Also, most long-haired dachshunds, unlike the rest of the Dachshund family, do not get pissed for just any reason. They must feel threatened to attack.

A 2008 study ascertained that dachshunds have a high level of fear. The fear is responsible for their aggressiveness.
Most times, long-haired dachshunds’ aggression or bite risks go unreported because it is believed larger dogs’ aggression is more severe than the harm caused by smaller dogs.

Long-haired dachshunds do not typically strike up a favourable relationship between other dogs immediately. In fact, they may not do so at all. They are often seen keeping their distance.

However, in several reported case of aggression towards other dogs, dachshunds have always been the victims. They are hardly ever first to start an attack but when they feel scared or threatened by other dogs, they are bound to retaliate with everything they’ve got.

Long-Haired Dachshunds Health Issues

Long-haired dachshunds share the same health issues that are common to the whole dachshund family. Their unique skeletal structure makes them prone to some irreversible illnesses. Here are some of the health concerns your long-haired dachshund is prone to.

Obesity

Long-haired Dachshunds are prone to obesity, mostly because of their body structure. When they become obese, their weight easily affects their joints, heart, liver, and other organs.

It means their bodies will, therefore, need to pull more weight down their lower backs. This extra weight can also be a portal for your long-haired dachshund to suffer other weight-related problems. Ensure you monitor how much weight your pet puts on consistently.

If you are concerned that your dachshund might be overweight, feel free to read our detailed article on Obesity in dogs.

The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!

IVDD ( Intervertebral Disk Disease)

IVDD often leads your dog to suffer severe pain down in their spine or necks. Intervertebral disk disease is when the disks down the spine of the dog are affected or infected by hernia.

This condition often affects dogs that have stunted legs.
The way to avoid Intervertebral disk disease is to stop the dog from performing any form of stressful exercise or activities that might stretch their spine out.

We wrote an elaborate article on IVDD in dachshunds. Feel free to find out more about this most common and severe condition, affecting as much as 25% of dachshunds.

Skin issues

A long-haired dachshund can suffer skin conditions like flea allergy dermatitis or sarcoptic mange. Sometimes when it injects the wrong diet, it might have food reactions.

Some of its skin issues result in itches, inflammation on the skin, and loss of hair.

You need to be observant to know if your dog itches severely. Once this is confirmed, call your veterinarian immediately.

Injuries

A long-haired dachshund is prone to several physical hazards. Its lengthy spine is both a blessing and a curse.

Do not let your dog engage in unnecessary high impact activities such as jumping, stairs climbing, running, and more. The reason is their spine can become affected, and it will give room to several other problems.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a serious condition that can occur in any breed, but especially in Dachshunds. In most cases, once a dachshund suffers this problem, it cannot be bred. The symptom reveals itself in the form of thick dark skin around the long-haired dachshund’s groin or armpits.

A long-haired dachshund can also suffer several diseases that are prone to all dachshunds and dogs in general. They include eye problems (like glaucoma), hypothyroidism, cancer, urinary infections, and more.

You will find all the information you need about common dachshunds health issues, by reading our complete guide on Dachshund Health.

Long-Haired Dachshund Training Basics

To be successful with training your long-haired dachshund, you need consistency, patience, and some level of strictness.

Dachshunds, like every other dog, originally lived in packs and look up to their leader. Your dog has to understand and see you as the leader or else its instincts might make it assume the position, leading to several bad and aggressive behavior.

Also, note that exercise is an indispensable part of your dog’s training. If you lock it up for too long in the house without giving it the chance to have a long walk and ease off those piling pressure, then expect your dog to start exhibiting some bad attitude.

Your dog’s training is basically to help it know how to share and survive with you in the same house.

How often should your dog undergo its basic training?

It is important to keep your dog’s training session short but effective. Five minutes per session is advisable, and you should do three sessions daily at most. With each session, there ought to be a unique area of training.

Basic obedience commands

You should ensure you have trained your dog to follow these basic commands like:

• “Sit”
• “Stay”
• “Down”
• “Heel”
• “Come”
• “Wait”
• “Fetch”

Using a leash

Without doubt, a leash is probably one of the most difficult things your dog will agree to do. It definitely feels like a snatch of its freedom in those initial stages.

With firmness, calmness, and consistency, you can show your dog who is boss and make it bend to your will.

Let your dog feel like the leash can help it stay closer to you and exploit new places. In no time, it will react in excitement when you jingle the leash.

The first time you put a leash on your long-haired dachshund, don’t force it around. Let it lead the way in a familiar environment. If it starts to resist, you can calm it down with soothing words.

After consoling your dog, you can move forward and lure it to follow. If it does obediently, you can stroke it or pat its side.

However, if it doesn’t obey and tends to resist, gently pull it to yourself and say ‘good dog.’ You can also award it a treat in the end.

Leash Walking

Leash walking is one of the basic training of a long-haired dachshund.

Firstly, when leash walking your dog, it shouldn’t lag behind or dart off but should walk right beside you, on your left.

Secondly, when you have correctly attached the collar and leash on your dog, hold the leash with your right hand with your dog on your left. (Always ensure your dog is on the left side.)

Then, as you and your dog are facing the same direction, you can begin the motion with your left leg or slap on your left thigh.

Always begin with your left leg as with time your dog will be able to identify this motion as a sign to leash walk.

Also, if your dog moves further ahead, don’t drag it back, just stop walking. If it stops, praise it and continue walking.

Gradually (that is after your dog must have mastered the leash walking), you can begin to add commands like ‘heel’ to its training procedures.

Housebreaking

Dachshunds generally are amongst the top 20 breeds that find it hard to housebreak. It implies that you need to constantly crate-train your dog.

To be successful, you need to pay attention to your dog’s signs of wanting to relieve itself.

For instance, if your dog sniffing around or suddenly leaving the room where you are, that could be signs that it needs to relieve itself. Then, you should swing to action immediately.

Generally speaking, there are two methods of teaching your long-haired dachshund to housebreak– the Direct method and the Paper method.

The direct method

The Direct Method is best if you have a fenced yard. Once your dog eats and goes outside defecate, you can praise it as it will relate it to its good deed.

If it defecates inside, you can scold it and then take it outside to where you want it to defecate.

Once you both are outside, you must stop scolding it, so it doesn’t misinterpret and think you’re scolding it for coming outside.

You can get a paper, soak the feces and take it outside, where you expect your pet to defecate.

The paper method

On the other side, the Paper Method it is often introduced if you don’t want your dog going outdoors.

First of all, have a designated room with the floor covered with newspapers. Secondly, after feeding your dog, take it into the room and stay with it, placing it in one of the papers. Watch it until it goes on one of the papers.

Then remove every other paper from the room except the one closest to where the dog defecated. Replace all the papers, but let the old one be left somewhere the dog can sniff it out.

Continue for several weeks until you can have just one paper in the room. In case the dog defecates on the paper, verbal encouragement and praises is a must. If it goes on the wrong place, scolding is important.

Above all, ensure never to punish your dog. It will make your pooch scared of you and lose trust in you.

Moreover, it is pointless to scold your dog minutes after it has done a bad did. It won’t even know why. The best time to scold it is when you catch it red-handed.

Long-Haired Dachshunds Exercise and Activity Requirement

As mentioned earlier, dachshunds are prone to obesity. For this reason, you must find ways to keep your long-haired dachshund healthy at all times. Much of its fitness depends on the amount of exercise and activity you let your pooch indulge in.

Surely, adequate exercises not only make your doxie overcome obesity but also help it to avoid spinal cord issues and generally live longer.

Note that dachshunds were bred originally to be agile and athletic, chasing down dangerous badgers. Therefore, it is something of an error to have an obese long-haired dachshund.

For instance, you can take your dog for a walk for at least one hour daily.

Moreover, there are several other exercises your dog can indulge in like fetch, hiking, and swimming.

Some believe that dachshunds don’t like water, but that’s not true. However, do not let your dog perform exercises that will put weights on its neck and spine. Sooner or later, it will result in serious health problems.

Some breed experts say that indoor exercises like using the stairs once in a while (once a week) can also be helpful to your dachshund.

According to the UK Dachshund Breed Council, a healthy 3-year-old dachshund that’s allowed to use the stairs has reduced chances of suffering Intervertebral disk disease.

Note, that this is a controversial opinion. In my practice, I don’t let my dachshunds to use the stairs.

Should I Buy A Long-Haired Dachshund Puppy?

All in all, people adopt different breeds of dogs for many reasons. For the purpose of protection, companionship or keeping tiny rodents away, each individual need varies.

✔ Long-haired Dachshunds with their physical build (short with long bodies) are indeed the perfect candidates for chasing down burrowing animals.

✔ Although Doxies are known to be stubborn, this variety of weiner dogs, which are believed to be direct descendants of the spaniel breed, are relatively calm.

✔They are loyal companions that require a lot of attention from its owner. However, they might be prone to several diseases and conditions that might render them inactive for the rest of their life.

✔ Sausage dogs have smooth, silky, and long hair which could keep your hands busy while watching a movie.

Before settling for a dog, you must have conducted your research to ensure that you can handle its responsibilities and can care for it properly.

Considering all the benefits listed above, you can better answer the question of if you should buy a long-haired dachshund puppy.

Summary

Long-haired dachshunds have been around for a long time. Although the main purpose of dachshunds generally was for hunting, the spaniel -descended long-haired breed was incorporated into the English Kennel Club in 1935.

Since then this dog has grown to be a trustworthy and reliable friend of man. Its large eyes are a joy to wake up to every morning.

Despite the stubbornness of dachshunds, this particular breed is said to be relatively quiet with deep loving eyes.

However, despite its unique skeletal features, the dog is illness prone and doesn’t need to be subjected to extreme exercises as they may hurt its spine and render it crippled for life.

Care also needs to be taken as these our fur babies tend to become overweight in the twinkling of an eye.