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Dachshund (Miniature Long-Haired)

Dachshund (Miniature Long-Haired)

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. The coat comes in a variety of colours, see the breed standard for more details. Although small, the Mini Long Haired Dachshund is still a powerful and muscular dog with a deep, broad chest and well-developed forelegs, with adults standing at 12-15cm in height and weighing 4.5-5kg.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Weight:  4.5 – 5kg 
Height:  12 – 15cm 
Colours:  Miniature Dachshunds can either be solid colours such as red or cream or two-coloured such as black, chocolate, grizzled, blue or fawn with tan or cream markings. Some may be dappled too
Size:  Small
UK Kennel Club Groups: Hound

Ratings

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

Personality

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.

History and Origins

Country of Origin – Germany

The Long Haired Miniature Dachshund’s origins lie in 15th Century Germany, as a dog bred to go to the 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. 

Did You Know?

  • Whilst it is difficult to be precise as many sources list both Miniature and standard dachshunds as simply ‘Dachshunds’ its probable that David Hasselhoff, Christian Slater and George Harrison among other celebrities, all owned Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds. Dachshunds of all types have been popular with both celebrities and royalty for many decades!