Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund
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Find Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund BreedersGet to Know Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds
- An Athletic History: Despite their small size and delicate looks, these dogs were originally bred to go underground and flush out prey. They’re tenacious hunters with strong instincts and they will often dig in the yard or chase small animals.
- Coats Take Time to Mature: Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund puppies are often born with shorter or fluffier coats, and their signature long, silky hair doesn't fully develop until they’re 12–18 months old.
- Selective Hearing: They’re prone to “selective hearing.” While very intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they’re also famously independent thinkers. If they don’t see the value in a command, they may simply choose to ignore it.
- Master Burrowers: This breed loves to burrow under blankets, pillows, or into their humans' laps — a behavior rooted in their historic job of tunneling underground to track prey. Don’t be surprised if your Dachshund disappears under the covers!
- Various Coats & Personalities: Their coat changes their personality — just a bit. Long-haired Dachshunds are known to have a slightly more laid-back and affectionate temperament compared to their short- or wire-haired counterparts, thanks to the Spaniel influence in their lineage.
Breed History
The Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund is a variation of the traditional Dachshund breed, which originated in Germany as a scent hound bred to hunt badgers and burrow-dwelling animals. The long-haired variety is believed to have been developed by crossing standard short-haired Dachshunds with Spaniels to create a softer, more elegant coat and slightly gentler temperament. Miniatures were bred specifically for hunting smaller prey like rabbits and weasels. Today, they are popular companions known for their bold spirit, devotion to family, and unmistakable look — especially with their flowing, feathered coat.
Personality and Behaviour
- Bold & Curious: Even though their size is small, they are mighty. Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds have a big personality in a small body. They’re fearless, inquisitive, and often act as though they’re much larger than they really are.
- Loyal & People-Focused: They form strong bonds with their owners and love to be close — often following you from room to room or curling up in your lap. They can be wary of strangers but warm up with time.
- Playful With a Stubborn Streak: These dogs love to play and explore, but they may resist training or commands if they’re not in the mood. Consistent, positive training helps keep them engaged and cooperative.
Care
- Exercise: They need daily activity but nothing extreme. Short walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are enough to keep them healthy and happy. Overexertion or jumping should be avoided to protect their long backs from spinal injury.
- Grooming: Moderate maintenance required for these Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds. Their soft, feathered coat should be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangling and mats, especially around the ears, legs, and chest. Occasional trimming and regular ear cleaning are also important.
- Training: These dogs are smart but independent. They’re capable learners but require patience and positive reinforcement. Early socialization helps prevent territorial behavior or excessive barking, which they’re known for if bored or anxious.
Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund Summary
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Lifespan
Exercise
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GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist. Dogs can be evaluated when their eyes are open. Males and females should be evaluated within 2 years prior to breeding. |
| Patellar Luxation | OFA Patella Evaluation at 12 months of age or older. It is recommended that dogs be periodically reevaluated, as some luxations will not be evident until later in life. Patients that are evaluated and found to have patella luxation should be reevaluated by a Diplomat of the College of Veterinary Surgeons for confirmation. |
| Cardiac | (Optional) Basic Cardiac Exam Minimum age for OFA/CHIC certification is 12 months, however earlier examinations are encouraged as most of congenital diseases can be detected at a much earlier age. Adult males and females should be evaluated again within 2 years prior to breeding. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
