Cream Long Haired Dachshunds: The Ultimate Guide

If you‘re searching for an adorably unique companion dog, look no further than the cream long haired dachshund. With their luscious, pale coats and sweet dispositions, these rare "creams" are prized by dachshund enthusiasts around the world. Whether you‘re already a devoted dachshund owner or are considering welcoming one of these special pups into your life, read on to learn everything you need to know about the captivating cream long haired dachshund.

Breed Overview

The dachshund is a small hound dog breed that originated in Germany. Their name literally translates to "badger dog" in German, as they were originally bred to hunt badgers, rabbits, and other den-dwelling animals. Dachshunds‘ elongated bodies and short legs allowed them to pursue prey deep into underground burrows.

Today, dachshunds mostly enjoy life as beloved companion dogs. They come in three coat types: smooth (shorthaired), wirehaired, and longhaired. Longhaired dachshunds have sleek, slightly wavy coats with longer hair on the ears, chest, and legs. The cream coloring is just one of many color varieties recognized within the breed.

Some quick facts about cream long haired dachshunds:

• Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
• Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), under 11 pounds (miniature)
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Temperament: Friendly, curious, devoted
• Grooming Needs: Moderate, regular brushing required

Appearance

The cream long haired dachshund is best known for its stunning cream-colored coat. A true cream should have no markings or shadings, with the coloring being consistent over the dog‘s entire body. The cream color can range from a very pale, almost white hue to a warmer, golden tone.

It‘s important to note that there are different "types" of cream dachshunds, distinguished by their specific coat coloring:

• English Cream – Has a uniform pale cream coat with no shading. Considered the rarest and most prized variety.
• American Cream – Has a reddish undertone to the coat that becomes more apparent with age. Often mistaken for English creams as puppies.
• Shaded Cream – Born with very dark, almost black coats that lighten to a shaded cream color as the dog matures.

Aside from their coloring, cream long haired dachshunds have the same general build and appearance as other dachshunds. They have compact, muscular bodies that are longer than they are tall. Their front paws are disproportionately large and paddle-shaped for digging. The head is long with an slightly arched skull and protruding brows. Ears are soft, moderate in length, and rounded at the tips.

Size & Structure

Dachshunds come in two recognized sizes: standard and miniature. Standard cream long haired dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and stand 8-9 inches tall at the shoulder. Miniatures weigh 11 pounds or less and are 5-6 inches tall.

Some breeders advertise "toy" or "teacup" dachshunds that are even smaller than miniatures. However, these are not official classifications and dogs bred to be extremely tiny can suffer from numerous health issues. Responsible breeders aim to produce puppies that meet the standard weight and height for the breed.

History of the Dachshund

Dachshunds can be traced back to 15th century Germany, with illustrations and accounts of "badger dogs" appearing as early as the 1500s. Small hounds with elongated bodies were refined over the years to create the low, long dogs adept at pursuing badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.

In the 1800s, dachshunds started to become popular as pets amongst royals and the upper class in Europe. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of the breed. German breeders formed the first dachshund club in 1888 to create a breed standard.

Around this same time, dachshunds were exported to the United States and the UK. The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the breed in 1885. During World War I, dachshunds sadly fell out of favor in the U.S. and U.K. due to anti-German sentiment. Many dogs were abandoned or euthanized.

Luckily, dedicated breeders kept the dachshund alive and they regained popularity over the following decades. Today, they consistently rank in the top 15 most popular breeds in the U.S. according to AKC registration statistics. Dachshunds of all coat types and colors, including cream long haired, are cherished companion dogs around the world.

Temperament

Dachshunds may be small in stature, but they have big personalities. These clever, lively dogs are known for their curious natures, devotion to their owners, and occasional stubborn streaks. They tend to bond very closely with their families and can even become jealous of outside affection.

Some sayings about dachshunds like "A dachshund is half a dog high and a dog and a half long" and "As stubborn as a dachshund" speak to their strong-willed yet endearing personalities. With proper training and socialization from a young age, dachshunds make wonderful companion dogs. They generally do well with children if treated gently and can get along with other pets when raised together.

Interestingly, many dachshund enthusiasts assert that certain coat colors and types are associated with distinct personality traits within the breed. Anecdotally, cream long haired dachshunds are said to be calmer, more easy-going, and less headstrong than their red or black and tan counterparts. Of course, each individual dog is unique, but this may be something to keep in mind if a laid-back personality is important to you.

Grooming

All longhaired dachshunds, including creams, have moderate grooming needs. Their silky coats are relatively low-shedding compared to smooth coat dachshunds, but do require regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Plan to brush your cream dachshund at least 2-3 times per week, more frequently if they get dirty or debris caught in their coat.

Baths can be given as needed, such as if your dog starts to develop a noticeable odor, but generally no more than once a month to avoid drying out the skin. Use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo and be sure to thoroughly rinse out any soap residue.

Aside from brushing and the occasional bath, your cream dachshund will need its nails trimmed regularly and ears cleaned to remove any wax buildup that could lead to infections. Dental care is also important. Brushing your dog‘s teeth or providing dental chews can help prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can help keep your cream long haired dachshund‘s coat looking pristine. A groomer can also safely trim the hair around your dog‘s paw pads and sanitary areas as needed. However, never let a groomer cut or shave your dachshund‘s coat short, as their fur helps protect them from the elements.

Health Concerns

As with all purebred dogs, cream long haired dachshunds can be prone to certain hereditary health issues. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for these conditions before breeding to minimize the risk of passing on genetic disorders. Some health problems to be aware of include:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – A spinal disorder that causes the cushioning discs between the vertebrae to bulge or burst. Can lead to pain, nerve damage, and paralysis in severe cases.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness.
• Lafora Disease – A rare neurological condition causing seizures, dementia, and loss of muscle control.
• Patellar Luxation – The kneecap slides out of place, causing pain and lameness. Most common in miniature dachshunds.
• Obesity – Extra weight puts strain on the back and joints. Important to monitor food intake and exercise.

While this list may seem daunting, the majority of cream long haired dachshunds live long, healthy lives with proper care. Adopting from a responsible breeder who does health testing on their dogs reduces the likelihood of getting a puppy with congenital issues. Providing your dachshund with a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and regular vet check-ups can also help prevent or catch problems early.

Where to Find a Cream Long Haired Dachshund

If you‘re interested in adding a cream longhaired dachshund to your family, you have a few options. Purchasing from a reputable breeder is the most reliable way to ensure you‘re getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Expect to be put on a waiting list, as these rare dogs are in high demand. Prices from quality breeders can range from $1200 to over $5000 for a cream longhair puppy, with English creams being on the highest end.

Rescues and shelters occasionally have purebred cream dachshunds for adoption. Most are adults, but sometimes puppies or seniors are surrendered as well. Adopting is a great way to give a dog in need a loving home while saving on the initial cost. However, adopted dogs may have unknown health or behavior histories.

You can search for adoptable cream dachshunds through breed-specific rescues like Dachshund Rescue of North America or on websites like Petfinder. If you find one you‘re interested in, be prepared to fill out an application and go through an approval process to ensure the dog is a good fit for your home.

Final Thoughts

Cream long haired dachshunds are truly special little dogs. Their beautiful coats, endearing personalities, and convenient size make them ideal companions for many dog lovers. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, cream dachshunds‘ single coats tend to shed less than double-coated breeds, which may be a plus for allergy sufferers.

As with any dog breed, be sure to thoroughly research the dachshund‘s needs and quirks to ensure your lifestyle is a good fit before bringing one home. Dachshunds require daily walks, playtime, and plenty of attention from their owners. Puppies need a lot of supervision and gentle training to become well-mannered adult dogs. But for those willing to put in the time and effort, a cream long haired dachshund will bring joy, laughter, and devoted companionship for many years to come.