Long-Haired Mini Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

Long Haired Mini Dachshund: A Complete Guide to the Breed

Are you considering adding a long haired miniature dachshund to your family? These charismatic little dogs pack a lot of personality into a compact package. With their silky tresses, soulful eyes, and spunky attitudes, long haired mini dachshunds have stolen many hearts over the centuries. But before falling head over heels, it‘s important to learn all you can about the breed to make sure they‘re the right fit for your lifestyle.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about long haired mini dachshunds, from their origin story to their grooming needs. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of what it‘s like to live with one of these special pups.

Breed Overview
Long haired miniature dachshunds belong to the hound group. Like their larger dachshund cousins, minis have long, muscular bodies and short legs. A long haired mini dachshund typically weighs under 11 pounds and stands around 5-6 inches tall at the shoulder.

The standout feature of the long coat variety is, of course, their gorgeous locks. The hair is longer on the underside of the body, ears, and behind the legs. The topcoat is sleek and slightly wavy. Common coat colors include:

• Red
• Black and tan
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Blue and tan
• Isabella (fawn) and tan

Long haired mini dachshunds have a bold, confident demeanor. They are clever, curious, and courageous, unafraid to stand up to much larger dogs. Minis form strong bonds with their favorite humans and love to be involved in all family activities. They are playful and energetic, always up for a game of fetch or a walk around the block.

With their smarts and eagerness to please, long haired mini dachshunds are quite trainable. However, they do have an independent (some might say "stubborn") streak. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works best. Mini dachshunds are also known to be vocal, with a tendency to bark at anything that catches their interest.

When socialized from a young age, long haired mini dachshunds generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. They are adaptable and do well in many living situations as long as they get enough exercise and attention. A long haired mini dachshund‘s lifespan is around 12-16 years.

Origin & History
The dachshund story begins in Germany, where they were developed hundreds of years ago to flush out badgers from underground dens. In fact, their name literally means "badger dog" in German. The long, low body and paddle-shaped paws were perfectly designed for digging and maneuvering through tunnels.

Eventually, hunters began breeding down-sized dachshunds to target smaller prey like rabbits and foxes. By the late 1800s, miniature dachshunds had emerged as a distinct variety. It‘s believed that the long haired gene was introduced around this time by crossing with various land and water spaniels.

Dachshunds of all sizes made their way to the United States in the late 19th century, but they remained relatively rare until the 1930s and 40s. During this time, they became fashionable companions among high society. Famous wiener dog parents include Queen Victoria, Clark Gable, and Picasso.

Long haired mini dachshunds were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Since then, their popularity as family pets has continued to grow. They currently rank as the 11th most popular breed in the United States according to AKC registration statistics.

Care & Keeping
While undeniably adorable, a long haired mini dachshund is still a hunting breed at heart. They have plenty of stamina and need a good bit of exercise – around 30-60 minutes per day split between walks and playtime. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training is also key to keeping mini dachshunds happy and out of mischief.

Plan to brush your long haired mini dachshund at least a few times a week, more often if they get into messes outdoors. Regular brushing helps distribute skin oils, remove tangles, and keep shedding under control. Occasional baths and trims around the paws, ears and sanitary areas keep long coats looking neat.
Other grooming needs include:

• Nail trims every 2-4 weeks
• Ear cleanings to remove wax build-up
• Dental care with dog-friendly toothpaste or dental chews

As a dwarf breed, miniature dachshunds are genetically predisposed to certain health issues. Back problems like intervertebral disc disease are probably the biggest concern. Using a harness instead of a collar reduces strain on the neck and spine. Teaching your dachshund not to jump on and off furniture also helps prevent injuries.

Other potential health issues in the breed include:

• Eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy
• Lafora disease (a neurological condition)
• Heart problems
• Skin allergies
• Hypothyroidism

Buying your dachshund from a responsible breeder who does health testing on their dogs reduces (but doesn‘t eliminate) the risk of hereditary diseases. Keeping your long haired mini dachshund at a healthy weight and providing joint supplements may also help safeguard their health.

Fun Facts

• A mini dachshund named Obie holds the record for world‘s oldest dog. He celebrated his 20th birthday in 2008.
• Dachshunds are often called "wiener dogs" in the U.S., but in Germany they‘re known as Dackel or Teckel.
• Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund has over 1 million followers on Instagram thanks to his adorable costumes and antics.
• Each year, thousands flock to Oktoberfest celebrations to watch dachshund races, a tradition since the 1970s.
• The Dachshund Club of America was founded way back in 1895, making it one of the oldest breed clubs in the country.
• Artist David Hockney‘s muse was his long haired dachshund, Stanley. The pooch is featured in many of his famous portraits.

Is a Long Haired Mini Dachshund Right For You?
Long haired mini dachshunds can make wonderful companions for many types of homes. Their compact size is well-suited for small spaces like apartments, while their lively personalities fit right in with active families.

Of course, no breed is perfect for everyone. Long haired mini dachshunds do shed and require regular brushing to maintain their coats. They can also be vocal watchdogs, a potential issue in housing with noise restrictions. Minis have a decent amount of energy and need a few good walks and playtimes each day.

Dachshund aficionados embrace their breed‘s quirks like their opinionated nature and tendency to put on a few extra pounds if not careful. With their smarts and charm, long haired mini dachshunds have a way of wrapping their humans around their paws. But isn‘t that part of their appeal?

If you‘re looking for a pint-sized dog with a big personality, the long haired mini dachshund might be your perfect match. These spunky, loyal little hounds are adaptable to many situations as long as they get plenty of love and attention. Just be prepared for a 15+ year commitment and some extra vacuuming!