The Ultimate Guide to Long Haired Dachshunds: A Dog Lover‘s Perspective

Instantly recognizable for their short legs, long bodies, and larger-than-life personalities, Dachshunds consistently rank as one of America‘s favorite dog breeds. Among the three coat varieties, the long haired Dachshund stands out as a truly glamorous specimen with a silky, flowing coat that turns heads wherever they go. But there‘s so much more to these diminutive dogs than just their luxurious locks.

As a devoted Dachshund aficionado, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive guide to share everything you need to know about living with a long haired "tweenie," from their noble history to their unique quirks. By the end, I guarantee you‘ll fall head over heels for these clever, courageous, and comically entertaining companions.

From Badger Hunter to Royal Lapdog: The Dachshund‘s Fascinating History

To fully appreciate the Dachshund‘s signature physique, we must look back to their origins as elite hunting hounds in 16th century Germany. Bred to fearlessly pursue badgers (dachs) and other dangerous den-dwelling animals, Dachshunds‘ elongated bodies, paddle-shaped paws, and short, curved legs allowed them to efficiently dig and maneuver through underground tunnels. Their loud, persistent bark let hunters know when prey was cornered.

Interestingly, Dachshund-like dogs appear in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art dating back to the 1500s-1700s, suggesting the breed may have even more ancient roots. However, the modern Dachshund we know today was refined by German breeders in the 18th and 19th centuries through crosses with French pointers, pinschers, various hounds and spaniels.

The long haired variety was especially prized for winter hunting, as their lavish coat protected against the elements. Experts still debate how the long coat arose; some say it was a natural mutation that occasionally popped up in puppies, while others believe long haired Dachshunds were deliberately created by mixing in silky-coated Spaniel breeds.

While Dachshunds proved themselves on the hunting field, a royal romance launched them to international fame in the 1800s. When Britain‘s Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert, he brought his beloved wiener dogs into the palace. Victoria was instantly charmed and Dachshunds became the latest must-have accessory for aristocrats across Europe.

Dachshunds made a big splash in the US too and were among the first breeds recognized by the AKC in 1885. Though their German heritage made them briefly fall out of favor during World War I, the breed bounced back and today sits at #7 out of 195 breeds in AKC registration statistics.

Long Haired Dachshund Appearance and Grooming

The AKC breed standard recognizes two sizes: Standard (16-32 pounds) and Miniature (11 pounds and under). But many Dachshund devotees argue that Kaninchens or "rabbit" Dachshunds, weighing under 8 pounds, should be considered a third official category. These "tweenie" sized dogs were developed to hunt smaller prey.

Long haired Dachshunds‘ opulent coat, which reaches 2-4 inches at its longest, can be a rainbow of colors including black, chocolate, blue, fawn, cream, and red, either solid or with striking patterns like dapple (a mottled effect), piebald, brindle, or sable.

A word of caution: the double dapple pattern, while eye catching, is associated with a host of health issues like blindness and deafness due to the double dose of the dapple gene. Responsible breeders aim to avoid producing double dapples.

Despite their lavish locks, long haired Dachshunds can be a good choice for mild allergy sufferers, as their continual hair growth means they shed minimally without the messy seasonal "blow outs" that plague many double coated breeds.

However, keeping that flowing coat in tip-top shape demands a regular grooming regimen. Those long outer guard hairs, which offer insulation and protection from the elements, are prone to tangling without frequent brushing.

Plan to brush your long haired Doxie at least 2-3 times per week, paying special attention to high friction areas like the ears, armpits, and the backs of the legs. Many owners keep their dogs in a shorter puppy cut, especially in summer, to minimize matting. Monthly baths and occasional professional trims will also keep your Doxie dapper.

The Unique Dachshund Temperament

Though diminutive in stature, Dachshunds have personalities as big as a Great Dane‘s. Bred to work independently, they are famous for their confidence, curiosity, and stubborn streak. Doxie owners often jokes that their dogs train them, not the other way around!

Yet Dachshunds are also deeply devoted to their humans and make affectionate, entertaining companions. They generally prefer to focus their affection on one or two special people and remain politely aloof with strangers.

Early and continuous socialization is a must to keep these watchful wiener dogs from becoming snippy with unfamiliar people and animals. They also do best in homes with older children who understand how to respectfully handle them. Dachshunds don‘t tolerate rough treatment and aren‘t afraid to nip if they feel threatened.

While Doxies may look like the ultimate lap dog, they are far too full of energy to be couch potatoes. These feisty, muscular hunters need regular walks and playtime to stay physically and mentally fit. Many enjoy participating in Earthdog trials that allow them to practice their ancient den-diving skills in a safe, simulated hunting environment.

True hounds through and through, Dachshunds live life nose-first and will gleefully follow any interesting scent. A securely fenced yard or being on-leash is a must to prevent your Doxie from wandering. They are also lightning quick diggers, thanks to their paddle-shaped paws, and can easily burrow under fences in pursuit of small animals.

That hound brain is definitely geared more towards persistent problem-solving than eager-to-please obedience. While they are incredibly intelligent, independent-minded Dachshunds aren‘t always the star pupils in training class. The key is convincing them that obedience is their idea through positive reinforcement and plenty of patience.

Though small in size, Dachshunds are famous for their mighty bark that sounds like it should belong to a much larger dog. While their vocal vigilance makes them excellent watchdogs, nuisance barking can quickly get out of hand without training. Teaching the "quiet" cue is a must for peaceful cohabitation.

Dachshund Health Concerns

Like all purebreds, Dachshunds are prone to certain hereditary health issues. Most critically, their elongated backs make them highly vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Approximately 1 in 4 Dachshunds will suffer some degree of disc damage in their lifetimes.

IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or burst, which can compress the spinal cord and cause pain, weakness, and even paralysis. While some cases can be managed with rest and pain medication, severe cases may require expensive surgery with a long recovery period.

Keeping your Dachshund lean and fit is the best way to protect their back. Extra weight is a major strain on the spine and obese Dachshunds are twice as likely to develop IVDD compared to their svelte counterparts. Using a harness instead of a collar also reduces neck stress.

Other health problems to be aware of include:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – gradual blindness
• Hearing loss – common in double dapples
• Lafora disease – a rare but fatal form of epilepsy
• Mitral valve disease – heart disease that affects up to 70% of geriatric Dachshunds
• Cushing‘s disease – a hormonal disorder usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland

Though the list of potential issues looks daunting, the majority of Dachshunds live long, healthy lives, especially with proactive care. The average lifespan is 12-16 years, with some super seniors making it to 18-20 years old!

Fun Facts About Long Haired Dachshunds

Still not sure if a long haired Doxie is right for you? Consider these fun facts:

• Dachshunds are the 7th most popular breed in the US as of 2022 and have consistently ranked in the top 10 since the 1950s.
• Celebrity Dachshund owners past and present include Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Jack Black, Josh Duhamel, Ashley Olsen, and Adele.
• The term "long haired" is actually a bit of a misnomer. In reality, long haired Dachshunds have a soft undercoat topped with longer, silkier guard hairs that can reach up to 2-4 inches.
• Long hair is a recessive gene in Dachshunds. The puppy must inherit one copy from each parent to have a long coat.
• Dachshunds come in over a dozen colors and patterns recognized by the AKC, but the rarest is English cream.
• One in five Dachshunds will develop back problems in their lifetime. Maintaining a lean weight is the best way to reduce the risk.
• Dachshunds are notorious burrowers and will gleefully tunnel under blankets, pillows, or into your laundry basket, all while wagging their tails. Some owners even call them "Velcro dogs" because they always want to be attached to your side.
• Though their short legs limit their speed, Dachshunds are surprisingly swift. The fastest recorded Dachshund could sprint just over 23 mph!

Conclusion

From their brave beginnings as badger-hunting hounds to their modern role as beloved companions, long haired Dachshunds have captured hearts for centuries with their unique looks and huge personalities. Living with a Doxie is never dull thanks to their lively, clever, and comical antics.

While caring for these long, low dogs comes with unique challenges like an increased risk of back problems and a persistent personality that makes training tricky, Dachshund devotees insist that the rewards of having a wiener dog in your life are infinite and well worth the effort.

If you‘re ready to welcome a long haired Doxie into your heart and home, do your research to find a responsible breeder who health tests their stock and focuses on breeding for sound temperament. While going through a breeder will cost you more initially, it‘s an investment in your future pup‘s health and happiness.

Alternatively, check out Dachshund rescue organizations, as there are many Doxies in need of loving forever homes. Because of their popularity, Dachshunds are one of the most common breeds found in shelters and rescues. With a little patience, you‘re sure to find your perfect match.