Long Haired Dachshund: The Gorgeous Dog with Luscious Locks

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The Dachshund, or the Doxie, is a popular purebred hunting dog that stole the hearts of many people all around the world with their feisty temperament and distinctive appearance. Though Doxies may prove to be a handful in certain aspects, they are people-oriented pups with exceptional devotion and love for their humans.

Dachshunds are an old breed with many talents. Today, they are mostly companion dogs that enrich the lives of their human friends. The American Kennel Club ranks them as the 12th most popular dog breed in the world, and many proud Doxie owners in every corner of the planet are proof of just how beautiful and wonderful these pooches are. Even Picasso was aware of their beauty.

Best Dog Food for Long-Haired Dachshund

Choosing the best dog food for a long-haired Dachshund involves considering their unique nutritional needs. Opt for a high-quality small breed dog food that supports their overall health. Look for a formula with real meat as the primary ingredient, providing essential proteins for their muscle health. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, to promote skin and coat health, specifically beneficial for the long-haired coat of Dachshunds.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb

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4.9

• Essential, high-quality protein for healthy muscle development, and carbs for energy for an active life.
• Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
• Glucosamine is added for joint health and mobility support.
• Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants contribute to your pup's immune system health.
• No corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag (074198608331)

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4.8

• Made in the USA by a family-owned company using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources.
• With real pasture-raised beef protein as the #1 ingredient, this recipe helps support bones, joints and lean, strong muscles.
• Beef protein provides energy and muscle building blocks, omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health and superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges offer vitamins and minerals.
• Each serving includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health and overall wellness.
• Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors.

NUTRO ULTRA Senior High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag

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4.8

• Protein-rich formula features chicken, lamb, and salmon—and chicken is the first ingredient!
• Contains a blend of 15 superfoods including coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that promote coat and skin health.
• Recipe specially formulated for senior dogs using only high-quality, real ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
• Ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers and rigorously tested for quality and food safety.
• No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, and chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy protein free.

Dachshunds Traits

Doxies are famous for their long bodies and short legs. This funny feature earned them the nickname Sausage Dogs, which perfectly describes their appearance. The differentiating characteristics are:

• Size
• Color
• Coat type

When it comes to size, there are two variations—Standard Dachshunds and Miniature Dachshunds. While the standard version can weigh up to 32 lbs, the miniature pups will be just around 11 lbs.

The color palette is broad, and the standards for the breed allow 12 shades, ranging from black to cream. Markings are also accepted, specifically brindle, sable, and dapple.

The coat type can vary, so your Dachshund puppy can be:

• Long-Haired
• Short-Haired
• Wiry

Both Standard and Miniature Doxies can come in all coat types and colors, so there is plenty to choose from.

What Does a Long Haired Dachshund Look Like?

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Sausage Dogs with long hair have the same body structure as their short-haired cousins, but the features will appear less extreme because of their coat. The soft and silky hair can make your pooch look more proportionate, but underneath the elegant coat, they will be the same fiery and comical individuals.

Other characteristic features are the long, pointy muzzle with the infamous scissor bite, and the paddle-shaped paws suitable for digging. Don’t be surprised if your Doxie has bigger front paws. It’s a trait that enables them to dig deep and fast.

The floppy ears frame the face, and the eyes are oval and inquisitive. The eye color can vary and depends mostly on the coat color. Pups with darker hair will have dark eyes, while the lighter variants can range from hazel to even blue.

The tail is long and fluffy, making the pup look proud and boastful. The color of the nose will follow the color of the coat, so you can expect anything from black or brown to isabella.

All About Long-Haired Miniature Dachshunds

Dachshunds are German hunting dogs that can be traced back to the 15the century. The breed had significant makeovers throughout their history, both in terms of appearance and purpose.

They started as hunters, specializing in catching small prey. No badger or fox was safe when Doxies joined the hunting party. With their elongated bodies, Dachshunds were proficient in crawling into the dens and extracting prey. Even their long tails served the purpose because the hunters could draw them out with den animals in their teeth.

During the 19th century, the need for hunting started to fade away. Most Europeans grew cattle, and catching prey became more of a sport than a real necessity. Badger Dogs did not lose their popularity, though. They proved to be excellent watchdogs because of their loyalty to people.

Another important aspect was the pleasant personality that helped them win the hearts of humans and become companions, popular even in urban households.

It was around that time that long-haired and Miniature Dachshunds developed. Some say that the longer coat comes from mixing the breed with Spaniels. The idea was to mellow out the somewhat feisty attitude of the Sausage Dog and make them milder.

Real fame came when these adorable pups crossed to America. With a slight setback during the World Wars (German name and origin were a big minus at the time), Doxies made a spectacular comeback in the 1950s and remained among the favorite pets ever since.

The Temperament and Personality of Long Haired Dachshund Dogs

Doxies are strong-willed pups with a mind of their own. You could expect nothing less from such a versatile and intelligent dog that developed their character catching big and dangerous prey. They can be quick-tempered and stubborn, so if they are to be your first dog, make sure you check out some useful care tips for new dog owners.

Badger Dogs are expressive and loud. With a natural curiosity and a strong sense of territory, they can be difficult to train. You should start with training from an early age if you don’t want them to become prone to aggression and excessive barking. Check out the five mistakes to avoid when training your dog.

On the positive side, Doxies are devoted to their humans and can get along with other pets if you take the time to work with them. As independent as they are, they will comply with the rules if you make them feel safe and loved.

Long-haired Dachshunds have a milder personality. It comes from cross-breeding with Spaniels and makes them a bit more relaxed and easier to handle. Still, the way your dog behaves depends primarily on the training and upbringing, so you should focus on those from their puppyhood.

Training the Hunter — The Long-Haired Dachshund Demeanor

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Raising a well-behaved dog can be challenging when it comes to Doxies. Although long-haired pooches are supposed to be more laid back, you should be aware that they are natural-born hunters that love chasing, digging, and exploring.

Proper training is not about taming the dog. It is about integration and acceptance, which should allow your pup to have a peaceful and fulfilled life. To achieve this, you should focus on the following:

• Commands and rules
• Socialization
• Tricks

Commands and Rules

The part of the training that involves basic commands and rules is essential for the safety of your baby. If you happen to live in an urban environment, this aspect is even more important because of the heavy traffic and other potential dangers. Since most first-time owners find the training process demanding, here are some tips on how to make it more efficient:

1. Establish yourself as the pack leader. Dogs are social animals, and being a part of the pack is vital for them. As a leader, you will be able to control them because they will always look at you for guidance and support.
2. Set up a reward and punishment system. Dogs will go the extra mile for a treat, a gift, or a pat, so always reward your pup when they do something right. If they misbehave, you should punish them, but never too harshly. It would be counterproductive and inhumane.
3. Use training aids. If it’s your first time training a pup, get a good training collar. These tools are useful and can speed up the process. Most importantly, they are designed in a way that is not harmful to your furry friend.

Socialization

Dogs thrive in the company and, if not properly socialized, they can become aggressive and develop separation anxiety. Regardless of love and care that they get from the owner, pooches need to interact with other animals and humans to develop trust and courage. That is why you should include the following activities into your routine:

1. Mingling with other dogs. Playtime with fellow pups is essential in raising an integrated and brave dog.
2. Socializing with other people. Dachshunds can become heavy barkers if they don’t get used to other people.
3. Visiting new places. Unknown surroundings can be scary for your baby, so take them someplace new as often as possible. They will learn not to feel threatened on unfamiliar territory.

Tricks

Mental activity is as important as physical exercise, so you should teach your puppy new tricks all the time. With their intelligence and curiosity, Doxies will highly benefit from this. Learning new tricks and skills is also exhausting, so you will have a calm dog instead of a nervous one.

This does not imply that you should turn your baby into a circus animal. Keep it simple and entertaining. The good thing is that you can exercise their mental capacity at home, which will come in handy on rainy days when you go out less.

Long Haired Badger Dog Activity Requirements

Even miniature long-haired Dachshunds need a lot of exercise. Sausage Dogs are hunters with a lot of stamina, so they will need to be active to burn all that energy. They thrive outdoors, so if you are an indoor person, avoid getting a Doxie.

Taking your pooch for a walk two or three times a day should suffice, but you should incorporate visits to the park and playtime with other dogs into the routine.

Off-the-leash time is essential for Badger Dogs because they need to sniff around and explore. If there is a forest anywhere close, take your pup there at least a couple of times a month. It will keep them happy and relaxed.

Playing with other dogs is not just a way to develop social skills. It is exhausting, and your long-haired Dachshund will sleep peacefully once you return from a doggy party. Don’t get alarmed if they bark a lot during the playtime. Doxies are vocal and like to let everybody know how they feel.

Interactive toys are an excellent way to keep them entertained at home, especially if you are absent. Dachshunds love a good challenge and will feel content if they are successful in it.

Grooming a Long Haired Doxie Dog

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While Dachshunds are considered easy to maintain, a pooch with long hair will be a bit more demanding. The silky hair is not as easy to groom as the smooth type, so get ready for some additional rituals.

Brushing is mandatory at least a couple of times a week, if not every day. You should use a slicker brush to keep the coat beautiful and healthy. Long haired pups will need bathing because they stand so close to the ground and often get dirty. Use all-natural dog shampoos for a more beautiful coat.

You can trim your Doxie to prevent them from matting, but with their tricky coat, it would be better if you take them to a doggy salon for that. If you choose to do it on your own, use the best dog grooming scissors. Also, make sure you clean the paws thoroughly when you get home because the dirt tends to stick to the feathering.

Floppy ears are sensitive and prone to infections, and you should clean them regularly with wipes or rinse them with an adequate solution. Clipping their nails is mandatory, but that may be done at the salon as well.

Brushing and cleaning Doxies’ teeth should be a daily activity. To keep the gums healthy, give your pup one of the top 10 best dog dental chews. Bear in mind that grooming is not just a beauty routine, but a way to bond and connect with your dog. Think of it as one-on-one quality time to develop mutual trust.

Are Long Haired Badger Dogs Healthy?

Dachshunds are resilient and healthy dogs. Still, every pup can get sick, so it is crucial to keep an eye on them to prevent any potential issues from occurring or escalating. Since we have a lot of information regarding pure breeds, it is not difficult to understand the possible risks to their health.

One of the main concerns when it comes to Doxies is their most prominent trait—the elongated spine. It makes them susceptible to back injuries and they require proper care throughout their whole life. Short legs are also a risk factor, so it is essential to try to prevent your baby from jumping as much as possible. If your pup loves to climb furniture, make sure you set up ramps to help them go down.

Obesity is also common, so don’t let your Dachshund overeat. The type of food can play a significant role, so avoid the worst dry dog food as it is full of sugar and other additives. Doggy sweets are no less dangerous, and you should stay clear of the worst dog treat brands.

As your pup gets older, start paying closer attention, and restrict the activities that can be harmful. Try adjusting the diet by switching to the best senior dry dog food. Proper nutrition can keep your pooch healthy and prolong their lifespan.

Some other less frequent Dachshund health problems are seizures and skin problems.

Long Haired Sausage Dog Eating Preferences

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All dogs love to eat, and Dachshunds are not an exception. They’ll gladly devour anything they can chew, and it’s your responsibility to keep their diet nutritious and well-balanced.

Depending on the size, Doxies’ daily intake varies from 0.8 to 1 cup of the best dry dog food for small dogs per day. If they show any sign of gastrointestinal discomfort or start to gain weight, split it into two meals.

For versatility, you can add the best canned dog food, or make a home-cooked meal for your furry friend. In case you are not sure which food is good, try any of the following:

• Wellness Core Original Grain Free Dry Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe
• Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Adult Beauty Canned Dog Food

The quality is superb, and all dogs love them.

What Kind of a Pet is the Long Haired Dachshund?

Long haired Doxies can be wonderful pets if you raise them correctly and provide them with enough care and attention. They are adaptable and intelligent, so even if you have children and other pets, you can build a supportive and well-functioning community together.

Still, there are a couple of things to consider before getting a Doxie. If your kids are small, you should wait until they turn five to let the Dachshund into their lives. Children tend to view dogs as toys and can unintentionally harm the pooch. This is even more important for miniature long-haired Doxies.

When it comes to other pets, you should be aware that Badger Dogs are chasers and that supervision may be obligatory in the beginning.

On the plus side, Dachshunds are loving and devoted companions capable of living both in small apartments and big houses. If you live in the city, it may be wiser to get a Miniature Doxie with long hair. Standard size pups are better suited for rural and suburban areas because they are much happier if they have a yard to roam around.

If you do have a yard, you should know that Doxies are pro diggers, so try designating an area for them. It will allow them to have fun, and you can keep most of your garden intact. You should also focus on teaching them commands to control their barking because it can get a bit overwhelming.

All in all, with proper training and some compromises on both sides, you can establish a trusting, affectionate, and respectful relationship with your furry family member. They will bring joy and happiness into your life while you should provide security and a sense of belonging to them.

Our Top Three Reasons for Long Haired Dachshunds as Pets

1. They are loyal.
2. They are intelligent and adaptable.
3. They have good health and a long life span.

Our Top Three Reasons Against Long Haired Dachshunds as Pets

1. They are stubborn and challenging to train.
2. They require a lot of physical activity.
3. They are very loud.

Interesting Dachshund Mix Breeds

When it comes to price, Doxies are not on the list of the top 10 world’s most expensive dog breeds to own, but rest assured, they are not a bargain either. We always suggest adoption instead of buying, because making a lonely pooch happy is the best feeling in the world. It’s courageous and humane.

Check out some of the gorgeous Dachshund mixes, and you may just find the pooch of your dreams.

For additional ideas, check out the best dog breeds to adopt and Dachshund facts.

FAQ’s

What breeds make a long haired Dachshund?

Long haired Dachshunds originated from breeding a standard Dachshund with other breeds with long hair, such as Papillons or setter breeds. This introduced the long hair gene into Dachshund bloodlines, resulting in long haired puppies.

How to tell if a Dachshund puppy is long haired?

As early as 2-3 weeks old, you can begin to see longer fringe hairs developing around a long haired dachshund puppy’s ears and paws. By 8 weeks, the ears and tail will have noticeably longer hair. The puppy coat makes it hard to determine conclusively, but these signs indicate potential long hair.

How do you tell if a Dachshund has long hair?

A fully grown long haired Dachshund will have longer hair on the ears, chest, tail, legs, and underside. The hair is soft and silky and can reach up to two inches long. Dachshunds with wirehair or normal short hair will not display this long fringe.

How were long haired Dachshunds bred?

Long haired Dachshunds originally occurred by chance genetic mutations in Dachshund litters during the late 19th century. Breeders decided to intentionally breed those long haired puppies back into Dachshund bloodlines to develop the long hair variety that became an official breed type in 1935.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. Claire, Roxanne St. Dachshund through the Snow. South Street Publishing, 2019.
3. Brown, Nathan P., et al. “Development of a Canine Rigid Body Musculoskeletal Computer Model to Evaluate Gait.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, vol. 8, Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fbioe.2020.00150.