Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

The Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund is a small dog with a beautiful coat that could make anyone envious. Despite their short legs, these little dogs are courageous adventurers with a fantastic sense of smell. When inside, they love to snuggle and play, but outside, they turn into energetic explorers, hiding a surprising strength beneath their soft fur.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Miniature Dachshunds can either be solid colors such as red or cream or two-colored such as black, chocolate, grizzled, blue, or fawn with tan or cream markings. Some may be dappled.
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
5 to 6 inches
Type
Hound
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
10 to 11 pounds
Family
Dachshund

Personality

Don’t overlook the Mini Long-Haired Dachshund! Though they are little in size, their personalities are larger than life. As they grow, these spirited dogs become determined and self-reliant, eager to explore the world with a bold attitude.

History

Dachshunds were first developed in Germany during the 15th century for hunting badgers. In the 1800s, smaller versions known as Miniature Dachshunds were created, and it’s believed that Long-Haired Miniatures also came about during this period. Although the precise beginnings are not well-documented, it is thought that Long-Haired Dachshunds made their way to America in the late 1900s, arriving with the standard-sized ones.

Ideal Owner

Mini Doxies are smaller and not as sturdy as regular Dachshunds. They are simple to lift, but their small size makes them easy to accidentally step on. These dogs thrive with owners who are willing to keep up with their exercise needs and are committed to training throughout their lives. Grooming is important for Long-Haired Dachshunds, especially brushing their beautiful coats. They do best in homes without stairs, but if there are stairs, adding ramps can help keep them safe.

Exercise Needs

The Mini Long-Haired Dachshund thrives with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day, filled with games, training, and enjoyable tasks. Once they’ve had enough activity, these little furballs love to relax at your feet or curl up in your lap. On the other hand, if they feel bored, lonely, or don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become unhappy, noisy, and behave like a sulky teenager.

Space Requirements

Mini Doxies are small dogs that don’t need a lot of room and can thrive in city environments if they get enough activity and mental engagement. If you have a yard and intend to let them roam freely, remember that they can squeeze through tight spots and under fences. They are excellent diggers and can dart away quickly if they catch a whiff of something interesting. Although they can be picked up, it’s best not to do this frequently, so living in a one-story home or an apartment with an elevator is a better choice.

Training

Mini Doxies respond best to a kind approach to training that emphasizes rewards. While they can be a bit headstrong, they are capable of learning to follow commands. It's crucial for them to interact with family and other dogs. Teaching them to walk nicely on a leash or come when called is essential, especially if you want to let them explore areas where they might get distracted by interesting smells. Smart and self-reliant, they love learning tricks, solving puzzles, and playing games.

Grooming

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds sport beautiful coats that require regular care, including brushing and combing weekly. These small dogs need extra care for their ears since their floppy ears can lead to ear infections. Although they tend to be picky eaters, a Mini Doxie might occasionally get food caught in their long ears. It's also important to regularly trim the extra fur found between their paw pads.

Suitability for Family Life

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds can adjust well to different situations, but they may not be ideal for a lively household with small kids. These dogs dislike being left alone for extended times, and their delicate bodies can get hurt if handled improperly, even if it's accidental. They thrive in homes without young children or with older kids who understand how to care for a Mini Doxie. Although they are quite vocal and love to bark, they are happier in a calm environment where their owners are around most of the time.

Did You know?

The term "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German. During the World Wars, these dogs were referred to as Liberty Hounds to distance them from their German roots. Dachshunds have three types of coats: Smooth, Wire-Haired, and Long-Haired.

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Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys active walks for under an hour a day
Minimal drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual