If you’ve ever spotted a dachshund with silky, flowing ears and a feathered tail, you’ve met a long haired dachshund and it’s hard to look away. This coat variety is arguably the most elegant of the three dachshund types, but it also comes with its own grooming needs, quirks, and personality traits.
This guide covers everything you need to know: temperament, grooming, health risks, and what to expect from long haired dachshund puppies. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether this breed is right for your home.
Quick Answer A long haired dachshund is a dachshund with a soft, silky coat that grows longer on the ears, chest, belly, and tail. They tend to be slightly calmer and more affectionate than smooth-coated dachshunds, though they still carry that classic dachshund stubbornness. Regular brushing (3–4 times a week) keeps their coat tangle-free and healthy.
Table of Contents
What Is a Long Haired Dachshund?
The long haired dachshund is one of three official coat varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club the others being smooth (short-haired) and wirehaired. All three share the same elongated body, short legs, and famously big personality. The difference is entirely in the coat.
Your dachshund with long hair will have silky fur that feathers along the ears, underbelly, legs, and tail. It looks elegant, but that coat needs real attention to stay in good shape.
How the Long Coat Develops
The long coat is caused by a recessive gene. Both parents must carry the gene for a longhaired puppy to be born. This means longhaired dachshunds can occasionally appear in litters from smooth-coated parents if both carry the recessive trait.
Puppies are born with shorter coats that gradually lengthen over their first year. Full coat development is usually complete by 18–24 months.
Long Hair vs. Other Dachshund Coat Types
| Coat Type | Texture | Grooming Needs | Perceived Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Haired | Silky, flowing | High (brushing 3–4x/week) | Gentle, calm |
| Smooth (Short) | Short, dense | Low (weekly wipe-down) | Bold, energetic |
| Wirehaired | Rough, wiry | Medium (stripping 2x/year) | Playful, stubborn |
Long Haired Dachshund Temperament
Many dachshund owners and breeders report that longhaired dachshunds have a noticeably softer, more affectionate temperament than their smooth-coated relatives. This isn’t just anecdotal some breed historians trace the longhaired variety’s calmer nature back to spaniel crosses in the breed’s early development. That said, they’re still dachshunds. Your dog will be stubborn, opinionated, and convinced they run the household.
Are They More Calm Than Smooth Coats?
The temperament difference is real, but don’t overstate it. A longhaired dachshund may be less reactive and more snuggly, but they still have a strong prey drive, a tendency to bark, and a streak of independence that can make training a challenge.
The American Kennel Club describes dachshunds broadly as “curious, friendly, and spunky.” The long haired variety fits that profile just with a slightly softer edge.
How They Behave With Kids and Other Pets
Longhaired dachshunds can be wonderful with children when properly socialized from puppyhood. They’re loyal and playful, but they don’t tolerate rough handling well. Teach children to approach them gently, especially around their long back more on why that matters in the health section.
With other dogs, they generally do well, especially with other dachshunds. Cats are hit or miss, depending on the individual dog’s prey drive.
Key temperament traits:
- Loyal and deeply bonded to their owner
- Moderate barking tendency
- Can be wary of strangers initially
- Not ideal for homes with very young toddlers unless well-supervised
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
Grooming Your Long Haired Dachshund
This is where the dachshund with long hair differs most from its smooth-coated cousin. That beautiful coat doesn’t maintain itself. Skipping grooming sessions leads to tangles, mats, and a very uncomfortable dog.
The good news: the coat is soft, not coarse, which makes brushing easier once you’re into a routine.
Daily and Weekly Grooming Routine
Brush your dog 3–4 times per week at minimum, using a slicker brush or a pin brush with flexible bristles. Pay extra attention to the ears, armpits, and the feathering on the legs these areas mat fastest.
A metal comb is useful for finishing, especially behind the ears where tangles hide. Run it through after brushing to catch anything the brush missed.
Basic grooming schedule:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times per week |
| Ear cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Nail trim | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Bath | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Full groom (trim feathering) | Every 8–12 weeks |
Professional Grooming: What to Expect
Most longhaired dachshund owners take their dog to a groomer every 8–12 weeks for a tidy-up. A standard trim focuses on the paws, ears, and belly feathering not a full haircut. Most breed-standard groomers know to preserve the coat’s natural look.
If you prefer to do it at home, a pair of thinning shears works better than straight scissors for a natural finish. Avoid clipping the coat too short the feathering is part of what makes this variety so distinctive.
Long Haired Dachshund Health Considerations
The long coat is beautiful, but it can’t protect your dog from the health issue all dachshunds face: back problems. This is the most critical thing every owner of a dachshund with long hair needs to understand.
Back Problems (IVDD): What Every Owner Needs to Know
Dachshunds are the breed most commonly diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) a condition where the discs between the vertebrae degenerate or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. According to research published in veterinary literature, roughly 1 in 4 dachshunds will experience some degree of IVDD in their lifetime.
Signs to watch for:
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Yelping when touched along the back
- Wobbly or uncoordinated rear legs
- Dragging a hind limb
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Prevent added stress on your dog’s spine by using ramps instead of stairs, keeping their weight healthy, and discouraging high-impact jumps.
When to See a Vet
Some health issues can wait for a routine appointment. These cannot contact your vet same day if your dog shows:
- Any sudden change in how they walk or stand
- Crying out when picked up or when touched along the spine
- Hind leg weakness or paralysis
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
IVDD that’s caught early can often be managed with rest and medication. Caught late, it may require surgery. Time matters significantly with spinal issues don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own.
Long Haired Dachshund Puppies: What to Know Before You Buy
Long haired dachshund puppies are irresistible floppy ears, silky fur, and enough personality to fill a room. But the breed requires a committed owner, especially in the first year.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
A responsible breeder will health-test their breeding dogs for IVDD risk and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a hereditary eye condition common in longhaired dachshunds. Ask to see health clearances before you commit to a puppy.
Red flags when looking at long haired dachshund puppies:
- No health testing documentation
- Puppies available before 8 weeks old
- Reluctance to let you meet the mother
- Multiple litters always available
- Price seems unusually low
Expect to pay between $800–$2,500 for a well-bred longhaired dachshund puppy in the US, depending on location, lineage, and coat color.
Early Training and Socialization
Start training your long haired dachshund puppy from day one. Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn, but they respond well to positive reinforcement treats, praise, and short training sessions work far better than corrections.
Housetraining takes longer than average for most dachshunds. Be patient, be consistent, and expect the process to take 3–6 months with a young puppy. For more detail on raising dachshund puppies right, the dachshund puppies care tips guide covers the full first year.
Exercise, Diet, and Daily Life
Your longhaired dachshund needs moderate daily exercise two 20–30 minute walks per day is a solid baseline. They’re more active than they look, but they’re not marathon dogs.
Avoid high-impact activities like repetitive stair climbing, jumping from furniture, or agility courses with big obstacles. The goal is keeping your dog fit without stressing their spine.
On diet: dachshunds are prone to weight gain, and every extra pound adds strain to that long back. Feed measured portions twice a day not free-feeding and use a weight-appropriate formula recommended by your vet. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over 50% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. For dachshunds, that statistic has real consequences.
Daily life summary:
| Area | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Exercise | 2 walks/day, 20–30 mins each |
| Feeding | Twice daily, measured portions |
| Mental stimulation | Puzzle feeders, nose work, training |
| Sleep | 12–14 hours (normal for the breed) |
| Ramps/stairs | Use ramps wherever possible |
FAQ
Are long haired dachshunds good family dogs? Yes, in most cases with the right family. A long haired dachshund does best in homes with older children who understand gentle handling. They’re loyal, affectionate, and bond closely with their people. Families with very young toddlers should supervise all interactions carefully, as dachshunds won’t tolerate rough play.
Do long haired dachshunds shed a lot? They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. The long coat means shed fur is more visible than with smooth dachshunds, but regular brushing keeps it manageable. A longhaired dachshund is not hypoallergenic and is not the right choice for anyone with dog hair allergies.
How often should I groom my long haired dachshund? Brush your dog 3–4 times per week to prevent tangles and mats. A bath every 4–6 weeks and a professional grooming session every 8–12 weeks keeps the coat healthy. The ears and the feathering on the legs need the most attention those areas mat fastest.
What is the difference between a long haired and smooth haired dachshund? The main difference is the coat. A dachshund with long hair has a silky, flowing coat with feathering on the ears, belly, and legs. A smooth dachshund has a short, dense coat that needs minimal grooming. Temperamentally, long haired varieties are often described as slightly calmer, though both are unmistakably dachshund in personality.
How big do long haired dachshunds get? Standard long haired dachshunds typically weigh 16–32 lbs and stand 8–9 inches tall. Miniature longhaired dachshunds weigh 11 lbs or under. Coat type doesn’t affect size the standard vs. miniature distinction is a separate classification.
Are long haired dachshunds harder to train? No harder than any other dachshund which is to say, they require more patience than most breeds. Their stubborn streak is legendary. Short sessions, high-value treats, and consistent rules work best. Enroll in a puppy class early; the socialization is just as valuable as the training.
Bringing It All Together
The long haired dachshund is one of the most rewarding dogs you can own affectionate, characterful, and genuinely beautiful. But they’re not a low-maintenance breed. Their grooming needs are real, their back health requires active management, and their stubborn streak demands a patient, consistent owner.
Get those things right, and you’ll have a dog that follows you from room to room, curls up under the covers, and acts like every day with you is the best day of their life. Start with a trusted breeder, invest in a good brush, and get your vet familiar with IVDD early that’s the foundation every longhaired dachshund owner needs.
Photo by 𝕡𝕒𝕨𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕤 on Unsplash
Zingi is a digital content creator and pet enthusiast with a passion for helping animal lovers make smarter, more informed decisions. With hands-on experience researching dog breeds, pet care routines, and tech products, Zingi writes guides that cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for everyday pet owners and tech users.
