Dog Breed Guide
Long-Haired Miniature Dachshund
Profile
- Size
- Small
- Country of origin
- Germany
- Origin
- 19th century
- Bred for
- Hunting rabbits and other small game, Companion
- Height
- about 15 - 20cm (6 - 8in)
- Weight
- around 5kg (11lb)
- Life span
- 12 - 16 years
A Dachshund of miniature size with a long, silky, gently waving coat. Beautiful feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail gives it an elegant look. It comes in many colors, including red, cream, black and tan, chocolate and dapple.
Of the three coat types of Dachshund, the long-haired is said to be the gentlest and most easygoing. It is affectionate with its family and always wants to be close to them. On the other hand, it barks readily at strangers and noises.
The long coat tangles easily, so it needs frequent brushing. Like other Dachshunds, it needs weight control and care with steps and stairs to avoid straining its spine.
Good to know
The long-haired type is thought to have arisen from crossing smooth Dachshunds with spaniel-type dogs.
In the United States during World War I, Dachshunds were regarded with hostility as "German dogs," and their numbers plunged. The American Kennel Club tried to replace the German name with "badger dog," and people even took to calling them "liberty pups."
The breed has also had famous admirers in the art world. The British painter David Hockney painted his two Dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie, so often that he published a whole book of their portraits, Dog Days.