You see them at the park and it’s basically impossible not to stare. That flowing, silky coat and those short, stubby legs create a look that is part regal spaniel and part hilarious sausage. The mini long haired dachshund is easily one of the most recognizable dogs on the planet, but honestly, people usually buy them for the aesthetic and then get totally blindsided by the personality. They aren't just "small dogs." They are big-game hunters trapped in a twelve-pound body with the ego of a lion.
Living with a long-haired Doxie is a commitment to vacuuming. Lots of vacuuming. But it’s also a commitment to one of the most loyal, stubborn, and weirdly sensitive breeds in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Hound Group.
The Reality of the Mini Long Haired Dachshund Temperament
Most people think the long-haired variety is the "chill" one. Compared to the wire-haired (which are basically vibrating with energy) and the smooth-haired (who can be a bit more nippy), the long-haired miniature dachshund is generally considered the sweetheart of the family. There is actually some historical logic here. Breeders back in the day likely crossed smooth dachshunds with spaniels to get that coat, which mellowed out the traditional terrier-like aggression.
But don't get it twisted. They are still hounds.
If a squirrel breathes within a three-block radius, your dog will let you know. They bark. A lot. It's a deep, chesty bark that sounds like it should belong to a Golden Retriever, and they use it for everything from "someone dropped a leaf" to "I would like a piece of your cheese, please." They are notoriously difficult to housebreak, too. You’ll think you’ve finally won the battle, and then it rains. Dachshunds hate rain. If the grass is slightly damp, they will look at you with utter betrayal and decide that your expensive rug is a much better bathroom.
That Coat Though: Maintenance is Not Optional
If you want a dog you can just wash and go, keep walking. The mini long haired dachshund requires a specific grooming rhythm. Their fur is fine and silken, which means it mats if you even look at it wrong. You have to focus on the "feathers"—that’s the long hair on the ears, chest, underbelly, and tail.
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I’ve seen owners let these mats get so tight against the skin that it actually hurts the dog to walk. You need a slicker brush and a metal comb. Brush them at least three times a week. Pay special attention to the armpits and behind the ears; these are the "friction zones" where mats thrive.
- The "Grinch Feet": Their hair grows long between the paw pads. If you don’t trim this, they lose traction on hardwood floors and slide around like they're on ice. This is actually dangerous for their spines.
- Ear Cleaning: Because those ears are heavy and covered in fur, they don't get much airflow. This makes them a playground for yeast and bacteria. Smelly ears usually mean an infection is brewing.
- Professional Grooming: Even if you brush them at home, a "pro" visit every 6-8 weeks for a sanitary trim and a nail clip is a lifesaver.
The Spine Problem: IVDD is the Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about backs. It’s the scary part of owning a mini long haired dachshund. Because of their long ribcages and short legs—a condition called chondrodystrophy—their spines are under constant leverage stress. About one in four dachshunds will deal with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) at some point.
It’s expensive. It’s heartbreaking.
Basically, the discs between the vertebrae can herniate or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, "knuckling" (where they walk on the tops of their paws), or total paralysis of the back legs.
Preventing this isn't 100% guaranteed because genetics play a huge role, but you can stack the deck in your favor. First, no jumping. None. Not off the couch, not off the bed, and definitely not down stairs. Buy ramps. Ramps are your new best friend. Second, keep them thin. An overweight dachshund is a ticking time bomb for back surgery. You should be able to feel their ribs easily. If your dog looks like a literal bratwurst with no waistline, they are too heavy.
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Feeding and Weight Management
Speaking of weight, these dogs are professional beggars. They will use those "sad spaniel eyes" to convince you they haven't eaten in three weeks. They are lying.
Miniature dachshunds usually weigh between 8 and 11 pounds. If they hit 13 or 14 pounds, they aren't "just a big mini"—they are likely overweight. Feed a high-quality protein diet and go easy on the scraps. Use frozen green beans as treats instead of high-calorie biscuits. It sounds mean, but a lean dog is a dog that can walk when it’s ten years old.
Socialization and the "Big Dog" Complex
Because they are small and cute, people tend to baby them. This is a mistake. If you don't socialize a mini long haired dachshund early, they can become "one-person dogs" who are snappy with strangers or terrified of children.
They are surprisingly brave. Sometimes too brave. They have no concept of their size and will happily pick a fight with a Great Dane. You have to be their advocate and make sure they don't get themselves into trouble. Get them into a puppy class. Take them to Home Depot. Let them hear the sounds of the world so they don't spend their lives hiding under the sofa and barking at shadows.
Exercise Needs: More Than You Think
Don't let the short legs fool you. These dogs were bred to spend all day flushing out badgers and rabbits. A 15-minute walk around the block isn't going to cut it. They need mental stimulation. Scent work is great for them—hide treats around the house and let them use that long nose to find them.
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Tiring out their brain is just as important as tiring out their legs.
They also love to dig. It’s in their DNA. If you have a nice garden, they will ruin it. Some owners actually build a "digging pit" (basically a sandbox) to give the dog a designated place to satisfy that instinct. It's better than having your rosebushes excavated.
Actionable Steps for New or Perspective Owners
If you are serious about bringing a mini long haired dachshund into your life, stop browsing random Craigslist ads. This is a breed where health testing is mandatory.
- Find a breeder who tests for PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disease common in the breed that leads to blindness. Responsible breeders test their "breeding stock" for this.
- Invest in Ramps Early: Don't wait for a back injury to buy ramps. Put one by the sofa and one by your bed on day one. Train them with treats to use the ramp instead of jumping.
- Get Pet Insurance: Honestly, just do it. An IVDD surgery can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Having a policy that covers hereditary conditions like IVDD is the difference between making a medical decision and a financial one.
- Master the "Doxie Scoop": Never pick them up by the armpits like a human baby. Always keep one hand under their chest and the other supporting their rump. Keep their spine horizontal at all times.
- Ditch the Collar for a Harness: To protect that neck and spine, use a Y-shaped harness that doesn't put pressure on the throat or restrict shoulder movement.
The mini long haired dachshund is a lot of dog in a tiny package. They are stubborn, they shed, and they will probably steal your spot on the pillow the second you get up. But they are also incredibly affectionate companions who just want to be wherever you are. Keep them lean, keep them off the furniture, and keep that brush handy, and you'll have a loyal shadow for the next 12 to 15 years.