Why long haired dachshund Make Great Pet?

Ever seen a cute, long dog walking around your neighborhood? They are probably long-haired dachshunds, also known as ‘wiener dogs’ because of their hot dog-shaped bodies. These little pups are special because they look different and have very nice personalities.

There are three main types of Dachshunds: smooth, wirehaired, and long-haired. Each type has its own unique look, but they all share a love for snuggles, playtime, and being the center of attention. 

Let’s learn more about these fun and friendly dogs!

A Long History About Dachshund

The Dachshund, also called a “wiener dog,” has a long history going back thousands of years. There are pictures of these dogs on very old Egyptian tombs, more than 5,000 years old. Even now, Germans use the same Egyptian name, “Teckel.” Originally, Dachshunds were 

bred in Germany to hunt badgers. The word “Dachshund” comes from two German words: “Dachs” (meaning badger) and “hund” (meaning dog). Their long, low bodies were perfect for hunting badgers in their underground holes. Later, these dogs became popular as pets, especially the ones with long hair, which are very beautiful.

Dachshunds became a known breed in the 16th century. People called them Little Burrow Dogs, Dacksels, or Badger Dogs. There are three kinds of Dachshund coats: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.

The first Dachshunds had smooth coats and were made by crossing Bracke dogs with Pinschers.  Long-haired Dachshunds might have been around in the 16th century. While some think they were made by crossing dog breeds Dachshunds mix like the Papillon, Spaniel, or German Stoberhund.

However, Wire-coated Dachshunds were first mentioned in 1797, but most modern ones were created in the late 19th century by crossing smooth Dachshunds with other breeds.

Dachshunds have three different coat types, each best for hunting in different places. All Dachshunds are strong and can catch small animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits.

Before 1900, people used very small Dachshunds, sometimes referred to as golden retriever wiener dog mixes, to hunt rabbits. Some of these were smaller dogs, while others were made by crossing with other breeds. Most of these smaller Dachshunds didn’t look like typical Dachshunds. 

Later, in 1910 people started to have strict rules about how Dachshunds should look. They crossed different breeds with each coat type to make them better. Now, Dachshunds are popular family pets and one of the most popular hound breeds in America.

Long Haired Dachshund Wiki:

Personality Traits And Characteristics
Type	Hound
Weight	Standard 16-32 lbs., mini 11 lbs. or less
Height	Around 20-25cm
Family	Scenthound
Place of Origin	Germany
Group	Scenthound, Toy
Lifespan	12-16 yrs
Trainability	Moderate
Good with children	Yes, with gentle children, older children
Good with other pets	Yes, but some chase cats
Price	$500 – $600

Breeding and Health

A breed standard is like a rulebook for dogs. It tells us how a dog of that breed should look, act, and do. It also ensures that all dogs of the same breed are similar and healthy.

Breeders and judges should always be careful to avoid any problems that could hurt the dog’s health. Sometimes, certain problems can become more common in a breed. Judges and breeders should check the Breed Watch information for details about these problems.

Fluffy Dachshunds can have some health problems. The most serious one is intervertebral disk disease. They can also have dry eye syndrome. Less common problems include diabetes, seizures, kneecap problems, twisted stomach, Cushing’s disease, and deafness (especially in dogs with a double dapple coat).

Thus, it’s important to take your Dachshund to the vet to have their eyes and knees checked. Dachshunds usually live about 12 to 14 years.

Obesity is a common problem in Dachshunds. Dogs with a double dapple coat are more likely to have vision and hearing problems.

Unique Appearance

Dachshunds have a unique look with their long, cone-shaped heads and slightly curved skulls. The almond-shaped eyes of these fluffy weiner dogs are usually dark.

While their ears are set high, wide, and rounded. They also have strong teeth with a scissor bite and a long, muscular neck that they hold proudly.

Body Structure

Dachshunds have a strong, muscular body that is moderately long. Their back is level, with a smooth transition between their shoulders and slightly arched loin. The chest is wide and oval-shaped, allowing for plenty of room for the heart and lungs.

While ribs extend well back and the belly line is slightly tucked up. The front legs of Dachshund dogs are strong and muscular, with long shoulder blades and short forearms. Their hind legs are also strong and muscular, with a full rump and a long, sloping croup. Their tail should continue the line of their spine and have a slight curve. They stand evenly on all parts of their feet.

Temperament and Behavior

Dachshunds are loyal, loving, and smart dogs. They’re playful and energetic, making them great for active people. Even though they’re small, they can be brave and protective. Dachshunds are bold, curious, and love to explore and dig. They can track things by their smell.

They’re independent but also like to be with their families. Dachshunds are good with their own children but might snap at strange children. Most Dachshunds are shy around strangers and some bark. Long-haired wiener dogs might be quieter and less like terriers, while wire-haired ones might be more outgoing. Some miniature Dachshunds might be more timid.

Coat Types and Color

Dachshunds have three kinds of coats: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Long-haired Dachshunds have a soft, straight, or wavy coat that’s longest on their neck, belly, and legs. Its tail, ears, and feet also have long hair. The coat should lie flat and not hide its shape.

Dachshunds can be many colors, but the most common are red, black, or chocolate with tan markings and dapple. Its nose and nails match the coat color (for example, chocolate/tan dogs have brown noses and nails). White patches are only okay on their chest. Double dapple and dilute colors are not allowed. Other colors or patterns like piebald and tricolor are also not preferred.

Grooming and Care

Dachshunds are playful dogs, but they don’t need a lot of exercise. Walking them on a leash and playing games outside is enough. They can live in cities or apartments, but they like going outside for walks because they used to be hunters.

How often you groom your Dachshund depends on their coat. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are the easiest to groom. These Long-haired doxie dogs need brushing or combing once or twice a week and their hair trimmed sometimes. Wire-haired Dachshunds need brushing or combing about once a week and their hair trimmed sometimes. They also need a professional groomer to remove dead hair twice a year.

Long-haired Dachshunds have beautiful, long coats that need regular grooming. Brushing their coats a few times a week helps prevent matting and gets rid of loose hair. Be careful of the areas behind their ears, under their belly, and around their legs, as these places can get tangled easily.

Dachshunds shed a little bit, so regular brushing will help keep your house clean. You should also bathe them every 2-3 months to keep their coat clean and fresh, or more often if your vet says to or they get dirty.

A professional groomer can help you with grooming and give you advice on how to take care of your Dachshund’s coat.

Like all dogs, it’s important to brush your Dachshund’s teeth twice a day with a dog-specific toothpaste. If you can’t do this every day, try to do it as often as you can.

Feeding

To keep your Long-Haired Dachshund healthy, feed them a balanced and nutritious diet of high-quality dog food that is right for their age, size, and activity level. Watch their weight and adjust portion sizes as needed to prevent obesity.

For a mini dachshund puppy, feed it a special food for small breed dogs 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months. Then, reduce it to twice a day. Consult your vet for advice on feeding schedules, portion sizes, and when to switch puppies to adult dog food, typically around 10-12 months old.

Read More: Are Cherries Bad For Dogs?

Training

Dachshunds including miniature wiener dog puppies can be trained, but they might be stubborn. Be patient and consistent when training them. Use rewards and praise to teach them new things. It’s important to socialize your puppy early and train them to obey.

It will help them grow up to be well-behaved dogs. You could take your puppy to training classes or ask a professional dog trainer for help. Keep in mind that every dog is different, so your Dachshund may have different needs and personalities.

Conclusion

Dachshunds can be great pets, but they’re not for everyone. They can be noisy and might not be good for families with young kids.

Dachshunds can be cuddly with their owners and form strong bonds. They have big personalities and can be fun to own. This breed can be hard for new dog owners because they can be stubborn. They need a strong leader who knows how to train dogs. Consider hiring a professional dog trainer.

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