Mini Long-Haired Dachshund: Size, Temperament, Care & Training Guide

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The mini long-haired dachshund is a small, affectionate, and surprisingly bold dog with a silky coat and a big personality. It suits people who want a loyal lap dog that still loves walks and games, but it needs regular brushing, patient training, and extra care for its long back.

If you are thinking about bringing one home, or you already share your couch with one, this guide covers size, temperament, grooming, exercise, health, and training, so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is a Mini Long-Haired Dachshund?

Dachshunds come in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, wirehaired, and long-haired). The mini long-haired dachshund is the smaller size with the soft, flowing coat.

The breed was originally developed in Germany to hunt badgers, which explains its long body, short legs, strong nose, and fearless attitude. The name itself means "badger dog" in German. Today, most minis are family companions, but that hunting spirit is still there: they love to dig, sniff, and chase.

Key Traits and Characteristics

Size and appearance

• Weight: In the United States, a miniature dachshund is generally 11 pounds or less as an adult.
• Body: Long and low, with short legs, a deep chest, and a long muzzle.
• Coat: Silky and slightly wavy, with longer feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail.
• Colors: Common colors include red, cream, black and tan, chocolate, and dapple patterns.

Temperament

Mini long-haired dachshunds are loving and loyal, and they often form an especially strong bond with one person. Many owners find the long-haired variety a little calmer and softer in temperament than the smooth or wirehaired types, though every dog is an individual.

• Affectionate: They love cuddling, burrowing under blankets, and following you from room to room.
• Brave and alert: They make excellent little watchdogs and will bark to let you know someone is at the door.
• Independent and stubborn: They were bred to make decisions on their own while hunting, so they don't always see the point of your rules.
• Playful: They enjoy toys, puzzle games, and anything that involves using their nose.

Are they good with kids and other pets?

They can be wonderful with respectful older children. Because of their delicate back, they are not the best fit for homes with toddlers who might pick them up the wrong way or drop them. Most get along with other dogs and cats when introduced gradually, but small pets like hamsters or rabbits may trigger their hunting instinct.

Caring for Your Mini Long-Haired Dachshund

Grooming

That beautiful coat needs regular attention, but it is not hard to keep in good shape:

1. Brush two or three times a week with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Pay extra attention to the fluffy hair behind the ears, under the legs, and on the chest, where tangles form first.
2. Bathe only when needed, usually every month or two, with a gentle dog shampoo. Too many baths can dry out the coat.
3. Check and clean the ears weekly. Long, floppy ears trap moisture and wax.
4. Trim the nails every few weeks, and keep the hair between the paw pads tidy so your dog doesn't slip on smooth floors.
5. Brush the teeth several times a week. Small breeds are prone to dental problems.

Long-haired dachshunds shed moderately. If you need a dog that barely sheds, take a look at these dog breeds that don't shed or smell.

Exercise needs

Despite their size, minis have plenty of energy. Plan on two short walks a day plus some playtime at home.

• Daily walks: Short, regular walks are better than one long hike on the weekend.
• Nose games: Hide treats around the room or use a snuffle mat. Sniffing tires them out mentally.
• Low-impact play: Gentle tug and fetch on flat ground are great. Avoid repeated jumping.
• Use a harness: A harness spreads pressure across the chest and is gentler on the neck and back than a collar.

Diet

Keeping your dachshund lean is one of the best things you can do for its back. Measure meals, go easy on treats, and choose a quality food suited to small breeds. Our guide to the best diet for wiener dogs explains what to feed and how much to watch portions.

Health Concerns to Know About

Mini dachshunds are generally sturdy little dogs and often live well into their teens, but a few health problems are common in the breed:

• Back problems (IVDD): Intervertebral disc disease is the big one. The long spine makes dachshunds more likely to have disc problems, which can cause pain or even paralysis.
• Obesity: Extra weight puts more strain on the back and joints.
• Dental disease: Small mouths crowd teeth, which makes tartar build up faster.
• Eye problems: Some lines can be affected by inherited eye conditions, so ask breeders about health testing.

How to protect your dachshund's back

• Use ramps or pet stairs for the couch and bed instead of letting your dog jump.
• Carry your dog on staircases when you can, especially when it is young or older.
• Pick it up with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the rear, keeping the back level.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight.

When to see a vet

Call your vet right away if your dachshund cries when touched, refuses to move or jump, walks with a hunched back, drags its back legs, wobbles, or seems weak in the hind end. Back problems can get worse quickly, and early care makes a big difference. Also book a visit for bad breath, red or cloudy eyes, frequent ear scratching, or sudden weight changes.

Training Tips for Success

Dachshunds are smart, but they like to do things their own way. Short, upbeat sessions with treats and praise work far better than harsh corrections.

1. Start early. Begin basic commands like sit, come, and leave it as soon as your puppy comes home.
2. Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes, a few times a day, is plenty.
3. Be patient with house training. Small breeds can take longer to potty train. A clear schedule helps, and this puppy potty training plan walks you through it.
4. Socialize a lot. Introduce your puppy to new people, sounds, and places so it grows into a confident adult instead of a nervous barker.
5. Teach a "quiet" cue. Reward your dog the moment it stops barking, so it learns that calm gets attention.
6. Practice alone time. Dachshunds can get very attached. Leaving for short periods early on helps prevent problems. If your dog already struggles, read how to fix separation anxiety with your dog.

Is a Mini Long-Haired Dachshund Right for You?

A great match if you:

• Want a small, cuddly dog that adapts well to apartments.
• Enjoy daily walks but don't need a running partner.
• Don't mind regular brushing.
• Have the patience for a clever, slightly stubborn personality.

Maybe not the best fit if you:

• Have very young children or a home with lots of stairs and no way to block them.
• Need a quiet dog in a building with thin walls.
• Are away from home most of the day.

Still comparing breeds? See our list of the best dog breeds for your first dog.

Helpful Gear

• Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush: a gentle slicker brush for working out tangles in long, silky coats, with a button that releases the hair in one go.
• Puppia Soft Dog Harness: a soft mesh harness for small dogs that takes pressure off the neck on daily walks.

FAQ

How big does a mini long-haired dachshund get?

Most adult minis weigh 11 pounds or less. Dogs that end up a little heavier are sometimes called "tweenies," which is not an official size.

Do mini long-haired dachshunds bark a lot?

They can. Dachshunds are alert watchdogs with a surprisingly deep bark. Early training and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation help keep barking under control.

Are mini long-haired dachshunds hard to potty train?

They can be slower to house train than some breeds. A consistent schedule, lots of praise for going outside, and patience usually do the trick.

Can mini dachshunds be left alone?

Adult dachshunds can usually handle a few hours alone if they have exercise first and something to keep them busy. Long days alone can lead to barking, chewing, and anxiety.

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