Let's talk about... Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds: what are they?
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are delightful little dogs known for their long bodies, short legs, and floppy ears.
- They are a small version of the Dachshund breed and were originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers.
- Their name "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German.
- These charming dogs have a loving and devoted nature, making them wonderful companions.
- The average height of a Miniature Long Haired Dachshund ranges between 13-18 cm.
- In terms of weight, these pooches typically weigh between 4.5-6.8kg.
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds generally live between 12-16 years.
What is the temperament of Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds like?
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds have an affectionate and lively temperament.
- They are known for their loyalty and love being around their families.
- While they can be initially reserved around strangers, proper socialisation from a young age can help them become more comfortable with new people and other animals.
- These curious dogs have a strong prey drive and may exhibit a fearless and determined nature.
How much exercise do Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds need?
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds require daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
- They should receive around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day.
- It's important to note that due to their long back and short legs, they are prone to back problems. Therefore, it's essential to avoid activities that involve jumping or excessive strain on their spine.
- Supervised walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games are ideal for meeting their exercise needs.
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshund puppies have plenty of energy and require regular exercise to support their growth and development. However, it's crucial to be mindful of their young age and delicate structure. Puppies should have short bursts of playtime throughout the day, totalling around 15 to 20 minutes.
- This can include gentle walks, interactive toys, and supervised socialisation with other friendly dogs.
- As they grow, you can gradually increase their exercise time and intensity. Full exercise at an adult level can typically be introduced around 9 to 12 months of age.
Do Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds need a lot of grooming?
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds come in a variety of coat colours including black and tan, cream and dapple colourings.
- They have a beautiful, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
- Their long, silky fur is prone to tangling and matting, so it's important to brush them at least 2 to 3 times a week to prevent tangles from forming.
- Professional grooming may be required every 1-3 months to maintain their coat's length and overall appearance.
Are Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds easy to train?
- Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times.
- Begin training and socialisation as early as possible to establish good behaviours at a young age
- Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and rewards to motivate and encourage your dog during training sessions.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging to hold their attention. Aim for several short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.
- Be consistent in your commands, expectations, and rules. This will help your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund understand what is expected of them.
- Expose your dog to different environments, people, and other animals from an early age to ensure they become well-rounded and friendly.
- With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can train your Miniature Long Haired Dachshund to be a well-behaved, sociable pooch.
What do Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds eat?
- A nutritious and balanced diet is important for the health of Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds.
- Feed them high-quality dog food for small breeds, appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Dividing their daily food portion into two meals can help prevent overeating and aid digestion.
- For puppies, it's important to feed them a specially formulated puppy food until they reach approximately 12 months of age. Consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your dog's individual needs.
Are Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds healthy?
While Miniature Long Haired Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for this breed include:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis.
- Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
- Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye.
- Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Obesity - Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation leading to secondary health concerns.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Long Haired Miniature Dachshunds is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
