Key takeaways
- A mini long haired dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under at 12 months, per the American Kennel Club official standard.
- The silky coat needs brushing two or three times a week, with extra attention to the ears, chest, and feathering behind the legs.
- Dachshunds carry a real risk of back disease, so managing weight and protecting the spine matters more than coat length.
- Cream, red, black and tan, and chocolate are the most requested colors, with dapple and piebald as sought-after patterns.
- Buy from a breeder who health-tests, socializes the litter, and lets you meet the puppy before you commit.
A mini long haired dachshund pairs the compact size of a miniature doxie with a soft, flowing coat that many buyers fall for on sight. If you are close to bringing one home, the details that matter most are coat care, temperament, color, and choosing a puppy raised by a careful breeder.
This guide walks through each of those, with plain advice you can act on. By the end you will know what daily life with this dog looks like and how to spot a healthy puppy worth the wait.
What Sets the Mini Long Haired Dachshund Apart
The defining traits are size and coat. A miniature dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older, while the standard variety runs 16 to 32 pounds (American Kennel Club, Official Standard of the Dachshund). The long coat adds silky feathering to that small frame.
Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and long-haired. The long variety carries soft, slightly wavy hair that is longest on the ears, chest, the underside of the body, and behind the legs. That feathering is what gives the dog its elegant look and its higher grooming needs.
Temperament ties the package together. The AKC describes the breed as clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. In a mini long-haired dog, that bold personality arrives in a lap-sized companion with a coat that rewards regular attention.
Grooming a Silky Long Coat
The long coat needs brushing two or three times a week, plus a little daily upkeep on the areas prone to tangles. A slicker brush and a metal comb handle most of the work. Aim for a routine you can keep, since consistency beats occasional deep sessions.
Focus on the friction zones. The ears mat easily because the feathering is fine and the ear flaps trap moisture. Check the chest, the "trousers" behind the back legs, and the belly line, where debris collects on walks. A quick comb after muddy outings prevents small knots from setting.
Bathe every four to six weeks or when the coat gets grubby, using a gentle dog shampoo. Dry the ears thoroughly and check them weekly, since floppy ears raise the odds of infection. Trim the hair between the paw pads so it does not pick up burrs and salt.
The coat sheds year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts, so a de-shedding session in spring and fall keeps loose hair in check. Most owners find the routine manageable once it becomes habit.
Temperament and Family Fit
Mini long-haired dachshunds are affectionate, alert, and deeply bonded to their people, which makes them strong companions for families, couples, and singles. They were bred to hunt, so the confidence and curiosity run deep, and early training channels that drive in the right direction.
They tend to attach closely to one or two favorites while staying friendly with the whole household. That loyalty comes with a stubborn streak, so short, upbeat training sessions with treats work far better than repetition or correction. Socialize the puppy early to people, sounds, and other dogs.
Here is the practical caution: the long back is a genuine health consideration. As many as 25% of dachshunds develop intervertebral disc disease during their lifetime (PetMD, accessed 2026). Keeping your dog lean, discouraging jumping from furniture, and supporting the spine when lifting all reduce strain.
With that care in place, the breed lives a long, full life. Dachshunds typically live 12 to 16 years (PetMD, accessed 2026), so a puppy is a commitment measured in more than a decade. Families with very young children should supervise play and teach gentle handling from day one.
Popular Colors and Patterns
Color is where buyers often start, and mini long-haired dachshunds offer a rich palette. Cream and red are among the most requested solid shades because the silky coat shows them off beautifully. Black and tan and chocolate and tan round out the common two-tone looks.
Beyond solids, two patterns draw strong demand. Dapple gives a mottled, marbled effect over a base color, and no two dapples look exactly alike. Piebald adds white patching to a colored coat, often with a striking symmetrical face. Both patterns command attention and, frequently, higher prices.
A responsible note on breeding: pairing two dapple dogs (double dapple) can cause serious eye and hearing defects, so ethical breeders avoid it. Ask any breeder how a dapple litter was produced before you commit.
Whatever color catches your eye, remember that pattern does not change temperament or care needs. A cream mini and a dapple mini brush the same and love the same. Choose the personality that fits your home first, then the color.
Where to Find a Mini Long Haired Dachshund Puppy
Start with a breeder who health-tests, socializes the litter in a home setting, and welcomes your questions. Because dachshunds carry a real risk of back disease, a breeder who talks openly about spine health and weight management is showing you the right priorities from the first conversation.
Ask to see where the puppies are raised and to meet at least one parent. A trustworthy breeder shares health records, is honest about the breed's needs, and never pressures you to buy quickly. If a seller dodges those basics, walk away. Our guide on choosing dachshund breeders you trust lays out the exact questions to ask.
At Nobledachshundpuppies, litters are raised with that care in mind: early socialization, veterinary checks, and support after your puppy comes home. Whether you want a cream, red, or dapple mini long-haired doxie, the goal is the same, matching a healthy, well-started puppy with a family ready to give it a good life.
Take your time, meet the puppy, and trust what you see. A mini long haired dachshund will share your home for well over a decade, so the weeks you spend choosing carefully pay off every year afterward. When you are ready, reach out to talk through available puppies and find the one that fits.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a mini long haired dachshund get?
A miniature dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older, according to the American Kennel Club standard. Long-haired minis fall in that same weight range, standing about 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder.
Do mini long haired dachshunds shed a lot?
They shed moderately. The silky coat sheds year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts in spring and fall. Regular brushing two or three times a week keeps loose hair and mats under control.
Are mini long haired dachshunds good family dogs?
Yes. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal, which suits families and singles alike. Supervise play with very young children and teach everyone to support the long back correctly when lifting.
What is the most popular mini long haired dachshund color?
Cream and red are among the most requested solid colors, prized for how they show off the silky coat. Black and tan and chocolate and tan are common too, while dapple and piebald patterns draw strong demand.
How long do mini long haired dachshunds live?
Dachshunds typically live 12 to 16 years, according to PetMD. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and protecting the spine helps them reach the upper end of that range.