Miniature Long Haired Dachshund Puppies for Sale

Miniature long haired Dachshund puppies for sale are among the most sought-after small companion dogs in the world. With their silky coats, expressive eyes, and unmistakable low-slung silhouette, they combine the classic Dachshund charm with a softer, more elegant appearance. But behind that adorable exterior is a bold, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn dog that needs the right home, the right care, and the right breeder.

This guide is written for people who have already decided they want a miniature long haired Dachshund and are now in the research stage before buying. You will learn what these dogs are really like, what they need day to day, which health issues matter most, and how to tell a responsible breeder from a careless one — so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Breed Overview

The Dachshund is a German breed developed centuries ago to hunt badgers and other burrowing game. The name literally means "badger dog." The long haired variety emerged from crosses with spaniels and other long-coated breeds, giving the dog a softer coat and a somewhat gentler disposition while preserving the courage and tenacity of the original hunting dog.

The miniature long haired Dachshund is a smaller version of that same dog, bred to weigh roughly 11 pounds or less at maturity. Despite their size, they retain the full Dachshund personality: curious, brave, clever, and often comically self-important. They are affectionate with their families but tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes early socialization essential.

If you are still comparing Dachshund varieties, it helps to understand how coat types differ. Our guide to long haired wiener dog puppies explains the broader long haired family, while the miniature Dachshund dogs for sale page covers the breed in its smaller form across all coat types. For those interested in specific coat patterns, the long haired piebald Dachshund puppies for sale page is a useful comparison.

Temperament & Personality

The miniature long haired Dachshund is often described as a big dog in a small body. They are confident, alert, and surprisingly brave for their size. They bond deeply with their primary person and can be velcro dogs who want to be wherever you are — including under the covers at night.

What to Expect Day to Day

• Affectionate but on their own terms: Long haired Dachshunds are loving and enjoy cuddling, but they also have an independent streak. They are not blindly obedient and will often test whether a request is worth their effort.
• Alert watchdogs: Their hunting background makes them quick to notice sounds and visitors. They bark to alert, which is useful but can become excessive without training.
• Strong prey drive: Squirrels, birds, and even household cats may trigger chase instincts. Early socialization and a secure leash are essential outdoors.
• Playful and mischievous: They enjoy toys, digging, and games. Boredom leads to chewing, barking, and escape attempts — mental stimulation matters as much as walks.
• Reserved with strangers: Proper introductions and positive experiences during puppyhood prevent fearfulness later. Puppy classes are highly recommended.

Temperament is heavily influenced by genetics and early experiences. A puppy from a breeder who raises litters in a home environment with handling, noise, and varied visitors will generally be more confident than one raised in a kennel. If behavior problems do emerge later, our guides on behavior modification techniques and when to see a behaviorist can help you respond appropriately.

Coat Types & Colors

The long haired Dachshund's coat is its defining feature. It is fine, silky, and slightly wavy, with longer feathering on the ears, chest, underside, and tail. The coat is softer and cooler to the touch than the smooth or wire haired varieties.

Common Colors and Patterns

• Red: The classic solid color, ranging from pale golden to deep mahogany. Red long haired Dachshunds are among the most popular.
• Black and tan: A black body with tan markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail. Bold and striking.
• Chocolate and tan: Similar pattern to black and tan but with a rich brown base coat.
• Cream: A pale, elegant solid color that shows off the silky coat beautifully.
• Dapple: A mottled pattern of lighter patches on a darker base. Dapple to dapple breeding is controversial because it can produce double dapples with serious health defects.
• Piebald: Large white areas with colored patches. Piebald long haired Dachshunds are visually striking and often in high demand.

Two patterns are worth exploring in more detail if you are shopping specifically for them. The long haired speckled Dachshund guide explains speckling and dapple patterns, while the miniature long haired dapple Dachshund puppies for sale page covers the dapple variety in the miniature size. For piebald specifically, the miniature long haired dapple Dachshund puppies page is another useful reference.

Size & Growth

Miniature long haired Dachshunds are small but sturdy. Unlike toy breeds that are delicate and fragile, miniature Dachshunds have a solid, muscular build with short legs and a long body. Their weight and proportions are what make them robust — and what make spine care so important.

Height at the shoulder is typically 5 to 7 inches. Because the long coat adds visual volume, these dogs often appear larger than their actual weight. Keep in mind that weight guidelines are ranges — a healthy miniature Dachshund should have a visible waist and ribs you can feel but not see.

If you are comparing sizes across related breeds, our pages on miniature sausage dog puppies for sale and miniature Dachshund puppies for sale in Upper Michigan offer regional and naming variations of the same breed.

Grooming & Daily Care

The long coat is the main difference between this variety and smooth-coated Dachshunds, and it directly affects your daily routine. Grooming is not optional — a neglected long coat mats quickly, traps moisture, and can cause skin infections.

Brushing and Bathing

• Brushing: Three to four times per week with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Pay special attention to the ears, chest, armpits, and tail, where tangles form first.
• Bathing: Every four to six weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. Over-bathing strips natural oils and causes dry, itchy skin. Use a dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin if your puppy is prone to irritation.
• Drying: Towel dry and use a low-heat dryer if needed, especially in cool weather. A damp long coat can chill a small dog quickly.
• Trimming: Trim hair around the paws for traction and hygiene, and keep the area under the tail clean. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is helpful if you are not confident with scissors.

Nails, Ears, and Teeth

• Nails: Trim every two to four weeks. Long nails affect gait and put extra strain on the spine and joints. A quality nail clipper and styptic powder are basic kit items.
• Ears: Long floppy ears trap moisture and wax. Check weekly and clean with a dog-specific ear cleaner. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
• Teeth: Dachshunds are prone to dental disease. Brush daily or at least three times per week with a dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.

For a full breakdown of tools and techniques, see our complete dog grooming guide. A good dog brush suited to long coats makes the routine far easier and more pleasant for both of you.

Exercise & Spine Safety

Exercise keeps a miniature long haired Dachshund fit, lean, and mentally satisfied. But because of their long back and short legs, the type of exercise matters as much as the amount. The goal is strong muscles and a healthy weight without jarring the spine.

Recommended Daily Routine

• Two or three short walks: 15 to 20 minutes each, on a harness rather than a collar to avoid neck strain. Sniffing time is mental enrichment, so let your dog explore.
• Controlled play: Fetch along the ground, gentle tug, and puzzle toys. Avoid games that involve twisting, jumping, or landing hard.
• Swimming: An excellent low-impact activity that builds core and leg muscle without spinal compression. Use a well-fitted life vest and supervise at all times.
• Mental work: Short training sessions, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys tire the mind and reduce destructive behavior.

Activities to Avoid

• Jumping off furniture: Repeated landings from sofas and beds are a leading cause of spinal injury. Use dog steps or a ramp and teach your dog to use them.
• Stairs: Limit stairs, especially during puppyhood. Carry your puppy up and down when practical.
• Rough play with large dogs: A friendly bump from a big dog can injure a small Dachshund's back.
• Long hikes on hard surfaces: Moderate, flat walks are fine, but avoid intense endurance activity.

If you want to build a broader fitness plan, our daily exercise requirements for dogs guide helps you tailor activity to age and condition. Senior Dachshunds benefit from shorter, more frequent walks and low-impact swimming.

Health Concerns

Long haired Dachshunds are generally healthy, but the breed has some well-known predispositions. Understanding them helps you choose a breeder, plan preventive care, and budget for potential costs.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is the most important health concern in any Dachshund. The long back and short legs place stress on the spinal discs, and discs can bulge or rupture, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. Not every Dachshund develops IVDD, and responsible breeding, weight management, and activity choices reduce the risk. Keep your dog lean, use ramps and steps, avoid jumping, and see a vet promptly if you notice back pain, reluctance to move, or hind-leg weakness.

Other Conditions to Watch

• Patellar luxation: Slipping kneecaps can cause lameness. Breeders should screen breeding dogs for joint issues.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness. DNA testing of breeding stock is available and recommended.
• Obesity: Extra weight dramatically increases spinal and joint stress. Feed measured meals and adjust based on body condition, not appetite.
• Dental disease: Small breeds are prone to plaque and periodontal disease. Daily brushing and professional cleanings protect overall health.
• Diabetes and endocrine issues: Less common but seen in the breed. Annual bloodwork from middle age onward helps catch problems early.

When evaluating a breeder, ask about health testing for eyes and joints, and whether puppies are sold with a health guarantee. Understanding the breeder contract guide helps you know what a fair contract should include. For more on genetic screening, see genetic testing for dog breeds.

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

Finding miniature long haired Dachshund puppies for sale is easy. Finding a breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and ethical practices takes more effort — and it is the single most important decision you will make. A puppy from a careless breeder may cost less upfront but can bring heartbreak and significant veterinary bills later.

Signs of a Responsible Breeder

• Health tests breeding dogs for eyes, joints, and other breed-relevant conditions.
• Raises puppies in a home environment with handling, noise, and daily interaction.
• Provides a written contract with a health guarantee and spay/neuter or breeding restrictions.
• Allows you to visit the puppies and see their living conditions, or provides live video if distance is an issue.
• Asks you detailed questions about your home, lifestyle, experience with dogs, and plans for the puppy.
• Shares veterinary records, vaccination history, and deworming schedule.
• Is willing to answer questions and stays in contact after the sale.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Multiple litters available at all times, or puppies from many different breeds.
• Refusal to let you see the mother or the premises.
• No health testing or vague answers about the parents' health.
• Pressure to buy immediately or pay a deposit without a contract.
• Puppies sold before 8 weeks of age.
• Prices that seem unusually low compared with reputable breeders.

For a deeper dive, read our guides on how to find a reputable dog breeder, the questions to ask a dog breeder, and the red flags of a bad dog breeder. Understanding the difference between a puppy mill and a reputable breeder is essential, and our page on backyard breeder dangers explains why shortcuts often harm puppies. Use our puppy visit checklist before you commit, and review ethical breeding practices so you know what to look for.

If you prefer adoption, the miniature long haired Dachshund puppies for adoption page and our guide on looking for a rescue dog are good starting points. Many wonderful Dachshunds end up in rescue through no fault of their own.

Ownership Considerations

Bringing home a miniature long haired Dachshund is a 12-to-16-year commitment. Before you buy, plan for the ongoing costs and practical realities of small-dog ownership, not just the purchase itself.

What to Prepare

• Supplies: A properly sized dog crate, a supportive dog bed, food and water bowls, a well-fitted dog harness, a lightweight dog leash, grooming tools, and safe toys. Our puppy supplies checklist covers the essentials.
• Nutrition: Feed a complete diet appropriate for small breeds. Miniature Dachshunds do well on portion-controlled meals; free feeding often leads to obesity. See our dog food guide and puppy food pages for guidance.
• Veterinary care: Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings. Consider pet insurance early while your puppy is healthy.
• Training: Puppy classes and positive reinforcement training are the best investment you can make. A trained Dachshund is far easier to live with than an untrained one.
• Home setup: Ramps or dog steps for furniture, a secure dog gate to block stairs, and a safe outdoor area. A dog fence must be secure because Dachshunds dig and can squeeze through small gaps.
• Travel and safety: A dog carrier or dog car seat for safe travel, and a dog tag with current identification. A GPS tracker adds peace of mind for a breed that follows its nose.

If you are comparing this breed with other small long-haired dogs, our pages on long haired teacup Chihuahua puppies for sale and miniature long haired Chihuahua puppies for sale offer useful contrasts in size and temperament. For those interested in related Dachshund sizes, see miniature long haired Dachshund puppies for sale as the main reference and compare with the miniature Dachshund dogs for sale overview.

Frequently Asked Questions