
Dachshund (Long-Haired)
The Long-Haired Dachshund is a medium breed dog on short legs. The coat should be soft, straight or only slightly waved, forming attractive feathering on the backs of legs, ears and tail.










The most common health problem seen in the Dachshund is related to their body shape - with their long backs and short legs they are more prone to spinal disorders and joint problems;
- Intervertebral disc disease: a condition where there is abnormality in the discs which act to cushion the bones in the spine. The discs can dislodge or burst, which puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord leading to back pain and weakness or paralysis of the limbs.
- Angular limb deformities: caused by asynchronous growth of a pair of bones, which appear bowed or rotated and may result in pain and lameness.
Long Haired Dachshunds are also prone to:
- Mitral valve disease¹ which is where the heart valves become diseased and don't work properly.
- Cushing's syndrome², which is where too much natural steroid hormone is produced, leading to symptoms such as excessive drinking and tiredness.
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) which is a painful condition where the tear gland stops working properly.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- IVDD Scheme for Dachshunds
¹L. H. Olsen et al, 'Epidemiology and Inheritance of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Dachshunds', 1999, Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine
²G. Carotenuto et al, 'Cushing’s syndrome- an epidemiological study based on a canine population of 21,281 dogs', 2019, Open Veterinary Journal
The Dachshund (Long Haired) is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality and nature. Said to be calmer than either the Smooth or the Wire haired varieties, the Long Haired Dachshund still retains the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed, but is also known for being loyal and good-tempered. They are excellent at tracking a scent outdoors, but equally make an affectionate, people-friendly housedog. It should not come as a surprise that the Dachshund is fond of the sound of his own voice, bearing in mind his ancestral purpose!