Let's talk Standard Long-Haired Dachshunds

All you need to know about the breed

The Standard Long-Haired Dachshunds is one breed that’s easy to have around. An unruffled demeanour and lots of energy means they’re up for any game you propose. Repeatedly. You’ll always find the affectionate Dachshund right by your side. They are known to be warmhearted. And the Standard Long-Haired Dachshund’s lifespan of anywhere from 12 to 16 years means a lot of together-time.

As energetic as they are, this is one breed that’s never going to be a marathon buddy. Small jaunts around the block each day are enough to keep both little legs and a long body fit.

There are three Dachshund coat types: the Wire-Haired, the Smooth-Haired, and the Long-Haired. There are three Dachshund sizes, too: Miniature, Standard, and Kaninchen. The latter has a wider chest — measured at 30 cm — and a weight of no more than 3.5 kg. Kaninchen translates from German as “rabbit”, the size developed specifically to burrow and hunt rabbits or other small animals. Lovers of the breed commonly call weights between 11 and 16lbs “tweenies.” However, this category is not recognized by any official kennel club.

The Dachshund dog tends to be an independent spirit but they are not at all aloof. Conversely, they very much bond with one person. It’s important to train your Standard Long-Haired Dachshund correctly to ensure they are as social as possible and to prevent any nipping at strangers. With their legacy as a field sport dog, Standard Long-Haired Dachshunds possess a tenacious streak; crate training can help when necessary.

When it comes to work, this is a breed that likes to have a job, and doesn’t mind helping you with yours. They are characteristically courageous and, ironically, have a big bark — even sounding like a big dog — for such a little breed.

Standard Long-Haired Dachshunds should be kept warm as their small bodies don’t hold up to the cold. Canine-appropriate winter supplies can be a good idea. And Dachshunds can certainly pull it off.

The Standard Long-Haired Dachshund ancestry is a rich one emanating from Germany, where they are a source of national pride. A quintessential field sport dog, the breed is a member of the Hound Group bred from the German Bassett over six centuries. The German Dachshund Club was formed in 1888, and the Dachshund became a member in the American Kennel Club studbook in 1885.

For a small breed, they have a very loud bark that makes them sound like a much bigger dog. The distinctive Standard Long-Haired Dachshund bark developed due to their role as a field sport dog, to notify hunters above ground where the dog was when down below burrowing for prey. Often used in packs to hunt much bigger animals, like wild boar, their determined nature worked in their favour.

With anti-German sentiment rising after World War II, American fans of the friendly Dachshund breed changed their name to Liberty Hounds for some time. Luckily, it never took. The Dachshund eventually developed into the national symbol of Germany. The even-tempered breed has now become cherished the world over.