Long Haired Mini Dachshund
A Long Haired Mini Dachshund is a coat and size variety of the Dachshund. There are three coat varieties within this breed: smooth coat, long hair and wire-hair. Smooth-coats are very popular and the most numerous of the three. Originally, the Dachshund was smooth-coated to perform its task of following the prey into the earth and fighting with badgers and other animals in narrow dens. A pack of Dachshunds could hunt large game like wolverine or wild boar. Long-coated and wire-haired dogs could not be used for hunting ground-dwelling animals, though they retained the working abilities and hunting drive of the Dachshund and were used for hunting hare, stoat, and birds. Such Dachshunds had much in common with Terriers.
Today, a Long Haired Mini Dachshund is not normally used for hunting. Such dogs are adored for their unusual appearance and friendly personality and are kept mostly as pets. Dachshunds can also serve as watchdogs and sport companions. They make excellent pets for active families, but are not recommended for families with small children.
A well-bred and properly trained Long Haired Mini Dachshund can succeed in a variety of dog sports. In Germany, Dachshunds compete in Dachshund racing (Wiener Nationals.) In the USA, Dachshund racing competitions are held in some places, though the DCA (Dachshund Club of America) disapproves of this sport, as it’s potentially dangerous for the dogs. Also, Dachshunds take part in earth dog trials, in which they have to locate an artificial bait in a tunnel with obstacles and dead ends. Scent tracking events are also frequented by Dachshunds.
Dachshunds are very popular in the USA and all over the world due to their small size, low activity level, and affectionate personality. Often, people obtain these dogs as pets for apartment living and as playmates for their children without learning much on the breed’s keeping requirements. Irresponsible and unknowledgeable owners soon get disappointed with their dogs, because a Dachshund needs early consistent training and a strong owner able to display leadership. Without due socialization and obedience training, even a funny-looking Long Haired Mini Dachshund becomes dominating, aggressive, and nervous.
