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    Size
    Small (under 11kg)
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    Exercise
    20 min/day
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    Training
    Puppy school only
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    Size of home
    Some outdoor space
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    Time at home
    Alone with support
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    Grooming
    Weekly
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    Barking preference
    Moderate
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    Personality
    Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

  • Breeder - Mrs Heather Coles
    Breeder - Mrs Heather Coles (AASHUDNA)

    admin@sydneydachshunds.com

    See Details
  • Breeder - Mrs Lynda Wilton
    Breeder - Mrs Lynda Wilton (Wynbourn)

    wynbourn@gmail.com

    See Details
1. Cabal Canine Candids. Wire haired

History

Short legged, long bodied hounds of Dachshund type were recorded in carvings in Egyptian monuments as far back as the 15th century BC, and there is evidence that the English, as well as the Germans and Italians, had a similar hunting breed back in the 15th and 16th centuries. The breed was standardised in Germany where the dogs were used to enter badger dens, an exercise which required a short, powerful legs and a long body. Hunting per se is now frowned upon, but Dachshunds still retain the instinct and excel in Earthdog sports.

Most of the early dogs were bred with extremely crooked forelegs amounting, by present day standards, almost to a deformity. A German book on hunting published in 1719, however, does contain pictures of two dogs which very much resemble modern day Dachshunds and in 1879 the first German Stud Book was formulated listing the dogs and their breeders. Our show dogs today trace directly back to these. By the end of the 19th century the Germans were holding dog shows and hunting matches and Dachshunds were being developed in a greatly improved form. The Standard Dachshund back then was much smaller than the Standard size found in non-continental countries today and continues to be preferred, even to this day.

Dachshunds came to England around 1860, and prizes were first awarded at the Crystal Palace Dog Show in 1875. Both Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales were keen Dachshund fanciers and this Royal patronage helped the breed tremendously. In 1877 the Kennel Club in England divided the Dachshund exhibited into groups, according to weight, and in 1878, another innovation occurred, division by colour. The breed was given its first real organisation when The Dachshund Club was formed and aided by Royal favour, the Dachshund had really arrived.

Miniature Dachshunds were introduced into England from Germany in 1938 and the Miniature Dachshund Club of England was formed in 1935. Early importations were in many cases unattractive; pop-eyed, short in ear and lacking in bone, but with the judicious use of small standards English breeders evolved the miniatures of today. Miniature Dachshunds are currently very popular as pets and make loyal companions.

Appearance

The breed is described as moderately long and low; compact with a well-muscled body; bold, defiant carriage of head and intelligent expression. In 2008 the Breed Standard to define the expected ratio of length to height, making it clear that adequate ground clearance is required to ensure dogs are fit for function.

Long-Haired - Soft and straight, or only slightly waved; longest under neck, on underparts of body and behind legs, where it forms abundant feathering, on tail where it forms a flag. Outside of ears well feathered. Coat flat, and not obscuring outline. Too much hair on feet undesirable. 1.

All colours permitted but no white permissible, save for a small patch on chest which is permitted but not desirable. The dapple pattern is expressed as lighter coloured areas contrasting with the darker base. Neither the light nor the dark colours should predominate. Double Dapple (where varying amounts of white occurs all over the body in addition to the dapple pattern) is unacceptable. 1.

Ideal weight: 9-12 kgs (20-26 lbs).

Miniature ideal weight; 4.5kgs (10lbs). Desired maximum weight 5kg 

Temperament

Faithful, versatile and good tempered.

The following extract from “The Show Dachshund” by Robert Cole and Dr Sylvia Kershaw pp 7-9 summarise the temperament of the Dachshund. “The Dachshund has been described as the most likeable of dogs. They are particularly faithful and friendly and at the same time intelligent and teachable. In the house they are clean and well behaved and outside faithful, alert and reliable watch dogs.”

Dachshunds can be obstinate but once trained, excellent guard and house dogs, peaceable with their own variety and can be kept in groups.

1. Submitted taken by Talia Kelly. Nicholyev Standard Smooths and Miniature Long Dachshunds
2. Cabal Canine Candids. Wire Haired
2. Submitted taken by Talia Kelly. Nicholyev Standard Smooths and Miniature Long Dachshunds
2. Submitted by Heather Notting.Edited. Kerry Afford Photography
shutterstock_450310048 - Copy
2. Cabal Canine Candids. Wire Haired
2. Submitted taken by Talia Kelly. Nicholyev Standard Smooths and Miniature Long Dachshunds
2. Submitted by Heather Notting.Edited. Kerry Afford Photography
shutterstock_450310048 - Copy

Characteristics

Intelligent, lively, courageous to the point of rashness, obedient. Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong forequarters and forelegs. Long, strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold. Excellent nose, persevering hunter and tracker. Essential that functional build is retained to ensure working ability. 2.

Health

The breed generally suffers few health problems providing they are kept well exercised and fed a healthy, balanced diet. DNA testing for cord1 PRA has helped ensure there are very few cases of blindness from this genetic mutation. On average, they live to 12 years old and it is not unusual for them to live well beyond 15. As a dwarf breed, they have an increased risk of back problems (IVDD). Research by the RVC in 2013 suggested that exaggerated length and lack of height also contributed to an increased risk of IVDD.

We recommend that puppy buyers ask about any history of back problems and avoid buying puppies from parents with exaggerated length of body or excessively short legs. Lafora’s Disease has been identified in Miniature Wires and a DNA test developed. Breeders have responded and almost all Miniature Wires have been tested. 

Suitability

Dachshunds are currently very popular as pets and make loyal companions.

Information in this article, compiled by Kathy Anderson, is based on “Dachshunds, Dachshunds, Dachshunds,” published in National Dog July 2002 edition and the Dachshund Club UK newsletters, published by Ian Seath.

1 & 2 DOGS AUSTRALIA Extended Breed Standard of The Dachshunds produced by The National Dachshund Council (Australia) in conjunction with DOGS AUSTRALIA

Image supplied by Eric Soti.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Dachshund Standard Long Haired and Miniature Long Haired, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Dachshund Long Haired and  Miniature Long Haired and its needs and whether this breed and type would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 01 Dec 2025)

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Breed Standard - Dachshund Standard Long Haired & Miniature Long Haired

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues (https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/hound/dachshund-miniature-smooth-haired/). If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.  However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable, it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.Moderately long in proportion to height, with no exaggeration.  Compact, well-muscled body, with enough ground clearance, not less than one quarter of the height at the withers to allow free movement. Heights at the withers should be half the length of the body, measured from breastbone to the rear of thigh. Bold, defiant carriage of the head and intelligent expression.

Characteristics

Intelligent, lively, courageous to the point of rashness, obedient. Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong forequarters and forelegs. Long, strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold. Excellent nose, persevering hunter and tracker. Essential that functional build, size and proportions ensure working ability.

Temperament

Faithful, versatile and good tempered.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull Long, appearing conical when seen from above; from side tapering uniformly to tip of nose. Skull only slightly arched. Neither too broad nor too narrow, sloping gradually without prominent stop into slightly arched muzzle. Length from tip of nose to eyes equal to length from eyes to occiput. In wire haired, particularly, ridges over eyes strongly prominent, giving appearance of slightly broader skull. Lips well stretched, neatly covering lower jaw. Strong jaw bones not too square or snipy, but opening wide.
Eyes Medium size, almond shaped, set obliquely. Dark except in chocolates, where they can be lighter. In dapples one or both wall eyes permissible.
Ears Set high, and not too far forward. Broad, of moderate length, and well rounded (not pointed or folded). Forward edge touching cheek. Mobile, and when at attention back of ear directed forward and outward.
Mouth Teeth strongly developed, powerful canine teeth fitting closely. Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Complete dentition important.
Neck Long, muscular, clean with no dewlap, slightly arched, running in graceful lines into shoulders, carried proudly forward.
Forequarters Shoulder blades long, broad, and placed firmly and obliquely (45 degrees to the horizontal) upon robust rib cage. Upper arm the same length as shoulder blade, set at 90 degrees to it, very strong, and covered with hard, supple muscles. Upper arm lies close to ribs, but able to move freely. Forearm short and strong in bone, inclining inwards, forming a slight crook which fits neatly around the chest.  When seen in profile moderately straight, must not bend forward or knuckle over, which indicates unsoundness. Correctly placed foreleg should cover the lowest point of the keel, with ground clearance never less than one quarter of the height at the withers.
Body Moderately long and full muscled. Sloping shoulders, back reasonably level, blending harmoniously between withers and slightly arched loin. Withers and quarters of approximately the same height. Loin short and strong. Breast bone strong, and so prominent that a depression appears on either side of it in front. When viewed from front, thorax full and oval; when viewed from side or above, full volumed, so allowing by its ample capacity complete development of heart and lungs. Ribs extending well back with good length of sternum. Underline gradually merging into line of abdomen. Body sufficiently clear of ground to allow free movement.
Hindquarters Rump full, broad and strong, pliant muscles. Croup long, full, robustly muscled, only slightly sloping towards tail. Pelvis strong, set obliquely and not too short. Upper thigh set at right angles to pelvis, strong and of good length. Lower thigh short, set at right angles to upper thigh and well muscled. Viewed from the rear, hind legs straight and parallel, neither close nor wide apart.
Feet Front feet full, broad, deep, close knit, straight or very slightly turned out. Hindfeet smaller and narrower. Toes close together, with a decided arch to each toe, strong regularly placed nails, thick and firm pads. Dog must stand true, i.e. equally on all parts of the foot.
Tail Continues line of spine, but slightly curved, without kinks or twists, not carried above the topline, or touching ground when at rest.
Gait/Movement Should be free and flowing. Stride should be long, with the drive coming from hindquarters when viewed from the side. Viewed from in front or behind, the legs and feet should move parallel to each other with the distance apart being the width of the shoulder and hip joints respectively.
Coat Smooth-HairedDense, short and smooth. Hair on underside of tail coarse in texture. Skin loose and supple, but fitting closely all over without dewlap and little or no wrinkle.Long-HairedSoft and straight, or only slightly waved; longest under neck, on underparts of body and behind legs, where it forms abundant feathering, on tail where it forms a flag. Outside of ears well feathered. Coat flat, and not obscuring outline. Too much hair on feet undesirable.Wire-HairedWith exception of jaw, eyebrows, chin and ears, the whole body should be covered with a short, straight, harsh coat with dense undercoat, beard on chin, eyebrows bushy, but hair on ears almost smooth. Legs and feet well but neatly furnished with harsh coat.
Colour The following colours are permitted in all six varieties:Red – which may be interspersed with black hairs.Black or Chocolate – each with tan markings (as clear as possible) over eyes, on sides of muzzle, under jaw and down chest, on lower part of legs and feet, below the tail and about one third of underside of tail.Dapple pattern – (lighter coloured areas on a darker base, where neither the light nor the dark colour should predominate) is permitted in any of the colours listed as acceptable, with the exception of brindle.The following colours are acceptable only in the varieties specified:Miniature Smooth-haired and Miniature Long-haired:Cream (fawn), interspersed black hairs are permissible.Black/chocolate and cream – where the cream is as clear as possible and is distributed in the same locations as the tan marking listed above.Smooth-haired, Miniature Smooth-haired and Miniature Long-haired:Brindle - black hairs forming stripes on any of the colours listed above.Wire-haired and Miniature Wire-haired:Wild Boar of any shade, or Chocolate Wild Boar with tan markings as clear as possible in the same locations as the tan markings listed above.Nose and nails black in all colours except chocolate/tan and chocolate dapple where they are brown.In all colours no white permissible, save for a small patch on chest which is permitted but not desirable.The following colours are unacceptable in any variety:Double dapple (where varying amounts of white occur all over the body in addition to the dapple pattern), Isabella, blue and all other colours or patterns including piebald and tricolour are unacceptable.
Size Ideal weight 9-12 kgs (20-26 lbs)Miniature ideal weight 4.5kgs (10 lbs). Desired maximum weight 5kgs (11 lbs)Exhibits which appear thin and undernourished should be severely penalised.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points, including desired body condition should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog as well as its ability to perform its traditional work.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.Note for prospective puppy buyers:Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.

History

Originating in Germany, the Dachshund, (Teckel) was bred to hunt small game, predominantly badger, that goes to ground. The dog was required to scent, track and pursue game into burrows. The dog was required to move over all types of terrain, including dense undergrowth and water. The Dachshund was required to have intelligence, strength, endurance and versatility, a long body with relatively short legs and three different coat types all of which combine to enable it fulfil its purpose.Miniature Dachshunds were bred to have the same attributes as Standards, but were used to hunt smaller game.

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