About this breed
Originating in Germany where he is known as the Teckel (badger dog) the Dachshund, is still used for both tracking wounded game such as deer, and for going to ground after badger or rabbits. In his native country there are three sizes: standard, miniature and Kaninchen (rabbit dog) all defined by measuring the circumference of the chest.
In the UK there are two sizes with miniatures preferably weighing under 5 kilograms.
There are three coat types in each variety: the Smooth haired, the Long haired and the Wirehaired and the six varieties all share the same breed standard, divided by size and coat.
Images for this breed
The Hound breed group
Breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight. The scent hounds include the Beagle and Bloodhound and the sight hounds such breeds as the Whippet and Greyhound. Many of them enjoy a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions.
Colour Watch
Category 2: Breeds with >2 to 10% registered NBS colours
Breed Standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Black & Cream
- Black & Cream Brindle
- Black & Tan
- Black & Tan Brindle
- Chocolate Dapple & Tan
- Chocolate & Cream
- Chocolate & Cream Brindle
- Chocolate & Tan
- Chocolate & Tan Brindle
- Chocolate Dapple & Cream
- Cream
- Cream Brindle
- Cream Dapple
- Red
- Red Brindle
- Red Dapple
- Shaded Cream
- Shaded Red
- Silver Dapple & Cream
- Silver Dapple & Tan
Non-breed-standard colours
- Black & Tan Piebald
- Blue & Cream
- Blue & Cream Dapple
- Blue & Tan
- Blue & Tan Dapple
- Blue & Tan Piebald
- Chocolate & Tan Piebald
- Cream Piebald
- Isabella & Tan
- Isabella & Tan Dapple
- Isabella & Tan Piebald
- Red Piebald
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Health
Whether you're considering buying a Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) puppy or breeding from your dog, it's important to understand the health issues that may affect the breed and how they can be managed or avoided.
Pre-breeding health screening
Good Practice schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that breeders, at a minimum, conduct these tests before breeding, as evidence indicates these conditions are a significant concern in the breed.
- Spine screening using the KC intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) screening scheme (supported by Dachshund Health UK) - Find a list of tested dogs here
Best Practice schemes and tests
These tests address conditions that are still significant for the breed, though they may not be as critical as those listed under Good Practice. They might be less common or newly identified, and research is ongoing to determine their full impact.
To support the breed’s health, responsible breeders should ensure they complete all tests in both categories. Following our Best Practice guidelines means completing both the Good Practice and Best Practice tests for your breed.
- DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy PRA(cord1) - Find a lists of tested dogs here
- Eye testing using the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
This breed can be affected by conformational concerns, more information can be found here.
Click here to find out more about The Kennel Club's health standard
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed or Activity Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
DNA testing services
To support your health testing journey, we offer a breed-specific package tailored to your breed's unique health needs. This package provides important information about potential health risks, helping you make informed decisions. Click here to find out more and access the tests relevant to your breed.
The breeding for health framework
Throughout 2025 we ran a major review of our pedigree dog health work, from which we have developed a new model called the breeding for health framework.
This framework covers all aspects of health and welfare that should influence breeding decisions for any breed or type of dog, building on from our previous Breed Health and Conservation Plans, and is broken down into three main areas of health:
- inbreeding/ genetic diversity
- conformation
- breed-related disease/ wellbeing
By applying the breeding for health framework, we can group all the breeds that share a certain issue together, so that we can provide targeted support and breed communities can share relevant experiences and expertise. All previous actions and priorities from the Breed Health and Conservation Plans are being transitioned into the new framework.
You can read more about the breeding for health framework here, and watch this space as we update and progress this framework to apply to your breed
More about health
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email
Find out more about health issues in this breed by visiting the Dachshund Breed Council's health website.
Breed watch
Category 2
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
With effect from 1 January 2010, The Kennel Club will not accept the registration of any Dachshund puppies from matings which take place on or after this date, where both parents are dapple. This is due to associated health risks of impaired vision and hearing associated with the dapple gene in this breed.
Dachshund parents of the same breed may produce one or more puppies of a different coat and may be registered as the breed to which its coat most closely conforms. This proviso does not allow for the interchange of Dachshunds between the two sizes. The option to register online is not available and must be submitted by post on a litter application form. A note should be made next to the relevant puppy or in the form of an accompanying letter.
Looking for a puppy?
Looking for a Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired)? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.
More information
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