Long-haired Dachshund

The Long-haired Dachshund is a recognized variety of the Dachshund breed, distinguished by its silky, flowing coat and feathered ears and legs. This variety was developed in Germany, where the breed as a whole has been documented since the 15th century. Historians believe the long-haired trait was refined by crossbreeding smooth-coated Dachshunds with various spaniels (such as German or English spaniels) to create a dog that could better withstand colder climates while retaining its expert hunting abilities for tracking badgers and small game.

While originally bred for function, today they are primarily kept as beloved companion pets. They are famous for their 'sausage' or 'wiener' shape, which is a result of selective breeding for short legs to enter burrows. Ownership of the breed is not held by a corporation, but rather standardized by international kennel clubs such as the German Kennel Club (VDH) and the American Kennel Club (AKC), which maintain the health and appearance standards for the breed.