Mini Dachshund Coat Types - Hair Length and Colour Guide

If you’ve ever seen a tiny sausage dog trotting down the pavement, you’ve likely spotted a Miniature Dachshund.

These charming companions come in two sizes (Standard and Miniature) but share a big personality no matter which variety you bring home.

Today, we’re exploring the world of Miniature Dachshunds and their three coat types, along with the beautiful rainbow of colours and patterns that each Dachshund breed can display.

We adore the Miniature Dachshund, its bigger sibling, and all the other coat types in between.
Bred in Germany to burrow for small prey, the Dachshund is famous for its elongated body, short legs, and playful spirit.

But don’t let their small frame fool you: these dogs might look like they’re part rabbit, but they boast a surprisingly bold temperament.

If you’d like to learn even more about the history, quirks, and recommended care of these lovable pups, check out the Miniature Dachshund Breed Guide. For broader information on the Dachshund breed, the Dachshund Breed Guide is also a helpful resource.

Smooth-haired

The smooth-haired mini is the common Dachshund picture you see on postcards. Its coat is short and sleek with a definite undercoat.

Because their hair sits closer to the skin, they’re slightly more prone to temperature changes. A cosy jumper in winter never hurts, especially in chilly British weather.

Wire-haired

A wire-haired mini can look a bit like it visited the barber and never came out. This wire coat has a thick and coarse texture with a tell-tale beard and eyebrow fluff, much like some terriers have.

Wire-haired Dachshunds need regular trims to keep that classic shape in good order. Their hair growth can try to disguise them as scruffy explorers, but that only adds to their whimsical charm.

Long-haired

Then there’s the star of the show: the long haired Miniature Dachshunds.

A miniature longhaired Dachshund sports silky waves and feathering on the ears, chest, and tail.

They may appear more elegant, but that flowing hair sometimes traps dirt after a muddy walk.

Be sure to groom them regularly to help keep tangles away. The miniature dapple Dachshund version with a long coat can look especially stunning, with soft marking swirls.

Miniature Dachshund coats can come in many different shade variations, including black and tan, chocolate and tan, solid black, fawn, or even a dramatic piebald.

Some pups weave in dapple or double dapple patterns, and others display a sable pattern or brindle and red swirling effect.

According to the AKC and the UK Kennel Club, each base colour may appear with unique colours and patterns. Some owners love the wild boar tint that we rarely spot outside the wire-haired Dachshund variety.

You might hear about brindle and red or sable pattern pups as well. No matter your dog’s colouration, a bit of extra knowledge on that cosy coat will help you figure out possible grooming needs and any health concerns attached.

You’ll learn quickly that washing and brushing a dapple is funny: you can’t help but grin at the swirl of fluff in the bath.

Some folks assume a Miniature Dachshund has minimal grooming needs because of its petite size. But each coat type requires a different approach:

• Smooth-haired: Light brushing and occasional baths.
• Wire-haired: Hand-strip or clip to keep the beard and eyebrows in shape.
• Long-haired: Regular detangling, especially around the muzzle and chest.

A gentle approach to bathing will preserve their undercoat and natural oils. Don’t forget a stylish trim for wiry coats or a quick brushing routine for fluffy pups.

If you love pampering, be careful not to over-wash as too many baths can dry out their skin.

Give your mini plenty of playfulness and mental stimulation to keep them sharp and in good physical shape.

Short walks are usually enough because they have those famously tiny legs, but they still enjoy regular outings to explore.

If you’ve got a puppy, you might find "Socialising Your Puppy" an invaluable guide for building confidence.

Because Dachshunds are prone to certain health concerns like IVDD, it’s a wise move to cover their medical needs as early as possible.

For quotes and details, you can visit Miniature Dachshund Pet Insurance. It’s always nice to have that reassurance if your pup needs a vet’s attention.

If you’re on the hunt for more Dachshund-specific info or want tips on choosing perfect sausage-dog names, you might enjoy our blog post on Dachshund names. We hope you end up with a name as sweet as their face.

A Miniature Dachshund is a bundle of charm, whether you prefer a smooth-haired, long-haired, or wire-haired companion.

Each coat requires different grooming, but all deserve a cosy home, good healthcare, and plenty of belly rubs for those short legs to kick in delight.

From puppy years to adult dog life, their spirited nature and wide range of different colours ensure there’s a perfect sausage dog out there for everyone.

We’re here to cheer you along every step of the way, celebrating the adorable quirks that have made the Miniature Dachshund such a cherished dog breed.