Long-Haired Dachshund Gifts

Dachshunds, who are affectionately known as "weiner dogs" and "hot dogs," are a small breed with low-to-the-ground, long, thin bodies. The long-hair variety of the breed sports silky fur, especially around the tail. Long-hair dachshunds have breed-specific health and behavioral issues, so consider giving a gift that helps the dog stay comfortable and active.

  1. Pet Bed

    • Dachshunds are prone to a special canine slipped disc syndrome in their spines, according to the "Dog Owner's Guide." While the illness is genetic, you can make the pet more comfortable by purchasing a soft, fluffy bed for him to curl up in. The beds are available from most pet stores, mass merchandisers and specialty retailers. Consider the dog's personality. For more vibrant "weiner dogs," consider a soft bed with a fabric pattern of shooting flames. Other dogs may enjoy beds with pictures of bones, food bowls or even images of cats. You can even color coordinate the pet bed with a home's decor.

    Tug Toy

    • Long-hair dachshunds are interested in engaging their human counterparts in games. As the breed was originally designed to hunt badgers and rabbits, give the dog a gift that challenges and awakens her spirit of the chase. Tug toys are available in pet shops, designed where the human holds one end and the dog grabs onto the other with her teeth. Gently pull back and forth or run through the yard together. Tug toys can also be tossed as part of a fetch game or used as a reward.

    Brushes

    • Help your dog look her best with grooming assistance from a brush. Try a pin brush, which is effective on dogs with long, silky hair like a dachshund. Pin brushes may be purchased with rubber-tipped ends for pets who have sensitive skin or who may be afraid of the needle-like pins. If your dachshund picks up mats in her fur from the long hair, use a slicker brush to gently disentangle the clumps.

    Sweaters

    • Though they may be called "hot dogs," dachshunds' long, little bodies can often get cold when they go for walks. Crafters have created entire wardrobes for your long-haired friend, including cloaks, fleece cover-ups, hoodies, trench coats and slickers. You can even get coats that have an attachable harness. Sweaters come in a variety of sizes (from 8 inches to 20 inches) and colors to match your own outfit or the dachshund's personality, and they can be worn underneath a second coat or on their own.