Dachshunds are a loyal, friendly, spunky, and curious breed that has been widely popular throughout time but has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years. Whether appearing on TV shows, commercials, or Dog Shows, it is clear dachshunds are the hot dog of the moment.
How much a dachshund sheds is essential information to have when deciding which breed of dog to bring into your home.
Dachshunds are moderate shedders, although they’re not hypoallergenic. Longhaired varieties tend to shed more than wirehaired of shorthaired varieties, but this will vary depending on their genetic makeup, the season, grooming practices, and overall health. Overall, dachshunds are highly popular for their low-maintenance coats.
If you just cannot wait to bring this wiener dog home, keep reading this article to find out how much they shed and how to become the proud owner of a healthy puppy from a trustworthy registered breeder.
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The Three Coat Types
The dachshund — translated as badger hound — was bred originally in Germany in the 15th Century for underground hunting. These dogs are bred with three varieties of coat types.
The smooth-coated type has a short, shiny coat. The hairs on this shorthaired coat are very small, and their undercoat is less pronounced than the other coat types.
The wirehaired coat consists of two layers of fur: a top coat and an undercoat, like the border collie. Apart from its extra-thick undercoat, it has the characteristic bearded appearance around their eyes and face.
The longhaired coat consists of long, wavy fur. Dachshunds have an extra dense undercoat that ensures they stay nice and warm during winter and cool in summer (source).
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Apart from the three different coat types, they also come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. Standard ranges from 8 to 9 inches in height and 16 to 32 pounds in weight, whereas miniatures weigh 11 pounds or less and are 5 to 6 inches high (source).
How Much Do Dachshunds Shed?
Although dachshunds shed their fur, they top the lists of dogs recommended for their minimal hair dropping — one reason why this adorable dog is so widely popular.
How much they shed depends on their coat type and the thickness of their undercoat. Apart from genetics, shedding is influenced by seasonal changes, with an increase in shedding during spring and fall.
The smooth-coated with a short, shiny coat sheds lightly, with some owners barely noticing any shedding at all.
The wirehaired coat, due to its double layer is commonly mistaken to shed the most, while they actually tend to shed the least of all coat types.
The longhaired coat, consisting of long, wavy fur, tends to shed lightly like the smooth-coated type, but this can vary based on the thickness of the undercoat.
It is important to highlight that even though
dachshunds generally shed little hair, they are not considered hypoallergenic
dogs; therefore, the little hair they do shed could cause an allergic reaction
in those allergic to dogs.
For an interesting comparison with another breed, read our article, “How Much Do Border Collies Shed?”
The Hair Growth Cycle
Shedding is a normal part of your dog’s hair growth cycle. How much your Dachshund sheds, and why it varies per individual dog, is linked to its genetic makeup. Genetics determine a pet’s type of coat, growth cycle, hair length, and amount of shedding.
Therefore, it is important to address a dog’s hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle consists of four phases. The Anagen phase is the active growth period where hair grows to its genetically-determined length.
The second phase, the Catagen, is a transitional phase, where growth stops, and hair strengthens. The Telogen phase is a resting phase covering the period where growth ends, and shedding starts. The last phase is referred to as Exogen, where shedding starts (source).
Understanding the hair growth cycle will help you determine when your dachshund will shed and how you can best prepare for this phase.
Grooming Schedule
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Grooming is essential to manage shedding and ensures your dog stays in generally good health. When ignored or not properly cared for, the shedding will increase, even with these moderate shedders.
Smooth Coat
The smooth-coated dachshunds need very little grooming, and you can generally get away with a quick wash and wipe down. It does not require frequent brushing and is low maintenance, although grooming is still considered a lovely way to pamper your dog.
Longhaired Coat
On the contrary, longhaired coat types require frequent brushing and looking after, possibly leading up to as much as daily combing. How much ultimately depends on the thickness of their undercoat, which varies per individual dog.
Wirehaired Coat
The wirehaired dog will require one or two weekly grooming sessions and the occasional trimmings of the beard and eyebrows. The wirehaired coat can be plucked or hand-stripped a few times a year to get rid of most of the excess hair (source).
General Tips
Apart from regular brushing, occasional bathing will also keep your dog’s fur healthy, but do not overdo it. Generally speaking, once every three months is enough and make sure you use a special doggy shampoo, preferably in consultation with your veterinarian.
Regular grooming practices will also ensure you keep a close eye on fleas and parasites. If you notice any in creepy crawlers, contact your vet for treatment and consider testing your dog to rule out possible allergies.
A Healthy Diet Means a Healthy Coat
Most dog food offers a choice of dry kibble and canned wet food. Since sausage dogs are prone to becoming overweight, be vigilant about what your dog eats, and ensure a nutritious and varied diet.
A poor diet can lead to an increase in shedding and can reduce the life expectancy of this otherwise healthy breed significantly. Being overweight is a real no-no for these dogs, not only for general health reasons but also to reduce the risk of slipped or ruptured discs.
Make sure you check the labels of any dog food you purchase to get a full understanding of ingredients, nutritional value, and feeding guidelines. When in doubt, contact your local veterinarian for advice.
Dachshunds Need Regular Exercise
Like any dog, this hound group breed needs regular exercise, not only to keep shedding at bay but to stay fit and build strong muscles that support and protect their backs. Two walks every day of moderate length should be sufficient (source).
The British Dachshund Breed Council recommends both on- and off-the-lead walks to ensure your dog builds adequate muscle-tone and a strong body, rather than only free-play in the garden (source).
Be mindful of strenuous activities that impact their back, such as running up and down stairs or jumping up and down furniture.
Be Aware the Dachshund is a Hot Dog
The dachshund is a highly popular breed for good reasons! They are adorable, intelligent, good with kids, loyal, energetic, and such lovable creatures. Their endearing nature and unique look have won over millions of hearts.
While there is definitely nothing wrong with desiring a high-demand dog, due to its popularity, improper breeding and illegal import activities are a legitimate risk and should be taken into account.
By following the essential tips below, you will minimize unnecessary risks and discover how to become the proud owner of a healthy puppy from a trustworthy registered breeder.
Essential Tips for Getting a Dachshund
Finding a reliable and registered breeder is key when looking at bringing a puppy into your home. If you are completely new to the process, make sure to consult your local veterinarian for advice.
You can generally recognize a good breeder from the fact that they only occasionally have puppies available and have waiting lists. The breeder should provide comprehensive health information on both the parents and the puppy.
You should walk away with extensive paperwork, including an official contract or receipt, and written advice around lifestyle and nutrition requirements. Be sure the puppy has their first round of vaccinations and a schedule of when the next round is due.
Make sure to ask an abundance of questions and expect them in return from the breeder. Insist on seeing the puppy’s parents, as there is no better indication of your dog’s health than through them.
Keep an eye on key health and behavioral indicators when meeting your puppy. These include their overall condition, playfulness, interaction with siblings, and confidence level.
Also, be patient. Do not expect to walk away with a puppy after your first visit to a breeder. Rather take your time and ensure you are fully informed and prepared before taking up this new responsibility.
When you have doubts or something simply does not feel right, walk away.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds are a widely popular dog breed that shed moderately and generally require low-maintenance grooming practices, regular exercise, and a nutritive and well-balanced diet.
Because of their widely popular status, it is important to follow a few essential tips to ensure you bring home a healthy pup.
Find a reliable and registered breeder, obtain all the right paperwork, have patience, minimize unnecessary risks, and increase your odds of bringing home a healthy puppy.