You can’t help but look at a dachshund and smile. These little dogs are certainly unique — their long, tubular bodies, stout legs, and quirky hound faces make them one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there.
Dachshunds are inquisitive, intelligent, and lovable family pets. Originally bred to hunt badgers, today’s modern dachshund is more content to frolic in the backyard or romp around with a favorite toy, then curl up with its owners on the couch. But how do they fare in the shedding department? Do dachshunds shed a lot?
Dachshunds do shed. Every dog does to some extent, with the exception of a few hairless breeds. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, the dachshund isn’t it — these little guys shed enough fur that it could cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to pet dander.
But how much do dachshunds shed? And what can you do to keep your sausage dog’s coat in good shape? Read on as we learn more about the dachshund’s coat and how to keep your wiener dog looking their very best.
How Much Do Dachshunds Shed?
Generally speaking, the dachshund is a moderate shedder. While they won’t leave globs of hair around your home, you’ll probably see a bit of their dog fur adorning your carpets, furniture, and clothing where your pup has made contact. If you give your sausage dog regular brushings and occasionally run the vacuum cleaner, it should be easy to keep the dog hair under control.
There are actually three types of dachshund coats, each with different grooming needs — and each sheds a little differently. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Smooth-haired Dachshund
The most common type of dachshund is the smooth-haired dachshund, sometimes called the shorthaired dachshund. As the name suggests, these dogs’ coats are smooth, shiny, and short. They shed lightly to moderately.
Because the fur is so short, these dogs don’t need heavy grooming. A weekly brushing using a good-quality soft bristle brush will suffice; this removes loose hair or dead hair from the coat and keeps your dog looking and feeling their best.
Another way that brushing benefits your dog’s coat is by massaging the skin, causing it to release more of its natural oils. Then, the brush helps to spread those oils through the coat to keep it well-moisturized.
Longhaired Dachshund
Longhaired dachshunds have — you guessed it — longer coats. But you may be surprised to learn that longer fur doesn’t necessarily equal a greater amount of shedding. Longhaired dachshunds shed about as much as shorthaired dachshunds, so you won’t necessarily have to worry about heavy shedding with a longhaired dachshund. However, they will need more grooming.
Daily brushing with a metal comb, slicker brush, or pin brush is usually recommended for longhaired dachshunds. Because of the length of the coat, it’s easy for the fur to develop tangles or become matted. This can tug and pull at the skin painfully, so you’ll want to help your dog avoid the problem with regular grooming.
Wirehaired Dachshund
Wirehaired dachshunds are arguably the least common type of dachshund. They tend to shed the most out of the three. They’re also the most high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. That’s because these dachshunds have what’s known as a double coat.
Instead of one layer of hair like short and longhaired dachshunds, wirehaired dachshunds have two layers: a dense undercoat that keeps them warm in the winter, and a thinner outer coat that helps keep them cool in hot weather.
In addition to their normal shedding throughout the year, the wirehaired dachshund will “blow the coat” twice per year (usually in the spring and autumn seasons) and shed an even greater amount of hair than usual during this time.
If your pet has this type of coat, you’ll want to brush your dog regularly throughout the year and daily during seasonal shedding periods. Or, you can simply regularly take your dachshund to see a professional groomer.
Maintaining a Healthy Dachshund Coat
How much do dachshunds shed, exactly? It depends — shorthaired and longhaired dachshunds shed moderately, while the wirehaired dachshund sheds a bit more, particularly during seasonal periods when shedding the thick undercoat.
No matter what kind of coat your beloved wiener dog has, you can take steps to keep their skin and hair in good shape. You want your fur friend to have a healthy coat with no tangles or mats.
Follow these tips to keep your dachshund’s coat looking and feeling great:
Establish a Grooming Routine
If you don’t take your dachshund to the groomer, it’s up to you to keep your pet properly groomed at home. Shorthaired dachshunds usually require the least grooming and will probably be fine with a weekly brush. Longhaired dachshunds benefit from daily brushing, as do wirehaired dachshunds. During seasonal periods of heavy shedding, you might brush your wirehaired dachshund more frequently.
Any dachshund can benefit from the occasional bath, especially if they get into something smelly or sticky. Just be sure to use a doggy shampoo formulated specifically for our canine friends, because human shampoo and hair products made for other animals may be too strong for your dog’s skin.
Feed Fido Well
Because your dog’s nutrition has a direct impact on the health of their skin (not to mention their weight), feeding your dog a balanced diet is important. Dachshund owners should make sure they’re giving their dog a healthy, balanced dog food that suits their pet’s size and age. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on the best dog food choice for your four-legged friend.
Try Adding a Supplement
Some dogs benefit from additional supplements added to the diet, particularly omega-3 fatty acid supplements which help promote healthy skin and hair follicles. Try Native Pet’s Omega Oil, which helps to promote a smooth coat of fur and benefits your dog’s joint health at the same time.
Take Note of Excessive Shedding
Do dachshunds shed more than usual when certain health problems are present? Absolutely. It’s possible for parasites like fleas or mites to cause extra shedding or outright hair loss. Stress, perhaps from changes in the home or a case of separation anxiety, can also increase shedding. It’s even possible for thyroid issues and hormonal imbalances to affect your dog’s shedding.
If you think your dachshund is shedding hair even more than usual, it’s worth a visit to the vet’s office.
If your dachshund is prone to stress, you might be able to provide them some relief with Native Pet’s Calm Chicken Chews. These tasty chews help to reduce general anxiety, relax little Fido’s muscles, and even improve sleep.
Do Dachshunds Shed? What Wiener Dog Owners Should Know
Do dachshunds shed? Yes. These dogs are moderate shedders and are not hypoallergenic.
All three types of dachshund coats — the shorthaired dachshund, the longhaired dachshund, and the wirehaired dachshund — shed their fur, and the wirehaired is the heaviest shedder thanks to its double coat.
You can maintain your doxie’s healthy coat by regularly grooming them or having them see a professional groomer, feeding them well, and adding a supplement to their diet for an added boost of nutrition.
If you think your dachshund is shedding more than normal, set up an appointment with your veterinarian to have your pet examined. This will ensure your dog can get back to being their happy, playful, adorable self as soon as possible.
Read more about your dog’s health and wellness needs on the Native Pet blog.
