One of the most frustrating parts of owning a dog is having to clean up all the fur they lose when they shed. If you suffer from allergies or don’t fancy vacuuming up dog hair every day, you might have wondered about the shedding pattern of dachshunds.
So, do dachshunds shed a lot?
Yes, dachshunds shed, but they don’t lose an excessive amount of fur. They are considered moderate shedders for the most part, but this depends on the coat type.
Out of all the coat types, long-haired dachshunds are the biggest shedders. If you’d like to know which type of dachshund sheds the least, read on, as we’ll be covering this below!
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Which Type Of Dachshund Sheds The Least?
Compared to a lot of other breeds, dachshunds are relatively low shedders, making them a good choice for owners with allergies or those who simply don’t want to clean up mountains of dog hair each day.
However, some types of dachshunds shed a little more than others, so if you’re wondering which variety sheds the least, it’s none other than the wire-haired doxie! This type of dachshund has thick, wiry, and coarse fur.
We’ll be explaining a little more shedding and grooming for each dachshund coat type below, so be sure to stick around!
Long-Haired Dachshunds
As you might have already assumed, long-haired dachshunds shed the most out of all coat varieties.
Those luscious locks have a habit of getting just about everywhere, particularly during spring and fall when long-haired dogs shed the most.
Despite shedding more often than both smooth-haired and wire-haired dachshunds, long-haired doxies still don’t shed as much as some other breeds, such as golden retrievers and German shepherds. That’s because their fur takes a while to grow.
The fur is also much easier to notice on clothes, furniture, carpet, etc, which makes cleaning it up less of a hassle. It also doesn’t tend to stick to surfaces like with short fur.
Long-haired dachshunds require daily grooming to prevent tangles. A slicker brush is your best option to gently remove mats and knots, followed by a bristle brush to give your pooch’s coat a silky finish.
If your doxie is shedding excessively or you notice their coat thinning, it could be a sign of illness, stress, or poor diet.
Fleas and allergies can cause itchiness and bald spots, as can medical conditions like hypothyroidism, growth hormone disorders, and adrenal gland disorders.
Adding a fish oil supplement or switching to a more nutritionally dense dog food brand can help your doxie combat hair loss from a lack of nutrients.
The former is also beneficial for improving the appearance of your dachshund’s coat and keeping it healthy.
Another way to decrease the amount your doxie sheds is simply by keeping their coat clean. A bath every 3 months is a good rule to follow to keep their coat pristine and odor-free.
It’s important not to bathe your doxie too often (no more than once a month) as doing so removes sebum, a waxy substance that the sebaceous glands make to protect the skin.
Frequent removal of this can lead to dry, flaky skin and a dull-looking coat.
Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
Smooth-haired dachshunds have short, soft, and shiny coats. They shed less than long-haired doxies but more than wire-haired ones.
As their hair is so small, it can be difficult to tell whether they’ve shed, at least at first glance.
This type of dachshund sheds frequently but not in huge amounts. Weekly grooming is needed for smooth-haired doxies to keep their coats shiny and in good condition.
Brushing also helps reduce shedding by removing excess fur and evenly disturbing your pooch’s natural oils throughout their coat.
A soft bristle brush is all you need for short-haired dogs as their fur doesn’t tangle or knot. Similar to long-haired doxies, a bath every few months can help keep your smooth-haired dachshund’s fur clean and soft.
Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Out of all the dachshund coat types, wire-haired doxies shed the least. As mentioned earlier, these dogs have dense, wiry fur that’s coarse to the touch.
Wire-haired doxies are the best option for allergy sufferers for this reason – they also produce a minimal amount of dander, which is the substance that causes symptoms in people with allergies.
Like the long-haired dachshund, wire-haired doxies have a thick undercoat, so they shed more often in spring and fall.
Weekly brushing with a slicker brush is necessary for preventing knots and mats, alongside removing loose fur.
This type of dog can also benefit from a procedure called stripping around 2 or 3 times a year.
It involves removing the dead hair at the root to allow for the growth of new hair and speed up the shedding process.
Unless you’re confident in your own grooming skills, it’s best to leave stripping to a professional dog groomer.
Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
Contrary to popular belief, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to trigger symptoms in allergy sufferers.
Wire-haired dachshunds are one of these breeds as they shed minimally and don’t produce much dander.
How Often Should You Groom A Dachshund?
This largely depends on the type of dachshund you own, but all doxies need to be groomed regularly to keep their fur and skin healthy.
Smooth-haired and wire-haired dachshunds should be brushed once or twice a week.
Long-haired doxies, on the other hand, need to be brushed at least once a day to keep their coats mat-free.
You don’t need to spend hours combing their fur – just a quick brush through daily will suffice.
Final Thoughts
Although dachshunds don’t shed as much as some other breeds, they still shed semi-regularly, especially those with long hair. Wire-haired doxies shed the least amount but shed more often in the spring and fall.
There’s no way to stop your doxie from shedding completely, though you can reduce the amount of fur they lose with regular brushing.
If your dachshund has bald spots or loses a lot of hair, it could be due to stress, a lack of nutrients, or an underlying health issue, so it’s a good idea to book a vet appointment to be on the safe side.
