Do Dachshunds Shed?

Last Updated on August 26, 2021

Dachshunds, AKA Doxies, and wiener dogs are famous for their uniquely long body and short stubby legs. With a goofy appearance and a bold and peppy personality, there’s no wonder why everybody wants a wiener dog of their very own. But do Dachshunds shed? Here are some key features to know before getting your own sweet baby!

If you’ve got your eye on a little Doxie, one of the first things that may come to your mind is, “Do they shed?” Well, yes, they do, but significantly less than heavier coated breeds, but since there are different dachshund coats, each one sheds differently.

Keep reading to learn how much Dachshunds shed, according to their coat type, and how you can keep their loose hair and dander under control.

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Technically, there really is no such thing as a dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. The term itself only means less likely to trigger dander and hair allergies.

There are over 20 hypoallergenic dogs listed on the American Kennel Club’s list of hypoallergenic breeds, like the poodle and the schnauzer. But unfortunately, the dashing dachshund is not featured on that list.

Yes, Dachshunds do shed, especially the short-haired coat type. That may surprise you, but a short coat does not mean a dog less shedding, which is why they are not hypoallergenic.

Plus, dog hair isn’t the only thing that triggers allergies. Dachshunds also pick up a lot of dirt, being so low to the ground, and produce quite a bit of dander, which generally triggers more allergies than dog hair.

For more info – check out Best and Worst Dog Breeds for Allergies and Asthma

How Bad Do Dachshunds Shed?

Before we start, it’s important to note that every dog sheds, even hypoallergenic breeds. As new hair grows, dead hair drops, which usually happens as the seasons change. It’s very similar to how human hair grows as well.

Again, a shorter coat does not mean that your dachshund will shed less. In fact, out of all of the dachshund coat types, the short hair coat sheds the most hair and dander.

Dachshund Coat Types:

Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes and three different coat types: short hair, long hair, and wire hair. The amount that your dachshund shed will really depend on what kind of coat type they have.

• Wire Haired:

The original dachshund variant. Features a “beard” on the face, charismatic eyebrows.

They have a longer, coarse double coat that only sheds twice per year. Because of this double coat, most of the dander is trapped within the coat. 

• Long Haired:

The long-haired dachshund has a soft, silky, thin coat and features wavy-haired ears. These guys have a lot more grooming needs than the other variants but are not heavy shedders.

• Smooth Haired:

The most well-known variant of the dachshund has a much shorter and smoother coat. Smooth hair Dachshunds aren’t heavy shedders, but they will shed pretty moderately throughout the year.

Can I Stop My Dachshund From Shedding?

Regular grooming is the best way to keep your dachshund from shedding. Also, if you don’t want the hair and dander all over your floors, consider doing your brushing and de-shedding outside.  

Dachshund Grooming Requirements

Short Coat: Short-haired dachshunds only need a daily wipe-down with a damp cloth to keep loose hair and dander under control. Otherwise, they’re pretty low maintenance, when it comes to grooming. This is, of course, depending on how dirty you let them get!

Long Coat: From dragging on the ground, matts happen really quick in the thin coat of the long-haired dachshund. Because of this, they will need to be detangled on a daily basis, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. In the winter, their coat will be much thicker which will need daily brushing. 

Wiry Coat: Unlike the other dachshund coat types, the wiry-coated dachshund has a double coat that does not shed regularly, but more so during seasonal changes. They grow a winter and summer coat, which will shed significantly more during the late spring and fall. This coat should be brushed weekly and hand-stripped every few months.

With the right grooming tools and techniques, shedding shouldn’t be a problem, unless you suffer from dog allergies. Again, they’re not the most allergy-friendly of breeds.

Conclusion

Dachshunds are not among the world’s population of hypoallergenic dogs. Even with a shorter coat type, they still shed a fair amount of hair and dander that will trigger allergies. When it comes to determining how much your dachshund will shed, look to his coat type.

The short dachshund coat type is the most regular shedder of them all, while the wire-haired variant shed the least throughout the year, but pretty steadily when growing a new summer or winter coat.

Grooming requirements also come down to your dachshund’s coat type. Shorter-haired dachshunds really only need a good wipe down with a cloth and the wire-haired variant will need regular brushing and seasonal coat stripping. However, long-haired dachshunds need quite a bit more grooming because matting is bound to happen when that long, silky hair is dragging across the ground all day.

If you have allergies, dachshunds may not be the best choice for you, but if you don’t, they are a loving companion to spend the next 12 or so years with. Once you’ve got shedding under control and grooming taken care of, your dachshund will be an absolutely fun and entertaining addition to your family for years to come!