Do Dachshunds Shed? Comparing 3 Different Dachsunds
Do Dachshunds Shed? Dachshunds are moderate shedders. They shed depending upon the amount of fur they have so you likely won’t ever see a huge amount of hair on your couch and floor.
In case you’re a new dog parent, it’s important to note right off the bat that all dogs shed. While some dog breeds shed more than others, they all shed on some level and this is unavoidable.
But you may be searching for a dog that doesn’t leave clumps of fur all over your house requiring daily grooming and daily vacuuming.
Dachshunds have two size groups that include miniature and standard. They come in three coat varieties:
- Smooth (short-haired) dachshunds
- Wire-haired dachshunds
- Long-haired dachshunds
The type of Sausage dog you own will affect how much he sheds. Smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired Dachshunds shed their fur to keep their coats healthy.
Here is what you need to know about the amount of shedding for different Dachshund varieties.
Related Reading: Why Do Dachshunds Sleep On Their Backs? [ANSWERED]
Smooth-haired Dachshunds
You won’t notice a Smooth-haired Dachshunds losing his fur until you vacuum the carpet.
They have tiny hair and tend to lose quite a small amount of fur daily.
Wire-haired Dachshunds
Wire-haired Dachshunds have thick undercoats, that sit beneath the coarse, wiry outer coat. Due to their double coat, they lose their coat twice a year.
Wire-haired Dachshunds shed seasonally, usually in spring and autumn, to regulate their body temperature.
They have bristly outercoats with extra hair around their eyes and face. They require more grooming than the other two Dachshund varieties.
They require regular brushing to prevent tangles and trimming of their beards and eyebrows by a professional groomer.
Long-haired Dachshunds
Long-haired Dachshunds have a sleek, elegant, and slightly wavy coat. They are the biggest shedders out of the three Dachshund varieties.
Just like Wire-haired Dachshunds, they have a double coat and shed seasonally in spring and autumn. The hair is longer and easier to spot on the floor or couch.
Minimizing the Shedding
If you own a Wirehaired Dachshund or a Smooth Dachshund, brushing once a week will do just fine.
However, if you are keeping a long-haired Dachshund, they require a quick brush daily and one proper brush every week to get rid of the tangles using a slicker brush.
This will keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Regular brushing and a healthy diet, rich in omega fatty acids, will help to minimize the amount of shedding in Dachshunds.
Do Dachshunds smell?
Dachshund is not a stinky breed and a healthy Dachshund does not have body odor if he is kept clean and given regular baths.
If your sausage dog smells unpleasant for no obvious reason, there may be some underlying issue with your dog.
The common reasons for a Dachshund to smell unpleasant are:
- Dental problems: Brush your Dachshund’s teeth two to three times per week to maintain good oral health. This will help to remove bacteria and tartar buildup. Use toothpaste specifically designed for canines, as human toothpaste can be harmful to your sausage dog.
- Ear problems: Dirt, debris, and moisture can get trapped inside your Sausage dog’s ears and cause ear infections and a foul smell. Once a week, check your Dachshund’s ears, and if needed clean inside the ear with a cotton ball and a gentle cleanser. Your dog’s ears should smell good with no exceptional amount of wax.
- Anal sacs: Anal sacs are full of fishy-smelling fluid that your Dachshund uses to mark his territory. Although these anal sacs generally empty themselves when your Sausage dog poops, sometimes they fail to do so, leading to strong and foul smells.
- Skin conditions: Dachshunds are particularly prone to a condition called Canine Seborrhea, which can result in flaky skin and greasy hair.
- Lack of hygiene: Lack of hygiene and inadequate baths may cause your Dachshund to smell unpleasant. This breed needs regular baths but over-bathing is not recommended for these dogs. When bathing them, use a good quality pH-balanced shampoo.
Your Dachshund may smell unpleasant due to different allergies, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, endocrine disorders, Halitosis, or dietary deficiencies.
You should use prescribed medicine or dog deodorant is required. If the foul smell persists, you should talk to the vet and get it checked.
It’s essential to feed them with quality dog food
Do Dachshunds make good pets?
Dachshunds are intelligent and lively dogs with a playful spirit . They make very loyal, charming, and devoted companions who interact well with family members.
A well-trained Dachshund will always be good with children and other resident pets. When around children, games like fetch, chase, and hide & seek will always keep your Dashie motivated and happy.
Dachshunds have a reputation for being courageous and entertaining dogs.
Although they are an affectionate breed, they can be jealous and possessive with their toys.
It is no surprise that all Dachshunds share the following personalities:
- Hunters & Chasers: The breed was originally bred to chase and hunt badgers, hares, and weasels. They have a high prey drive and a neighbor’s cat or a passing squirrel can trigger that instinct.
- Diggers: These dogs are big diggers. A Dachshund can dig up your flower beds or dig their way under fences. This makes them great “landscapers.”
- Barkers: I don’t think you will need a doorbell while owning a Dachshund. Despite their small size, Dachshunds have loud, deep barks and they do like to bark!
- Watchdogs & Territorial: Dachshunds know how to guard their territory and hence make good watchdogs. They are always quick to sound an alarm when someone arrives at your door.
- Greedy: Dachshunds are small dogs with high appetites. Be careful to monitor your Dachshund’s food intake as they tend to become lazy and fat.
- Playful & Stubborn: These dogs are playful but stubborn. If you want to keep a Sausage dog, you must take on the challenges that go along with his independent nature. That’s how hunting dogs are.
- Intelligent: The is an intelligent and independent breed and reacts appropriately to human gestures. They are intelligent enough to solve a problem at hand before proceeding to the next.
- Affectionate & Loyal: Dachshund is an affectionate and loyal companion. If socialized properly in puppyhood, this breed makes a perfect family dog.
Let’s face it! Many behavioural problems have a root in a pup’s early upbringing. Socialization helps ensure that your Dachshund pup grows up to be a friendly and well-rounded dog.
Set limits from the start and your Sausage dog will be an incredible companion.
Are dachshunds hard to potty train?
When it comes to potty training, Dachshunds can be willful and stubborn. The strong-willed Sausage pup responds very well to positive reinforcement training.
All you need to do is be patient with him and it will turn out to be a well-trained dog.
You can start potty training when your pup is 8 weeks old. Here is how you can potty train your Dachshund:
- Look for potty cues and signs your Dachshund needs to go. If you spot your Doxie looking nervous, sniffing the ground, or turning around in circles, then it’s time to let them outside.
- Take him out for regular potty breaks when they wake up, when they finish their meal, after playtime, and at night when they go to bed.
- You must have a designated area for your Dachshund puppy and always go to the same spot.
- Reward your dog with treats and praise for weeing and pooing outside. If the potty training experience is pleasant, your Dachshund will love it.
- Be Positive! Don’t punish them for their mistakes. Potty training requires positive reinforcement techniques. If your pup has an accident inside the house, clean it right away. If there are traces of urine odour, your puppy will try to remark the same spot
- Be Consistent with potty training! You should be firm with your dog’s potty training routine. Stick to the same daily routine as skipping sessions will only get your Sausage dog confused about what is best for him.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Dachshunds are long-living, comical, and entertaining dogs and make a wonderful family dog.
If you’re going to share your house with a Sausage dog, you’ll need to deal with a little dog hair in your house. Dachshunds do shed a little but not as much as other dog breeds.
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.