Do Dachshunds Shed? Yes, But Not Much

Do Dachshunds shed? Well, this is a very commonly asked question and while many people simply assume that they don't for whatever reason, they certainly do! However, you are not going to have tuffs of hair blowing through your home like tumbleweed like you would with a snow breed but you still will see a moderate amount of shedding. The easiest way to avoid hair on everything in your dog's path is with proper grooming habits.

Many people who are asking the question, “Do Dachshunds shed?”, are often referring to those with smooth hair but these dogs shed too! There are basically three types of Dachshunds being Smooth-haired, Long-haired and Wire-haired and the answer to the, “Do Dachshunds shed?” question for all three is absolutely yes. All varieties of Dachshunds should be groomed in their own unique way.

Although you may not be looking for a dog that sheds, this shouldn't deter you from owning a Dachshund because all dogs will need some amount of grooming. Fortunately, these are not a breed that really ever have an issue with body odor unless there is a problem with diet. Therefore, if your Dachshund is emitting an unpleasant doggy odor, you may want to address food selection.

General Tips

Even though the answer to “Do Dachshunds shed?”, may not be the one you had hoped to hear, at least they don't need bathing all that often. Only give your four-legged friend a good scrubbing as needed because bathing too often will dry his skin out.

Always use shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for dogs. You may also find dry shampoo handy for between bath touch-ups, especially in the winter. When you bathe your Dachshund, avoid getting water in his ears. To clean them you should use a soft damp cloth.

Do Dachshunds Shed? A Closer Look at Hair Type!

• Smooth-haired – As mentioned, most people who ask, “Do Dachshunds shed?”, are questioning this variety because they appear as though they don't. However, although they do shed, grooming is extremely easy with them. They can be brushed using a soft-bristled brush or even wiped with a cloth. On a side note, if your Dachshund's coloring is on the lighter shade, he may need sunblock if you're going to be outside exposed to the sun's rays for any length of time. Smooth-haired Dachshunds are susceptible to sunburn.

• Wire-haired – If you are asking, “Do Dachshunds shed?”, in hopes of receiving a negative answer, the wire-haired variety may not be for you. These dogs must be brushed regularly using a brush with short-wired bristles to remove dead and loose hair. If you slack on grooming, your dog will end up with tangles and matting. Also, you must brush these dogs out before bathing. Most wire-haired owners prefer to have their dog's coat trimmed twice a year by a professional groomer.

• Long-haired – The answer to the, “Do Dachshunds shed?” question is also yes for Long-haired varieties however, they fall somewhere in the middle of the first two. They do need to be brushed regularly but they aren't as prone to tangles as the Wire-haired Dachshunds are. Their hair picks up debris and dirt that needs brushing out and always be mindful of the belly and rump area where matting is more prevalent. Spraying on a dog detangler can be helpful with these grooming sessions.

If you're asking, “Do Dachshunds shed?” because you have allergies, you should know that these are not hypoallergenic dogs. Additionally, if you're wondering, “Do Dachshunds shed?” because you just are not looking forward to grooming, then these are probably not the dogs for you. Even if you take yours to the groomers, you will still need to brush him regularly.

Related Articles:

Train a Dachshund – How to do it Right!

What is the Dachshunds Life Expectancy?

Dachshund Temperament – Is This the Right Dog for You?

General Dachshund Information

Dachshund Health: Information You Need to Know