Long Haired Dachshund Dogs Shedding Guide
Also known as the Sausage dogs or wiener dogs, Dachshunds are cute short-legged dogs that Germans developed over 600 years to get rid of badgers. These dogs have become increasingly popular over the years as statistics show more the number of dachshunds registered by The Kennel Club in the UK rose by 80% between 2013 and 2017.
Movies played a big part in making these dogs popular because now they are treated as pets and fashion accessories. However, we cannot blame people for loving them because dachshunds are some of the most loyal dogs, and they have a great personality. It also helps that they are a beautiful-looking breed.
If you want to join the wave and get a dachshund, but you have allergies, you might be curious about how much these dogs shed. There is no need to search anymore; we have the answer below:
So, How Much Do They Shed?
Dachshunds shed old hair to make way for new hair, but they do not shed as much as, say, a golden retriever or an Alaskan Husky. According to information from iheartdogs.com, 19% of those with dachshunds reported that their dogs rarely shed, while another 60% reported low shedding levels.
Depending on the type of dachshund, the shedding intensity will vary. Wire-haired dachshunds lose the least amount of hair, followed by long-haired dachshunds. Both long and wire-haired dachshunds shed twice a year, typically in spring and autumn. On the other hand, Smooth-haired dachshunds shed through the year, but it is not heavy shedding.
There are dachshunds that shed considerably more than average, but this may be due to dietary or hormonal issues. If your dachshund is shedding like crazy, you might want to see the vet.
Shedding of Hair According to Type
There are three varieties of dachshunds, and they all shed differently. These varieties all bear soulful eyes and interesting facial expressions. When it comes to shedding, none of them is a heavy shedder, which is excellent for people with allergies.
Smooth-haired Dachshunds
In the US, dachshunds with smooth hair are more popular because of their shiny short coats. This variety requires little maintenance in terms of grooming and general upkeep. Although smooth-haired dachshunds need little grooming, they are susceptible to the cold, and therefore, they need sweaters and jackets in winter.
The variety sheds little amounts of hair daily rather than a huge amount at once. As the owner, you might not notice the dog is shedding until you are cleaning and you spot fur here and there. These dogs shed most days of the year, but it is manageable.
Wire-haired Dachshunds
As the name implicates, wire-haired dachshunds feature short, wiry, thick coats that need frequent grooming to avoid matting. This variety of dachshunds normally has a mischievous personality, and they need consistent training to curb this.
Wire-haired dachshunds possess a double coat; hence they don’t need additional clothing to go through winter. Their coats are thin during the summer and thick during the winter. They shed their old coat twice a year around autumn and spring. To keep their coats in good condition, the dachshunds need their fur plucked twice or thrice a year.
Because they shed so little hair, people with allergies consider this variety friendlier to their plight as dogs that sheds heavily would only exacerbate the allergies.
Long-haired dachshunds
This variety sports a sleek coat with subtle wavy hair. These dachshunds require regular grooming to prevent the fur from tangling and matting because of the long hair. The variety sheds twice yearly but compared to other breeds; the shedding is considerably light.
You won’t have to struggle to find where the shedding dog was around the house because the long hairs are easily noticeable.
Causes of Shedding
All dogs shed their fur at one point or another. However, there is shedding that is not natural and may signal more significant problems for the dachshunds. Here are some common reasons for hair loss.
- Food deficiencies
Diets that lack the necessary vitamins and minerals affect your dog’s coats. It is vital that the dachshunds receive a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and some veggies. Alternatively, buy kibble made from natural ingredients that offer vitamin E, fatty acids, probiotics, and various minerals that boost the immune system.
- Sickness
Sometimes, one can tell that the dog is not well through its coat. Dull and thin coats may indicate that the canine has a thyroid issue or other severe diseases like cancer. If you notice changes in the dachshund’s coat, consult with your vet to rule out any possible causes.
- Improper grooming
Regular grooming is critical in maintaining a healthy coat. Lack of grooming leads to the building up of dirt on the skin’s surface. A dirty environment encourages flees or viral infections that cause the dog to itch. Constant scratching and dry skin affect the healthy growth of dog hair.
- The weather
The weather can play a significant factor in dogs shedding because they tend to shed their coats more when it is hot. During winter, the coat grows thicker to protect the animal from the cold; once it gets too hot, they have to shed the extra layers to remain cool.
How to Minimize Shedding
If your dog is shedding too much, the first thing is to consult the vet and get the real reason behind it. Rectifying diets, regular grooming, and administering supplements are a good way to ensure that the dachshunds are in top condition physically. There are also products in the market like shampoos that help dogs with sensitive skin to restore their lustrous coats.
Grooming Requirements
Many dog lovers prefer professional grooming for their dogs, but sometimes the budget does not permit this. If you can attend to grooming your dachshund at home, you will get more bonding time with your pet. When it comes to grooming dachshunds, there are a few things to keep in mind depending on the variety you have:
Professionals do not recommend dachshunds to bathe daily as this strips their coats of important oils. Once every three months is enough to keep them clean and maintain healthy skin and coats. Ask your vet for the best products to use in case your dog has recurring dandruff.
Long-haired dachshunds need daily brushing to keep their fur from matting. If mats form, you may have to seek professional help to remove them. Remember to trim their inner ears to prevent infections.
Smooth-coated dachshunds are low maintenance because their coats do not tangle or matt. After the occasional bath, brush through the coat, and mission accomplished. Wirehaired dachshunds need frequent grooming because the thick wiry coats get matted quickly. They also need their undercoats occasionally plucked to remove dead hairs.
Are they hypoallergenic?
If you have allergies, the last thing you need is a dog that sheds everywhere, and luckily, dachshunds are not like that. Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic, so there is nothing to worry about. With regular grooming and a balanced diet, dachshunds live well with people sensitive to allergies.
Conclusion
Their soulful eyes and dynamite personality make dachshunds a joy to be around. You can get them young and train them to socialize with other dogs and people politely. It might not be easy because these dogs are rather crafty, but once trained, they can attend dog shows and come out as winners.
Do not be hesitant; many with or without allergies find this dog’s temperament appealing. Get yourself a dachshund and add some spice to your life.
