Dachshunds make great family companions to their owners.
You may have thought about owning a Dachshund after seeing one in a pet store or at a friend’s house.
However, like many people who are allergic to dogs or want to keep their houses clean, you’ll be wondering if Dachshunds shed.
So, do dachshunds shed?
Yes, Dachshunds shed moderately throughout the year.
However, the amount of shedding in Dachshunds is determined by their coat type.
Dachshunds with short hair will shed less than those with long hair.
Owners can help reduce the amount of shedding by brushing their dog’s coat regularly.
It’s easier to live with Dachshunds if you know the factors that affect their shedding and how to minimize it.
This will ensure a clean house free of dog hairs and fur.
Keep reading for these concerns, including reasons why dogs shed.
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Shedding is a normal and healthy process among dogs.
They shed to get rid of old or damaged fur and regulate body temperature.
Seasonal shedding is also common in dogs as they prepare for winter or summer.
Dogs want to develop coats that protect them from the extreme cold or heat.
The amount of sunlight during these seasons also affects how much dogs shed.
Dogs with shorter and single coats shed less because they don’t have as much fur to get rid of.
On the other hand, pups with longer double coats will shed more during the shedding seasons.
Dachshund Coats
There are three types of Dachshunds according to their coats.
They are:
Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
Most smooth-haired Dachshund parents will tell you that their dogs don’t shed.
The reason for this is that these dogs have tiny hairs that it’s hard to see.
However, just like other dogs, smooth-haired Dachshunds will still shed.
The good news is that it’s not as bad as other types of Dachshunds and is more manageable.
Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Wire-haired Dachshunds have more hair than their smooth-haired counterparts.
However, the surprise is that they shed the least among the Dachshunds.
The wire-haired coat protects these dogs from extreme weather elements like cold and hot temperatures.
Wire-haired Dachshunds produce minimal dander and fur compared to other dogs.
Thus, they’re suitable for people who are allergic to dogs.
It’s worth noting that wire-haired Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.
It’s, therefore, not an option for you if you want a hypoallergenic dog.
Long-Haired Dachshunds
As you can probably guess, long-haired Dachshunds have the longest hair.
Thus, they shed more than the rest.
These dogs are beautiful to look at.
However, their long coat requires more grooming and maintenance than the other types of Dachshunds.
Long-haired Dachshunds have a dense undercoat which is a recipe for more shedding.
The shedding is intense in the spring and fall as these doxies prepare for the changing seasons.
During these times, you’ll find dog hairs all over the house if you don’t groom and brush your long-haired Dachshund regularly.
Factors that Affect Shedding in Dachshunds
Dachshunds, like other dogs, shed due to various reasons.
These reasons determine how much hair the dog loses.
They include:
Coat Type
As we’ve seen, the type of coat your Dachshund has is a significant factor in how much it sheds.
Wire-haired Dachshunds have a coat that sheds the least.
On the other hand, long-haired Dachshunds have an undercoat with long hair.
They, therefore, shed more than their counterparts.
If you don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding, go for a wire-haired Dachshund.
Seasons
Most dogs shed more during the spring and fall seasons.
This is because they’re preparing for the extreme cold or heat.
Dachshunds shed in spring to get rid of their dense winter coats.
They want to grow lighter skin in preparation for summer.
On the other hand, they shed more in fall to get rid of their light summer coats.
In turn, they grow denser coats needed for winter.
If you live in an area with four seasons, expect your Dachshund to shed more during these times.
Diet
What your Dachshund eats also affects how much it sheds.
A diet lacking proteins, vitamins, and mineral salts can lead to dry and brittle fur.
When the fur is dry, it’s more likely to fall off.
A balanced diet, on the other hand, will lead to healthy skin and coat that sheds less.
The diet should contain omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like phosphorus.
How to Minimize Shedding in Dachshunds
If you want to own a Dachshund but don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding, there are things you can do to minimize it.
They include:
Brushing Regularly
One of the best ways to reduce shedding is brushing your Dachshund’s fur regularly.
This is especially important if your dog has a long coat.
Brushing your dog two to three times a week removes dead hair and fur before falling into your house.
It also helps distribute the natural oils in their coat, leading to healthier skin and a coat that sheds less.
The type of brush you use also matters. Use a slicker brush for long-haired Dachshunds.
A slicker brush has fine bristles that help remove the undercoat without damaging the topcoat.
You can use a bristle brush or a rubber curry brush for short-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds.
These brushes help remove dead hair and fur without damaging the coat.
Bathing Your Dachshund
Bathing helps remove any dirt, debris, and dead hair from your canine’s coat.
Dachshunds should be bathed at least once a month to keep them clean with well-aerated coats.
Such coats will shed less compared to dirty and less-aerated ones.
A dirty coat may harbor parasites like fleas which cause irritation and itchiness.
The dog sheds more as it scratches its skin due to irritation from parasites.
Bathing your pup with a de-shedding shampoo will keep it clean and free of parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of Dachshund sheds the least?
Wire-haired Dachshunds sheds the least.
They also produce minimal dander and fur, making them suitable for people allergic to dogs.
Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?
Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.
These dogs shed moderately throughout the year.
Bottom Line
Dachshunds are low-shedding dogs that shed throughout the year.
However, the shedding may increase in the fall and spring seasons as the dogs prepare for suitable winter and summer coats.
You can reduce the shedding in your furry friend by feeding a balanced diet and grooming him regularly.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
- What Dog Breeds Have Pink Skin? - March 24, 2023
- What Are the Most Inspiring Dog Breeding Quotes? - March 20, 2023
- Can Pheromone Spray Help Improve Dog Breeding Results? - March 19, 2023
Related Posts:
