Do Dachshund Dogs Shed?

Popularly known as "wiener dogs" the dachshund breed originates from Germany and has been officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club since 1885. Friendly and inquisitive, their feisty nature makes them comparable in temperament to terriers. There are three classifications of the dachshund's coat -- smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. All three varieties shed, but the smooth-haired dachshund exhibits the least amount of shedding.

  1. Smooth-haired Dachshund

    • The smooth-haired dachshund has a short and shiny coat. This variety of dachshund is perhaps the easiest to groom. These types of dogs might have bushier hair on their undercoat and on their tail, which is not a fault and is in keeping with the breed standard. Smooth-haired varieties come in a range of color patterns. White and cream are common colors for solid-colored dachshunds; these dogs also have a black tail and nails. Two-colored patterns also exist, as do dappled patterns. The smooth-haired dachshunds shed the least, and are the easiest to groom and maintain.

    Long-haired Dachshund

    • The long-haired dachshund is definitely the most elegant of the three coat varieties, and also the one that requires the most upkeep. Perhaps in line with their elegant appearance, these dogs tend to be quieter and friendlier than their smooth and wire-haired counterparts. Long-haired dachshunds were originally bred by mating dachshunds with small spaniels, which might account for their sweet and playful demeanor.

    Wire-haired Dachshund

    • Wire-haired dachshunds resemble the smooth-haired variety from far away. However, they also have distinctive patches of coarse, wiry hair at the eyebrows and beard. In fact, the hair texture and pattern resemble that of a terrier, which is no surprise because these types of dachshunds were developed from breeding with terriers. The wire-haireds also share the terrier's lively, inquisitive and stubborn nature.

    Low Shedding Dogs

    • Because poodles don't shed, dogs that are bred with poodles have become a go-to choice for dog lovers with allergies. Sometimes known as "designer dogs" these breeds include the cockapoo, maltipoo and the peekapoo, all of which are considered low shedders. Other light shedders include terriers, water spaniels, greyhounds and Lhasa apsos. For dog fans who simply must have a dachshund, but are hoping for minimal shedding, the smooth-haired dachshund is the best choice.