Dachshunds are known for their adorable, elongated bodies and floppy ears, but they also have a reputation for being heavy shedders. If you’re considering adding one of these charming pups to your family, it’s important to understand their shedding habits, especially if you’re looking at the long-haired variety. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how much dachshunds shed, the differences between their coat types, and strategies for managing shedding.
How much do dachshunds shed?
The amount of shedding you can expect from your dachshund depends primarily on their coat type. Dachshunds come in three different varieties: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired.
Smooth-haired dachshunds
Smooth-haired dachshunds have short, sleek coats that lie close to their bodies. While they do shed, their shedding is typically moderate and less noticeable than their wire-haired and long-haired counterparts. Regular brushing can help control the amount of hair they shed.
Wire-haired dachshunds
Wire-haired dachshunds have a coarse, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. They shed moderately throughout the year, but they tend to “blow” their undercoat twice a year, during the spring and fall seasons. During these periods, they shed heavily, and regular brushing is essential to manage the excess hair.
Wire-haired dachshunds with ‘pin wire’ coats
Some wire-haired dachshunds have a variation known as the “pin wire” coat, which is shorter and denser than the standard wire-haired coat. These dachshunds tend to shed less than their wire-haired counterparts, but they still require regular brushing to manage shedding.
Long-haired dachshunds
Long-haired dachshunds have a beautiful, fluffy coat that can be a dream for dog lovers who adore their silky tresses. However, this coat type also comes with a significant downside: they are the heaviest shedders among the dachshund varieties. Long-haired dachshunds shed constantly throughout the year, and their hair can quickly accumulate on furniture, clothing, and carpets.
How do I stop my dachshund shedding?
While you can’t completely stop a dachshund from shedding, there are several steps you can take to minimize shedding and keep your home as hair-free as possible.
Nourish your dachshund
Providing your dachshund with a high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients can help promote a healthy coat and reduce excessive shedding. Look for dog foods that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which nourish the skin and coat. You can also supplement your dachshund’s diet with fish oil or other omega-rich supplements.
Groom your dachshund
Regular grooming is crucial for managing shedding in dachshunds, especially for long-haired and wire-haired varieties. Brush your dachshund at least once a week with a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. During seasonal shedding periods, increase the frequency of brushing to help remove the excess undercoat.
Is your dachshund shedding excessively?
While shedding is a natural process for dachshunds, excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you notice an abnormal increase in shedding or bald patches, consult with your veterinarian. Conditions like allergies, hormonal imbalances, or skin infections can lead to excessive shedding and may require medical treatment.
Are dachshunds hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens than others. Dachshunds, particularly long-haired and wire-haired varieties, shed a significant amount of hair and dander, which can trigger allergic reactions in people with pet allergies.
What if i am allergic to my dachshund?
If you or someone in your household is allergic to dachshunds, there are steps you can take to manage the allergies and reduce exposure to allergens:
- Groom regularly: Frequent brushing and bathing can help reduce the amount of dander and hair in your home.
- Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture pet hair and dander from carpets and upholstery.
- Use air purifiers: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove airborne allergens from your living spaces.
- Create a pet-free zone: Designate a room or area of your home as a pet-free zone to provide a allergen-free space for allergy sufferers.
- Consider medication: In some cases, allergy medication or immunotherapy may be recommended by your healthcare provider to manage pet allergies.
Why Do Dachshunds Shed So Much?
| Reason | Explanation |
| Double Coats | Wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds have a dense undercoat and a topcoat, which means they have more hair to shed. |
| Seasonal Shedding | Like many double-coated breeds, dachshunds experience heavy shedding periods twice a year, during the spring and fall seasons, when they shed their winter and summer coats. |
| Genetics | Shedding is a hereditary trait, and dachshunds have been bred to have coats that shed more frequently than some other breeds. |
Preventing Dachshund Shedding
While you can’t completely eliminate shedding in dachshunds, there are several steps you can take to minimize it:
- Regular brushing: Brush your dachshund at least once a week, or more frequently during shedding seasons, to remove loose hair and reduce the amount of hair they shed around the house.
- Proper nutrition: Feed your dachshund a high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, to promote a healthy coat and reduce excessive shedding.
- Bathing: Bathe your dachshund regularly (every 4-6 weeks) with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner to help remove loose hair and minimize shedding.
- Supplements: Consider adding supplements like fish oil or biotin to your dachshund’s diet to support a healthy coat and reduce shedding.
- Vacuum frequently: Vacuum your home regularly to remove shed hair from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces.
Keeping The Home Clean
Despite your best efforts, some shedding is inevitable with dachshunds, especially long-haired varieties. Here are some tips to keep your home as hair-free as possible:
- Vacuum regularly: Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and vacuum frequently, especially in areas where your dachshund spends a lot of time.
- Use lint rollers: Keep lint rollers handy to quickly remove hair from clothing and upholstery.
- Groom your dachshund outside: Brush and groom your dachshund outdoors or in a designated grooming area to contain the shed hair.
- Wash bedding frequently: Wash your dachshund’s bedding and any blankets or throws they use regularly to remove accumulated hair.
- Use air purifiers: Consider using HEPA air purifiers in your living spaces to help remove airborne pet hair and dander.
Conclusion
While dachshunds are beloved for their adorable looks and lively personalities, their tendency to shed can be a drawback for some owners. However, by understanding the reasons behind their heavy shedding habits and being proactive with grooming, nutrition, and cleaning routines, dachshund owners can effectively manage the shedding. From brushing regularly to investing in quality vacuums and air purifiers, there are many tactics to minimize excess hair in the home.
With some extra effort, dachshund lovers can enjoy all the affection and companionship these cute pups offer without being overwhelmed by piles of shed fur. By embracing their double coats and shedding cycles as part of the dachshund package, owners can focus on savoring the countless joys of having one of these quirky, lovable breeds as a furry family member.
