Kudos to you for considering a Wirehaired Dachshund as your household companion, or perhaps you are already regaling in the joy and unmatched companionship of this unique breed. Either way, chances are, you are curious about whether these breed sheds or not. Let’s put our curiosity to rest and uncover all there is to know about the shedding pattern of the Wirehaired Dachshunds.
The Wirehaired Dachshund is full of charm, characterized by their wispy coat and intelligent, spirited demeanor. These distinctive dogs with an adorably bristly exterior have won the hearts of many with their lively nature and energetic personality. But do these puppies leave a trail of fur behind them everywhere they go? The short answer is: Yes, they do. But don’t fret, the shedding is generally minimal.
Understanding the Wirehaired Dachshund’s Coat
The Wirehaired Dachshunds have a double coat – an undercoat that serves as insulation and a top coat or guard hair for protection. This double coat is typical in dog breeds from colder climates, where a warm undercoat is necessary for survival
Proper maintenance of the Wirehaired Dachshund’s coat is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for their overall health and comfort. Fascinatingly, their coat is not soft like the other Dachshund variations (smooth and longhaired), but is instead wirey and coarse to the touch, hence their nomenclature. The wiry hair is fairly uniform, with some hair on their body, primarily on their head and ears, being somewhat longer and smoother, giving them elegant facial features that many describe as a beard and eyebrows.
The Science of Shedding
Shedding is a natural process of hair growth cycle where old or damaged hair is replaced with new ones. The shedding varies seasonally, typically increasing in the spring as dogs lose their winter coat. But do Wirehaired Dachshunds shed a lot? No, they typically shed minimally, and due to the nature of their wiry coat, the shed hairs often get trapped within the surrounding coat, reducing loose hair around your home. However, this doesn’t mean that your wirehaired friend does not require regular grooming.
Grooming your Wirehaired Dachshund
As noted, grooming is indispensable in the upkeep of your Wirehaired Dachshund’s coat. Regular brushing, ideally a few times a week, will keep its coat looking clean and healthy, and will also eliminate most of the shed hair. Moreover, brushing will distribute the skin’s natural oils throughout the coat, thereby promoting skin health and offering a lustrous sheen.
In addition to brushing, Wirehaired Dachshunds also require ‘hand-stripping’ about twice a year. Hand-stripping is a grooming process in which loose/dead hairs are plucked out, typically performed before the show-ring competitions. However, for pet Wirehaired Dachshunds, a less stringent stripping or clipping helps them maintain a clean, comfortable coat.
Wrapping Up
The Wirehaired Dachshund is an endearing breed, filled with character and coated in a distinctive wiry fur. While they do shed, it is significantly less shedding than many other breeds. However, don’t take this as an excuse to slack on grooming. Regular care will not only ensure a healthy coat but will also offer some quality bonding time with your furry companion!
Fear not the challenge, though. Remember that the aim is not perfection but the comfort and health of your pet. Embrace the shedding, arm yourself with a good grooming brush, and spend time nurturing your bond, one brushing session at a time. So yes, Wirehaired Dachshund’s shed – but with love, care, and grooming, you’ll hardly notice, and your Dachshund will love you all the more for your attentive care.