Like most dogs, miniature Dachshunds do shed. But how much they shed and how to manage it depends on their coat type. Read on to learn all about shedding and grooming needs for miniature Dachshunds.
Miniature Dachshund Breed Overview
Before diving into shedding specifics, let’s cover some background on miniature Dachshunds. This helps put their grooming needs into context.
Size and Appearance
As their name implies, miniature Dachshunds are a small breed. They typically stand 5 to 6 inches tall and weigh less than 11 pounds. Their elongated body shape gives them their signature “wiener dog” look.
Coat Types
Miniature Dachshunds come in three coat varieties:
- Smooth – Short, shiny, sleek coat.
- Longhair – Long, silky coat with feathering.
- Wirehair – Short, thick, wiry, somewhat scruffy coat.
Coat type significantly impacts shedding amount and grooming needs.
Temperament
Miniature Dachshunds are lively, clever and curious. They bond closely with their owners and can have an independent streak. Proper training and socialization is important for miniature Dachshunds from a young age.
Do Miniature Dachshunds Shed?
Yes, miniature Dachshunds do shed. However, the amount of shedding varies based on coat type:
Smooth Coated Miniature Dachshunds
Smooth coats shed a moderate amount year-round. They can have heavier seasonal shedding cycles in the spring and fall. Smooth coats require minimal grooming.
Longhaired Miniature Dachshunds
Longhaired miniature Dachshunds shed a high amount year-round. Their long locks can get everywhere without proper maintenance. Frequent brushing helps contain loose hairs.
Wirehaired Miniature Dachshunds
Wirehairs shed a low amount year-round. Their wiry coats capture and contain most loose hairs. They require less grooming than the other varieties.
So in summary, smooth coats shed a moderate amount, longhairs shed heavily, and wirehairs shed lightly. But all miniature Dachshunds shed somewhat.
Tips for Managing Miniature Dachshund Shedding
While shedding can’t be eliminated completely, proper grooming makes a big difference. Here are some tips to manage shedding:
Regularly Brush and Comb the Coat
- Smooth coats: Brush 1-2 times per week.
- Longhaired: Brush daily using a steel comb.
- Wirehaired: Brush weekly.
Frequent brushing removes loose hairs before they can fall off around your home.
Bathe and Use Conditioner
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks or when dirty.
- Use dog-safe conditioner to hydrate the skin and coat.
- This helps loose hair release in the tub rather than on your furniture.
Vacuum and Lint Roll Often
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently.
- Use lint rollers on furniture and clothing.
- Washing dog beds often also helps.
Feed High Quality Dog Food
- A nutritious diet supports healthy skin and coat.
- Dry kibble helps scrape away plaque and reduce shedding.
- Omega fatty acids improve coat health.
Visit the Groomer
- Longhaired: Full trim every 4-6 weeks.
- Smooth: Occasional trim for neat feet and ears.
- Professional grooming keeps the coat tidy.
Proper nutrition, grooming, and regular clean-up makes miniature Dachshund shedding manageable. With a little effort, owners can successfully control loose hairs.
How to Groom a Miniature Dachshund’s Coat
Grooming a miniature Dachshund depends on their coat variety. Each type has slightly different needs:
Smooth Coat Grooming
The smooth coat requires minimal grooming. Follow these tips:
- Brush once or twice weekly using a natural bristle brush.
- Rub them down with a damp cloth monthly.
- Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth regularly.
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks or when dirty using dog shampoo.
Smooth coats just need light weekly brushing to keep them looking tidy.
Longhair Coat Grooming
The long coat needs significant grooming to prevent mats and tangles:
- Brush thoroughly daily using a steel comb.
- Work from roots to tips to catch all loose hairs.
- Trim hair between toes and pads to prevent debris buildup.
- Bathe and condition every 3-4 weeks. Air dry or blow dry on low heat.
- Take to professional groomer every 4-6 weeks for a trim.
Daily home brushing and professional grooming keeps the long coat neat.
Wirehair Coat Grooming
The wiry wirehair coat requires less grooming than the other varieties:
- Brush weekly using a slicker brush to remove loose hairs caught in the coat.
- Handstrip 2-3 times per year to thin the coat rather than cutting it.
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Air dry thoroughly.
- Trim excess hair on feet if needed.
Weekly brushing and occasional handstripping maintains the unique wirehair coat.
Are Miniature Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
No, miniature Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic. None of the coat varieties are low-shedding enough to be considered hypoallergenic.
Dander from dry skin causes most allergies rather than hair itself. Miniature Dachshunds will produce dander that can trigger allergies.
Frequent grooming and bathing can help reduce dander levels. But those highly sensitive to dander may still react to miniature Dachshunds.
Finding a Low-Shedding Miniature Dachshund
While no Dachshund is fully non-shedding, focusing on certain traits when selecting a puppy may help:
- Coat type – Wirehairs shed less than smooths or longhairs.
- Coat color – Lighter color coats show less shed hair. Red or cream sheds less noticeably than black or chocolate.
- Genetics – Some individual dogs naturally shed less. Meet parent dogs to assess.
- Diet – High nutrition supports healthy skin and coat. Helps reduce shedding.
- Grooming – Keep coat neat and clean. Frequent brushing catches loose hair.
While shedding can’t be eliminated in the breed, these factors can lead to a relatively lower shedding miniature Dachshund.
The steps outlined in this article will help manage shedding. With proper care, owners can successfully control loose hair from their miniature Dachshund.
Origin and History of Miniature Dachshunds
To better understand miniature Dachshund shedding, let’s first look at where these dogs come from.
Developed in Germany
Dachshunds were developed over 400 years ago in Germany. “Dachs” means badger in German. These dogs were bred to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.
Three Size Varieties
Originally all Dachshunds were miniature. Eventually three size categories emerged:
- Standard – Usually 16-32 pounds
- Miniature – 11 pounds or less
- Rabbit/Kaninchen – 8 pounds or less
The miniature Dachshund is the original small sized variety.
Three Coat Types
In addition to different sizes, Dachshunds also come in three coat types:
- Short smooth coat
- Long silky coat
- Wiry, scruffy wirehair coat
This variety in coat texture and length contributes to differences in shedding.
Naturally Prone to Shedding
As hunting dogs bred to run through brush and burrows, Dachshunds naturally shed dirt and debris from their coats. Their history makes shedding an intrinsic trait in the breed.
Understanding where miniature Dachshunds come from provides insight into why shedding is part of the breed. Proper grooming helps manage their loose hairs.
Tips for Reducing Shedding in Miniature Dachshunds
While shedding can’t be fully prevented, these tips can help reduce loose hairs:
Brush Frequently
- Smooth coats: 1-2 times per week
- Longhaired: Daily brushing
- Wirehaired: Weekly brushing
Frequent brushing with the appropriate tools catches shed hair before it falls.
FAQ’s For Do Miniature Dachshunds Shed?
Which type of dachshund shed the least?
- Wirehaired dachshunds shed the least of the three coat types.
Are mini dachshunds low maintenance?
- Yes, miniature dachshunds are relatively low maintenance dogs.
Do mini dachshunds smell?
- Mini dachshunds can develop a “doggy” smell if not bathed regularly.
Are mini dachshunds hypoallergenic?
- No, miniature dachshunds are not hypoallergenic dogs.
Conclusion, For Do Miniature Dachshunds Shed?
Miniature Dachshunds do shed their fur. The amount they shed depends on their coat type. Smooth Dachshunds shed a medium amount. Longhaired Dachshunds shed a lot. Wirehaired Dachshunds shed just a little bit.
To reduce shedding, miniature Dachshund owners should brush them often. Smooth coats need brushing one or two times a week. Longhaired Dachshunds need daily brushing. Wirehaired Dachshunds only need weekly brushing.
Bathes and grooming also helps keep the shedding controlled. Shedding is part of owning a miniature Dachshund. But regular grooming and cleaning can help keep it manageable. With the right care, shedding won’t be too bothersome, and owners can enjoy their wonderful miniature Dachshund.
