Chances are if you've thought about getting a weiner dog, you've asked yourself whether weiner dogs shed. After all, while you probably want your pup to go everywhere with you, you don't necessarily want to leave a trail of dog hair in your wake. When it comes to weiner dogs and shedding, we've got good news!
While all dogs shed to some degree — it’s an important natural process that helps protect their skin and regulate body temperature — weiner dogs are considered a relatively low-shed breed. The amount that they shed depends on a few things, ranging from the coat type to certain environmental factors.
Longhaired Dachshunds
While weiner dogs don't shed too much, it’s likely no surprise that longhaired dachshunds shed the most of the three coat types. And, when they do shed, it's more obvious! These doxies have a dense undercoat, so like their wirehaired friends, longhaired dachshunds shed more prominently two times a year with the seasons. To moderate their shedding, a daily brushing will come in handy. Plus, their glorious manes benefit from regular care with a comb like this one, made with long and short teeth to strip loose hairs and break up any mats in their dense undercoats.
Smoothhaired Dachshunds
Do smooth weiner dogs shed? Some smooth parents would tell you that their doxies don’t shed, because these weiner dogs have such tiny hairs that it can be hard to see that they’ve ever shed at all. In reality, smooth doxies shed regularly, but minimally; you may not even realize they're shedding until you go through the house with a vacuum. You can prevent shedding by regularly grooming your weiner dog, since brushing removes dead hair and distributes the oils that keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy. Brushing your smoothhaired weiner dog's coat once a week with a soft bristle brush will not only keep them looking Instagram-ready, but it’ll prevent excess shedding, too.
Wirehaired Dachshunds
Wirehaired weiner dog shed the least of all of the coat types, which comes as a surprise to many, considering their coats are thicker than smooth dachshunds. Though they’re not considered hypoallergenic, wirehaireds shed minimally and produce the least amount of dander (the stuff that causes those with dog allergies to sneeze). This makes wirehaired weiner dog the best option for weiner dog lovers with allergies. Wirehaired doxies have a thick undercoat — a soft, fluffy coat found under their wirey hair — that helps regulate their body temperature. As a result, they shed more frequently in spring and autumn as they prepare for hotter and colder weather, respectively. In addition to a weekly brush, wirehaireds also require a trip to the groomer two or three times a year for something called stripping, which is a process that removes the dead hair at the root to make room for new hair to grow and to allow the preservation of the rougher, wiry coat texture.
Other Factors
A couple of other factors that can impact how much a weiner dog sheds? Their health, for one. Excess shedding can be a sign of stress, illness, or lack of nutrients in their diet. (If you’re looking for kibble that was made with doxie’s nutrient needs in mind, we’re fans of this brand.) Keeping doxies’ coats clean matters, too. A bath every three months will help keep their coats healthy — too frequent of a bath will get rid of something called sebum, a naturally-produced substance that they need to protect their skin and hair, so a little wipe down will suffice when your pup gets remnants of their digging extravaganza all over their legs.
In other words, while your weiner dog's wardrobe may be high maintenance, their fairly minimal shedding won’t require as much attention.
Products Referenced
De-Shedding Comb for Longhaired Dachshunds
Though not big shedders overall, longhaired dachshunds’ glorious manes do still benefit from regular care. So keep your doxie comfy (and your home fur-free) with this clever comb, designed to make the process as pain-free as possible! The long and short teeth strip loose hairs and help to break up any mats in their dense undercoats, leaving your longhaired dachshund cool and ready for summer.
Adult Dachshund Food
Tailor-made to support the wellbeing of your dachshund, this specially formulated chow covers all the bases. This adult kibble includes a mix of minerals designed to keep your doxie healthy and strong. Made from highly digestible ingredients, it’s easy to eat and helps dachshunds to maintain their ideal weight. Plus, the custom-shaped kibble is small enough for tiny jaws to munch with ease!
Grooming Wipes
These handy antibacterial wipes are just the thing for in-between-bathtime cleanups. If your doxie’s feet and belly are looking a little dirty after a romp around outside, all you need to do is give them a wipe for a quick refresh. Alcohol- and fragrance-free, they’re gentle enough for daily grooming. Plus, the resealable package is the perfect size to throw in your pocket or bag whenever you’re on the go, and will keep each single use sheet moist and fresh. Snag a 3 pack and save!
