Getting a new dog means getting ready for a few challenges which leads to the question – do long-haired dachshunds shed a lot and how to deal with it if yes? Excessive shedding is a deal-breaker for a lot of wanna-be dog owners and that’s somewhat understandable. There are ways to deal with even the worst shedding but there’s no denying that seeing a long-haired dog can be worrisome from that point of view.
So, do long-haired dachshunds shed a lot? How do they compare to other Doxies and other dogs? We’ll cover all that and more below.
Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Shed A Lot?
It’s fair to say that long-haired dachshunds are “medium shedders” although that can depend on your point of view. We’ll compare them with other breeds more below but let’s just say that these dogs shed a bit but are perfectly manageable.
Because they are a long-haired breed, these Doxies have an undercoat – a second layer of coat under their long, flowing hairs. And, like all breeds with undercoats, long-haired Doxies tend to shed seasonally or twice a year.
Seeing this seasonal shedding can be a bit overwhelming at first as there’s quite a lot of dog hair flying in the air for a few weeks. However, this is both a blessing and a curse.
The good news is that when you know that your dog sheds seasonally you can take measures and get your pooch to a groomer. This will minimize the shedding by a lot. With a visit to the groomer at the right time and with regular brushing, the seasonal shed can be kept to the absolute minimum.
On the other hand, if you don’t take the appropriate measures, this seasonal blowout can make your home look like the scene of a major pillow fight.
Is Long-Haired Dachshund Shedding Less Or More Compared To Other Dachshunds?
If you want a Doxie that doesn’t shed too much, the long-haired variant of the breed is not the best choice. The short and smooth-haired dachshund coat type is much easier to deal with because they shed less and have shorter hair anyway. They don’t shed seasonally either but instead just shed a bit of hair every day. All you need to deal with that is the occasional brushing and vacuuming of your home.
Wire-haired dachshunds shed seasonally, similar to long-haired ones. Even so, wire-haired Doxies tend to shed a bit less than long-haired ones which also makes them easier to deal with.
Read more about: What Is A Group Of Dachshunds Called – 15 Awesome Ideas!
Do Wiener Dogs Shed More Or Less Than Other Breeds?
All this can sound like long-haired dachshunds are more than just “a medium shedder” but the problem really isn’t that significant. There are a lot of other dog breeds with long hair and double coats, and almost all of them shed seasonally too. What’s more, a standard dachshund isn’t that big of a dog so there are much larger dogs that will shed many times more hair.
So, if you’re worried – don’t be. Do long-haired dachshunds shed a lot? They do a bit. But they are nowhere near the level of Huskies or “German Shedders” as the classic German Shepherd breed is often called.
Do Dachshunds Shed Enough To Necessitate Professional Grooming?
Is professional grooming strictly necessary? No, not strictly. But it is recommended, especially if you haven’t done it before. Two routine visits to the groomer a year can solve almost all your shedding problems. And, if you start early and pick the right groomer, it can be great fun for your dachshund too.
If your Doxie doesn’t like going to the groomer or if you want to save yourself the expense, the alternative is to groom your long-haired dachshund yourself. This is certainly doable but it does require a bit of know-how.
How To Groom A Longhaired Dachshund Yourself?
We’d recommend watching quite a few video guides before you start grooming and clipping your dachshunds. There are quite a few great YouTube channels about dog grooming, for example.
But, just to give you some cliff notes on dachshund grooming, here are a few things to consider:
- It’s good to start early and to make the whole process a positive experience. This way, your dog will always enjoy getting groomed.
- Get a grooming table. This will make the whole thing much easier for both you and your pup.
- Pick the right tools. For a long-haired dachshunds we recommend acquiring – 1) a slicker brush for tangles and mats, 2) a bristle brush for a nice, shiny finish, and 3) a pin brush to tease the hair against its direction and give your dog a fluffy look.
- When you brush your dog, always start from the head and go with the direction of the hair. The only exception is the styling after the brushing but that part isn’t necessary. The primary goal of the brushing and grooming process is removing and preventing mats and entangled hairs.
- Get a nice set of pet grooming scissors to help you trim your dog’s coat.
Are Long-Haired Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic but long-haired dachshunds aren’t even a little hypoallergenic. While some other breeds are at least less problematic for people with allergies, that isn’t the case with dachshunds.
This isn’t so much a function of their long hair, however – short-haired dachshunds aren’t hypoallergenic either. Rather, allergies caused by dog fur are actually caused by a protein secreted through the dog’s dandruff, saliva, and urine.
How To Minimize Your Doxie’s Shedding?
If you want your dog’s shedding to be as minor of a problem as possible, you just need to take care of its coat. Regular baths and brushing are a must, as is a good diet and healthcare. Aside from that, we really recommend two visits to a pet groomer per year. But, if you’re up to it, you can do that yourself too. Just make sure you groom the dog well before the seasonal shedding.
