5 Things You Need to Know About Silky Wire-Haired Dachshunds

If you’re a dachshund lover, you may have come across ads for silky wire-haired dachshunds for sale and wondered what exactly that means. Silky wire-haired dachshunds are an intriguing and lesser-known variety of the breed. They combine traits of both wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds. 

But how is that even possible? This blog post will reveal to you some important things you need to know about these pooches.

1. What Is a Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund?

What is a silky wire-haired dachshund? Well, as we already said, it’s a mix of a wire-haired and long-haired dachshund. This crossbreeding gives the dog a distinctive coat that’s softer and more flowing than a standard wirehair’s, yet not as long and silky as a full longhair. 

In fact, long-haired dachshunds are sometimes nicknamed “silky” dachshunds, so when those long-haired genes blend with a wire coat, you get the silky wire-haired moniker. 

Genetically, one parent must be a wirehair (carrying the longhair gene) and the other parent is either a longhair or also carries that gene – this pairing produces the unique coat.

Because of their mixed heritage, silky wire-haired dachshunds are not officially recognized by most kennel clubs. Kennel clubs generally only recognize smooth, long, and wire coats. They’re considered a variation of the wire-haired dachshund rather than a separate category. You cannot register a “silky wirehair” as a separate type. It will usually be registered as either a wire or long-haired based on the coat. That said, this special coat type is quite rare compared to the main three dachshund coat types. Don’t be fooled by their lack of official status. Many dachshund fans love silky wires for their unique look and feel.

2. A Unique Coat – Softer Than a Typical Wire-Haired Dachshund

One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is in the coat texture and appearance. A regular wire-haired dachshund’s coat is coarse, rough, and tight with a thick undercoat. It’s meant to resemble the rugged coat of a terrier. 

In contrast, a silky wire-haired dachshund’s coat is much softer and slightly longer or wavier. In essence, their coat sits somewhere between the scruffy “tousled” look of a wirehair and the smooth silk of a longhair. Their fur often has a bit of feathering (longer wisps), especially around the ears, chest, and legs, which you wouldn’t see on a strict wirehair. Owners describe the coat feel as very soft and fluffy overall, with each individual hair still having a bit of wiry coarseness to it. So, petting a silky wirehair can feel like petting a plush toy that has a slight bristly texture mixed in.

Another thing to know about the silky wire coat is its effect on shedding.

So, do silky wire-haired dachshunds shed a lot? 

Thankfully, no – they tend to be low-shedding dogs. Even though the fur looks soft and longer, these pups inherited the wire-haired trait of holding on to their dead hairs more than a smooth-coated dachshund would. 

Fewer hairs end up drifting onto your furniture, which means less vacuuming and lint-rolling for you. This doesn’t mean this type of Doxies is hypoallergenic. They still produce dander and allergens, but it’s good news for anyone who prefers a dog that won’t coat the house in fur. 

The silky wire-haired Doxie’s coat has the shiny, silky appearance of a longhair but with the wiry underlayer of a wirehair, so loose fur tends to stay caught in the coat until you brush it out. In short, they shed minimally compared to many other breeds.

Special attention:

Because their coat is softer than a standard wire’s, it can be a bit more prone to tangling or matting (especially if it gets wet or if the dog romps through brush). A true wire-haired dachshund’s harsh coat is dirt-resistant and doesn’t mat easily, whereas the silky variant’s fur can clump like a longhaired dog’s if not properly groomed. 

3. Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund Grooming Tips

When it comes to silky wire-haired dachshund grooming, expect a routine that’s a blend of wirehair and longhair care. The good news is they don’t require intense salon-style upkeep, but they do need regular brushing and the occasional coat stripping. 

Experts recommend brushing a silky wire-haired dachshund at least twice a week with a good bristle or pin brush to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles. 

In fact, many owners find that a quick 5-minute brushing session each day keeps the coat in great shape and snarl-free. The brushing not only keeps them looking tidy but also helps pull out any dead undercoat hairs (since, as mentioned, wires don’t shed those on their own as much).

Besides brushing, hand-stripping is a grooming technique often used for wire-haired dachshunds. This means plucking out the dead hairs from the coat a couple of times a year. 

For a silky wirehair, you may still want to do occasional stripping to maintain coat texture and skin health, though their softer coat can also be trimmed or clipped if you prefer. 

Some owners opt to have a groomer give their silky wire dachshund a light trim (for example, neatening up the beard, eyebrows, and the feathering on the legs and belly) – similar to how a Schnauzer might be groomed. Others who keep the coat “natural” just focus on regular brushing and stripping out mats. Pay special attention to areas like behind the ears, armpits, and under the belly where mats can form in the fluffier areas. 

To make grooming easier, here are a few recommended items you can use for your silky wire-haired doxie’s coat care:

• Bath & Massage Dachshund Brush – Use a gentle rubber brush during bath time to massage the skin and loosen dead fur. Bath & Massage Dachshund Brush is designed especially for dachshunds and can turn bath time into spa time.
• 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner – Because dachshunds can have sensitive skin, a combined shampoo/conditioner formulated for them keeps the coat clean and soft without irritation. Try the 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Dachshunds to make bath time quick and effective.
• Everyday Dachshund Brush – A regular bristle or pin brush is a must for routine grooming. The Dachshund Dog Brush is great for daily brushing to keep that silky coat tangle-free.
• Grooming Glove – For a quick once-over or for dogs that aren’t fond of brushes, a grooming glove can collect loose hairs while you pet your pup. The Dachshund Silicone Grooming Glove helps you gently lift out shed hair and gives a nice massage at the same time.

4. Finding a Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund – Breeders & “For Sale” Tips

Because this coat type is uncommon, you might not see silky wire-haired dachshunds for sale as often as other varieties. They’re relatively rare, so finding one requires some patience and diligence. 

Start by looking for reputable dachshund breeders who occasionally produce this coat. Keep in mind, few if any breeders specialize exclusively in silky wires (since it’s not a separate official breed variety). 

Instead, silky wire-haired puppies can pop up in wire-haired dachshund litters if the genetics line up, or from intentional pairings of wire and longhair parents. 

Some breeders and owners are quite fond of the silky coat even if it isn’t show-standard. Therefore, don’t be surprised if a breeder advertises a “silky wire-haired dachshund for sale” to attract pet homes who love that look.

When searching for a silky wire-haired dachshund, do your homework on the breeder. Make sure they are responsible, health-test their dogs, and are transparent about the coat outcomes in their litters. 

Unfortunately, whenever a certain look becomes trendy, less scrupulous sellers might pop up. So if you see a silky wire-haired dachshund for sale online, ask questions: Was it an accidental coat variation or deliberate? 

Are the puppies healthy and well-socialized? A trustworthy breeder will be upfront that a silky wire pup is simply a wonderful pet-quality dachshund with an unusual coat, not a magical ultra-rare breed you should pay exorbitantly for.

Another avenue is to check rescue organizations and dachshund-specific rescue groups. You might get lucky – occasionally, a silky-coated wirehair dachshund might end up in rescue or needing rehoming. 

Adopting a dachshund in need can be incredibly rewarding, and you could save a life. Plus, an adult silky wire-haired doxie will already have that fabulous coat for you to admire!

Lastly, remember that silky wire-haired dachshunds are not recognized in dog shows (since their coat would be considered a fault in the wirehair class). 

This only matters if you had dreams of showing your pup in conformation. For the average person looking for a loving pet, the only recognition that counts is how much you adore your dog. And with their cute scruffy-yet-soft looks, these doxies certainly get plenty of admiration from everyone they meet.

5. Personality and Care – Same Dachshund Charm

Underneath that silky-straggly coat, a silky wire-haired dachshund is all dachshund. They share the same general temperament and traits you’d expect from the breed. Dachshunds are famously bold, curious, and loyal little dogs with a big personality packed into a small body. 

A silky wire-haired will be just as affectionate and entertaining as any other Doxie. They usually make great family dogs, loving to cuddle with their owners and often good with kids (when properly socialized). In fact, dachshunds are known to be very devoted to their families – they make excellent companions as long as they get the training and socialization they need.

You might be wondering if the wire-haired genetics bring any twist to their behavior. Some dachshund enthusiasts say wire-haired dachshunds can be a touch more independent or mischievous compared to smooth or longhairs, and they sometimes have a terrier-like spunk (wire hairs originally came from crossing in terrier breeds). 

This might mean your silky wire-haired pup could display a bit of stubbornness or a penchant for digging and chasing critters. Thosea are all normal dachshund behaviors, just keep them in check with training. They can also be vocal (dachshunds love to bark at things, after all), so consistent training on commands like “quiet” is helpful. Overall, expect an alert, brave little dog who thinks he’s 10 feet tall, will make you laugh with his antics, and will happily burrow under a blanket to nap by your side.

In terms of care, a silky wire-haired dachshund has the same needs as any dachshund. They are an active breed (despite the tiny legs!) and enjoy daily walks and playtime. Exercise is important to keep them fit and to prevent boredom (a bored dachshund can become a little troublemaker). 

Just be mindful of their back – dachshunds have long spines and can be prone to back injuries (Intervertebral Disk Disease). Avoid letting them jump down from high furniture or go up and down stairs frequently. 

Many owners use pet ramps or steps to help their doxies onto couches or beds. Also, support their chest and hindquarters when picking them up, to avoid strain on the spine.

Finally, dachshunds, including silky wires, tend to have a long lifespan for dogs – often 12 to 15 years, sometimes even beyond. 

By feeding a healthy diet, keeping up with vet checkups, and giving plenty of love and attention, your dachshund can be a happy companion for many years. Their low-shedding coat is just another bonus that makes life a bit easier.

Owning a Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund: Wrapping up

The silky wire-haired dachshund may not be a standard-issue dachshund variety, but that’s part of what makes them special. They have the best of both coat types – a wiry beard and brows with a soft, silky feel. They also keep all the charming traits that make dachshunds one of the most loved breeds. If you are lucky enough to have one of these rare puppies or are thinking about getting one, you now know the basics. You understand their coat, grooming needs, where to find them, and how they fit into the dachshund family. With good care and lots of love, a silky wire-haired dachshund will give you loyalty and laughs. They will also provide plenty of cuddles and likely steal the show at the dog park with their fabulous coat!