Do Dachshunds Shed and How To Deal With It? Tips For Owners

Do Dachshund shed and how much shedding is ok in Doxies? How can you prevent it, and what are some of the best tricks for this problem? Since the dog’s coat can reveal a lot about their health, we need to pay a special attention to their grooming. When I first brought my own dachshund home, I was surprised to find little hairs on my couch and clothes. It turns out even a small wiener dog can leave fluff everywhere if you’re not prepared! Let’s find out how you can keep your pet well-groomed even during the shedding season.

Do Dachshunds shed, and how much?

Ah, the adorable Dachshund, also known as the Wiener Dog or the Sausage Dog. These little hot dog-shaped cuties have won the hearts of many dog lovers around the world. But let’s talk about the fur on the floor, or should we say shedding! Do Dachies shed, and what can we expect when this issue is on the line? Well, first of all, yes – Dachshunds do shed, just like any other breed. But fear not, for it’s not always a major catastrophe! 

The shedding in this breed is normal; we could even say it is less than with some other species, but that also means that our weiners are not hypoallergenic. And did you know that shedding affects many factors? Not only season but also diet, shampoo, and bad grooming routine can affect their coat. That’s why it’s not surprising to hear that the dog’s coat is the mirror of their health.

When a dog has smooth, silky and glossy hair, it means that it’s healthy from the inside too. Just like humans, dogs reflect their inner health and body condition through their coat. Therefore, if you see your Wiener dog started to deal with excessive hair loss, dull-looking coat, and itchiness, you need to react quickly. Developing hairless patches is also alarming and can point out to some severe conditions. Read our blog post on What are the most common skin problems in Dachshunds? 

Doxies shed all year round, but in some periods, a bit more, and some types of Dachshunds more than others. Here is what we are talking about:

Do Short-Haired Dachshunds Shed?

Short-haired (smooth coat) dachshunds have a sleek, shiny coat of tiny hairs. Do short-haired dachshunds shed? Yes – but only lightly to moderately. In fact, some smooth-coat dachshund owners claim their pups “don’t shed” because the hairs are so small and hard to notice. 

In reality, smooth dachshunds do shed continuously, but the fur is fine and tends to stick close to their body. You might not realize how much they’re shedding until you see the dust bunnies in your vacuum or the hairs glistening on dark clothing.

Shedding characteristics: 

Smooth-haired dachshunds usually shed a little bit all the time, rather than clumps of fur at once. They don’t have a thick undercoat, so there’s less seasonal “coat blowing” compared to other types. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to catch loose hairs and reduce what ends up on your furniture. The bonus is that brushing also helps distribute natural oils in their skin, keeping the coat healthy and glossy. Overall, short-haired dachshunds are the least visibly shedding of the three coat types – but they definitely still shed.

Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Shed?

Long-haired dachshunds have beautiful flowing coats – and yes, they shed, often more noticeably than their short-haired cousins. Do long-haired dachshunds shed? Absolutely. 

In fact, many owners find that the long-haired variety sheds the most of all the coat types. These elegant pups typically have a double coat (a soft undercoat plus longer outer hairs), which means they tend to “blow” their coat seasonally. 

When the weather changes in spring and fall, a long-haired dachshund will shed that thick undercoat in clumps, leaving tufts of fluff around the house.

Shedding characteristics

Long-haired doxies shed about as much as smooth ones on a day-to-day basis, but their longer fur makes every shed hair more obvious. You might find tumbleweeds of long fur in corners or stuck to your clothes. Because of their coat length, grooming is crucial. Daily or every-other-day brushing with a slicker or comb will catch loose hairs and prevent tangles and mats from forming. The good news is that with regular grooming, even a long-haired dachshund’s shedding can be managed so it doesn’t drive you crazy. Think of it as spa time for your pup – they often enjoy the extra attention!

Do Wire-Haired Dachshunds Shed?

Wire-haired dachshunds sport a unique wiry, coarse coat with a heavy undercoat beneath. Do wire-haired dachshunds shed? They do, but interestingly, wire-haired doxies tend to shed the least of the three coat types. 

Their dense, bristly outer coat often traps loose undercoat hairs, so you won’t see as much fur falling out on your floors on a daily basis. Many people with allergies or who worry about shedding gravitate toward wire-haired dachshunds because they produce fewer loose hairs and dander than smooth or long-haired pups. However, don’t be fooled – they aren’t hypoallergenic, and they will shed some.

Shedding characteristics

Wire-haired dachshunds have a thick undercoat that will shed out seasonally (usually in spring and autumn) when they “blow the coat” to adjust for warmer or cooler weather. During these periods, you might suddenly find your wire-haired dachshund shedding more than usual – little tufts or a general increase in stray fur. 

Regular brushing is still important for wirehairs, though often you may only need to brush once a week most of the year. Additionally, wire-haired coats sometimes need a special grooming process called hand stripping a couple of times a year. This removes dead hair from the undercoat and keeps the wiry coat healthy. 

Why Is My Dachshund Shedding So Much?

Have you been thinking, “Why is my dachshund shedding so much?” Don’t panic – some fluctuation in shedding is normal, but a sudden or excessive shed-fest can have specific causes. Here are some common reasons your dachshund might be shedding more than usual:

·         Seasonal changes: 

It’s normal for dogs to release dead hair during spring and fall. That’s how they prepare their coats for the summer and winter seasons. A big increase in fur loss during these times is usually normal. However, if your wiener dog’s coat looks dull and he/she develops bald patches, then it’s time to become worried. These signs can point out to alopecia or some other underlying issue.

·         Temperature and sunlight

Warmer weather and longer daylight can trigger extra shedding (it’s how dogs regulate body temperature). It’s normal for many dogs to shed more in summer months. However, if your dog becomes exposed to sunlight more than usual and his skin becomes pink or red, then he/she develops minor sunburns along with hair loss. 

So, when taking a Doxie outside in the summer and planning to spend more time outside, make sure you put a dog-safe sunscreen and a protective mesh vest. Dog cooling vests are also important because they help your dog regulate their body temperature.

·         Poor diet or nutrition

Lack of certain nutrients (like fatty acids) or a low-quality diet can lead to a dull coat and more shedding. Ensuring your pup has a balanced diet helps keep the skin and hair healthy. Pay attention to the ingredients of dog food you’re feeding your dog. Is it rich in carbohydrates, artificial flavors or colors? If yes, then you should start thinking about switching your sausage dog to a healthier option.

For dogs that are prone to allergies and hairloss, a raw diet can do the thing. Also, to improve your dog’s quality of the coat, make sure you include Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty as one of the crucial supplements for your Doxie.

·         Allergies or skin conditions

Allergies (to food, fleas, or environmental factors) and skin problems like dermatitis can cause excessive shedding or even bald spots. Often you’ll also see itching, redness, or irritation if this is the case.

·         Parasites (fleas or mites)

A flea infestation or mites (like mange) can lead to lots of scratching and hair loss. Check your dachshund’s coat for tiny critters or red bite marks if shedding is accompanied by itching. To save your dog from fleas, we recommend you to invest in a quality anti-flea collar and apply anti-flea oil to your dog’s coat 3 times a year.

·         Stress or anxiety

Dogs under stress may shed more. Big changes (moving homes, a new pet, loud noises) or separation anxiety can trigger extra hair loss. You might notice clumps coming out after a stressful event. Ask yourself what was the trigger for your dog’s stress. Sometimes, even the firework and loud sounds during the holiday season can make them feel afraid and stressful.

•         Harsh shampoos or “bad cosmetics”

Using a shampoo not formulated for dogs, or one that irritates your dachshund’s sensitive skin, can cause dryness and more shedding. Always use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo made for dogs’ pH balance. In the following lines, you’ll find our recommendations for the best Dachshund shampoos.

•         Underlying illness or hormonal imbalances 

Sometimes, conditions like hypothyroidism or other hormonal issues can lead to thinning fur or heavy shedding. This is less common, but it’s a possibility if something seems off with your pup.

Do Dachshunds Shed More in the Summer?

When the weather heats up, you might notice more dog hair tumbleweeds blowing around. Do dachshunds shed more in the summer? Many dachshund owners observe an uptick in shedding as summer approaches. This is largely due to seasonal shedding patterns – in spring/early summer, dachshunds (especially those with undercoats) will shed their heavier winter fur to stay cool. Shedding a bit extra in the warmer months is normal and helps your pup regulate body temperature. Think of it as your dachshund taking off a winter coat and slipping into something more comfortable for summer.

However, summer shedding shouldn’t be excessive. If your doxie is shedding so much in summer that they’re getting bald spots or their skin looks irritated, that’s not typical seasonal shedding. In such cases, review the possible causes we listed above (allergies, parasites, etc.) or consult your vet. But generally, yes, dachshunds may shed more in summer – just be ready with regular brushing to catch that loose fur. A quick daily brush during the peak shedding weeks can dramatically cut down the amount of hair you find on your floors and couch.

Do Dachshunds Shed All Year Round?

What about the rest of the year? Do dachshunds shed all year round? For the most part, yes. Dachshunds are moderate shedders throughout the year. Unlike some breeds that shed only seasonally, dachshunds will drop hair continuously in small amounts. There is no single “off season” for shedding – you’ll always find at least a few hairs here and there. Even short-haired dachshunds with a single coat tend to shed constantly (just very minimally). So, if you adopt a dachshund, expect to deal with fur year-round.

That said, dachshunds do have shedding seasons when it ramps up (usually spring and fall, as we discussed). Outside of those peak times, shedding should be pretty steady and mild. Many owners report their doxies shed “a bit all the time,” which is normal. Simply keep up with routine grooming throughout the year and you’ll keep the fur tumbleweeds under control. In summary, dachshunds shed all year round, but in some periods a bit more than others – it’s all part of living with these lovable little sausage dogs.

How to Deal With Dachshund Shedding ?

Now for the pro tips on managing that shedding! The good news is that dachshund shedding can be easily managed with some simple grooming habits and care. Here are some effective tips to deal with dachshund shedding and keep your home cleaner:

1. Brush Regularly

Brushing is your #1 defense against shedding. Use a good quality dog brush designed for dachshunds to remove loose hair before it falls off. For example, a slicker or bristle brush works great for short and long coats, and a comb or pin brush helps with long or wire coats. A specialized Dachshund Dog Brush can make grooming easier by reaching their undercoat and capturing shed fur. Aim to brush short-haired dachshunds at least once a week, long-haired every day or two, and wire-haired about once a week (more during heavy shedding seasons). Regular brushing not only catches shed hair but also distributes skin oils for a healthier, shinier coat.

2. Bathe Occasionally (with the Right Shampoo) 

Do dachshunds shed less when you don’t bathe them? Wrong!

Bathing can help loosen and wash away excess fur, but you don’t want to overdo it. Give your dachshund a bath every month or two (or when they get into something dirty). Over-bathing can dry out their skin and actually cause more shedding, so stick to a reasonable schedule. 

Always use a gentle dog shampoo formulated for canine skin – never human shampoos. A product like the 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Dachshunds is ideal, as it’s pH-balanced for dachshund skin and will cleanse and condition their coat in one go. Proper bathing with a quality shampoo (and even a light conditioner) keeps their skin healthy and can reduce excessive shedding from dryness or irritation.

3. Use Deshedding Tools

Do dachshunds shed more when you’re not using the right tools? Definitely, yes! During heavy shed periods, consider adding a deshedding tool or grooming aid. For example, a rubber curry brush or grooming glove can be wonderful for short-haired dachshunds, as it gently massages out loose hairs and feels like a petting session. 

A self-cleaning slicker brush or undercoat rake can be very effective for long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds to remove that undercoat fur when they blow their coat. These tools grab the dead fur hiding beneath the topcoat. Just be gentle and follow instructions – dachshunds have sensitive skin.

4. Healthy Diet and Hydration

Nutrition plays a big role in coat health. Feed your dachshund a high-quality diet rich in protein and essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6). These nutrients keep the skin supple and the hair follicles strong, which can minimize unnatural shedding. 

If your vet approves, you might add a fish oil or omega-3 supplement to support a healthy coat. Also ensure your pup is well-hydrated – skin that’s well-moisturized from the inside out will shed less. Basically, a healthy dachshund with good nutrition will naturally have a healthier coat that sheds at a normal rate rather than excessively.

Do Dachshunds Shed? Wrapping Up

Shedding is a part of life, so embrace the shedding adventure, invest in a good vacuum cleaner, brush, and patience! Remember, Dachshunds bring us so much joy that a bit of fur here and there is a small price to pay for their unwavering love and undeniable cuteness! Our advice is to make a good plan before the shedding season starts. Make sure you separate a certain amount of your free time to help your dog look gorgeous. Make sure you buy a quality dog brush, detangling spray, and a dog-safe shampoo.