Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 4, 2023.
Are you worried about your Long-Haired Dachshund shedding too much around the house? Learn more about this popular myth and how to manage it with a few effective tips.
Long Haired Dachshunds are a beloved breed of dog known for their unique appearance and loving personality. They have sleek, elegant, and slightly wavy coats. While they are often kept as companion animals and are well-loved by their owners, shedding is one concern that potential owners may have.
In this article, we will explore the topic of shedding in Long Haired Dachshunds, including whether or not they shed, how much they shed, and what factors can affect their shedding. We will also provide tips on how to shed and keep your Long Haired Dachshund’s coat healthy and shiny.
Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Shed a Lot?
Long-haired Dachshunds are the biggest shedders out of the three Dachshund varieties. They have a dense double coat and shed more prominently in spring and autumn. The hair is longer, more obvious, and easier to spot on the floor or couch. However, with proper grooming and a healthy diet, shedding can be managed to keep your Long Haired Dachshund’s coat healthy and shiny.
Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Shed More Than short-haired Dachshunds?
Regardless of the coat length, all Dachshunds will shed to some extent, and regular grooming is important to help manage to shed and keep your dog’s coat healthy. Long-haired Dachshunds have a longer and thicker coat, which means there is more dog hair to shed. However, the amount of shedding can vary between individual dogs and may also depend on age, health, diet, and grooming habits.
Reasons Which Affect Long-Haired Dachshund Shedding
There are several reasons why a long-haired Dachshund may shed more or less than usual, including:
- Age: Younger dogs may shed more than adult dogs as they go through their puppy coat to adult coat transition. Also, shedding can increase as dogs age and their coats thins out.
- Diet: A healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy coat and reducing shedding. Dogs need a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids. If a dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to shedding.
- Health: Certain health conditions, such as allergies or skin infections, can cause excessive shedding. Dogs with an underactive thyroid gland may also experience increased shedding. Regular vet check-ups can help to identify any underlying health issues.
- Environment: Environmental factors can also affect shedding in dogs. Changes in temperature or humidity can cause dogs to shed more than usual, as can seasonal changes.
Stress: Excessive shedding in Long haired Dachshunds may be a sign of stress. Long-haired Dachshunds may get stressed because of loud noises, environmental change, separation anxiety, or when introducing new pets into your home. Dogs may also shed more than usual if exposed to stress or anxiety. - Grooming: Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, can help to manage shedding by removing loose hair and keeping the coat healthy. Poor grooming results in excessive shedding. Also, over-bathing can strip the coat of natural oils and worsen shedding.
- Genetics: Some dogs may shed more than others due to their genetics and inherited traits from their parents. Long-haired Dachshunds are bred to have a thick, long coat, which means they may naturally shed more than other breeds or coat types.
- Ticks and Fleas: Fleas, ticks, or parasites may also result in noticeably high Long haired Dachshunds shedding.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal swings in female Long haired Dachshunds affect how they shed, and you might not be able to control it. Hormonal imbalance may happen due to pregnancy, recent spaying or neutering, or female Long haired Dachshund going into heat.
Dachshund owners need to be aware that all dogs shed, and some shedding is normal for all dog breeds, and it’s impossible to stop shedding completely. However, by identifying any underlying issues and practicing good grooming habits, you can help to manage to shed and keep your long-haired Dachshund’s coat healthy and shiny.
At What Age Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Start Shedding?
Young Long-haired Dachshund puppies have a single coat that is very soft and short. All Long haired Dachshund puppies enter a phase of relatively fast transition where the puppy coat sheds off and is replaced by the elegant adult coat.
Long-haired Dachshunds sheds their puppy coats at the age of 4 to 5 months. At this age, Long haired Dachshunds will get rid of the old puppy coat to develop the longer double-layered coat. So, for a short period, their fur may look light and uneven. The adult Long haired Dachshund has a very dense undercoat and an outer coat of long hair.
How Do I Stop Long-Haired Dachshund Shedding?
It’s impossible to completely stop a long-haired Dachshund from shedding, as shedding is a natural process that helps remove old or damaged hair and keep the coat healthy. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize shedding and keep your dog’s coat looking healthy:
- Regular Grooming: Regular grooming can help remove loose hair before it falls around your home. Brush your Dachshund’s coat at least once or twice a week to help remove any loose hair and prevent mats from forming.
- High-quality Diet: Feeding your Dachshund a high-quality diet can help to promote a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Look for dog food rich in protein and essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which help nourish the skin and coat.
- Bathing: Bathing your Dachshund once every two months can help to remove any loose hair and prevent mats from forming. However, over-bathing can dry out the skin and make shedding worse, so be sure to use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid bathing too frequently.
- Keep Your Home Clean: Vacuuming regularly and using lint rollers can help to remove any loose hair that your Dachshund may shed around your home. It’s also a good idea to wash your dog’s bedding and toys regularly to keep them free from hair.
- Regular Vet Checkups: Take your Long-haired Dachshund to the vet regularly to prevent skin diseases and rule out the possibility of any other underlying condition. While all dogs shed, excessive shedding could be a symptom of an allergy or underlying health issue. Your vet can also guide you on what diet to feed your Long-haired Dachshund that can keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.
| Grooming Task | Frequency | Grooming Tool | Purpose |
| Brushing | At least once or twice per week | A slicker brush or pin brush | Removes loose hair, prevents matting, and distributes natural oils throughout the coat. |
| Bathing | As needed | Dog-specific shampoo and conditioner | Removes dirt and debris, reduces dander, and promotes a healthy coat. |
| Coat Trimming | Every 8-10 weeks | Scissors or electric clippers | Reduces the length of the coat to prevent matting and reduce shedding. |
| Diet | A high-quality, balanced diet | N/A | Provides essential nutrients to support a healthy coat and skin. |
Remember that some shedding is normal for all dogs, so it’s essential to be patient and consistent with your grooming routine to keep your long-haired Dachshund’s coat healthy and reduce shedding as much as possible. It’s essential to consult your vet and professional groomer for additional advice and guidance on maintaining your long-haired Dachshund’s coat and reducing shedding.
Which Type of Dachshund Sheds The Least?
All three types of Dachshunds shed to some extent, but generally speaking, the wire-haired Dachshund tends to shed the least. Their coat is uniformly tighter, wired, and thicker than the other two types.
This can help to trap shedding hair and prevent it from falling out as easily. However, it’s worth noting that no dog breed is completely non-shedding. Wire-haired Dachshunds will still require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean.
| Dachshund Coat Type | Shedding Level |
Coat Care |
| Smooth | Moderate | Regular brushing with a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt. Bathing as needed. |
| Long-haired | Moderate | Regular brushing with a slicker brush to prevent matting. Bathing as needed. |
| Wirehaired | Low to Moderate | Regular brushing with a wire slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Trimming as needed. |
Can I Shave My Long-Haired Dachshund?
While it is possible to shave a long-haired Dachshund, it is generally not recommended. Long-haired Dachshunds have a double coat that protects them from the sun, heat, and cold. The undercoat provides insulation, while the topcoat helps to repel water and prevent dirt and debris from getting trapped in the coat. Shaving a long-haired Dachshund can disrupt the natural balance of the coat and make the dog more susceptible to sunburn, heat stroke, and cold weather.
Additionally, shaving a long-haired Dachshund can cause the coat to grow back unevenly or not at all. These dogs also have delicate skin prone to dryness and irritation, and shaving can worsen these problems.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds are intelligent and lively dogs with a playful spirit. They make loyal, charming, and devoted companions who interact well with family members. If you’re going to share your house with a Long Haired Dachshund, you’ll need to deal with a lot of dog hair in your house.
Long-haired Dachshunds have thicker and longer coats than short-haired Dachshunds, which means they may naturally shed more. However, by practicing good grooming habits, such as regular brushing and bathing, and providing a healthy diet, shedding can be managed to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Dachshund Information.
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