The dachshund is a stunning dog breed known for its ‘stunted growth’ and a “hot-dog” shape. There are three distinct coat varieties of these wiener dogs including the short-haired dachshunds, longhaired dachshunds and of course the wire-haired dachshunds which we would be focusing on in this article.
Wire-haired dachshunds have distinguishing features like coat structure and colours. It also has a distinctive personality. This guide seeks to throw light on questions begging for detailed answers about the wire-haired dachshunds.
In this article, we’ll talk about the origins of wire-haired weiners, care requirements, activity levels, as well as famous people who owned them. As well as that, we will discuss some health issues related to this breed, and if the wire-haired dachshund is a suitable dog for you and your family.
It’s time to start from the foundation and build up momentum, answering the question about the origin and history of the wire-haired dachshund.
Where do Wire-haired Dachshunds Come from?
The origins of the wire-haired dachshunds as well as the longhaired variety, are somewhat skewed. Nevertheless, similarly to the longhaired wiener dogs, these pets are believed to originate from Germany.
The “Dachs” present in their name, means badger, while “hund” means dog in German. Their name indicates these breeds were specially bred for hunting badgers and other small animals; usually those that dig holes.
Since the 18th century, Germany has been known to breed wiener dogs, with the earliest breeds weighing up to 30 or 40 pounds.
The U.S. got a hold of the Dachshunds around 1887 where they became popular as show dogs and pets for dog lovers. Their popularity grew so much they were among top ten breeds displayed at the Westminster Kennel Club around that time.
But the wars (both first and second World Wars) happened, and the growing popularity of the dachshunds was cut short as they were linked to Germany. In fact, political cartoonists at the time used the Dachshunds to connote the German enemy.
Dachshunds today have started regaining their popularity in the U.S. with many dog lovers opting for one of the three breeds.
Wire-haired Dachshunds Coat and Colours
The wire-haired dachshunds are notably the ‘rugged workmen’ of the trio of dachshunds – longhaired, wire-haired and short-haired. They have distinct features like harsh body hair, eyebrows, and beards.
Their coat texture varies, some come with ‘hairy’ coat, and others have ‘pin-wire’ coat textures. (See the pictures below).
You may need to hand-strip your wire-haired doxie – but never clip them. Hand stripping can be done two or three times yearly.
Wire-haired dachshunds come in several colour options, but the most common are Chocolate and Red. You can also have colour combinations as Black & Tan and Chocolate & Tan, depending on several factors. As well as that, there is “Wild Boar” colour, which is exclusive to wire-haired dachshunds.
Additionally, wire-haired dachshunds come in Dapple and Brindle patterns. (See the pictures below).
P.S.: Brindle, when referred to wire-haired dachshunds, means it has individually striped hairs which give it a grey/grizzle appearance; unlike the longhaired brindles which have a tiger-stripe appearance.
On the picture below, you can see the Red “pin-wired” haired Dachshund. “Pin Wired” is a shorter coat, with less beard and body hair.
Below you can see the standard wire-haired dachshund, with the medium length hair. The colour is “wild boar”, which is a mixture of grey, brown and black. It is a typical colour of wire-haired doxies.
This is more “hairy” or “fluffy” type of wire-haired dachshund. Also, you can see the dapple pattern here.
Wire-haired Dachshund Origins
Let’s look back to the wire-haired wieners origins, connecting it with the reason for the wiry coat. The original dachshunds had short hairs with smooth coats allowing them to dig and hunt for small animals in burrows without getting dirty or their fur caught.
With time, the breeding of more dachshunds increased but this time as pets rather than as hunting dogs. The longhaired dachshunds were the first to be bred through interbreeding with dogs like spaniels.
Wire-haired dachshunds followed after the longhaired variants of the dachshunds, with their first appearance around the 19th century.
It’s believed that the wiry coat texture of the wire-haired dachshunds may be a result of interbreeding the regular smooth dachshunds with wire-haired dogs. Most likely, it could be the German pinscher and Dandie Dinmont terrier.
Wire-haired doxies didn’t exist in America till around 1940 when they were imported to the country. Wire-haired variants of the Dachshunds are still sturdy and strong dogs, like the original smooth dachshunds that are capable of hunting.
However, they took significant characteristics of the terriers and hounds with which they were crossed. The result of this crossing is indeed energetic, faithful, and lovable family pet.
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Do Wire-haired Dachshunds Shed?
Back to discussing the wire-haired dachshund coat, let’s answer some other frequently asked questions about this breed, including shedding.
Some dogs like the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier molts quite a lot. Seeing that the wire-haired doxies are breed with terriers, you might ask if they molt as well. The answer is – all dogs molt, but wire-haired dachshund is one of the least shedding dogs.
The wire-haired dachshunds do not molt much. Unlike regular dogs which shed their hairs, the wire-coat doxie needs to be stripped or clipped (for soft coat wirehairs). It’s also interesting to note that they don’t smell “doggy” like regular dogs.
How Often Should I Strip my Wire-haired Dachshund Coat?
Now that you know that your wire-haired requires stripping, it’s essential to know how often you should strip it. Depending on the quality of your pet’s wired coat, you can strip your dog’s fur two or three times yearly.
“Pin-wire” haired dachshund might not need stripping, just tidying up every now and then. But the usual wire-haired coats may need to be stripped at least twice or three times every year. If you, however, have a wire-haired doxie with a really soft and fluffy coat, frequent stripping may be required.
How much grooming do Wire-Haired Dachshunds require?
Henceforth you might ask, how much grooming do the wire-haired dachshunds require, asides the stripping as discussed above?
Well, you’ll need to groom your doxie regularly and thoroughly. A brush and comb should be used for grooming at least once a week. Also, you can use this opportunity to check the health of your pet. Check to ensure it has clean ears. Also, that here aren’t discharges in its eyes and no mud-balls between its feet pads.
Your wire-haired doxie will also need a regular bathing. If you need an advice on bathing procedure, you can read our detailed article on “How to bathe your dachshund”.
Additionally, your wire-haired dachshund needs its teeth to be brushed to avoid tartar buildup. So try to get your doxie used to the idea of using a toothbrush alongside doggy toothpaste regularly. It will undoubtedly help to prevent complications from tartar accumulation and problems of gum disease.
Overall, handling and grooming a wire-haired dachshund isn’t complicated. All you need is to find time to get the required grooming done when it’s needed.
Wire-haired Dachshund Temperament
Regarding the personality of these sausage dogs, we’d say they are fairly temperamental dogs, especially to strangers.
Our petite wire-haired doxies love to be engaged in all sort of activities. If you own a wire-haired dachshund, it is essential always to keep it entertained as it has a lot of mental and physical energy to burn off. Wire-haired dachshunds are often very independent and intelligent.
Also, a wire-haired doxie requires a lot of attention because it can get bored easily. Therefore, this type of dog is mostly recommended for couples who are retired or the ones that have enough time. You should have free time to shower this little energetic dog with all the attention it requires.
Also, understand that when your wire-haired is out hunting, it might not require any instruction at all.
The intelligence of this breed, while it is out hunting flows naturally. The only downside is that the clever, independent thinking of the wire-haired dachshund might clash with your human authority.
Wire-haired dachshunds or the dachshund breed in general often do get confused as to who runs the place. This is because they are resourceful and independent. A wire-haired doxon dog often wants to be in charge. Therefore, tenacious training is required to ensure that your dog knows who the boss is.
Additionally, wire-haired dachshunds are sometimes aggressive towards strangers, cars, and even other animals. The reason is your dog’s “hunter” instinct, and it is always ready to show itself.
When your dog harasses strangers or other animals all the time, it might cause you a lot of embarrassment. Consequently, you must train your wire-haired puppy to control this destructive inbred attitude. Provided the right training, a single order from you should be enough to bring your pet to calmness.
Other things to consider..
According to a 2008 survey by the University of Pennsylvania, dachshund topped the list of aggressive and stubborn dogs. The study also discovered that one in every five dachshunds had bitten a stranger.
However, it is more due to the fact of a lack or improper training of the particular dog.
Also, despite its at times terrible temper, a wire-haired dachshund is very playful, especially around its family.
Wire-haired doxie can play with virtually anything and at any time. As an example, if you’re cleaning the house, it might start dragging the brush with you. Wire-haired weiner dogs are notorious for being naughty at times.
If you would like to find out more about dachshund personality traits, you can read our article about Dachshund temperament and personality.
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
Famous owners of wire-haired dachshunds
Many famous individuals have soft spots for doxies, especially the wire-haired variety. We have put together a list of few celebrities who own dachshunds.
Doris Day
There is no surprise that Doris has a soft spot for animals, especially dachshunds. The animal welfare activist and singer/actress had a tumultuous life both career-wise and personally. However, she always found a way to smile with her wire-haired doxie.
A strong woman with a strong-willed dachshund by her side, Doris Day doesn’t let life bother her.
David Hasselhoff
Baltimore born David Hasselhoff aka ‘The Hoff’ is a singer, producer, actor and businessman. David is the most-watched actor on T.V. as is evident by the world Guinness book of record title he holds.
The Hoff has two daughters from two marriages.
Despite being so popular on T.V., one animal melts David’s heart, and that is a wire-haired dachshund. Despite all of his travels, he is always glad to come home to his ever waiting and loyal dachshund. Sometimes when on long trips, David carries his sausage dog along with him.
Christian Slater
American actor Christian Michael Slater was born into a family of T.V. personalities and took after his parents and half brother to become an actor.
Slater never misses an opportunity to snap beautiful photos with his doxie – a wire-haired dachshund he doesn’t seem to be able to get enough of.
John F Kennedy
It is no surprise that John F Kennedy finds a place on this list. He was an animal lover; however, his possession of the dachshund didn’t last long because of the allergies he developed because of the dachshund’s fur. The dog was called Dunker, and he bought it for his girlfriend at the time.
Kim Cattrall
Kim’s love for dachshunds was on a different level as she not only had one but two lovely puppies that put smiles on her face. The actress became popular with her work in Quincy M.E. she also played prominent roles in Columbo and Starsky and Hutch.
Cattrall has poured all the love she could muster on her two dogs because she didn’t have any child from her two marriages.
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando was born in Nebraska. Brando’s love for his career can be likened to his love for his wire-haired dachshund.
Although he has passed away, the legend is one of the most decorated actors to have graced Hollywood.
Wire-haired Dachshund Health Issues
The wire-haired dachshunds are prone to some genetic medical conditions. If you own one of them, be sure to tailor your dog’s health routine checks in such a way that will prevent or reduce its chances of suffering those diseases.
Take your dog’s skeletal makeup as an example. Its elongated back makes it prone to suffering back and joint issues. A well-known fact that dachshunds are often suffering from intervertebral disc disease.
Other issues your wire-haired pal stand a risk of suffering include:
Dental Issues
With proper care, your dachshund might escape suffering any dental problems. However, amongst other breeds, your wire-haired is most likely to have tooth decay, which can be a portal to many more issues like liver, kidney, joint, or heart problems.
Researchers say teeth problems can reduce your dog’s lifespan by a vast three years!
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with mild dog toothpaste can be a way to keep it healthy for long. We advise using specifically formulated dog toothpaste like this Teeth Cleaning and Fresh Breath Dental Care Gel.
However, if your dachshund has sensitive teeth, you can use a non-contact cleansing method, adding specifically formulated supplements to your dog’s food. Made from seaweed, they help to reduce plaque and tartar. Our favourite is ProDen PlaqueOff Powder from Amazon.
Infections
Your wire-haired dachshund is susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. They are more likely to suffer distemper or rabies. These infections are often kept at bay with the right amount of vaccination depending on the dog’s age and environment.
Obesity
Obesity is one problem that your wire-haired dachshund is prone to. The love you show your pal by giving it anything, and everything you eat might be ironically the “love to death.”
Plus, obesity increases your wire-haired chances of having joint and back pains, worsens metabolic problems, and digestive challenges.
It is often advisable that instead of shoving those treats down your dog’s belly, take it out for a walk. If you’re eating and it looks at you with those large, soulful eyes simply brush its hair or give it a sweet hug.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Also called Cushing’s disease, it is likely to affect your wire-haired dachshund because of its genetic shortcomings. The disease is a condition where the dog’s adrenal glands make more than the necessary amount of steroid.
While the earliest signs of this condition can be easily missed, apparent symptoms like plummeting activity level, increase in appetite, and especially drinking and urinating. After a while, your dog might experience hair loss, thinning skin, or develop a potbelly.
The best way around this is to reach out to your vet doctor the moment you notice such symptoms.
Heart Diseases
According to statistics from vet doctors, one of the most common causes of death in a wire-haired dachshund’s prime years is heart disease. It gives a clue that this breed is prone to the disease (mitral heart murmur).
The condition often involves a weakened valve that ceases to close firmly and begins to leak blood, which eventually stains the dog’s heart.
Liver Problems
Your wire-haired dachshund has a higher liver disease risk than other dogs.
The condition, known as PSS (portosystemic shunt) involves not having sufficient blood in the liver to function properly.
It thereby increases the number of toxins that reside in your puppy’s body. Symptoms of this condition include seizures or stunted growth.
Eye Problems
Eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrom can not only cause severe pain and discomfort for your dog but can also lead to blindness. The quality of a dog’s life is altered forever if it falls blind.
This is why it is important to pay close attention to your pet and always report your observations to your vet doctor.
Please feel free to read our separate detailed article about Dachshunds Eye Problems.
Neurological Problems
If you notice some attitude in your dogs like excessive sleeping, seizures, weaknesses, or tremors, you should alert your vet doctor immediately as your dog might be having symptoms of neurological problems.
Other diseases that your wire-haired dachshund is prone to include diabetes, hip necrosis, mange and hip, and elbow dysplasia.
To learn about dachshund health issues in more detail, you can to read our separate article on Dachshund Health.
*Note: We are not implying that your wire-haired puppy will suffer such conditions. However, when compared to other dogs, they have a higher likelihood of suffering these illnesses at a point in their lives.
Wire-haired Dachshund Training Basics
Your short-bodied wire-haired dachshund might look funny in a cute way, but that does little to express its fiery mindset.
If you are careless or reluctant about giving your wire-haired dachshund the proper training it should have, you risk having a destructive trouble brewer on your hands.
Dog connoisseurs around the world agree that wire-haired dachshunds and the dachshund family in general, are amongst the hardest dogs to train. They rely on their hunter instincts which pops up at the slightest chance, causing them to forget every other training – at this point, even the “come” command might become futile.
However, these tips might be of help.
- Firstly, to keep your wire-haired dachshund from exhibiting any form of bad attitude towards you or strangers, you might need to dedicate at most two weeks into training it.
- In case your weiner dog leaps at people, stop it immediately or it might be impossible to correct later on.
- Encourage your dachshund to come to the lead by initiating playing times.
- With the dachshund breed, reward-based training works the best. Once your dog does what you say, praise it with words like ‘good dog.’
A final note: If you are looking for a dog that is easy to train, do not go for a wire-haired dachshund.
Dachshund Housebreaking
Dachshunds, especially wire-haired breed, are very hard to housebreak. You must be ready to apply patience and consistency in teaching your dog to housebreak.
In case your dog defecates in the house, don’t be mad at it after it must have moved on. It’s no use. Your puppy might not be aware of the reason you’re mad at it. However, it is best to react when you catch your dog in the act.
Take it to the place where you want it to defecate the next time. Watch out for when it wants to defecate again and lead it out to poo. Rewarding it with a hug or saying ‘good dog’ is an excellent way of letting it know you appreciate its effort.
Also, you might want to form a little doggy door, which will be a good source of encouragement for your dog to go out even in the rain.
Wire-haired dachshund exercise and activity requirements
Some wire-haired dachshund owners do not believe their dogs need to stay fit with regular exercises. Your dog needs more than the few walks it gets indoors.
In fact, it is recommended that your wire-haired dachshund should be allowed to move around for a 5-10 minute outdoors walk at least twice a day. As the dog gets older, it is essential to increase the activity time accordingly.
The exercise your dog partakes in is essential to help it build tone muscles that will be strong enough to support its fragile back frame.
It is also advisable that your wire-haired dachshund should not be allowed to jump on and off the sofa or up and down the stairs often. This is because the frame of your dog makes it prone to joint and back problems, which might just be a portal to countless other health issues.
Also, there is a thing known as over-exercising your dog. Dogs usually become lazier as they age. However, if you want a wire-haired dachshund that will remain fit far into its old age, then you must avoid over-exercising it.
Overexercising is also a culprit for cases like poorly formed top lines, out-turned feet, and other physical disorders.
Take cognizance of your dog’s age when allowing him to undergo his activities. If you allow the dog to play its heart out in the garden, it will definitely know when it has had enough and will stop playing.
However, if you take it for compulsory walks of an hour or more daily, you may over-exercise the dachshund and which doesn’t speak well for your pet.
Should I buy a Wire-haired Dachshund Puppy?
Dachshunds are indeed a wonderful breed of dogs. The wire-haired are adorable, cute, loyal, intelligent, and protective.
Their protectiveness might, in some cases, extend to the point of rashness. Plus a wire-haired dachshund always likes to play boss. It is in their DNA. However, most of these unwanted traits can be nipped in the bud if you pay attention closely enough.
If you chose to buy a wire-haired dachshund, then you will join thousands of people all over the world who adore this breed.
People buy wire-haired dachshunds for many reasons; one of such is their loyalty and smartness.
Others use dachshunds for work purposes or for hunting (which is their original purpose).
Whatever your reason, wire-haired dachshunds are a fantastic dog. With the right training and grooming, you have got a reliable companion who will love you more than life.
Also, if you have another breed of dog in your home already, then wire-haired dachshund might not be an ideal dog for you.
Dachshunds don’t associate with other dogs. They might do well to have a cordial relationship with dogs of their breed but often cannot manage their contempt for other dogs.
Summary
✓ It is a well-known fact that wire-haired dachshunds are ones of the most hotheaded breeds of the dog.
✓ Dachshunds generally are not the kind of dogs you can leave on their own. Every new or strange object can alert your dachshund to bark uncontrollably. As an owner, you should be quick to use behavioural management to calm your dog down.
✓ Purchasing or adopting a wire-haired dachshund? You should be concerned about its barking, independence, and aggressiveness towards strangers.
✓ Although they are very loyal and intuitive, their instincts tend to get in the way of instructions, and it affects their relationship with their owners.
✓ Make sure your doxie understands who is the boss. It is important that your weiner doesn’t stick with bad behaviour and turn out to be too hot to handle.
✓ Also, you should understand the health issues that your wire-haired dachshund is prone to. It’s essential to take measures to ensure such illnesses are kept at bay when owning a dachshund.
Most veterinarians will prescribe vaccination as the best way to keep your sausage dog healthy throughout their lifetime. Being prone to a disease doesn’t mean your dog must suffer from it.
It only means it stands a higher risk of suffering the illness when compared to other breeds.
Whenever you discover your dog displaying strange symptoms, it is best to contact your veterinary doctor quickly.
FAQs
Do wire-haired dachshunds shed?
Dachshunds are generally considered a low shedding breed, and the wire-haired variety sheds the least.
How much do wire-haired dachshunds cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere between 700 and 2000 dollars for a wire-haired dachshund puppy.
Do wire-haired dachshunds need grooming?
The wire-haired dachshund needs to be occasionally stripped or clipped and requires a bath once in 1 to 2 months.
Do wire-haired dachshunds make good pets?
Wire-haired dachshunds are very loyal dogs and are fantastic with children. They will make an excellent addition to the family.
Comments
Thank u so much for the info it was very helpful since I am making a slideshow saying why I should get a sausage dog and there is 3 options dachshunds wire haired and long coated
Thank you for your feedback!
This is so useful! Thank you! We’ve had our Yvette for two weeks now and she’ll be 10 weeks on Friday. She’s picked up on using the “grass” in her play pen (mostly), we’re wrestling with when to start her training. We’ve had many dogs before and know that that is key, especially leash training. But she’s a mini, and harnesses don’t fit her yet (we can walk her in our home, she can’t go outside yet).
1. My question to those of you out there is, what other tricks do you have for training? She’s leaping and chewing, but she’s maybe 3 lbs., how do we start to curb that while we’re trying to get her big enough for the harness?
2. Second, both of her parents were mini wire-haired, but she’s not really showing it. i’m wondering if she’s a pin-hair or if genetics came into play and she’s the one smooth coat in the litter. When does the pin-hair coat start to show? We love her all the same, even when she’s whining. :/
3. Any tips on stopping the whining/crying? Ignoring it is not working and neither does a spray bottle (which was the $.99 trick for our Bull terrier.)
Thanks for any feedback!
I have been the proud owner of three amazing WHDs since 1981. None of them needed frequent bathing and usually a quick swim in a river or pond was sufficient for the season. Our last dog, who slept with us every night of her 16.5 year life, had only 4 baths with soap in her whole life!!! She never smelled doggy. We had a few of the health issues that you mentioned (Cushing’s, cateracts and teeth) but we taught our dogs not to jump so never had any back problems. Our last dog was a huge hiker and, as an adult, could easily do 6-10 mile hikes with us. We have decided to change breeds for now (to Wirehaired Pointing Griffons) so that we can take our dog out on the trails with our horses,) but we WILL have another WHD very soon as they are the best dogs in the world. Our first and 3rd WHD came from Germany and all of our dogs were Tweenies/Zwergs because they are a good size without being too small or too big. Thank you for the interesting article.
I agree with comments, above. My wire-haired Bella was very easy to potty train. And, she is smart and understands and obeys voice and hand commands both. Yes, she barks when someone comes to the door. I find the citronella bark collar is good to use if company is coming. She has been trained to heel and walk. Great, adorable companion. And, yes she is at times strong willed. Lol But she knows I am boss. On her strong willed days it makes me laugh to watch her wrestle with her need to be naughty and her intelligence at knowing I will ignore her if she continues to be stubborn. Best dog breed I have ever owned.
I found this really helpful and a useful overview.
I had a standerd wire haired dachshund Lola for 13 years . I got
her as a puppy at 17 weeks. It only took about a week to house
train her and I live in a first floor flat.! So that dispels that myth about them being difficult to house train. Also I was told she
would be difficult to train . I took her to puppy class and she
passed with flying colours .Her teacher called her clever clogs.!
So that’s another myth dispelled,her recall was very good most
of the time. She did have selective hearing if she found some food to eat.You could call till you were blue in the face and she
would only come back when she had finished .o