Wire Haired Dachshund breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts

Let’s talk about… Wire Haired Dachshunds: what are they?

Wire Haired Dachshunds are a charming and distinctive breed known for their unique wire-haired coat.
They are a smaller-sized hound breed that originated in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting small game like badgers, with their name "Dachshund" even translating to "badger dog" in German.
Wire Haired Dachshunds have a compact body, short legs, and long, muscular bodies. On average, males stand at a height of 35-38cm while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 33-36cm.
They typically weigh between 7-9 kg.
The average life expectancy of Wire Haired Dachshunds is around 12 to 15 years.

Wire Haired Dachshund Exercise Needs 3/5 Grooming Ease 3/5 Trainability 3/5

What is the temperament of Wire Haired Dachshunds like?

Wire Haired Dachshunds are known for their lively and spirited temperament. They are courageous, curious, and full of energy.
Despite their small size, they have a bold and determined personality.
They are loyal and loving towards their families and often form strong bonds with their owners.
These dogs can be independent thinkers, which can make training a bit challenging at times.
Early socialisation and consistent, positive reinforcement training methods are essential for Wire Haired Dachshunds.
It's important to provide mental stimulation to keep their active minds engaged.
While Wire Haired Dachshunds can be friendly with children and other pets when properly socialised, their hunting instincts may cause them to chase small animals. Supervision is necessary when introducing them to smaller pets to ensure everyone's safety.

How much exercise do Wire Haired Dachshunds need?

Wire Haired Dachshunds have moderate exercise needs. They require daily exercise to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. On average, they need around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day.
It's important to note that due to their long backs and short legs, Wire Haired Dachshunds are prone to back problems and spinal injuries.
Activities that involve jumping or excessive strain on their backs should be avoided. Instead, opt for activities like brisk walks, interactive play sessions, and puzzle toys to provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
For Wire Haired Dachshund puppies, it's crucial to be cautious with exercise to protect their developing bones and joints. Puppies should have controlled exercise sessions, focusing more on playtime, exploration, and short walks.
As a very general guideline, puppies can start with around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. Your vet can advise for your individual pup.
Wire Haired Dachshunds usually reach their full exercise capacity at an adult level around 12 months of age. However, individual dogs may vary, so it's important to monitor their energy levels and adjust their exercise accordingly.

Do Wire Haired Dachshunds need a lot of grooming?

Yes, Wire Haired Dachshunds require regular grooming to keep their distinctive wire-haired coat in good condition.
Their coat consists of a dense undercoat and a wiry topcoat that gives them their unique look. The wiry coat helps protect them from the elements and provides some water resistance.
They come in a variety of colours including black and tan, red, chocolate and tan and various dapples.
To maintain their coat, regular brushing is recommended to prevent matting and remove loose hair. They should be brushed at least once a week using a slicker brush or a comb with wide teeth.
Additionally, hand-stripping the coat a few times a year can help maintain its texture and remove dead hair, a professional groomer can advise.
Wire Haired Dachshunds have facial furnishings, including a beard and eyebrows, which should be kept clean and free from food debris.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Wire Haired Dachshunds easy to train?

Wire Haired Dachshunds, with their distinctive appearance and lively personalities, are known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature.
While every dog is unique, Wire Haired Dachshunds can present some challenges when it comes to training.
However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can successfully train your Wire Haired Dachshund.
Early socialisation and obedience training are essential for this breed. Introduce them to various people, animals, and environments to help them become well-rounded and confident dogs.
Wire Haired Dachshunds can be independent thinkers, so it's important to remain patient throughout the training process. Focus on building a bond of trust and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
Break training sessions into short, focused sessions to maintain their attention and prevent boredom.
Wire Haired Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Provide them with interactive toys, puzzle games, and training exercises that challenge their minds. Engage them in scent work or tracking activities, as they have a keen sense of smell.

What do Wire Haired Dachshunds eat?

Wire Haired Dachshund puppies have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. They require a balanced puppy food that is formulated for small or medium-sized breeds. It's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and consult with a veterinarian for personalised recommendations based on your puppy's age, weight, and overall health.
As pups they should eat 3-4 times a day, reducing to twice a day when they are six months old.
As Wire Haired Dachshunds mature and become adults, they can transition to adult dog food. A high-quality commercial dog food that meets their nutritional needs is recommended. The amount of food will depend on factors such as age, activity level, metabolism, and overall health.
It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly to prevent obesity. Wire Haired Dachshunds are prone to weight gain, so it's essential to avoid overfeeding and limit treats.

Are Wire Haired Dachshunds healthy?

Wire Haired Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health conditions, including:

Bones and Joints

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - in this condition the discs of the spine are abnormal and can slip out of place and put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to pain and/or paralysis

Eyes

Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness

Hormonal

Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Wire Haired Dachshund is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.