Wire Haired Dachshund: Your Complete Guide
A wire haired dachshund is a medium-sized dog in weight but with little tiny legs. These dogs are also known as wiener dogs because of their hot-dog-like appearance.
While most dachshunds have short hair that’s tight to their body, the wire haired dachshund has longer hair all over its body, hence the wire haired name. These dogs also look like they have a mustache, which is hilarious to see on a dog that already resembles a hot dog.
Appearance aside, wire haired dachshunds are similar to traditional dachshund breeds but with some subtle differences. They’ll require more grooming, have unique personalities, and might even be a bad fit for some homes because of their personalities. For this reason, it’s important to learn everything you can about a dachshund before you adopt them.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the wire haired dachshund. We’ll take you through their temperament, energy levels, food requirements, general health, and much more.
Quick Look at the Wire Haired Dachshund
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 5-6 inches, 8-11 pounds |
| Coat Type | Medium-length, rough, low-maintenance |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Spunky, fearless, playful, outgoing |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-17 years |
What Is the History of the Wire Haired Dachshund?
Wire haired dachshunds can be traced back to Germany. The word dachshund is a combination of the word badger and dog, “Dach” is badger and “Hund” is dog. Wire haired dachshunds have been around since the 19th century and were the result of crossing smooth dachshunds with wire haired pinschers. Some Dandie dinmont terrier genes can also be found in the wire haired dachshund.
These dogs rose to popularity because of their usefulness as hunters. Unlike other breeds, they’re small and nimble enough to hunt in almost any climate. Despite their German origins, the wire haired dachshunds are a popular breed around the world for their cute appearance and hunting skills.
What Do Wire Haired Dachshunds Look Like?
Wire haired dachshunds look different than your average dachshund. What makes these dogs unique is their short, harsh coat. It’s slightly longer than your average dachshund but rougher in texture. Their coat colors can range from red, black, chocolate, cream, fawn, and gray. Some wire haired dachshunds can also have combinations of colors like brown and tan.
Wire haired dachshunds are also unique based on their height and size. They’re small dogs and have short, tiny legs that hold them up to about 11 inches tall. That said, wire haired dachshunds look less like little hot dogs than your average dachshund because of their wire haired coat and colors.
The last thing to note is their face. They share the same facial structure as regular dachshunds but their hair gives them a unique mustache. Their eye colors are dark brown or black and they have tiny black noses.
What Size Is a Wire Haired Dachshund?
Wire haired dachshunds are small dogs in weight and height. They’re only around 8 inches tall and rarely weigh over 11 pounds. That said, there are some possible variations based on their genetics. It’s also worth noting that males and females are about the same size, so there isn’t much variation there.
What Is a Wire Haired Dachshund’s Coat Type and Length?
The wire haired dachshund is a short, wiry coat. They have an undercoat that sits beneath it and it’s soft to the touch. The topcoat, on the other hand, feels rough to the touch. This is where the “wire haired” phrase comes from. Wire haired dachshunds also have a signature mustache, or a patch of hair that sticks off of their nose.
What Is a Wire Haired Dachshund’s Temperament?
Wire haired dachshunds have similar temperaments as traditional, smooth-coat dachshunds. While most of the traits are similar, this doesn’t mean that their whole personality is identical. In fact, wire haired dachshunds are less likely to suffer from anxiety and other mental health problems that other dachshunds struggle with.
On the other hand, these dogs are more prone to overreacting when thunderstorms roll around or to other changes in their environment.
Wire haired dachshunds are also outgoing and playful. They love to dig, explore their surroundings, and learn about their unique environment. They’re also skilled hunters and smart enough to pick up most tricks you teach them.
That said, there may be some cases where they’re standoffish.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Good With Kids?
Wire haired dachshunds are great dogs with children. That said, you have to keep an eye on them when they’re playing. Failing to do so can result in aggression or unwanted biting or barking. This will only happen if your child gets aggressive or too rough with the dachshund. Therefore, wire haired dachshunds are usually good with kids.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Good With Other Animals?
Wire haired dachshunds are good with other dogs. You won’t run into any problems with them with other dogs or small animals, but it’s possible to encounter troubles with about one-third of wire haired dachshunds. The good news is that you can always fix this behavior through training.
Wire haired dachshunds may also give you trouble with some smaller animals. They have a prey drive, as they were bred for hunting, so it’s possible for them to chase after animals outdoors or to chase smaller animals like your cat around the house.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Aggressive?
Wire haired dachshunds are not aggressive dogs. The only time they will get aggressive is if they feel threatened or if something goes wrong outside your home.
Still, one-third of all wire haired dachshunds can be aggressive with other dogs and animals because of their prey drive. Focus on socialization training and obedience training from a young age to improve their behavior.
Do Wire Haired Dachshunds Bark?
Wire haired dachshunds do bark. They have a loud bark that comes from many of the breeds that the dog was crossed with. While they don’t bark at strangers or random events outdoors, they will bark at sudden changes in their environment.
Changes in their environment can range from things like stormy weather conditions, new animals entering your home, or strangers making noise. You can train wire haired dachshunds to stop barking, but it’s not always possible because they love to get vocal.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Affectionate?
Wire haired dachshunds are affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle up with their owners and express their loyalty through respect and cuddling.
Wire haired dachshunds aren’t always affectionate and can be overstimulated, so if they don’t want attention there’s no need to push the matter. Still, simply calling their name is enough to have them come running for snuggles.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Intelligent?
Wire haired dachshunds are smart dogs. They’re as smart as breeds like German shepherds and can learn complex commands, solve puzzles, and learn to protect other families. Start training wire haired dachshunds from a young age to unlock their full potential.
While wire haired dachshunds are intelligent, they’re sometimes curious and aloof. Sometimes, you won’t be able to find them in your yard because they’re busy digging a hole or searching for a rabbit. Always dog-proof your home and backyard to avoid any problems with wire haired dachshunds.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Energetic?
Wire haired dachshunds are energetic dogs. They love to play, hunt, and explore their surroundings. It’s important to take them on walks and help them get plenty of exercise.
Not giving them enough exercise will result in an unhappy dog that gets anxious, lonely, or destructive. Long walks or play sessions, like a good game of fetch, can also go a long way in using up some of their energy.
Wire haired dachshunds may also have days where they’re not as energetic. This is okay and you don’t have to worry unless it becomes a common occurrence.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Easy to Train?
Wire haired dachshunds are easy dogs to train if you start from a young age. If you begin training from around 3-6 months you won’t have any problems getting a responsive and loyal companion.
Waiting longer than 3-6 months might result in a dog that’s stubborn and unwilling to train, which will make the process harder. Thankfully, professional trainers can help you get over the initial hump and if you’re patient you can also train them yourself.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Good Watchdogs?
Wire haired dachshunds make great watchdogs. You can train them to be watchdogs, guard dogs, and even to protect your land from small prey. These dogs were bred to hunt in Germany, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of the best breeds if you need a watchdog.
They’re also great watchdogs because of their bark. It’s loud enough to get your attention and they don’t bark at everything they see. In fact, they usually only bark when something is wrong, so you’ll know something is amiss if you catch them howling.
Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Good Service Dogs?
Wire haired dachshunds can make great service dogs but it’s all about their training. Some wire haired dachshunds train better than others, and starting at an older age can ruin their chances of becoming good service dogs.
It’s also important to note that wire haired dachshunds aren’t one of the most common service dog breeds, so it’s not always easy to find one.
If you do find an available wire haired dachshund for service dog work, focus on training them for work that suits their size and ability. This will include tasks like applying pressure for comfort, fetching medications, and guiding you through crowds. Their bodies are strong, though, so guide dog work or pushing wheelchairs is not out of the question.
Wire haired dachshunds are also emotionally intelligent. You can use them as a psychiatric service dog, emotional support dog, or therapy dog. As psychiatric service dogs, they have the same protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as traditional service dogs, but they don’t have these protections as emotional support animals or therapy dogs.
Always evaluate your situation before choosing a wire haired dachshund as a service dog.
How to Care for a Wire Haired Dachshund?
Caring for a wire haired dachshund comes down to keeping them healthy, happy, and well-fed. The secret is that most of keeping them healthy comes from them being happy and well-fed.
To start, get familiar with a vet that you can trust and make sure you get health checkups at least once per year. If your wire haired dachshund has any severe health problems, you might want to go more often.
Aside from going to the vet, it’s important to feed them a balanced diet to help them grow and maintain their weight – just avoid overfeeding them or you may run into problems with their weight. The last thing to consider is their grooming needs. Unlike some other breeds, these dogs are low-maintenance and don’t require too much care.
Do You Need to Groom a Wire Haired Dachshund?
Every dog needs to be groomed, so yes, you need to groom a wire haired dachshund. The wire haired dachshund isn’t high-maintenance but it’s important to focus on their general health. Take some time to consider their dental health, coat, and nails.
First and foremost, brush their teeth at least twice per week. If you don’t want to use a brush, have a professional brush their teeth and feed them treats that clean their teeth and gums at home. As for their coat, brush them a few times per week and more frequently during the spring and fall months when they’re shedding more frequently.
The last thing to note is their nails and ears. Check their ears for infections and trim their nails monthly.
Do Wire Haired Dachshunds Shed?
Wire haired dachshunds shed throughout the year but they’ll start dropping a lot of hair around your home during the fall and spring. Brush their coat during this period to prevent any problems with their coat and to keep your home clean. If you’re having problems with their hair you can also give them a bath to remove some clumps.
What Health Problems Do Wire Haired Dachshunds Have?
Wire haired dachshunds aren’t the healthiest dogs around, so it’s important to consider some potential health risks. Some of the most common health problems include:
- Angular Limb Deformities: Asynchronous growth of a pair of bones
- Mitral Valve Disease: One of the heart valves stops working properly
- Dry Eyes: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis, it’s a condition that causes discomfort and temporary vision restriction that’s common in wire haired dachshunds
- Digestive Issues: Wire haired dachshunds don’t have the strongest stomachs and may have problems digesting food if it doesn’t agree with them
These are only some of the common health problems to look for. Also, manage their food intake to avoid obesity and other health problems. To prevent health problems or to catch them early, always go to the vet at least once a year. If you notice anything wrong with your wire haired dachshunds, go to the vet when possible.
How Long Do Wire Haired Dachshunds Live?
Wire haired dachshunds have a long lifespan. They can live for about 12-15 years as long as they’re kept healthy. Keep them healthy by getting them plenty of exercise, taking them to the vet, and feeding them a healthy diet. You can also keep them healthy by making sure they are happy and having their needs met. Just like people, loneliness can be deadly.
What Should a Wire Haired Dachshund Eat?
The wire haired dachshund needs a healthy diet. Be sure to feed them a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, vegetables, carbohydrates, and even fat.
Canned dog food from reputable brands is healthy enough to feed them, just be sure to avoid inexpensive or store brands for the best results. When possible, feed them treats to keep them happy. Wet food and whole foods like chicken or beef are also acceptable but in moderation.
Another thing to note is that wire haired dachshunds have digestive problems sometimes, so keep an eye on their diet. If you notice discomfort, make adjustments when possible.
Is a Wire Haired Dachshund the Right Dog for Me?
Wire haired dachshunds are great dogs. They’re easy to keep happy and love to go on adventures with their owners. Plus, they’re fun for the whole family and get along well with young children.
As long as you have enough time and space to dedicate to a wire haired dachshund, you shouldn’t have to worry about being in over your head. In fact, apartments and homes of any size are a good fit for the wire haired dachshund.
The only time you should avoid this breed is if you don’t have the time to commit to them. They need attention each day and about an hour of walking time, so if you can’t meet these needs they’re not the best breed for you. Also, if you want to train them make sure you look for wire haired dachshund puppies for the best results.
Overall, the wire haired dachshund is a fun, playful, and wonderful addition to most homes.