Dachshund Shedding Explained: Seasonality, Grooming Tools, and Short to Long-Haired Coat Care
- Riverview Grooming
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Despite their small size, dachshunds can leave behind a surprising amount of hair on your clothes, furniture, and floors. Whether you have a sleek smooth-coated dachshund or a fluffy long-haired variety, shedding is part of life with this beloved breed.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about dachshund shedding, including seasonal patterns, coat types, the best brushes, and long-haired coat care. Whether you’re battling clumps in the spring or noticing extra shedding in the winter, this guide offers practical tips and expert-backed advice to help you manage it all.
Do Dachshunds Shed a Lot?
Yes, dachshunds do shed. Just not always in the way people expect. The amount of shedding varies based on coat type:
Smooth-coated dachshunds shed small, short hairs consistently throughout the year. Because the hair is so fine, it can be hard to see but easy to find stuck to clothing and upholstery.
Long-haired dachshunds tend to shed more noticeably, especially around the changing seasons. Their hair is longer and silkier, which means it’s more likely to mat or collect in clumps if not brushed regularly.
Wire-haired dachshunds shed the least of the three types, but they still benefit from regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to manage their wiry outer coat.
While dachshunds are considered moderate shedders overall, the key is consistency. A regular grooming routine can make a huge difference in how much hair ends up around your home–and how healthy your pup’s coat feels to the touch.
In the next section, we’ll look at when dachshunds shed the most and how to spot seasonal changes.
Dachshund Shedding Season: What to Expect
Like many breeds with a double coat, dachshunds go through heavier shedding phases in the spring and fall. These are known as seasonal coat blows, when their bodies naturally adjust to temperature changes.
Spring shedding is usually more intense. Your dachshund is shedding their thicker winter coat in preparation for warmer weather.
Fall shedding tends to be milder, as they grow in a denser coat for insulation during cooler months.
Indoor dachshunds exposed to artificial lighting and climate control may shed more evenly throughout the year, but you'll likely still notice a spike during these seasonal transitions.
Watch for increased hair around the home, thinning patches in the undercoat, or more frequent brushing needs during these periods. If your dachshund is long-haired, this is also the time when mats can develop quickly without regular grooming.
Establishing a seasonal brushing routine can go a long way in managing the extra hair and keeping your dog’s coat in top shape.
Why Is My Dachshund Shedding So Much?
It’s normal for dachshunds to shed, but if it feels excessive or sudden, there could be an underlying reason. A few factors can influence shedding levels beyond seasonal changes:
Diet and nutrition – Low-quality food lacking essential fatty acids can contribute to dry skin and hair loss.
Allergies – Environmental allergens or food sensitivities can cause skin inflammation and excess shedding.
Stress or anxiety – Changes in routine, travel, or separation can lead to increased shedding.
Health issues – Conditions like hypothyroidism, skin infections, or parasites can lead to noticeable hair loss.
If you notice bald patches, scabs, persistent itching, or a dramatic change in your dog’s coat condition, it’s time to call the vet. Normal shedding should never result in visible skin or discomfort.
Keep in mind that long-haired dachshunds may appear to shed more simply because their coat holds onto loose hair. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and removes shed fur before it ends up all over your home.
Best Brushes for Dachshund Shedding
Having the right grooming tools can make a huge difference in how much loose hair ends up around your house. Different coat types call for different brushes, and matching the brush to your dachshund’s coat will give you the best results.
For Smooth-Coated Dachshunds:
Rubber curry brush: Helps remove loose hair while being gentle on the skin.
Soft bristle brush: Useful for finishing and boosting shine.
For Long-Haired Dachshunds:
Slicker brush – Great for detangling and removing shed hair from the longer, feathered parts of the coat.
Greyhound comb – Helps smooth and separate fur, especially around the ears, tail, and chest.
De-matting tool: Optional but helpful if mats develop behind the ears or along the back legs.
For Wire-Haired Dachshunds:
Stripping knife: Used to pull out dead hair from the wiry topcoat.
Slicker brush: Useful for general maintenance between hand-stripping sessions
Always brush in the direction of hair growth and check for tangles behind the ears, under the belly, and around the legs. Regular brushing not only keeps shedding manageable but also strengthens the bond between you and your pup.
How Long Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Shed?
Long-haired dachshunds shed year-round, but you’ll likely notice a bigger increase during spring and fall. Because their coat is longer and finer, it doesn’t release as easily as the short hair of a smooth coat. Instead, it tangles, mats, or clings to furniture and fabric.
While shedding itself isn’t constant in volume, the coat tends to retain loose fur, which means brushing plays a much bigger role in managing it. When left unbrushed, long-haired dachshunds can develop mats quickly, especially around the ears, armpits, back legs, and tail.
So how long does the shedding last? The seasonal shed usually runs for a few weeks during spring and again in fall. However, indoor dogs may not follow a strict shedding schedule. Routine grooming helps keep the shedding under control no matter the time of year.
A consistent brushing routine, ideally a few times a week, will help reduce tangles and minimize the amount of hair that ends up around your home.
Dachshund Shedding in Winter
Even though winter might not seem like a time for shedding, many dachshund owners notice increased hair loss during the colder months. This can be due to dry indoor air, changes in humidity, or fluctuations in your dog’s natural coat cycle.
Dry skin is a common culprit. Forced heat from indoor systems can strip moisture from the air, drying out your dachshund’s skin and leading to flakiness and loose hair. You may see more shedding simply because the skin isn’t staying as hydrated as it should.
Tips to help manage winter shedding:
Use a humidifier to keep indoor air more skin-friendly.
Bathe your dachshund less frequently in the winter, and always use a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to their diet to support healthy skin and coat.
Increase brushing to remove dry flakes and distribute natural oils through the coat.
While winter shedding might catch you off guard, it’s usually manageable with a few small adjustments to your routine. Keeping your dog’s skin healthy during the cold season is key to reducing unwanted fur around your home.
Dachshund Shedding Level: What’s Normal?
On the shedding scale, dachshunds fall somewhere in the middle. They’re not hypoallergenic, but they’re not heavy shedders either. Here’s how their shedding typically ranks by coat type:
Smooth-coated – Light to moderate shedding year-round.
Long-haired – Moderate shedding with seasonal increases.
Wire-haired – Light shedding, especially when hand-stripped regularly.
What’s considered “normal” will vary slightly depending on your dog’s age, health, diet, and environment. The key is knowing your dachshund’s baseline and watching for changes. If brushing pulls out clumps or you’re vacuuming more than usual, it might be time to assess their diet, environment, or grooming routine.
As long as your pup’s coat looks healthy, their skin is clear, and their energy is good, a little shedding is just part of the package.
Final Thoughts
Dachshund shedding is manageable with the right routine and a bit of patience. Whether your dog is smooth, long, or wire-haired, knowing what’s normal for their coat type helps you spot potential issues early and keep them looking their best.
Stick with regular brushing, feed a balanced diet, and stay in tune with seasonal changes. If you ever notice sudden or unexplained shedding, your vet or groomer can help you rule out underlying causes.
For more tips on coat care, product suggestions, or to schedule a professional grooming session, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dachshund deserves to feel as good as they look.
