Wire-Haired Dachshund

The Wire-Haired Dachshund is often referred to as a fancy sausage dog due to its tough, wiry fur, unique mustache, beard, and lively eyebrows. These dogs are brave and spirited, full of energy. They make great indoor companions and enjoy playing outside, where they love to follow interesting scents.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Various: red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue, or Isabella, a rare violet and fawn color.
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Height
13 to 15 inches
Type
Hound
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
20 to 26 pounds
Family
Dachshund

Personality

This small, bearded companion is a brave and spirited dog with a vibrant character. Originally bred for tough tasks, Wire-Haired Dachshunds keep their independent and sometimes stubborn traits, yet they are also loyal and friendly. They enjoy sniffing out scents, so don’t be shocked if one dashes off, ignoring your calls until it discovers what it’s after. Loving and energetic, they are also great pets for the home. You won’t need a security system—these alert watchdogs will bark to alert you of any potential dangers, but their charming personalities more than balance out the noise.

History

You may find it interesting that the word Dachshund translates to “badger dog” in German, not “sausage.” This well-loved breed dates back to the 15th century, when they were first developed for hunting. Their short legs and low bodies aren’t just adorable; these traits helped them chase badgers and other animals that live underground.

Ideal Owner

Wire-Haired Dachshunds can be great pets for families and can adjust well to different situations. However, they are better suited for families with older kids or no children at all. Young children may cause stress for a Dachshund because they don’t enjoy being treated like toys and can easily get hurt if not handled carefully.

Exercise Needs

Active Wire-Haired Dachshunds were first developed for work and require around an hour of exercise daily. It's important to ensure they have strong recall skills or are kept on a leash, as they might suddenly run off in pursuit of a scent. They can easily squeeze into tight spots, slip under fences, or find themselves in tricky situations.

Space Requirements

Ramps are more than just a cute accessory for Dachshunds; they are essential for helping these dogs move on and off furniture or navigate stairs safely. Because Dachshunds have delicate backs, they can get hurt easily. They thrive in homes that are all on one level or in environments where they don’t have to climb stairs often, but they can adjust to different settings. They can live comfortably in small areas or cities as long as they have plenty of opportunities to exercise.

Training

Dachshunds are lively dogs that enjoy playing around, which can make them a bit headstrong during training. They often require extra patience compared to other breeds. Using positive reinforcement is the most effective method since they are sensitive and do not respond well to strict commands. Think of them as charming but willful little kids—staying consistent is important. They may tune you out if something else catches their attention. These dogs are friendly and can get along well with people and other pets if socialized early on.

Grooming

Strong and tough like your Great Uncle Joe’s chest hair, a Wire-Haired Dachshund's coat is sturdy, durable, and can withstand different weather conditions. It needs consistent care, such as hand-plucking or hand-stripping the beard, mustache, and eyebrows. Remember to regularly inspect the ears and the areas between the paw pads, and be careful when picking up this long-bodied breed for a bath.

Suitability for Family Life

Although they are affectionate, enjoy being around people, and usually adjust well, young kids can be a source of stress for small Dachshunds. These dogs prefer not to be picked up too often, as it can lead to accidental harm. They thrive better in households with older children or no kids at all.

Did You know?

The term "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German. During the World Wars, they were referred to as Liberty Hounds to distance them from their German origins. These dogs have three types of coats: Smooth, Wire-Haired, and Long-Haired.

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Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys gentle walks for one to two hours a day
Minimal drool
Requires grooming once a week
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
May need additional training to live with other pets