Wire Haired Dachshunds have been high on my doggy wish list for a long time. They are just so cute with their stubby little legs and fuzzy coats. However, I am not really sure what I would be getting myself into with grooming and care needs in generals. What does the wire hair even mean and how much harder are they to take care of? Let’s find out.
The Wire Haired Dachshund is one of the three classifications of this breed based on coat texture. The others are the smooth Short-haired and the Long-haired Dachshunds. The wire haired variety have a double coat. The outer coat is long and coarse while the inner one is finer. The variety is very rare in the American continent but is the most common of the Dachshunds in Europe.
Given the texture of the coat on the Wire Haired Doxies, the grooming needs are quite unique. In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at what sets this variation apart not only in terms of appearance but also temperament and general care needs. You will also learn how to take care of their special hair type. That way if you are considering getting one like I am, you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
What Are Wire Haired Dachshunds Like?
When it comes to the size and weight, a Standard Wire Haired Dachshund is slightly bigger than the other two Dachshunds coat varieties. Upon maturity, the doggies can grow between 19 to 26 lbs and a height of 13.7 inches. For perspective, the average Long Haired or Short Haired Doxie weighs up to 16 lbs and measures 13 inches in height. Note that these are average values so it is not impossible to have a Wire Haired Doxie that is smaller than the other two.
The coat is what gives this variety its defining character. It is unique from most other dogs in that it has a double coat. The outer layer is long and has coarse individual strands. This gives the dog a frazzled appearance. The inner coat on the other hand is soft and thick. When it comes to colors, the options are what you would with the typical sausage dog including red, black, and tan.
The Wire Haired Dachshund has the typical sausage dog build. It has a long torso and disproportionately short and muscular legs. Something unique about the legs is that the front pair are noticeably larger and have a sort of paddle shape which was an adaptation trait for their initial hunting purpose.
Finally, they have a characteristic head and face shape and size. The most stand out traits here are the long snout and wide brown eyes. They also have long droopy ears that more often than not drop to the level of the jawline.
Wire Haired Dachshund Temperament And Personality
In addition to their cute little lapdog aesthetic, Wire Haired Dachshunds are popular for their incredibly likeable personalities. Here are a few of their most striking temperament features that you have to look forward to:
Bold And Confident
Wire Haired Dachshunds may be small but they have mighty guts. They are not afraid to explore or even get into confrontation if they feel the need to protect what they care about.
Affectionate
These dogs are incredibly affectionate. They are especially fond of cuddling and will not let you have a moment of peace when you are around. This loving treatment extends to children which makes them ideal family pets.
Loyal
Wire Haired Doxies are loyal to a fault. They are actually known to form very deep bonds with members of their family and remember these connections even after long term separation.
Dependent
Doxies love attention and care. They may be quite fine just being on their own, but not for a long time. This means you should not leave them alone whenever possible. They will fuss a little at first then get over it, before plunging into a state of anxiety as the wait protracts.
Clever
Dachshunds may not be the sharpest of all dog breeds but they are pretty smart. They are considered the 92nd most intelligent breed out of 128 when it comes to work training and obedience.
Athletic And Playful
Wire Haired Dachshunds were built for the outdoors and it shows with everything from their muscular build to their love for playtime.
How Much Does A Wire Haired Dachshund Cost?
Wire Haired Dachshunds are among the most expensive dogs with an average price range of between $1,400 upwards to $4,300. For some perspective, Long Haired and Short Haired Dachshunds cost between $400 and $1,500. The wire haired variety is clearly significantly more expensive than the other options and with good reason.
The first is the fact that they are not very easy to come by. Unlike in Europe where they are the most common of the doxies, they are quite rare in America. This coupled up with the demand results in the high price tag attached to the wire haired doggies.
On top of purchasing cost, Wire Haired Dachshund are susceptible to the common health problems haunting Dachshunds, like Patellar Luxation and Cushing’s Disease. Here is a breakdown of the potential medical cost of owning a Wire Haired Dachshund.
| Condition | Costs Of Diagnosis And Treatment |
|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Corneal Dystrophy | $300 to $3,000 |
| Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat) | $1,500 to $7,500 |
| Cushing’s Disease | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Panniculitis | $1,000 to $3,000 |
Worrying about the high medical costs? Fret not! Please check out pet insurance alternatives, like Pawp, if you would like to find peace of mind. After all, these beloved pooches deserve a chance in living a healthy life, right?
Wire Haired Doxies are also super easy to maintain. From grooming and training to feeding, you will not have to spend too much money to keep your pooch happy and healthy. The cost of maintenance depends on a variety of factors with the average for these dogs being between $650 and $3,500 per year. Fortunately, most of these costs like toys and training are one-off types of investment so with time the price of owning one will be reduced to the bare essentials.
If you would like to own a Wire Haired Dachshund on a budget, adoption shelters are your best options. You could also buy them from other owners through online platforms in which case you can get one for as low as $700.
Do Wire Haired Dachshund Shed? Wire Haired Dachshunds Grooming Guide
Yes, Wire Haired Dachshunds do shed. However, they are considered moderate shedders which makes taking care of them significantly easier. They also happen to shed the least when compared to the Short, Smooth Haired and Long Haired Sausage dogs.
Wire Haired Dachshunds are prone to dander accumulation as well as matting of the hair. This makes them look wild and frazzled which is not good for aesthetics. It also promotes the formation of odors making it super uncomfortable to bond with your furry little friend.
One way around this problem is to brush the dog’s hair 1 to 2 times every week. This helps to detangle any matted hair and get rid of shed hair for a cleaner and smoother coat.
The ConairPRO Dog Slicker is a fantastic investment for this purpose. It features thin and soft bristles that are ideal for dealing with the Wire Haired Dachshunds specific hair type. The bristles also happen to be made from plastic and have rounded tips which makes the brush a lot safer to use for brushing and massaging the dog.
In addition to brushing and deshedding, you will have to trim the hair to avoid overgrowth that also promotes poor hygienic conditions. The fur on Wire Haired Dachshunds does not grow as fast so you will not have to do this too often. In fact a trim once every 3 to 4 months should be enough.
Finally, make sure to wash the dog on a regular basis. This will help to minimize odor, condition the coarse hair, and promote healthy skin.
How Often Should You Bathe A Wire Haired Dog?
Speaking of baths, one of the most common queries when it comes to grooming Wire Haired Dachshunds is that of the ideal frequency of washes.
These dogs do not actually need that much in terms of cleaning as long as the hair is kempt and the skin is healthy. In fact you can get away with scheduling a bath once every month.
If you wash the pooch too often, what happens is that you end up stripping away natural oils from the surface of the skin and the fur. This means that less moisture is retained in both which causes a whole world of trouble for the little pooch from brittle hair to skin flaking and dandruff.
On the other hand, if you do not wash your pooch regularly enough then you are not doing them any favors. Wire Haired Dachshunds are prone to skin issues including allergic dermatitis and if dander is allowed to build up these conditions only worsen. They may also start to stink a little from accumulation of dirt, dead skin and all other sorts of nastiness.
In addition to ensuring that they bath on a regular basis, it is important to invest in the right products for your Wire Haired Sausage dog. Make sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals as they tend to have sensitive skin if allergies are involved. Also make sure to get something that is good for conditioning their coarse fur.
Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo is a wonderful option to consider if you are dealing with a Wire Haired pooch with problematic skin. In addition to cleaning and conditioning the skin and coat, it has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is also designed to relieve dry and itchy skin.
Related Questions
What Is A Silky Wire Haired Dachshund? A silky Wire Haired Dachshund is a cross between a silky Long Haired and Wire Haired Dachshund. The result is a coat that is in general really smooth to the touch while the individual strands feel coarse. They are incredibly rare and are a good option if you want a low maintenance Dachshund.
How Can You Tell If A Dachshund Is Purebred? Dachshunds are very commonly interbred with other breeds of dogs. If you want to make sure that the dog you bought is purebred then you have to look out for the telltale features of this breed. These include:
- The typical sausage-dog build with a long torso and short legs.
- Long snouts with wide and flat forehead.
- Long ears to level of jawline.
- A straight tail.
What Is A Red Wire Haired Dachshund? Red is one of the coat color options for Dachshunds. The Wire Haired Dachshund on the other hand refers to type based on fur strand texture. The Red Wire Haired Dachshund is therefore a doxie that has a rusty brown coat with long coarse hair on the outer layer of the coat.
