Facts About the Wirehaired Dachshund Dog Breed

Proud parent of a Wirehaired Dachshund who’s looking to learn more or thinking about getting a Wirehaired Dachshund dog? Learn the facts about this breed here:

Quick Facts on the Wirehaired Dachshund:

Wirehaired Dachshund. Photography by Kayla Bertagnolli, as captured at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The Wirehaired Dachshund has a long, low, muscular frame covered in a short, hard outer coat and a soft undercoat. It comes in a wide range of colors including black & tan, dark gray and various shades of red. Its long head is erect and alert with low-hanging ears and a pair of happy oval eyes. Its neck slopes down to a protruding chest, and its tapered tail is covered in thick hair. Overall, this breed manages to appear balanced in spite of his squat frame.

Wirehaired Dachshund Traits:

• Persistent
• Spunky
• Bold and clever
• Endearing
• Dependable
• Great trackers

Who Gets Along With Wirehaired Dachshunds?

• Outdoorsy types
• Active singles
• City dwellers
• Families with older children

What Are Wirehaired Dachshunds Like to Live With?

The Wirehaired Dachshund is energetic, clever and sometimes fiery. His big personality combined with his intelligence and vigorousness can make him a real pint-sized powerhouse. Unlike other Dachshunds, this Dachshund is known for being rather friendly and outgoing with new people. But he can still be protective and he loves to bark, making him an extremely handy — and compact — watchdog.

The Wirehaired Dachshund loves the outdoors. He has a great nose, a durable frame and an intense curiosity. He loves to chase small animals, dig holes and play games with family members. A Wirehaired Dachshund is also proud and bold. With plenty of attention and socialization, this breed will shine on everyone with a lovable and loyal disposition.

What to Know About Wirehaired Dachshunds:

This breed will be happiest with a decent-sized yard, but it will also be perfectly content in an apartment. Either way, make sure he gets a daily walk and plenty of attention — or else he can get slightly ornery and possibly destructive.

A healthy Wirehaired Dachshund can live as long as 16 years. Common health issues include diabetes and heart problems. Due to his long spine and short rib cage, he can be prone to back problems. For this reason, remember to hold this breed properly, supporting his full frame. (Warning: You’ll find most Wirehaired Dachshunds don’t like being picked up.) Also, be sure to watch this breed’s food intake: Dachshunds can gain weight quickly, causing more back problems and other issues.

Wirehaired Dachshund History:

The Dachshund — coming from the German dach, which means “badger,” and hund, which means “dog”— is a very old breed, dating back hundreds of years. Used widely in Germany for hunting, its short, sleek frame allowed it to track animals into all sorts of nooks and crannies. The Wirehaired Dachshund first appeared in the late 19th century, following the smooth and long-coated versions.

Thumbnail: Photography by Kayla Bertagnolli, as captured at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Love the Wirehaired Dachshund? You Might Like These Dog Breeds:

• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Irish Terrier