Heard a Lot of Myths About Wire Haired Dachshunds? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Wire haired Dachshunds are one of the most charming, scrappy little dogs you’ll ever meet—but they also seem to be surrounded by some serious misinformation. As a longtime Miniature Dachshund breeder based in California, I’ve met plenty of families who come to me with half-truths or straight-up myths about the breed.

So in this article, I’m tackling the biggest wire haired Dachshund myths I hear on a regular basis. If you’re thinking about bringing one of these adorable pups into your home, this honest guide will help you separate fact from fiction.

🧼 Myth #1: Wire Haired Dachshunds Don’t Shed

Let’s kick it off with a common grooming misconception.

✔️ The Truth:

Yes, wire haired Dachshunds do shed—just not in the way you’d expect. Their wiry topcoat traps loose hair and dander, making it seem like they’re a “non-shedding” breed. But that hair doesn’t disappear—it just stays in the coat until brushed or stripped out.

🐾 One of my buyers called me in a panic thinking her pup wasn’t shedding at all and something was wrong. I reassured her—and showed her how a slicker brush pulls out those trapped hairs. Problem solved!

🪮 Grooming Tip:

  • Brush 2–3 times a week
  • Use a stripping comb or take to a groomer every few months
  • Clean up will still be easier than a Lab or Golden Retriever!

🧴 Myth #2: Wire Coats Are Hypoallergenic

This one pops up a lot—especially from families with allergy concerns.

✔️ The Truth:

No dog is completely hypoallergenic, including wire haired Dachshunds. The real allergy triggers are:

  • Dander (dead skin cells)
  • Saliva
  • Urine (less common)

The wire coat can help reduce airborne hair, but it doesn’t eliminate allergens.

Allergy Tips:

  • Bathe monthly with a gentle shampoo
  • Wipe down your pup with pet-safe cloths after walks
  • Use a HEPA air filter at home

🐾 I’ve worked with a few allergy-sensitive families and helped them do trial visits before adopting. With regular grooming and good cleaning routines, many lived comfortably with a wire haired Doxie.

🐶 Myth #3: Wire Haired Dachshunds Are Aggressive

Some people believe that because they look scruffy or have terrier blood, wire haired Dachshunds are meaner or less friendly.

✔️ The Truth:

They’re bold, for sure—but not aggressive. Their terrier ancestry gives them confidence and alertness, but with early socialization, they’re:

  • Great with kids
  • Loyal to their families
  • Curious (but not confrontational)

Aggression usually stems from poor training or lack of exposure—not coat type.

🐾 I had a wire pup, Diesel, who barked at everyone during puppy pick-up day. A week later, his new family told me he was the sweetest, snuggliest dog they’d ever had. It just took a little patience.

🏃‍♂️ Myth #4: They Don’t Need Much Exercise

Many people assume small dog = couch potato. Not true with this breed.

✔️ The Truth:

Wire haired Dachshunds are active and playful. Their terrier side means they need:

  • Daily walks (30–60 minutes total)
  • Playtime in a fenced yard
  • Mental stimulation like puzzles and scent games

They may be small, but they thrive on interaction.

Exercise Examples:

  • Backyard ball sessions
  • Hide-and-seek with toys
  • Indoor fetch on rainy days

🐾 My own wire haired male, Finn, gets cranky if he doesn’t get his two walks a day. Once he’s exercised, he becomes the world’s most chill lap dog.

✂️ Myth #5: Wire Coats Don’t Need Grooming

This one surprises many first-time owners.

✔️ The Truth:

That wiry coat needs maintenance to stay healthy and tangle-free. While it doesn’t mat like a long-haired coat, it still requires:

  • Weekly brushing
  • Regular beard and paw trimming
  • Hand-stripping or professional grooming every few months

Neglect it, and your dog may end up with an uncomfortable, dull coat.

🧠 Myth #6: Wire Haired Dachshunds Are Harder to Train

Let’s talk training expectations.

✔️ The Truth:

They’re not harder to train—they’re just smart and independent. That’s a winning combo if you know how to work with it.

What works:

  • Short, fun training sessions
  • Consistent rules and boundaries
  • Tons of positive reinforcement

What doesn’t:

  • Harsh corrections
  • Long lectures
  • Letting them get bored

🐾 I give every buyer a basic training guide because wire pups are so smart—one of my girls learned sit, stay, and spin before 10 weeks old!

🎨 Myth #7: All Wire Haired Dachshunds Look the Same

That’s like saying all people with curly hair are identical.

✔️ The Truth:

Wire coats vary in:

  • Texture (soft vs. harsh)
  • Beard shape and fullness
  • Color (red, black & tan, wild boar, chocolate, and more)

Even within the same litter, I’ve seen a scruffy-faced pup next to a sleek one.

Final Thoughts: Debunking Wire Haired Dachshund Myths for Good

There are a lot of wire haired Dachshund myths out there, but once you understand the breed, you’ll see why they’re such loyal, smart, and surprisingly athletic companions. They do shed, they do need grooming, and they absolutely need love and structure—but they’ll reward you with endless personality and joy.

📩 Still curious about the breed? Contact me for honest advice, to see available puppies, or to learn more about life with a wire haired Dachshund. I ship nationwide and match each pup with the right family. 🐾