Wire Haired Dachshund

The Wire Haired Dachshund is one of the coat varieties of the breed. It’s the least commonly seen coat type. It only recently appeared in breeding standards and many people mistake these dogs for other breeds. Except for the coat type, these dogs look like the smooth-coated Dachshunds. The Wire Haired Dachshund may come in a Standard, Miniature, or Toy size variety.

The Wire Haired Dachshund appeared after crossbreeding smooth-coated Dachshunds with Terriers, so these dogs have much in common with Terriers, such as their energy, protectiveness, and readiness to work. Wire Haired Dachshunds are more outgoing and funny than other Dachshund varieties. Harsh and dense coat makes it impossible for these dogs to follow the game underground, but they are good at retrieving and flushing smaller game and birds. Their coat protects them from rough terrain.

In the Wire Haired Dachshund, the body should be covered with a short uniform rough and hard outer coat with a softer and shorter undercoat. On the jaws, eyebrows, and beard, the hair is longer; on the ears - shorter than on the rest of the body. Long, curly, or wavy coat is a fault in Wire Haired Dachshunds. All coat colors and patterns are accepted in the Wire Haired Dachshund, but wild boar (agouti,) black and tan, and all shades of red are preferable. Some parti-colored dogs have tan points, but it’s optional. Small white spots are accepted on the chest. The color of the nose, nails, and eye rims depends on the coat color.

Like all other Dachshunds, these dogs are not for any family. They are often a challenge for novice owners, as it’s difficult to socialize and housetrain a stubborn and self-assured dog. The Dachshund needs a firm owner who can become a leader of the “pack.” Provided with proper training and enough exercise, these dogs can adapt to any household. Families with babies and small children are not recommended to obtain a Dachshund, as these dogs don’t tolerate rough handling. Wire Haired Dachshunds are average shedders; they need more grooming than smooth-coated dogs. For conformation shows, a Wire Haired Dachshund requires professional trimming to enhance body outlines.