There are three official dachshund coat types, and picking the right one matters more than most first-time buyers expect. Smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired dachshunds share the same long body and short legs, but the coat you choose affects grooming time, shedding, and even a little bit of personality.
We breed and raise dachshunds ourselves, so this isn’t a list pulled from a textbook. It’s what we actually see, day to day, across all three coat varieties.
If you’re trying to decide which dachshund coat type fits your home best, here’s everything you need to know before you commit to a puppy.
Understanding the Three Dachshund Coat Types
The American Kennel Club officially recognizes three dachshund coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired. All three can appear in either the miniature or standard size, and all three come in the same wide range of colors and patterns.
The difference isn’t just cosmetic. Each coat type comes from slightly different breeding history, and each one carries its own care routine.
Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
The smooth-haired dachshund is the classic image most people picture: short, shiny fur lying close to the body. This is the original dachshund coat, and it’s still the most common of the three dachshund coat types you’ll come across.
Smooth coats require the least maintenance by far. A quick wipe-down or occasional brushing is usually all it takes to keep them looking sharp.
Long-Haired Dachshunds
A long-haired dachshund has soft, slightly wavy fur that’s noticeably longer around the ears, chest, legs, and the underside of the tail. According to WebMD’s overview of the breed, this coat type features long, sleek, wavy hair covering the neck, chest, ears, and the underside of the legs, body, and tail.
This coat gives the dog a softer, more elegant look, but it comes with a real trade-off in grooming time.
Wirehaired Dachshunds
The wirehaired dachshund is the least common of the three, and arguably the most distinctive. It has a dense, rough topcoat with a softer undercoat, plus bushy eyebrows and a small beard that give it a scruffy, terrier-like expression.
Wirehaired dachshunds actually share more genetic history with terriers than the other two coat types, which is part of why their personality can run a touch more independent and mischievous.
Grooming Differences Between Each Dachshund Coat Type
Grooming is where the three dachshund coat types really separate from each other, and it’s usually the deciding factor for busy households.
Caring for a Smooth Coat
Smooth-haired dachshunds need the least grooming of the group. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush and occasional baths are typically enough to keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Caring for a Long-Haired Coat
A long-haired dachshund needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles and mats, especially around the ears and legs. Some owners also trim the feathering on the feet to keep it from picking up dirt and debris outdoors.
Caring for a Wirehaired Coat
Wirehaired dachshunds need regular brushing plus a process called hand-stripping every few months, which removes dead outer hair to keep the coat’s texture correct. Many wirehaired owners use a professional groomer a few times a year for this specifically.
Which Dachshund Coat Type Is Best for Your Lifestyle?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you weigh the practical differences between the three dachshund coat types.
| Trait | Smooth | Long-Haired | Wirehaired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grooming Frequency | Low (weekly) | Moderate (2-3x/week) | Moderate to high, plus periodic stripping |
| Shedding Level | Low to moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Best For | Low-maintenance households | Owners who enjoy grooming routines | Active owners who like a bit more independence |
| Coat Feel | Short, sleek | Soft, wavy, feathered | Dense, rough, wiry |
| Rarity | Most common | Common | Least common |
If shedding and grooming time are your main concern, a smooth-haired dachshund is usually the easiest starting point. If you don’t mind a more involved brushing routine and love a softer look, a long-haired dachshund might suit you better.
Do Coat Types Affect Health or Personality?
Coat type doesn’t change the underlying health risks that come with being a dachshund. All three varieties are equally prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) because of the breed’s long spine, regardless of whether the coat is smooth, long, or wire.
Personality differences are subtler, but many owners and breeders notice that wirehaired dachshunds tend to run a bit more terrier-like in temperament, showing extra independence and a stronger prey drive. Smooth and long-haired dachshunds tend to track closer to the classic hound temperament: bold, loyal, and food-motivated. The Dachshund entry maintained on Wikipedia notes that many wirehaired dachshunds exhibit behavior more similar to the terrier group than the other two coat varieties.
Choosing the Right Coat Type When You’re Ready for a Puppy
Once you’ve settled on which of the three dachshund coat types fits your life, the next step matters just as much: finding a breeder who’s honest about what you’re getting.
A responsible breeder should be able to tell you exactly which coat type and color a specific puppy carries, along with honest grooming expectations for that coat. At Elite Dachshunds, every puppy comes with a 1-year health guarantee against genetic defects, a vet check, and age-appropriate vaccinations, regardless of coat type.
If you’re still narrowing down your options beyond coat alone, our guide on miniature vs. standard dachshunds covers the size side of the decision, and our post on how to spot a reputable dachshund breeder walks through what honest paperwork should look like no matter which coat you choose.
Puppies Across All Three Dachshund Coat Types
We breed for all three dachshund coat types, so there’s usually a good mix available at any given time. Here are a few puppies currently ready for a home.
Molly — Female, 9 weeks — $700 Molly is a great example of the classic dachshund look and temperament buyers ask about most. See Molly and our full current litter →
Royce — Male, 9 weeks — $700 Royce is confident and easygoing, a solid fit whichever coat style you’re drawn to. View Royce’s listing →
Daisy — Female, 9 weeks — $700 Daisy has a sweet, people-focused personality typical of this breed. Check Daisy’s availability →
Bella — Female, 10 weeks — $700 Bella is a bit older and already comfortable with everyday routines. See Bella on our puppies page →
Since coat type and color can shift from litter to litter, reach out through our contact page and we’ll confirm exactly what’s available, including any specific coat type you’re hoping to find.
FAQs About Dachshund Coat Types
How many dachshund coat types are there? There are three official dachshund coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired. All three are recognized by the AKC and can appear in either miniature or standard size.
Which dachshund coat type sheds the least? Wirehaired dachshunds tend to shed the least of the three, since their coarse outer coat sheds less loose hair than smooth or long-haired coats.
Is a long-haired dachshund high maintenance? It’s moderate. A long-haired dachshund needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles, which is more than a smooth coat but less demanding than most long-haired breeds.
Do wirehaired dachshunds need special grooming? Yes. Wirehaired dachshunds benefit from occasional hand-stripping, a process that removes dead outer hair and keeps the coat’s texture correct.
Are smooth-haired dachshunds hypoallergenic? No dachshund coat type is truly hypoallergenic, though smooth coats tend to produce less loose hair around the house than long-haired coats.
Does coat type affect a dachshund’s health? No. All three dachshund coat types carry the same risk for back and spine issues like IVDD, since that risk comes from the breed’s body shape rather than coat length.
Can two different coat types be born in the same litter? It’s uncommon but genetically possible depending on the parents’ coat genes, which is why a responsible breeder should always confirm a specific puppy’s coat type rather than guessing.
Which dachshund coat type is best for a first-time owner? Smooth-haired dachshunds are usually the easiest starting point for first-time owners because of their low grooming needs.
Does Elite Dachshunds have puppies in all three coat types? Yes. Litters at Elite Dachshunds can include smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired puppies, though availability shifts as litters turn over.
How do I ask about a specific dachshund coat type at Elite Dachshunds? The easiest way is through our contact page, or by emailing elitedachshundpups@gmail.com directly with what you’re looking for.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Dachshund Coat Type?
Whether you’re drawn to a sleek smooth coat, a soft long-haired look, or a scruffy wirehaired personality, all three dachshund coat types make wonderful, loyal companions. 🐾
Take a look at our current available puppies, read what past families have said on our reviews page, or reach out with any questions about coat type or availability.
📧 Email us anytime at elitedachshundpups@gmail.com ✅ Contact us here to ask about a specific coat type or upcoming litter
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