Smooth, Wire, or Long-Haired Dachshund: Which to Choose? (2026 Comparison)

The Dachshund comes in three coat varieties. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming and has a sleek look. The long coat, silky and elegant, has a reputation for the gentlest temperament and needs regular brushing. The wire coat, recognizable by its beard, is the liveliest; it’s maintained through hand-stripping two to three times a year. All three share the same build and underlying health.

The smooth-haired Dachshund

This is the breed’s historic variety. Its short, sleek, shiny coat hugs the body and shows off its musculature. It’s the easiest to groom: a rubber glove or soft brush is enough. It’s slightly more sensitive to cold than the others. A good option for anyone who wants a Dachshund with no grooming hassle.

The long-haired Dachshund

With silky fringes on the ears, tail, and belly, the long coat is the most “elegant” variety. It needs regular brushing (2–3 times a week) to prevent tangles, particularly behind the ears. It’s also reputed to be the calmest, gentlest variety. Many of our cream and dapple Dachshunds are long-haired.

The wire-haired Dachshund

Recognizable by its beard and eyebrows, the wire coat is rough and dense and isn’t clipped: it’s hand-stripped two to three times a year to preserve its texture. It sheds very little and has no strong odor. It’s the most energetic variety, perfect for an active family.

Does coat type affect health or size?

No. All three varieties share the same size standard (standard, miniature, kaninchen) and the same predisposition to back issues. Coat choice is mainly a matter of aesthetics, grooming, and, to a lesser extent, temperament. Health mainly depends on how the parents were selected.

So, which one to choose?

• You want the least grooming possible: smooth coat.
• You’re after elegance and gentleness: long coat.
• You’re an active family, minimal shedding: wire coat.

We breed miniature and kaninchen Dachshunds, mainly long-haired, in rare colors.

FAQ on smooth, wire, and long-haired Dachshunds

Which Dachshund variety sheds the least?

The wire coat, especially if regularly hand-stripped. It’s also the least odorous variety.

Which Dachshund has the calmest temperament?

The long coat has a reputation for being the gentlest and calmest, while the wire coat is the liveliest. Temperament, however, mostly depends on the individual dog and its training.

Should a long- or wire-haired Dachshund be clipped?

The long coat can be maintained with brushing and light trimming. The wire coat is never clipped — it’s hand-stripped to preserve texture and color.

Does coat type change a Dachshund’s size?

No. Smooth, long, and wire coats all exist in standard, miniature, and kaninchen sizes.