So you're thinking about getting a wire haired dachshund? Good choice. But let me tell you straight up - these little guys aren't your average lap dogs. I learned this the hard way when my buddy Dave showed up with Cooper, his wire-haired terror... I mean terrier. That scruffy-faced rascal chewed through three pairs of my shoes before we even figured out his food allergies. But man, once we got past that? Best damn dog I've ever been around.
What Exactly Is a Wire Haired Dachshund?
Imagine a regular dachshund decided to join a punk rock band - that's basically a wire haired dachshund. That wiry coat isn't just for looks. It's weather-resistant armor from their hunting days. These little badgers were bred to chase game into burrows, and let me tell you, that stubborn streak hasn't gone anywhere.
The beard? Oh yeah, that's signature. Makes them look like grumpy old men even when they're puppies. And those eyebrows? Pure comic gold. But don't let the funny face fool you - this is one seriously determined breed.
| Trait | Wire Haired Dachshund | Smooth Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Type | Double coat with wiry top layer, soft undercoat | Single layer short glossy coat |
| Shedding Level | Low (but needs hand-stripping) | Moderate year-round |
| Grooming Frequency | Professional trim every 8-12 weeks + weekly brushing | Weekly brushing only |
| Typical Personality | More terrier-like, independent | More cuddly, velcro-dog tendency |
Fun fact: That beard actually serves a purpose - it protects their face from thorns and brush when they're hunting underground. Nature's built-in face armor!
The Real Cost of Owning One of These Scruffy Dogs
Okay, let's talk money because nobody warned me about this part. That $800-$2,500 puppy price tag? Just the beginning. My first vet visit with Cooper cost $400 just for vaccinations and deworming. And don't get me started on the grooming...
| Expense Type | Initial Cost | Ongoing Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price (reputable breeder) | $1,200 - $3,000 | - |
| Essential Supplies (crate, bed, bowls, etc) | $200 - $500 | - |
| Vet Care (first year) | $500 - $1,200 | $400 - $800+ |
| Professional Grooming | - | $600 - $900 (every 8-12 weeks) |
| Quality Food | - | $300 - $600 |
| Pet Insurance | - | $500 - $1,200 |
Crazy, right? But here's the thing - that grooming isn't optional. Skip it and you'll have a miserable dog with skin infections. And pet insurance? Non-negotiable in my book. When Cooper needed back surgery last year, that $7,000 bill would've bankrupted me without it.
Health Issues You Can't Afford to Ignore
Look, I love these dogs. But their bodies? Terrible design. Those long backs are genetic disasters waiting to happen. IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) affects about 25% of dachshunds. Seeing Cooper unable to walk for two weeks after jumping off the couch nearly broke me.
Other common problems:
- Dental issues: Those tiny mouths get crowded. Expect $800-$1,500 for dental cleanings.
- Skin allergies: Cooper turns bright pink if he even looks at chicken wrong.
- Cushing's disease: Common in older wire hairs. Monthly meds cost me $85.
- Eye problems: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) especially.
Critical Tip: Always use ramps. No jumping on furniture. No stairs. Seriously. One wrong jump could mean a $10,000 surgery.
Training Challenges: Why They're Called "Hard-Headed"
Remember how I said Cooper ate my shoes? That was month three. Month five he started stealing socks. Month seven he figured out how to open the treat cabinet. Training a wire haired dachshund is like negotiating with a tiny, furry lawyer.
What actually worked for us:
What Works
- High-value treats (freeze-dried liver only, apparently)
- Short 5-minute sessions
- Consistency EVERY SINGLE DAY
- Positive reinforcement only
What Fails Miserably
- Punishment (they hold grudges)
- Repetitive drills
- Yelling (they just look at you like you're crazy)
- Any training after 7PM (bedtime is sacred)
Potty training took us six brutal months. Turns out wire haired dachshunds hate rain more than cats hate water. We finally broke through when I:
- Bought a pop-up canopy for the patio
- Used artificial grass pads during storms
- Scheduled bathroom trips every 90 minutes religiously
Socialization: Start Yesterday
These guys can be suspicious little buggers. Cooper still barks at wheeled objects (bikes, skateboards, strollers). Start socialization before 12 weeks:
- Puppy kindergarten ($120-$200 for 6 weeks)
- Controlled meetups with vaccinated dogs
- Daily exposure to household noises
- Handling exercises (touch paws, ears, mouth daily)
Grooming: More Complicated Than You Think
That scruffy look? It's high maintenance. Forget regular clippers - you need hand-stripping to maintain coat texture and color. My groomer charges $75 every 10 weeks. Here's the full routine:
| Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2-3 times/week | Slicker brush, greyhound comb |
| Beard cleaning | After every meal | Damp cloth, dog-safe wipes |
| Nail trimming | Every 3-4 weeks | Guillotine clippers, styptic powder |
| Professional hand-stripping | Every 8-12 weeks | Leave it to a pro! |
| Dental care | Daily | Enzymatic toothpaste, finger brush |
Skip hand-stripping and the coat gets soft, loses color, and mats easily. I learned this after my "I'll just clip him myself" disaster. Cooper looked like a mangled sheep for three months.
Finding Your Wire Haired Companion
You've got three main options:
Reputable Breeders ($1,500-$3,000): Expect to wait 6-12 months. A good breeder will:
- Show you IVDD clearances for both parents
- Have puppies raised in-home
- Offer a health guarantee
- Belong to DCA (Dachshund Club of America)
Rescue Organizations ($250-$500): Often have adult wire haired dachshunds. Cooper came from Dachshund Rescue of North America after his first family couldn't handle his energy. Best $350 I ever spent.
Backyard Breeders ($600-$900): Just don't. I visited one before finding Cooper. Puppies in tiny cages, no health testing, mom looked exhausted. Saved money upfront but likely pays tenfold in vet bills later.
Red Flags When Choosing a Puppy
Walk away if you see:
- No on-site mother meeting
- Multiple litters available immediately
- No health testing documentation
- Puppies kept in outdoor kennels
- Refusal to let you visit more than once
Daily Life With Your Wire Haired Buddy
Here's our typical Tuesday:
- 6:30 AM: Potty break (rain or shine!)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast - prescription kibble for allergies ($85/bag)
- 8:00 AM: 20-minute sniff walk (mental stimulation > distance)
- 9-12 PM: Nap time (mandatory)
- 12 PM: Puzzle toy with treats
- 1-4 PM: More napping (it's exhausting being cute)
- 4:30 PM: Training session or backyard play
- 6:00 PM: Dinner then beard cleaning
- 7:00 PM: Couch cuddles until bedtime
Notice all the naps? These little hunters conserve energy like pros. But when they're awake? Hold onto your socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wire haired dachshunds good with kids?
It's complicated. They tolerate respectful older kids wonderfully. But toddlers? Not ideal. Cooper nips when his tail gets pulled. Supervise all interactions.
How long do they live?
12-16 years typically. My neighbor's wire-haired lived to 17! But those back problems can shorten lifespan if not managed.
Can I shave my wire haired dachshund in summer?
Please don't. That double coat regulates temperature. Shaving risks sunburn and ruins the texture. Just provide shade and AC.
Why does mine dig constantly?
They're bred to dig out badgers! Cooper destroyed my flower beds until I built him a sandbox. Redirection works better than punishment.
Do they get along with other pets?
With proper introduction, yes. But small animals? High prey drive. My friend's hamster still gives Cooper the side-eye.
Final Thoughts From a Veteran Owner
Would I get another wire haired dachshund? Absolutely. But I'd go in with eyes wide open this time. The grooming bills, the back worries, the stubbornness - it's real. But coming home to that wiry beard and wagging tail? Worth every penny and gray hair.
Just promise me one thing: If you get one, buy pet insurance on day one. And get some good ramps. Your future self will thank me.
Still have questions? Hit up the Dachshund Underground forums - real owners sharing real experiences about these scruffy little warriors.
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