Dachshund (Wire Haired)

It was developed in Germany later than the smooth type, most likely in the 1800s, through crosses with wire-coated terriers such as the Dandie Dinmont and German Pinscher to give the classic Dachshund shape a harsher, weatherproof jacket that could shrug off thorns and cold. This gives the wire-haired variety a slightly more terrier-like temperament than its smooth and long-haired cousins, often a touch scrappier and more inclined to dig.

Living with a Wire Haired Dachshund suits someone who enjoys a dog with real character. It is bold, curious and often the most extroverted of the three coat types, always ready to investigate a hole in the garden. Training benefits from short, engaging sessions and consistent rewards, since repetition bores it quickly. The wiry coat needs hand-stripping once or twice a year to keep its texture, and clipping it instead will soften the coat and dull its colour over time. As with all Dachshunds, the long back needs protecting from jumps and rough play.

Today it is the least common of the three coat varieties in Britain but still has a loyal following, particularly among owners who want a slightly hardier, more terrier-like Dachshund for country walks and garden life. It remains an enthusiastic digger and an alert little watchdog despite its size.