Dachshund Grooming Guide

A Comprehensive Dachshund Grooming Guide (2023)

Dachshunds, which were initially developed for hunting, are now more commonly maintained as family pets than as hunting dogs. Dachshunds, like any other dog breed, require grooming. These dogs, as we all know, have either a short smooth coat or a long wirehaired coat. 

Grooming requirements for smooth coat Dachshunds are straightforward. On the other hand, the long-haired Dachshund requires frequent care.

In this article, I will discuss the grooming requirements for both of these Dachshund breeds. Whether you have a short or long-haired Dachshund, this article will teach you all you need to know about Dachshund grooming.

 How to Groom a Dachshund?

1. Brushing

Dachshunds have two coat types: short and smooth and long and wirehaired. Regardless of coat type, frequent brushing using high-quality dog grooming gear is essential. This method aids in the removal of loose hairs and the preservation of the coat's cleanliness and smoothness.

• Long wirehaired coat

The AKC recommends using pin or bristle brushes on long-haired dachshunds to properly remove fur and minimize shedding without harming the dog. Wire-haired dachshunds, on the other hand, need to be brushed many times every week to keep their coat in good condition. 

While brushing, check your doxie's fur for any foreign things that may have been lodged in their fur during outside play. Take this chance to check for tangled or matted fur, which is most typically found around the ears and behind the legs but can appear anywhere.

• Short smooth coat

When you get into the habit of grooming your smooth-haired dachshund, it will become an automatic process. It is essential to master your technique when grooming your smooth-haired Dachshund 1 to 2 times each week. 

Brush the dog's coat in the direction that the hair grows, using a soft-bristled brush or a rubber mitt. This ensures that you remove any dead or loose hair from your dog's coat that might produce knots or an untidy look. 

Because of the short length of their coat, grooming your smooth-haired dachshund should be simple. If you do this every week, your dog's hair will retain its gorgeous and silky texture.

2. Bathing

Dachshunds have a unique hair oil that functions as a protection against the weather. Bathing your dachshund too frequently might remove this protective oil. Unless your dog is very unclean or your veterinarian recommends differently, it is best to bathe your dachshund once a month. 

When bathing your dog, use a mild dog grooming shampoo and rinse well to avoid any residue. Fill your bathtub halfway with warm, not hot, water, ensuring sure it doesn't go higher than your dog's stomach.

Using a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo, lather it in your hands and carefully apply it to your dog's coat. Pour water gently over your dog's fur to rinse away all the suds. It is a practical alternative if you have a detachable showerhead; otherwise, any acceptable container will suffice. 

After that, carefully remove excess water from your dog with a warm, soft towel. You may also take a step back and let your dog "shake" off any extra wetness. If your dog is used to the noise, you may use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to offer extra warmth.

3. Trimming

A short-haired Dachshund does not require trimming, while a long-haired Dachshund must be trimmed. If long-haired dachshunds aren't groomed on a regular basis, their coats can become tangled and knotted. 

To solve this, consider cutting the fur of your long-haired dachshund. When trimming, give special attention to regions prone to knot formation, including as the underside, behind the ears, and around the paws.

You just need to remove enough hair to keep your dog from gathering up too much dirt from the floor and to reduce tangling. If you are unsure about cutting your dog yourself, get advice from a professional and licensed groomer who can give the finest grooming solutions for your pet.

4. Nail trimming

All dogs, even Dachshunds, require routine nail care. Long nails might cause discomfort and interfere with their walking style. Trim their nails every 2-3 weeks or as needed, but be careful not to cut too close to the quick, sensitive section of the nail.

5. Ear cleaning 

Dachshunds are particularly prone to ear infections due to their long, drooping ears. It is critical to examine their ears on a regular basis for any signs of redness, discharge, or strange odor.

 Using a cotton ball or a mild cloth, gently wipe the inner ear flap and the visible section of the ear canal with an ear cleaner indicated by your veterinarian.

6. Dental care

Maintaining proper oral health is critical for the overall health of your Dachshund. Brush your Dachshund's teeth on a regular basis with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Consider introducing dental chews or toys into their regimen as these might help to reduce plaque accumulation.

Mistakes to Avoid When Grooming A Dachshund

Avoiding grooming mistakes is crucial for the well-being of your dachshund. Here are some common errors to steer clear of:

Neglecting to brush their coat before bath time: Brushing your dachshund's coat prior to bathing helps eliminate tangles and mats, simplifying the cleaning process.

Insufficient rinsing after bathing: Ensure a thorough rinse after bathing your dachshund to prevent any shampoo residue, which could lead to skin irritation.

Avoid shaving your dachshund: Shaving their coat can harm hair follicles, resulting in poor regrowth, patchiness, and a less glossy appearance when their hair returns.

Neglecting grooming training: Teaching your dachshund to be at ease with grooming is essential to prevent anxiety or harm during grooming sessions.

Don't skip winter grooming: Grooming during winter is necessary to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting

5 Popular Haircut Styles for Longhaired Dachshund

Long-haired dachshunds should get haircuts every eight to ten weeks, in addition to regular brushing. If you are not sure which style to get for your doxie, consider these popular haircut alternatives and consult with your groomer to find the perfect match for both your doxie and your lifestyle. 

Keep in mind that certain haircut styles are not suitable for wire-haired Dachshunds since their undercoats need careful hand stripping. Here are five popular Dachshund breeds to consider.

1. Simple Trim

A little trim is entirely acceptable. In fact, the groomer admits that it is one of the most popular dachshund haircuts. A basic trim, as the name implies, includes softly clipping the body's hair. 

The groomer also recommends cleaning the legs and paws and giving a hygienic trim around the genital and anal regions. A great option if you would like your dachshund to maintain their natural appearance while still looking good.

2. Summer Cut

Long hair might be useful in cold locations, but you don't want your sausage dog to overheat in the summer. That's where the summer cut comes in, providing an easy and cool way to combat the heat. For an all-over, very short trim, the groomer often uses a No. 7 or No. 10 blade.

 For those who are unfamiliar with blade sizes, there is a simple guideline to follow: the higher the blade number, the shorter the trim. As a result, a No. 7 blade will provide somewhat greater fur length than a No. 10 blade.

Finally, whether or not to clip the ears and tail is entirely up to the pet owners. On lazy summer days, this hairstyle is ideal for people who desire a low-maintenance look.

3. Puppy Cut

Having an older dog does not mean that it can not get a puppy cut. This design is appropriate for dogs of all ages with young energy, not just pups. The puppy cut is a simple method that involves clipping all of the hair to a consistent length, generally using a longer guard comb. 

Depending on the pet parent's preferences, the length might range from 0.5 to 1 inch. So, if you want a nice and simple look for your dachshund, the puppy cut is a fantastic option.

4. Show Cut

A show cut for your dog strives to fit the breed standard established by the American Kennel Club. As per this guideline, a longhaired dachshund should possess lengthier hair around the neck, on the front of the chest, underneath the body, ears, and behind the legs. 

Short fur on the ears is not appreciated, while an extremely long or curly coat might be considered a flaw. The guideline also specifies that the tail should have the longest hair, forming a "flag."

A good groomer will follow these guidelines when you are planning to take your Dachshund for a competition. If you want your dog to look its best at home, your groomer can use a more relaxed approach while still creating a beautiful style.

5. Lion Cut

A haircut that reflects the brave attitude of Dachshunds would be a good addition to their appearance. An appropriate cut for their personality would be a Lion cut. To attain this look, the body should be trimmed with a shorter blade, stopping at the shoulders. 

In this manner, the hair will appear longer and mane-like. Just remember that you could find yourself chuckling whenever you see your adorable lap lion.

Conclusion

Dachshunds are popular breeds. Despite being trained as a hunting dog to follow badgers into their tunnels, you could today find a Dachshund snuggling up on your couch.

Grooming your Doxie on a regular basis is an important part of caring for them. This involves cutting their fur, clipping their nails, keeping their oral hygiene, and brushing and bathing them on a regular basis. 

It is best to start this procedure while they are young, to be patient throughout, and to adjust the grooming regimen based on the length of their hair.