Easy
Dachshund
The Dachshund, bred in Germany to scent, chase, and flush out burrow-dwelling animals, comes in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat varieties: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Grooming needs vary dramatically by coat type — smooth Dachshunds are among the easiest dogs to maintain, while longhaired varieties require brushing several times a week and wirehaired coats need hand-stripping. All varieties share the breed's characteristic long ears that require weekly attention.
Coat Type
Varies by Variety: Short/Smooth, Long/Silky, or Wiry
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks (smooth); more frequent for longhaired
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Smooth Standard
A full bath, blow-dry, nail trim, and ear clean for the smooth-coated variety. No trimming needed; the smooth coat is maintained entirely through bathing.
2
Long-Haired Tidy
Bath, blow-dry, and light scissoring of the feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail for a neat but natural longhaired appearance.
3
Puppy Trim
A gentle full groom for Dachshund puppies of any coat variety, keeping the session brief and positive to establish comfort with handling from an early age.
4
Wire-Haired Hand Strip
Hand-stripping the dead wiry outer coat twice yearly to maintain proper coat texture and color intensity; the traditional grooming method for the wirehaired variety.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Longhaired Dachshunds develop significant feathering on the ears, chest, and underbelly — brush this feathering 2-3 times per week with a pin brush to prevent the fine hair from tangling and matting.
- Dachshund ears hang close to the ground and frequently drag through dirt, food, and water; clean them weekly with a gentle ear cleaner and check for redness or odor that could indicate infection.
- Wirehaired Dachshunds should have their coats hand-stripped rather than clipped — clipping softens the harsh wiry texture, which loses its weather-resistant quality over time.
- Smooth Dachshunds shiver easily due to their low ground clearance and thin coat in cold weather; keep grooms efficient and warm the dog promptly after bathing.
- The Dachshund's long back makes it important not to let the dog jump off grooming tables — always lift them down and support the spine during the groom to avoid injury.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
TropiClean PerfectFur Whitening & Brightening Shampoo
ShampooNaturally whitens and brightens white coats without bleach or harsh chemicals.
$12 - $18
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Deep Dives
Dachshund Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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