Dachshund Grooming Guide: Care for All Three Coat Types
Dachshunds come in three coat varieties -- smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired -- and each one has different grooming needs. The good news: none of them are high-maintenance compared to breeds like Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs. The important thing is knowing what your specific coat type needs and staying consistent.
Dental Care Is Non-Negotiable
Dachshunds are extremely prone to dental disease due to their narrow, crowded jaws. Brushing teeth 2-3 times per week is as important as any coat care in this breed. Most Dachshunds will need professional dental cleanings starting by age 3.
Grooming by Coat Type
Smooth Coat (lowest maintenance)
The short, sleek coat needs minimal grooming. A weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth or soft bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Smooth Dachshunds do shed, but less than the other varieties. They get cold easily in winter -- consider a sweater for outdoor walks in cold weather.
- Brushing: Once a week with a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt
- Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks
- Special needs: Prone to dry skin in winter; a light moisturizing spray can help
Longhaired Coat (moderate maintenance)
The soft, flowing coat is beautiful but tangles easily, especially behind the ears, on the chest, under the legs, and on the belly. Regular brushing prevents mats and keeps the coat looking its best. Longhaired Dachshunds shed more than smooth coats, particularly in spring and fall.
- Brushing: 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush and steel comb
- Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks; brush thoroughly before bathing to prevent mats from tightening
- Special needs: Trim hair between paw pads to prevent slipping; check ears for debris trapped in feathering
Wirehaired Coat (moderate maintenance + stripping)
The wiry, rough outer coat with a softer undercoat gives wirehaired Dachshunds a distinctive "bearded" appearance. They shed the least of the three varieties but require hand-stripping 2-3 times per year to maintain the correct texture. Clipping instead of stripping permanently softens the coat.
- Brushing: 1-2 times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush
- Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks; avoid overbathing which softens the wiry texture
- Special needs: Hand-stripping 2-3x per year (or clipping for pets); trim beard and eyebrows as needed
Universal Grooming Schedule (All Coat Types)
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nail trimming | Every 2-3 weeks | Dark nails -- trim small amounts, use a grinder if nervous |
| Teeth brushing | 2-3 times per week | Critical for Dachshunds -- dental disease is nearly universal |
| Ear check | Weekly | Floppy ears trap moisture; check for redness or odor |
| Anal glands | As needed | Small breeds may need manual expression; vet or groomer can do this |
| Professional dental cleaning | Annually from age 3+ | Discuss with your vet; may need more frequent for severe cases |
Diet and Coat Health
A dull, dry coat or excessive shedding outside of normal seasonal patterns often points to a dietary issue. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health. If your Dachshund's coat looks rough or thin, consider adding a fish oil supplement or switching to a food with higher omega content. Dehydration also affects coat quality -- make sure fresh water is always available.
Related Dachshund Guides
- Dachshund Health Issues -- dental disease and skin conditions affect grooming needs
- Best Food for Dachshunds -- diet directly affects coat quality
- Temperament & Training -- tips for grooming a stubborn dog
- Dog Symptom Checker