Dachshunds are moderate shedders, but dachshund grooming requirements can vary depending on your canine’s coat type. These little dogs tend to have three unique coat types: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired coats. While none of these dachshund coats need to be shaved down, these dogs still need grooming just like any other canine.
Dog grooming is about so much more than just cutting hair and brushing. It also includes things like baths, teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Dog parents who don’t need to take their dog to the groomer for a haircut often forget about these other aspects of grooming. But grooming is essential for all dogs because a well-groomed pup is also likely to be healthier.
Do Dachshunds Shed a Lot?
No, dachshunds don’t shed a lot. They are considered moderate shedders, meaning your floor won’t be covered in fur, but you’ll still see some loose hair floating around. Yet, the amount of shedding depends on your doxie’s coat type.
Short-haired dachshunds shed the most. Their coats shed continuously throughout the year, so they don’t need any trimming. Wire-haired dachshunds shed the least, but long-haired dachshunds also only shed minimally. That’s because wire-haired and long-haired doxies only shed heavily twice a year to prepare for the seasons changing.
Dachshund Grooming Overview
Luckily, most dog lovers consider dachshund grooming to be minimal, especially if you have a short-haired pooch. Dachshunds have fur rather than hair, which means their coat continuously sheds rather than growing out like human hair. This means that haircuts are not necessary, but brushing and bathing still are.
Do Dachshunds Like Being Groomed?
No, most dachshunds don’t like being groomed at first. But then again, it really depends on the dog. Unfamiliar things are often scary to dogs, so it might take them some time to get used to grooming procedures.
If your dachshund is not a fan of grooming, be patient with them. The more often you do it, the less stressed they’ll be. Start by introducing them to grooming supplies, such as a brush or nail clipper. Give them treats when they’re near those items so they can associate them with something good. Also, don’t forget to reward your dog after they’ve completed a grooming item.
Brushing our own teeth and trimming our nails might seem like normal parts of human routines, but dogs won’t see it that way unless we help them. Create a schedule to ensure that you don’t forget to do these important parts of grooming.
Do Dachshunds Need Professional Grooming?
No, Dachshunds don’t need professional grooming. Most dog parents go to professional groomers for full haircuts, which is something dachshunds don’t need. Long-haired dachshunds might benefit from a trim now and then, but their fur should never be cut short or shaved.
Yet, groomers offer a lot more services than just haircuts. So, you can certainly take your dachshund in for a spa day if you want them to be as clean as possible. Groomers often offer bath services, which are complete with brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. If you do that once in a while, your pup will seem extra clean.
How Much Grooming Does a Dachshund Need?
Dachshunds need average grooming, which includes bathing, brushing, teeth brushing, and nail trimming.
These furry friends should be brushed almost daily if they have a long coat. Otherwise, their coat could develop painful mats that will need to be cut out by a professional groomer. Yet, a short-haired dachshund only needs to be brushed once or twice a week to remove loose fur.
It’s recommended that you bathe your dachshund about every three weeks. But if they get into something dirty or start to stink sooner, it’s okay to bathe them more often. Just avoid giving baths more than once a week since that could be damaging to the natural oils on their skin.
Most dogs need their nails trimmed once a month. But if your dog’s nails haven’t been trimmed in a long time, you might need to do it every two weeks instead. Dogs have a nerve in their nail called the quick, so you can’t cut too far. The quicks grow with the nails, so getting their nails trimmed more often can help the quicks gradually retreat back to a healthy length if you let them grow too much in the past.
Finally, teeth brushing should be done two to three times a week. Dental disease is very common in dogs, so don’t forget this process. You might want to occasionally examine your dachshund’s ears and clean them as needed. After all, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections.
While it’s not always considered grooming, it’s important to remember to give your dachshund monthly flea and tick preventatives. Depending on your vet’s recommendations, these can be given topically or orally. By avoiding critters in your dachshund’s coat, they will have healthier skin and fur.
How to Groom a Dachshund: Basic step by step
When it comes to dachshund grooming, no two dogs are exactly alike. Dachshunds are a special breed because they can have a variety of coat types. All coat types shed, but some require more brushing than others.
Grooming your dachshund means you should keep your pup clean from head to toe. Here are some steps you should take to make sure you cover everything.
1. Bathe Your Dachshund
If your doxie hasn’t been bathed in a month or so, give them a bath. Or if they look and smell extra dirty, a bath couldn’t hurt. Most dogs dislike bath time, especially if they’re not used to it, so be sure to reward them with a treat afterward for their hard work.
Use a high-quality dog shampoo and lather it well into their coat. Find a shampoo with natural ingredients that are allergy-friendly to ensure that the shampoo doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin. Look out for fleas, ticks, bumps, scratches, and other abnormalities on their skin when you bathe them. After they’re done, make sure to dry them off as well as you can, either with a towel or a dog-safe hairdryer.
2. Brush Your Dachshund
Your dachshund should be brushed several times a week. Short-haired dachshunds can get away with less often, but dachshunds with long, thick coats might need to be brushed almost daily. A wire brush is best for thick hair, especially if it’s tangled, while a soft bristle brush is better for short-haired coats.
If you just gave your doxie a bath, brush them right after. It’s easiest to get all the loose fur out of your dachshund’s coat while they’re still wet or damp. If you notice any tangles or mats in your long-haired dachshund’s coat, try to brush them out. You might also be able to pull them apart with your hands if they’re not too dense. But if they’re too thick to separate without hurting your dog, a groomer might need to cut them out for safety reasons.
READ MORE: Recommended Dog Brushes for Dachshund
3. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Don’t forget to brush your dachshund’s teeth almost every day if you can. The best way to do this is to buy a special toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog. Most dogs hate their teeth being brushed, so don’t forget to reward them afterward.
If your dog hates the toothbrush more than anything, you can sometimes substitute it for dental treats, water additives, and other alternatives. But you’ll still need to brush their teeth occasionally to prevent dental disease. When your dog gets older, your vet will likely recommend a professional deep cleaning too.
4. Trim Your Dachshund’s Nails
At least once a month, trim your dachshund’s nails. Cut the nail to about two millimeters away from the quick. The quick is the darker part of the nail, but it can be harder to see if your dog’s nails are black. If you’re not confident enough to cut the nails properly, consult a groomer or vet. Some dogs are also too difficult to get their nails trimmed at home.
When trimming their nails, choose a product that’s safe for your dog. Most new dog parents use a grinder because it gradually files the dog’s nail down instead of chopping a section off like a clipper would. Either way, ensure that your nail trimmer has a safety feature. If you accidentally trim your dog’s nail too short, they might never trust you to trim their nails again.
5. Clean Your Dachshund’s Ears
Check your doxie’s ears every few weeks for discharge or odors. If anything looks or smells unusual, you can use an ear cleaning liquid and drip it into your dog’s ears. If you think there’s an ear infection present, discuss it with your vet.
6. Check Your Dog from Head to Toe
Even if you do all the other grooming items regularly, you should still check your dog out from head to toe. Look for anything unusual, such as dry skin, cloudy eyes, or cuts. If anything ever seems concerning, mention it to your vet. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
These grooming tips are just the basics for dachshund grooming. The more detailed grooming process depends on what type of dachshund you have.
Wire-Haired Dachshund Grooming
Wire-haired dachshunds are less common, but they’re also the highest maintenance when it comes to grooming. They usually have thick undercoats and rough hair on top. They shed less than other doxies, but unfortunately, that means more grooming.
Most of these dachshunds need their coats brushed occasionally. But then, they need their coat “stripped” about twice a year, which is different from the standard dachshund grooming requirements. Stripping is the process of pulling dead hair out of a dog’s coat. With such a thick outer layer of fur, a lot of dead hair gets trapped underneath.
Some wire-haired dachshunds have coarse hair while others are on the fluffier side. Softer dachshunds might not need to be stripped at all. If you’re ever uncertain if your dachshund needs stripping or not, talk to a professional groomer.
Essential tips to groom a Wire-Haired Dachshund:
- Use a special brush with wire pins when stripping your dog’s coat.
- Use a good bristle brush when brushing normally.
- Don’t brush too hard.
- You’ll only need to bathe them a few times a year.
- Remove mats and tangles with your fingers or a comb.
- Trim their facial hair if it gets too long.
- Turn to a groomer for face trimming if you’re not experienced.
Long-haired Dachshund Grooming
Long-haired dachshunds also have advanced grooming needs like wire-haired dachshunds. Yet, their needs are very different. Unlike wire-haired dachshunds, long-haired dachshunds have coats that are soft, silky, and flowing.
To keep your dachshund’s coat feeling fluffy, you’ll need to brush it almost every day. After all, these dogs are bound to pick up dirt and debris in their coat if they spend a lot of time outside. Brushing is a great way to remove dirt and tangles from their coat. Their ears and feet are the areas that are most likely to get tangled.
Long-haired dachshunds need trimming, but not full haircuts. This is needed most around the ears, feet, and tail. But no matter how hot your dog looks, don’t shave their fur. Shaving a dog that sheds can damage their coat, making it not as efficient in extreme weather. So, if you’re unsure what areas of their coat to trim, you can always ask a groomer for help.
How to Trim a Long-Haired Dachshund
Since long-haired dachshunds are the only ones who need their hair trimmed, their grooming requirements are a little different than the standard tips. When trimming any dog, it’s best to start with a clean canine, so give your doxie a bath beforehand.
Start by trimming the areas that need it most, such as the face, ears, paws, and tail. You can use clippers in some areas, but small shears are often better for precise cuts. Use scissors with rounded tips to keep your dachshund safe.
Then, if you think the fur on your dog’s body needs trimming too, you can use thinning shears to thin out the top layer. Then, brush their coat afterward to ensure that all the loose hair is removed. Brush in the natural direction of the dog’s hair for best results. After all that is complete, your long-haired doxie will be looking clean and stylish.
Long-Haired Dachshund Grooming Styles
Unless you’re competing in a dog show, there’s no need to worry about grooming styles for your doxie. Most companion dachshunds sport a natural hairstyle with light trimming now and then. However, if you’re going for a “best in show” look, you’ll need to keep the hair around the face and neck trimmed short with the body long and silky. Of course, this style will require a lot more maintenance than a natural look.
If you take your long-haired dachshund to a groomer, don’t come in with just a grooming style name. Many dog parents ask for styles like a “puppy cut,” which is a broad term that doesn’t give the groomer much direction. Instead, describe what lengths you want throughout your dachshund’s body and show photo examples if you have any.
Long-Haired Dachshund Grooming Tips
- Pin or bristle brushes are recommended.
- Check their coats for debris and tangles.
- Remove mats from their fur with your fingers or a comb.
- Trim their coats, but don’t shave them.
- Separate hair with sectioning clips to make sure you don’t miss any tangles.
- Turn to a groomer if you’re not experienced.
Short-haired Dachshund Grooming
Short-haired dachshunds have the easiest grooming needs. Since their coats are thin and shed regularly, they don’t need any trimming. Their coats won’t get tangled or matted like their long-haired counterparts.
Regular brushing with a softer brush is still needed for dachshunds with short coats. The more you brush your dog, the more under control their shedding will be. Combs are not necessary for this type of dog. Bathing should also be kept to a minimum.
While short-haired dachshunds don’t need intense grooming, you still need to cover the basics. Don’t forget about nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. Remember, the more you do these routine grooming items, the more comfortable your dachshund will be with them.
Short-Haired Dachshund Grooming Tips:
- Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose fur.
- Do not trim or shave their coats.
- A rubber glove brush can be beneficial.
- Only bathe them when they need it.
- You can still turn to a professional for baths if needed.
Dachshund Grooming Kits
If you plan to do all your doxie’s grooming from home, you’ll need a set of supplies. Some pet parents prefer to buy these grooming items individually while others find it easier to buy a set.
Here are some grooming kits for dachshunds:
- Pawsible Dog Clippers for Grooming – you probably won’t need the clippers for your dachshund, but it comes with a nail clipper, comb, and scissors.
- Rubold Professional Dog Grooming Scissors Set – this set comes with multiple scissors and a comb.
- PetHaven Dog Brush Grooming Kit – if you want a variety of brushes, you can choose this set, which also comes with a nail clipper.
What Products Do You Need to Buy?
Sometimes it’s hard to find a set with all the necessary supplies. So, here are some individual products that you might need for dachshund grooming.
Best Brush for Dachshund
No matter what coat type your dachshund has, you’ll need a brush. If they have long, thick fur, a pin brush and a comb could be helpful. But if you have a short-coated dachshund, a soft bristle brush is the better option.
Here are some good grooming brushes for dachshunds:
- Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush – this brush is perfect for removing mats and tangles from long hair, and it even retracts for easy cleaning.
- Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush – this brush has a soft bristle side and a side with stainless steel tips to cover all types of brushes.
- Pet Grooming Glove – these gloves are perfect for short-haired dachshunds but can remove loose hair from all dogs.
READ MORE: Top 10 Best Dog Brush for Short Haired Dachshunds
Best Dog Clippers
Dog clippers aren’t a necessity for dachshunds since they don’t need their fur cut short. But if you use a guard to keep their hair long, you might be able to use clippers for long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds.
Here are some grooming clippers for dachshunds:
- Oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers – these dog clippers come in a few guard sizes, along with a comb and scissors.
- Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro Clippers – this Wahl product comes with four different guards for the clippers.
- Dog Clippers Professional Heavy Duty Dog Grooming – these heavy-duty dog clippers come with guards, scissors, and a comb.
Best Nail Trimmer
There are two main kinds of nail trimmers you’ll find: clippers and grinders. Clippers clip the dog’s nail in one motion while grinders gently shorten the nails. Grinders are often easier for beginners because it’s a more gradual process.
Here are some nail trimmers for dachshunds:
- Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded – this is a rechargeable nail grinder with two speeds and three grinding ports.
- Boshel Dog Nail Clippers – these nail clippers have a safety guard to prevent you from trimming your dog’s nails too short.
- Unseeland Dog Nail Grinder – this rechargeable nail grinder also comes with a nail clipper and a nail file.
Other Recommended Products
Every dog has unique grooming requirements, so you’ll likely need more than just the above products. Consider getting a comb, a toothbrush, shampoo, a towel, and more to ensure that your dog’s grooming needs are covered.
Here are more recommended dachshund grooming products:
- Detangling Pet Comb – combs are great for brushing pets to remove tangles.
- TropiClean Shampoo for Pets – using a high-quality shampoo will keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
- TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth – this dental care set comes with dog toothbrushes and a brushing gel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you proceed with dachshund grooming, you might have some lingering thoughts and concerns. Here are a few questions that dog parents commonly ask.
How Often Should Dachshunds Be Groomed?
A dachshund’s grooming needs greatly depend on their coat type and behaviors. Most dachshunds need to be brushed weekly, but only bathed every few weeks or months, depending on how dirty they get. If you have a long-haired dachshund, you may need to trim their coats every few weeks as well.
How Do You Treat Dry Skin on a Dachshund?
Keeping your doxie protected from pests and parasites and using an allergy-friendly shampoo can keep a dachshund’s coat soft and shiny. Also, feeding them a high-quality diet with omega fatty acids can help too.
Is It Expensive to Get Your Dachshund Groomed Professionally?
Professional grooming is certainly more expensive than grooming from home, but the prices vary based on the groomer and what you need done. Always turn to a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds don’t have complex grooming needs. They don’t shed like crazy or need their hair shaved down every month. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore grooming. Dog grooming involves hair trimming, brushing, nail clipping, teeth brushing, bathing, and more. So, your doxie needs those things just as much as every other dog.
Before you bring your new dog home, make sure you’re familiar with dachshund grooming tips. Grooming is a key part of caring for a dog, so you’ll need to be prepared for the additional time and money it will require.
