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March 31st, 2009 by PetGuru

All dogs need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and their nails in trim. Which technique you use for your Dachshund depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Requiring little more than regular bathing and brushing, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” varies with the dog’s age and environment.

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Younger dogs may require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.Be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly if they live in rougher circumstances. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.Remove plant material as soon as they are done playing.

A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. Even though all dogs are durable, it’s important not to scrape the skin. That can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by licking and chewing. Since Dachshunds are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a need for extra grooming care.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.

Like the terriers they look like, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Use a regluar brush for the top layer and a slicker for the undercoat. Remember, too, that they will shed more.A shed control shampoo may be necessary. In every case, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Shorten any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will also be necessary once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week will suffice.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since they are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Mattig is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying close attention to behind the ears.When mats arise, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the mat with fingers and brush.

A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Doxies.Be sure not to over-bathe them, though, since that leads to dried, scaly skin. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The usual technique is fine. Obtain a good pair of nail trimmers and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because of their feisty nature.

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