Grooming & Coat Care

November 7, 2025Craig Harrison

Shine, Shed Less, and Protect the Skin

Dachshunds come in three main coat types—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired—and each has its own routine. Good grooming does more than make them look sharp; it supports skin health, reduces shedding, protects the back (yes, posture matters even in grooming), and keeps vet bills down. Below is your practical, back-friendly routine you can keep up week after week.

Know Your Coat Type (and What It Means)

Smooth (short coat): Sleek and low-maintenance, but still sheds. Natural oils keep the coat glossy; overbathing can dry the skin.
Long-haired: Feathering on ears, chest, belly, and tail tends to mat. Gentle detangling is key, plus strategic trimming around trouble zones.
Wire-haired: A dense, harsh outer coat with a softer undercoat. Benefits from hand-stripping to maintain texture and reduce bulk.

If you’ve got a mixed lineage or you’re unsure, ask your groomer or vet to confirm the best approach. The wrong method—like heavy clipping on a wire coat—can alter texture and increase matting.

Weekly Core Routine (All Dachshunds)

Quick brush-through (3–10 minutes): clears loose hair, spreads natural oils, and lets you check for lumps, bumps, or parasites.
Paws & pads check: trim fuzz between pads (long/wire) and wipe after walks to reduce allergens and grit.
Ear peek: wipe the outer ear with a dog-safe cleanser; avoid inserting swabs.
Tooth care: daily brushing is the gold standard; if not daily, 3–4 times/week plus a dental chew that fits within the treat-calorie budget.
Nails: aim for every 2–4 weeks; short nails improve posture and reduce back strain by normalising gait.

Smooth Coats: Minimal, Not Negligent

Brushing: Use a rubber curry or grooming glove 2–3x/week. This lifts dander and stimulates the skin without scratching.
Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks or when genuinely dirty. Choose a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Shine tip: A quick wipe with a damp microfibre cloth after walks keeps dust down and coat glossy.

Long-Haired: Tangled Today, Matted Tomorrow

Brushing: 3–5x/week with a pin brush for the outer coat and a greyhound comb to finish—especially behind ears, armpits, belly, and tail.
Detangling: Mist lightly with a leave-in detangler before brushing; tackle knots from the ends inward while supporting the skin to avoid tugging.
Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, then thoroughly dry (towel → cool dryer on low, if your dog tolerates it). Moist, compressed fur mats fast.
Trimming: Keep feathering trimmed just enough to avoid drag and knots; scissor carefully around feet, sanitary areas, and behind the ears.

Wire-Haired: Texture Matters

Hand-stripping (ideal): Removes blown coat without cutting the hair shaft, preserving wiry texture and colour. Usually every 8–12 weeks.
Carding in-between: Use a stripping knife or carding tool gently to lift undercoat weekly.
If clipping: It’s okay when stripping isn’t feasible, but expect a softer, sometimes fuzzier coat. Increase brushing to manage bulk and matting.
Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks. Avoid heavy conditioners that collapse the wire texture.

Bathing Without Back Blowouts

Setup the space: Non-slip mat in the tub/sink; use a hose attachment so you don’t lift and twist your dog repetitively.
Warm up: A 2-minute stroll to loosen muscles.
Lift safely: Keep your back straight; use a ramp or step if possible.
Rinse, rinse, rinse: Residual shampoo causes itch and dandruff.
Dry thoroughly: Towel + low/cool dryer, brushing the coat in the natural lie. Ensure the armpits and belly are fully dry to prevent hotspots.

Nails: Small Dog, Big Difference

Long nails change the foot angle, strain tendons, and can alter gait—bad news for a long back. Aim for short, frequent trims:

Tools: Sharp guillotine or scissor clippers for most doxies; a nail grinder to smooth edges.
Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks to keep quicks short.
Technique: Tiny snips. If you’re nervous, do one nail per day. For black nails, look for the chalky centre when grinding and stop early.

Ears & Eyes: Clean, Not Irritated

Ears: Doxies have drop ears that trap moisture. After baths or swims, dry gently with cotton pads. Clean the outer ear canal weekly with vet-approved ear cleaner. Foul odour, redness, or head shaking = vet visit.
Eyes: A soft, damp cloth for corner debris. Persistent discharge may signal allergies or irritation.

Skin Care: Itch, Dandruff, and Hotspots

Common triggers: seasonal allergies, product sensitivity, parasites, and overbathing.
Solve simply first: switch to a fragrance-free, gentle shampoo, extend intervals between baths, add omega-3s, and run a flea/tick preventative regimen as recommended by your vet.
When to see the vet: intense itch, recurrent ear issues, bald patches, or pustules. You may need medicated shampoo, allergy management, or a dietary workup.

Teeth: The Daily Habit That Saves You Thousands

Dental disease is rampant in small breeds. A soft toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste prevent plaque and gum disease. Add dental chews (calories counted!) or a water additive if your vet approves. Professional dental check-ups yearly (or semi-annually for seniors) keep things on track.

Tools That Make Life Easier

Pin brush (long), bristle brush (smooth), stripping knife/carders (wire)
Greyhound comb for finishing and checking mats
Detangler spray and microfibre towels
Non-slip bath mat, sprayer, and a cool-setting dryer
High-value treats for cooperative care training (use part of the daily kibble allowance)

Cooperative Care: Train Grooming Like a Trick

A wriggly doxie becomes a dream when you teach “chin rest” on your palm or a towel, “paws up” for nail trims, and “ear peek” for cleaning. Use short sessions (1–3 minutes) with lots of praise and food reinforcement. The goal is consent cues—your dog learns what’s coming and participates. This reduces stress and makes home and salon visits safer.

Professional Grooming: How Often?

Smooth: As needed for baths/nails; many owners DIY entirely and see a pro every 8–12 weeks for nails, anal gland check (only if an issue), and a seasonal tidy.
Long-haired: Every 6–8 weeks for bath, blow-out, feet/sanitary trim, and dematting prevention.
Wire-haired: 8–12 week hand-strip cycles with maintenance carding in between. Book ahead; good hand-strippers are in demand.

Seasonal & Lifestyle Tweaks (AU-Friendly)

Summer: Rinse salt/chlorine after beach swims; watch for grass seeds in feathering.
Winter: Dry fully after rain; consider a light coat for seniors with thin coverage.
All year: Runners or non-slip mats on slick floors prevent micro-slips that stress the back—grooming rooms included.

Quick Troubleshooting

Mats behind ears: Spritz detangler, hold hair near the skin to prevent tugging, and comb from ends upward.
Dandruff after bathing: Shampoo may be too strong or not rinsed enough; try a milder formula and longer rinse.
Won’t tolerate nail trims: Switch to daily 30-second sessions with a grinder and feed for each touch; trim a single nail per day.
Dog stinks quickly: Check ears, anal glands (ask your vet), and trapped moisture in feathering or undercoat.