A longhaired dachshund’s coat can look wonderfully soft and flowing - until a few missed brushes turn the feathering behind their ears into a tight knot. Knowing how to groom a longhaired dachshund means more than keeping them photo-ready. Regular, gentle grooming keeps the skin comfortable, lets you spot problems early and makes everyday cuddles much nicer for both of you.
Longhaired dachshunds have a fine, silky topcoat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, tummy and tail. That beautiful coat needs a different approach from the shorthaired variety. It is not difficult, but it does reward a consistent routine and a little patience.
What makes longhaired dachshund grooming different?
The soft hair around the ears, under the front legs, between the back legs and around the tail is where knots tend to start. These areas rub against harnesses, bedding, grass, damp ground and little dachshund bodies themselves. A mat can pull at the skin every time your dog moves, so it is far kinder to deal with small tangles before they become a bigger job.
Dachshunds also sit low to the ground. On a wet walk, their tummy and leg feathering can collect mud, burrs, grass seeds and bits of leaf litter remarkably quickly. In Australian summer, a quick check after walks is particularly useful for grass seeds, ticks and prickles.
Grooming is also a hands-on health check. As you brush, look for redness, flaky skin, fleas, lumps, sore spots and changes in coat condition. If you find a persistent skin issue, a strong odour from the ears, or a knot that is tight against the skin, speak with your vet or a qualified groomer rather than trying to force it out.
The basic tools for a silky, tangle-free coat
You do not need a cupboard full of equipment. A slicker brush with soft, flexible pins is useful for working through the feathering, while a metal comb helps you check whether you have actually brushed through to the skin. A pin brush can be a gentler option for routine brushing on a fine coat.
Keep a dog-safe detangling spray for stubborn areas, plus dog shampoo and conditioner suited to a longer coat. Rounded-tip scissors are handy for tiny tidy-ups, although many owners prefer grooming scissors with a blunt safety tip around fidgety dogs. Nail clippers or a nail grinder, a dog toothbrush and ear-cleaning products recommended by your vet round out a practical home kit.
Avoid using human shampoo, household scissors or heavily fragranced sprays. A dachshund’s skin can be sensitive, and blunt household scissors can pull hair or cause an injury if your dog suddenly turns their head.
How to groom a longhaired dachshund at home
Start on a non-slip surface at a comfortable height, such as a stable grooming table or a bench with a secure mat. If your dachshund is on the floor, sit beside them rather than bending over for too long. Keep one hand supporting their body whenever needed, and never let them jump up or down from a raised surface. Protecting that long back is part of every care routine.
Begin with a calm brush, not a battle
Choose a quiet time when your dog is relaxed. For a puppy or a grooming-wary adult, begin with just a minute or two of brushing, followed by praise and a small treat. Build duration slowly. The goal is for grooming to feel predictable and safe, not like a weekly wrestling match.
Brush in small sections, working from the ends of the hair back towards the skin. Starting at the roots and dragging a brush down can tighten knots and hurt. Hold the hair close to the skin with your fingers as you work through a tangle, which reduces pulling.
Pay close attention to behind and underneath the ears, the armpits, chest, the inside of the legs, groin, tummy and tail. These are the places most often missed by a quick surface brush. After using the brush, run the metal comb through each area. If the comb glides through without catching, the coat is properly brushed out.
Handle knots with patience
For a small knot, apply a little detangling spray and use your fingers to gently separate the hair. Then use the end of a comb or the outer edge of a slicker brush to loosen it in tiny movements. Do not yank, and do not use scissors to cut a knot close to the skin. Dog skin is thin and can be pulled up into a mat without you realising.
If the knot is dense, sits close to the skin or your dachshund is uncomfortable, book a groomer. It may be tempting to keep working at it, but a short professional clip is preferable to causing pain and making grooming frightening next time.
Bathe only when they need it
Most longhaired dachshunds do well with a bath every four to eight weeks, depending on their lifestyle, skin and enthusiasm for muddy adventures. Bathing too often can strip the coat of natural oils, while waiting too long can leave their feathering grimy and prone to tangling.
Brush thoroughly before the bath. Water can tighten existing knots, making them much harder to remove. Use lukewarm water and dog-specific shampoo, taking care around the eyes and inside the ears. Follow with conditioner if it suits your dog’s coat, as this can help keep the hair soft and easier to comb.
Rinse very well. Leftover product can cause itchiness, especially in the chest and tummy areas. Towel-dry by pressing rather than rubbing, then use a dog dryer on a low, comfortable setting if your dog tolerates it. Brush gently as the coat dries to prevent fresh tangles. Never leave a longhaired dachshund damp for hours, particularly in cooler weather.
Tidy, do not shave
A longhaired dachshund generally needs a neat trim rather than a full haircut. Their coat should retain its natural outline and silky texture. Light trimming around the feet can keep a round, tidy shape and stop excess hair from trapping dirt. A small sanitary trim around the rear may also help keep them clean.
Do not shave the coat unless your vet recommends it for a medical reason or a groomer needs to remove severe matting. Shaving can alter coat texture as it grows back, exposes sensitive skin to sun and removes the lovely breed character many owners adore. In hot Australian weather, shade, cool water, sensible walk times and airflow are safer ways to help your dog stay comfortable.
Check nails, ears and teeth while you are there
Long nails can change how a dachshund stands and walks, placing unnecessary strain on their feet and body. Check them every two to four weeks. If you can hear nails clicking sharply on hard floors, they may be due for a trim. Take off tiny amounts at a time, particularly if your dog has dark nails, or ask your groomer or vet to show you how.
Check the ears weekly for redness, debris, a yeasty smell or repeated scratching. Clean only the visible outer ear with an appropriate dog ear cleaner, and do not push cotton buds into the ear canal. Dental care deserves the same regular attention. Brushing teeth several times a week is ideal, supported by appropriate dental chews where suitable for your dog.
A realistic grooming routine for busy dachshund homes
For most longhaired dachshunds, a quick brush two or three times a week prevents the bulk of coat problems. Dogs who swim, wear harnesses daily, play in long grass or spend lots of time outdoors may need a brief check every day, especially around their ears, tummy and feet.
Set aside a more thorough session once a week for combing, nail checks and a skin inspection. Baths can be scheduled when needed rather than by the calendar alone. A well-maintained coat is faster to wash and dry, which is one very good reason not to let brushing slide.
If your dog dislikes being handled, make grooming part of their normal routine in tiny doses. Touch a paw, reward. Brush one ear, reward. Comb the tail for ten seconds, reward. Small wins add up, and this handling practice can also make vet checks less stressful over time.
A good grooming routine is not about achieving a show-dog finish every week. It is about giving your longhaired dachshund a comfortable coat, healthy skin and calm, positive care time with their favourite people.