Dachshund grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Dachshund: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Each coat has its own routine. Smooth coats need a rubber mitt or soft brush once a week and shed lightly all year. Longhairs need brushing two or three times a week, with extra care behind the ears, in the armpits and along the leg feathering where mats start. Wirehairs have a harsh topcoat over a soft undercoat; hand-stripping two or three times a year keeps the texture right, while clipping leaves the coat softer and more prone to shedding.
Bathe only when the dog is dirty, which for most means every two to three months. Nails grow fast on a low dog that walks mainly on grass, so check them every two weeks and trim when you hear clicking on hard floors. Long ears trap warmth and moisture, especially on longhairs; look inside weekly and book a vet visit if you notice a sour smell, redness or repeated head shaking.
Dachshund grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Once a week |
| Bathing | Every 2 to 3 months, or when dirty |
| Shedding | Light |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Three coat types exist: smooth and glossy, harsh wirehair with a beard and eyebrows, or soft longhair with feathering on the ears, chest and legs.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling