Grooming a Dachshund at home involves brushing 2-3 times weekly for long-haired varieties (less for smooth coats), bathing every 3 months, trimming nails monthly, cleaning ears monthly, and brushing teeth 2-3 times per week. Wire-haired Dachshunds need regular stripping to remove dead hair.
You’ve brought home your first Dachshund, and suddenly you’re wondering: do these little sausages need haircuts? How often should I be brushing? And what’s the deal with those adorable floppy ears?
We’ve been there. Our Doxies have specific needs that caught us off guard at first. They’re not high-maintenance divas, but they do need regular attention to stay healthy and comfortable.
Why Grooming Your Dachshund Actually Matters
Here’s the thing about grooming—it’s not just about keeping your pup Instagram-ready. Regular grooming sessions help us catch skin issues early, prevent painful matting (especially in long-haired varieties), and keep those infamous ear infections at bay. Dachshunds are prone to ear problems because of those gorgeous drop ears, and their nails grow surprisingly fast for such small dogs.
Plus, there’s something bonding about grooming time. Our dogs know when it’s their turn on the grooming table, and honestly, most of them love the attention once they’re used to the routine.
The good news? You can handle most grooming tasks at home without dropping serious cash at the groomer every month. We’ll show you exactly what to do.
How Often Does My Dachshund Need Grooming?
The grooming frequency for Dachshunds depends entirely on coat type: smooth coats need brushing every few days, long-haired require 2-3 weekly sessions, and wire-haired need regular brushing plus professional stripping every 3-4 months.
This is where coat type makes all the difference.
Grooming Long-Haired Dachshunds
Long-haired Doxies are stunning, but they earn their beauty with a bit more work from us. Their silky coats can develop mats quickly, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail area.
How often to brush: At least 2-3 times per week (we usually aim for every other day)
What you’ll need:
- Bristle-nylon brush
- Slicker brush
- Poodle comb with smooth-ended pins
Our brushing routine:
Start with the bristle brush and work in small sections from head to tail. Think of it like you’re painting—methodical, not rushed.
Those trouble spots we mentioned? Behind the ears, armpits, and the feathery parts on their legs and tail—these need extra attention. Use your comb to gently work through any tangles you find.
If you hit a stubborn mat, hold the hair close to the skin while you work it out. This keeps you from accidentally pulling their skin (ouch). Some mats are just too tight—if you can’t get it after a few gentle tries, you might need to carefully cut it out or take them to a groomer. Don’t feel bad about this. It happens to all of us.
Finish with the slicker brush for that glossy, show-dog look.
Pro tip: End every grooming session with treats or a favorite toy. You want your Dachshund to actually want to be groomed, not run and hide when they see the brush.
Most long-haired Doxies also benefit from a professional trim every few months to keep their coats shaped nicely.
Grooming Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
Smooth-coated Dachshunds are the low-maintenance members of the family. Their short, sleek fur doesn’t mat, and they don’t have an undercoat to worry about.
How often to brush: Every few days (or whenever you think of it)
What you’ll need:
- Firm bristle brush OR
- Rubber brush with soft, flexible tips
Spray the coat lightly with a conditioning spray (look for ones with oils that add shine), then brush in the direction of hair growth. That’s honestly about it. These guys are easy.
Grooming Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Wirehaired Dachshunds have that scruffy, distinguished look with their bushy eyebrows and beards. Their wiry double coat needs different care than the other varieties.
How often to brush: Several times per week
What you’ll need:
- Bristle brush
- Dense comb
- Undercoat rake
Special considerations:
Wire-haired Doxies barely shed, which sounds great until you realize all that dead hair just stays in the coat. Regular brushing removes it, but these pups also need stripping—a process where dead hair is pulled out from the root using a special stripping comb.
Important: Never use clippers on a wire-haired Dachshund’s coat. Clipping doesn’t remove the dead hair, just shortens it, which can cause skin problems and weaken the coat’s natural texture. Stripping is the way to go.
Some wire-haired pups (pin-wire types) don’t need stripping, but most do. This is typically done every 3-4 months, and while you can learn to do it yourself, many of us prefer having a groomer handle it. It can be uncomfortable for the dog, and it takes practice to do it right.
They’ll also need trimming around the face, ears, paws, and tail to maintain that classic wire-haired look. This coat type requires more skill to groom properly—matting and tangling happen easily if you fall behind on maintenance.
Essential Grooming Tools for Your Home Setup
Basic Dachshund grooming requires: a slicker brush, metal comb, dog-specific nail clippers, gentle ear cleaner, canine toothbrush and toothpaste, dog shampoo and conditioner, and several towels. Wire-haired varieties also need an undercoat rake and access to professional stripping services.
You don’t need a full salon setup, but having the right tools makes everything easier:
- Slicker brush: Those fine, short wires are perfect for removing loose hair and working through tangles. Worth every penny.
- Metal comb: Get one with both wide and narrow teeth. Great for detangling and removing debris stuck in the coat.
- Nail clippers: Invest in quality dog nail clippers. The cheap ones from the grocery store don’t cut cleanly and can split the nail.
- Ear cleaner: Grab a dog-specific ear cleaning solution. Human products aren’t pH-balanced for dogs.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: Use only dog toothpaste—human toothpaste contains ingredients toxic to dogs.
- Clippers or scissors: Only needed if you plan to do trimming yourself. Get proper grooming scissors, not kitchen scissors.
- Dog shampoo and conditioner: This matters more than you’d think. A dog’s skin pH is different from ours, so human products can dry out their skin and cause irritation. Match the shampoo to your dog’s coat type, and look for conditioners with nourishing oils.
- Towels: You’ll want several. Trust us on this.
What to look for when shopping:
Choose tools designed specifically for dogs—breed-specific is even better. Look for quality materials like stainless steel rather than cheap plastic that breaks after three uses. Ergonomic handles save your wrists during longer grooming sessions. We learned this the hard way.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dachshund?
Dachshunds should be bathed every 3 months unless they’ve rolled in something particularly foul. Over-bathing strips natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
You’ll know when your Doxie needs a bath—they get that distinct “doggy” smell going on. But unless they’ve discovered something dead to roll in (a favorite pastime), stick to the every-three-months rule.
Use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo. Rinse thoroughly—leftover shampoo residue is one of the main causes of itching and irritation. Towel-dry well, and keep them warm until they’re completely dry.
Between baths? A quick brush usually keeps them fresh enough.
Nail Trimming: How to Do It Without Drama
Dachshund nails should be trimmed approximately once a month or whenever you hear clicking sounds on hard floors. Trim only the curved tip of the nail to avoid cutting the quick (the blood vessel inside).
That telltale click-click-click across your hardwood floors? That’s your signal.
Most Dachshunds need their nails trimmed about once a month, though active dogs who walk on pavement might naturally wear theirs down more. Overgrown nails force the toes to splay and can cause pain when walking.
How to trim safely:
Use sharp, dog-specific nail clippers. Dull clippers crush rather than cut, which is painful.
Trim only the curved tip—just the very end. You want to avoid the quick (the pink part you can see in light-colored nails that contains blood vessels and nerves).
Dark nails are trickier since you can’t see the quick. Take off tiny amounts at a time, and stop when you see a grayish-white oval starting to appear in the center of the nail—that means you’re getting close to the quick.
If you’re nervous about this or your Dachshund has dark nails, there’s zero shame in having a groomer or vet handle nail trims. We’d rather you get professional help than accidentally hurt your dog and make them fear nail trims forever.
Ear Cleaning: Preventing Infections
Clean your Dachshund’s ears once a month using a dog-specific ear cleaning solution and cotton balls. Check for redness, swelling, or foul odor, which indicate infection requiring veterinary attention.
Those floppy ears are adorable, but they trap moisture and debris, creating a perfect environment for infections. Regular cleaning keeps problems at bay.
Check their ears first. Look for any redness, swelling, or weird smells. If you notice any of these, skip the home cleaning and head to the vet—you might be dealing with an infection that needs medication.
For routine cleaning, use a dog ear cleaner (not rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide) and cotton balls or pads. Gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the outer part of the ear canal. Never stick anything down into the ear canal itself—you could damage delicate tissue.
Avoid Q-tips completely. They push debris deeper and can puncture the eardrum if your dog moves suddenly.
Not sure if you’re doing it right? Ask your vet to show you at your next appointment. Once you’ve seen it done properly, you’ll feel more confident.
Dental Care: More Important Than You Think
Brush your Dachshund’s teeth 2-3 times per week, minimum, using dog-specific toothpaste and a soft-bristled dog toothbrush. Regular dental care prevents periodontal disease, tooth loss, and systemic health issues.
Dental problems sneak up on us, but they’re serious. Untreated dental disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems as bacteria from infected gums enters the bloodstream.
Our dental care routine:
Brush regularly: Aim for 2-3 times per week at a minimum. Daily is ideal if your dog tolerates it. Use only dog toothpaste—human toothpaste contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Provide dental chews: These aren’t a replacement for brushing, but they help between brushing sessions. Look for ones with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal.
Choose dental-friendly food: Some dog foods are formulated with special kibble shapes and textures that help scrape plaque off teeth as they chew.
Schedule dental check-ups: Your vet should examine your dog’s teeth during regular check-ups. Some dogs need professional cleanings periodically.
Watch for warning signs: Bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or reluctance to eat hard food all signal dental problems. Don’t wait—get them checked.
When to Call in the Professionals
Sometimes DIY grooming isn’t enough, and that’s completely okay.
Take your Dachshund to a professional groomer if:
- The coat is severely matted or tangled (attempting to remove serious mats yourself can hurt your dog)
- You notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or skin issues (get these checked by a vet before any grooming)
- You’re not comfortable trimming nails, especially with dark nails where the quick isn’t visible
- Your wire-haired Dachshund needs stripping and you haven’t learned the technique
- Your dog becomes extremely stressed or aggressive during home grooming
Professional groomers have training and experience. They’re not going to judge you for bringing in a matted dog—they’ve seen it all. Your Dachshund’s comfort and safety come first, always.
Final Thoughts From Our Grooming Table
Grooming doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your Dachshund. Start slow, use lots of treats and praise, and make it a positive experience. Some dogs take to grooming immediately; others need time to adjust.
The money you save doing basic grooming at home can go toward those nice orthopedic ramps we all end up buying for our long-backed friends. Or extra treats. Probably treats.
And remember—even experienced Dachshund owners sometimes struggle with particularly squirmy dogs or difficult mats. You’re not failing if you need to call in backup. We’re all just doing our best to keep our low-riders healthy and happy.
Now grab those brushes and show your Doxie some love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you shave a Dachshund?
No, shaving a Dachshund is not recommended. Their double coat regulates body temperature—keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Shaving disrupts this natural insulation system and can leave them susceptible to temperature-related health issues. The coat may also grow back with an altered texture.
How often should a Dachshund be bathed?
Bathe your Dachshund every 3 months for all coat varieties (smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired). More frequent bathing strips essential oils from the skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Exception: if your dog gets into something messy or smelly, an extra bath won’t hurt.
How do you groom a long-haired Dachshund?
Long-haired Dachshunds require brushing 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and metal comb, paying special attention to areas prone to matting (behind ears, under legs, around tail). Bathe monthly or as needed using dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Trim nails monthly, clean ears monthly with dog ear cleaner, and consider professional trimming every few months to maintain coat shape.
Do wire-haired Dachshunds need special grooming?
Yes, wire-haired Dachshunds require stripping—a process where dead hair is removed from the root using a specialized comb—every 3-4 months. Never use clippers on wire-haired coats as this weakens the coat texture and doesn’t remove dead hair. They also need regular brushing with an undercoat rake and trimming around the face, ears, paws, and tail.
What type of brush is best for Dachshunds?
The best brush depends on coat type: smooth-coated Dachshunds need a firm bristle brush or rubber brush; long-haired varieties require a slicker brush, bristle-nylon brush, and metal comb; wire-haired Dachshunds need a bristle brush, dense comb, and undercoat rake. Always choose tools specifically designed for dogs with quality materials like stainless steel.
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