Care of a Wirehaired Dachshund
See all products selected for long-haired dachshunds here
Maintenance
A wirehaired dachshund requires regular brushing with a soft slicker brush and a fine-toothed comb to keep the coat free of loose hair and small tangles. In addition, the coat should be hand-stripped every 2-3 months to maintain its correct texture and color. Baths can be given every 3-4 weeks with a shampoo suitable for wirehaired breeds.
Brushing
Brush the coat once a week/every other week to remove loose hair and keep it well-groomed. Then use a metal comb to get down to the undercoat and ensure good ventilation of the skin.
Clipping
A wirehaired dachshund should not be clipped with a machine, as this can destroy the coat's natural texture and make it soft and woolly. The correct coat care is hand-stripping, where the mature guard hairs are removed so that new and healthy hairs can grow.
Special attention:
Beard, eyebrows, and paws should be kept clean and well-trimmed to maintain the breed's characteristic expression. Also, keep an eye on the areas around the eyes and mouth, where dirt can accumulate.
Recommended grooming visits
It is recommended to visit a dog groomer every 2-3 months for a complete hand-stripping. Between treatments, a bath every 3-4 weeks can help keep the coat and skin clean and healthy.
Brushes for Wirehaired Dachshunds
A wirehaired dachshund requires regular grooming, where hand-stripping is an important part of the natural renewal of the coat.
Brushing with a slicker brush and a comb once a week helps keep the coat free of loose hair and ensures good ventilation of the skin.
For more sensitive areas, a soft brush can be a good choice as it is gentle on the skin and reduces the risk of irritation.
A detangling or conditioning spray can make brushing easier, add moisture, and help keep the coat looking beautiful and well-groomed.
Shampoo and conditioner for Wirehaired Dachshunds
A wirehaired dachshund is kept clean and well-groomed with regular baths every 3-4 weeks. This helps remove dirt and odor without affecting the coat's characteristic rough texture.
A light conditioner or nourishing spray after bathing can make brushing easier, add moisture, and give the coat a beautiful shine without making it soft or heavy.
Clipping a Wirehaired Dachshund
A wirehaired dachshund should not be clipped with a machine, as this can destroy the coat's natural texture and make it soft, curly, or woolly.
The correct grooming for the breed is hand-stripping, where the mature guard hairs are removed so that new, strong hairs can grow. This helps maintain the coat's rough texture, color, and natural protective properties.
It is especially recommended to trim:
• Beard and eyebrows to maintain the breed's characteristic expression
• Around the paws for better hygiene and comfort
• Around the ears for a well-groomed appearance
• Around the hindquarters to keep the area clean
Regular hand-stripping every 2-3 months helps keep the coat healthy, well-groomed, and free of dead hairs. Many wirehaired dachshunds also receive ongoing maintenance trims between major stripping treatments.
General care for Wirehaired Dachshunds
Ears: A wirehaired dachshund's ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent earwax buildup, irritation, and infections.
Teeth: Regular brushing is important to prevent tartar and maintain good oral hygiene.
Skin and coat: During prolonged sun exposure, the coat can become dry and lose some of its natural shine. Ensure access to shade and keep the coat well-groomed and moisturized.
Ear care for Wirehaired Dachshunds
Dental care for Wirehaired Dachshunds
Nail clippers for Wirehaired Dachshunds
Dachshunds have small, compact paws and relatively fine nails, which requires both precision and the right tools for nail trimming.
It is recommended to choose a smaller size nail clipper, which provides better control and makes it easier to work closely and safely – especially for miniature and standard dachshunds. Standard dachshunds can often use both small and medium clippers, depending on nail thickness.
Since dachshunds have short legs and carry a large part of their weight low to the ground, correct nail length is extra important. Nails that are too long can affect their movement and strain both paws and joints.
Nails should be trimmed regularly, typically every 3-4 weeks, depending on how much they wear down naturally. It is important to trim a little at a time to avoid hitting the quick.
Alternatively, a nail file can be used – especially for dogs sensitive to clipping, or to round the nails afterwards.
• Choose small nail clippers for miniature and standard dachshunds
• For standard dachshunds, both small and medium clippers can be used
