How to Groom a Dachshund

Widely known as the "weiner dog," Dachshunds have three coat varieties. They can be short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. What's more, there are three miniature Dachshund varieties of each coat type. Each coat type requires different grooming techniques, so follow the steps in your particular dog's section.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper towels or tissues
• Nail clippers
• Eye cleansing solution
• Soft toothbrush
• Dog toothpaste

Short, smooth-haired Dachshund

1. Brush hair two to three times a week using a damp cloth and a slicker brush.

2. Bathe your short-haired Dachshund every two months with gentle, non-drying dog shampoo. Get a recommendation from your vet, breeder or pet store.

3. Dry your dog with soft bath towels.

4. Finish his coat with a final coat conditioner. Lightly rub a small amount on his coat with a soft bristle brush. Polish off with a chamois cloth for extra sheen.

Long-haired Dachshund

5. Brush your long-haired Dachshund every other day with a slicker brush.

6. Use a metal comb to work out any mats or tangles when needed.

7. Trim your long-haired dog's stray hairs with scissors every one to two months, paying particular attention to his feet and the hair between his pads.

8. Clip hair on her stomach and inner thighs with clippers and a #10 blade. Some owners prefer this neater appearance.

9. Bathe your long-haired Dachshund every two months, using a breeder or vet recommended dog shampoo. Work out all tangles before you apply shampoo.

10. Dry your dog using a blow dryer and soft bristle brush to remove excess shed hair.

Wire-haired Dachshund

11. Brush your wire-haired Dachshund with a hard bristle brush every day, particularly when they shed their coat profusely.

12. Clip his beard and eyebrows once a month, or as needed, with blunt-nosed scissors. Unlike the short and long-haired varieties, wire-haired Dachshunds have tufts of hair on their face and chin, much like terriers.

13. Bathe your wire-haired every two months with a breeder or vet recommended dog shampoo. The shampoo type will depend on how long and course his coat is.

14. Dry your pet with bath towels or with a blow dryer, brushing out your dog's coat with a softer bristle brush to remove excess hair and tangles.

All Dachshund varieties

15. Clean your Dachshund's ears, using a soft, damp paper towel or tissue. Remove excess ear wax and check for mites and signs of infection.

16. Trim her nails once a week, using dog nail clippers. Clip only the tips, being careful to avoid the quick as it bleeds and causes pain.

17. Apply a few drops of eye cleansing solution every one to two weeks and carefully wipe away excess solution and dirt under your pet's eyes.

18. Keep your Dachshund's teeth clean with a soft toothbrush and dog toothpaste, recommended by your vet or breeder. Dachshunds require regular oral exams by your vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Grooming demands for wire-haired Dachshunds depend on how tight the hair is to their bodies. If tight, groom more like a short-haired variety. If longer, follow these steps.