How to Groom a Wire Haired Dachshund

When you mention dachshunds to most Americans, they quickly think of the smooth-coat dachshund that is one of the top favored breeds according to the American Kennel Club. However, if you visit Germany, where the dachshund ("badger hound") was developed, you'll find that the wire-hair dachshund is one of the most commonly seen of these intrepid little dogs with "big dog" attitude. The wire-hair dachshund is the "clown" of the breed; he is funny, fiesty, full of energy and completely loyal to his family. Like all wire-hair dog breeds, this dog has some unique grooming needs, but when you learn how to groom him yourself, you'll save a lot of money in grooming costs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet shampoo and conditioner recommended for wire-hair dogs
• Set of professional-type clippers with interchangeable blades
• Pair of pet-grooming scissors with a serrated edge
• Dog-grooming comb with a moderate hair width

1. Assemble your gear. You can find everything you need to groom your wire-hair dachshund at any of the large animal supply stores like PetCo and PetSmart. You can also purchase what you need via the Internet; simply use your search engine using keywords like "dog grooming supplies." Buy a dog shampoo that is formulated for long or wire-haired dogs; their coats tend to tangle so they need a conditioner as well as a shampoo.

2. Wash the wiener dog. To achieve proper grooming results, your dog needs to be clean. This will help reduce dead hair build-up as well as conditioning his coat. After shampooing your dog, apply a conditioner that also detangles snarls and tangles. While the conditioner sits on your dog's coat for about three minutes, use your pet grooming comb to distribute the conditioner throughout your dog's body. Don't forget his trademark facial beard and furry feet.

3. Take your dog out of his bath and dry him as best as possible with several large towels. You can help dry him with a blow-dryer as professional groomers do. If your dog is initially frightened of the dryer, use it on a low setting until he becomes used to it; then you can use it on high heat. Take care not to burn your dog by applying too much heat to any particular area. Use a gentle, all-around drying, fluffing up your dog's fur to completely dry him. Keep the dryer at least six inches away from his coat to prevent burns.

4. Once your dog is dry, select the attachment of your grooming clippers that is meant for wire-haired dogs. The instructions on the clippers' packaging should tell you exactly which attachment to use; if it doesn't then don't buy it. A wire-haired dog has a tough, wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat. Begin clipping on the dog's shoulders and back, stripping away the rough, wire hair to reveal the softer fur underneath. Run the clippers over his back and shoulders, but leave his wiry "feathers" on his lower sides, legs and abdomen.

5. 
   A well-groomed wire-haired dachsund

   The final step in grooming a wire-hair dachshund is to use special serrated scissors to trim his beard, feet, and eyebrows. Don't remove all his hair in this area; this is what sets him apart from long-hair and smooth-hair dachshunds. Trim his eyebrows just enough so that he can see clearly, but leave a bushiness to his brows. Trim his beard to a moderate length; this is a distinguishing mark of a wire-haired dog. Clip around his paws to create a uniform appearance, but leave most of his wiry coating; this is what protects a dachshund from the effects of travel in fields, wilderness grasses and hot pavement in the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that wire-hair dogs experience more tangles and snarls in their coat. This is why a conditioning/ detangling shampoo and/or conditioner is important in washing your dog to prepare him for grooming. A reputable pet supply company can recommend shampoos and conditioners for wire-hair dogs.
• Don't clip all of a dog's wire-hair coat. He needs his whiskers, legs, and underbody to remain wiry, thus protecting him from thorns, brambles and other "attachments" that will adhere to his coat.
• Don't use clippers to groom your dog while he is still wet. This will clog the clippers with wet hair, and you won't achieve the results you intended.
• If your dog is "dryer sensitive," gradually introduce him to the dryer on low speed. This will take longer for your dog to dry, but will reassure his fears that the dryer won't hurt him. Be sure to give him lots of pats and praise as he becomes "dryer savvy."

Resources

• Pet care tips