Grooming a Dachshund: Smooth, Long, and Wire-Haired Coats

Dachshunds come in three beautiful coat varieties, each with its own grooming needs. ## Smooth-coat The easiest to care for. Weekly rubdown with a rubber curry mitt, bath every 4–6 weeks. Done. ## Long-haired Brush 2–3 times per week with a pin brush to prevent mats — especially behind the ears, on the chest, and under the legs. Bath every 3–4 weeks. ## Wire-haired The signature scruffy look requires hand-stripping 2–3 times per year to maintain coat texture. Brush weekly with a slicker. ## Universal care for every dachshund - **Nails**: trim every 3–4 weeks — you shouldn't hear them click on the floor. - **Ears**: check weekly; long ears trap moisture. Clean with a vet-approved solution. - **Teeth**: brush 3–7 times per week. Dental disease is the most common health issue in small breeds. - **Anal glands**: usually self-express; only intervene if your dog is scooting.