Dachshund Grooming Guide: Coat Care by Type & Tips (2026)

Dachshund Coat Varieties

Dachshunds are unique among dog breeds in that they come in three distinct coat types, each requiring a completely different grooming approach. Before you can build a grooming routine, you need to understand what type of coat your Dachshund has and what it demands.

Smooth-Coated Dachshund

The smooth-coated Dachshund is the most common and lowest-maintenance variety. Their coat is short, dense, and shiny, lying flat against the body. Despite the short length, smooth Dachshunds are actually the heaviest shedders of the three varieties, dropping hair steadily year-round.

• Texture: Short, smooth, and glossy
• Shedding: Moderate to heavy, year-round
• Grooming complexity: Low — basic bathing, brushing, and nail care
• Professional grooming frequency: Every 8-12 weeks

Longhaired Dachshund

The longhaired Dachshund has a soft, silky, flowing coat with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail. This variety was originally developed by crossing smooth Dachshunds with spaniels, and the coat shares many characteristics with spaniel breeds. It is the most elegant-looking but requires the most frequent brushing.

• Texture: Soft, silky, and slightly wavy with feathering
• Shedding: Moderate, seasonal (heavier in spring and fall)
• Grooming complexity: Medium — regular brushing, detangling, and feathering maintenance
• Professional grooming frequency: Every 6-8 weeks

Wirehaired Dachshund

The wirehaired Dachshund has a rough, coarse outer coat with a softer undercoat, plus distinctive bushy eyebrows and a beard that give the face a characterful, almost terrier-like expression. This variety was developed by crossing smooth Dachshunds with wire-coated terriers and requires a specialized grooming technique called hand-stripping to maintain the proper coat texture.

• Texture: Coarse, wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat
• Shedding: Low when properly hand-stripped
• Grooming complexity: High — requires hand-stripping 2-3 times per year
• Professional grooming frequency: Every 8-12 weeks (plus hand-stripping sessions)

How Often to Groom a Dachshund

Grooming frequency for Dachshunds depends entirely on which coat variety you have. Unlike breeds with a single coat type, you cannot apply a one-size-fits-all schedule to Dachshunds.

Longhaired Dachshunds need the most frequent professional grooming because their silky feathering tangles and mats more easily. Smooth Dachshunds are the lowest maintenance professionally but still need regular nail trimming and ear care at home. Wirehaired Dachshunds have moderate bathing needs, but the hand-stripping requirement adds complexity and cost.

Regular brushing keeps all three Dachshund coat types healthy and tangle-free

Step-by-Step Grooming Routine by Coat Type

Each Dachshund coat type follows a different grooming routine. Here is the complete process for each variety, whether you are grooming at home or want to understand what your professional groomer does.

Smooth-Coated Dachshund Routine

The smooth coat is the simplest to maintain but still benefits from a regular grooming routine:

1. Brush with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt: Work over the entire body in circular motions to loosen dead hair and distribute natural skin oils. This takes just 5-10 minutes and makes a significant difference in shedding.
2. Follow with a soft bristle brush: Smooth the coat in the direction of hair growth to remove loosened hairs and add shine.
3. Bathe every 8-12 weeks: Use a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo. Smooth Dachshunds have relatively sensitive skin, so avoid harsh or overly fragrant products. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry — their short coat dries quickly.
4. Clean ears weekly: Use a veterinary-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls. Their floppy ears trap moisture and debris.
5. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks: Dachshund nails grow quickly and are prone to overgrowth because these low-to-the-ground dogs often walk on soft surfaces.
6. Check skin folds: Pay attention to any wrinkles around the neck or chest area. Wipe clean and dry to prevent bacterial buildup.

Longhaired Dachshund Routine

The longhaired coat requires more attention but rewards you with a beautiful, flowing appearance:

1. Pre-brush with a slicker brush: Start every grooming session by brushing the entire body, paying special attention to feathering areas (ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail) where tangles form most readily.
2. Comb through feathering with a steel comb: Work through the longer hair sections carefully. If you encounter a tangle, hold the base of the hair close to the skin to avoid pulling and work the knot out from the tip downward.
3. Bathe every 6-8 weeks: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for long-coated breeds. The conditioner helps prevent tangles and adds softness to the silky coat. Rinse completely.
4. Blow-dry on low heat: Air drying can lead to tangles in the long coat. Use a dryer on a low-heat or cool setting and brush through the coat while drying to keep it smooth and straight.
5. Trim feathering as needed: Use straight scissors to neaten the feathering on the ears, feet, and belly. Trim the hair between the paw pads. Thin any unruly areas with thinning shears for a natural look.
6. Clean ears weekly: Longhaired Dachshunds often have extra hair around and inside the ear, which can trap even more moisture. Keep this area clean and trimmed.
7. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks: Check and trim regularly, being mindful of the long hair around the feet that can hide overgrown nails.

Wirehaired Dachshund Routine

The wirehaired coat has the most specialized needs, particularly the hand-stripping requirement:

1. Brush with a slicker brush 2-3 times per week: Work through the wiry coat to remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially in the beard and eyebrow areas.
2. Comb the beard and eyebrows: Use a steel comb to keep the facial furnishings tidy and free of food debris. The beard can get messy after meals, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth after eating helps.
3. Bathe every 8-12 weeks: Use a shampoo formulated for wire or harsh coats. Avoid heavy conditioners, which soften the coat and diminish its characteristic wiry texture.
4. Hand-strip 2-3 times per year: This is the most important maintenance task for wirehaired Dachshunds. See the dedicated section below for the full hand-stripping process.
5. Trim beard and eyebrows: Between hand-stripping sessions, neaten the beard and eyebrow furnishings with scissors to maintain the classic wirehaired expression.
6. Clean ears weekly: The wirehaired variety often has extra hair around the ear opening. Keep this trimmed and clean the ears regularly.
7. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks: Same as other coat types — regular maintenance is essential.

Hand-Stripping for Wirehaired Dachshunds

Hand-stripping is the signature grooming technique for wirehaired Dachshunds, and understanding it is crucial if you own this variety. Many owners and even some groomers default to clipping, which is easier and faster but ultimately damages the coat over time.

What Is Hand-Stripping?

Hand-stripping is the process of manually pulling out dead outer coat hairs that have reached the end of their growth cycle. Using your fingers or a stripping knife, you grip small sections of the coarse outer hair and pull it out in the direction of growth. This sounds painful, but when done correctly on coat that is ready to be stripped, the hairs come out easily and painlessly because the follicle has already released them.

Why Not Just Clip?

Clipping cuts the hair shaft rather than removing the dead hair from the follicle. Over time, this causes several problems:

• Coat softening: The new growth comes in softer because the clipped hair shaft creates a blunt, soft tip instead of the naturally tapered, coarse tip. After several clippings, the coat loses its characteristic wiry texture entirely.
• Color fading: The pigment in wire hair is concentrated at the tips. Clipping removes the pigmented portion, and the new growth is often lighter and duller. Many clipped wirehaired Dachshunds develop a washed-out, grayish appearance.
• Loss of weather resistance: The coarse outer coat repels water and dirt. A softened, clipped coat absorbs moisture and picks up debris instead.
• Increased shedding: Hand-stripping removes dead hair at the root, stimulating healthy new growth. Clipping leaves dead hair in the follicle, which eventually falls out on its own, increasing shedding around the house.

The Hand-Stripping Process

1. Test the coat: Grasp a small section of outer coat between your thumb and forefinger. If the hairs pull out easily with minimal effort, the coat is ready for stripping. If they resist, wait longer.
2. Work in small sections: Grip a small amount of hair between your thumb and the stripping knife (or your fingers). Pull firmly and steadily in the direction of hair growth. Never yank or pull against the grain.
3. Strip the body first: Start with the back and sides, working from the neck toward the tail. Then move to the shoulders, thighs, and chest.
4. Leave the furnishings: The beard, eyebrows, and leg hair are not stripped. These are trimmed with scissors to maintain their shape.
5. Work over multiple sessions if needed: Full hand-stripping can take 2-3 hours. Many groomers and owners split this across multiple sessions over a week to make it more comfortable for the dog.

Proper tools are essential for grooming each Dachshund coat type correctly

Dachshund Grooming Cost

Dachshunds are among the more affordable breeds to groom, thanks to their small size (typically 16-32 lbs for standard, 8-11 lbs for miniature). However, costs vary significantly by coat type. Here is what you can expect to pay:

Annual grooming costs break down as follows based on coat type:

• Smooth coat: $200-$300/year (4-6 professional visits at $35-$40 each)
• Longhaired: $300-$400/year (6-8 visits at $40-$50 each)
• Wirehaired: $350-$500/year (4-6 standard grooms + 2-3 hand-stripping sessions)

For a complete breakdown of grooming costs across all breeds and sizes, visit our dog grooming cost guide. You can also compare prices in your area using our pet grooming price directory.

Common Dachshund Grooming Challenges

Dachshunds present several breed-specific grooming challenges that every owner should be prepared for. Their unique body shape and anatomy create concerns that you will not encounter with most other breeds.

Back Sensitivity During Grooming

This is the single most important grooming concern for Dachshunds. Their elongated spines make them highly susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and improper handling during grooming can cause injury or discomfort. Between 20-25% of all Dachshunds will experience some degree of back problems during their lifetime.

• Always support the back when lifting: Place one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters simultaneously. Never pick up a Dachshund by the front legs or scruff, as this forces the spine into a dangerous arch.
• Use a ramp for grooming tables: Jumping up onto or down from a grooming table can compress the spinal discs. A small ramp or step eliminates this risk.
• Keep them on a non-slip surface: A rubber mat on the grooming table prevents slipping, which can cause sudden twisting movements.
• Avoid positions that flex the spine: Do not hold the dog in positions that arch, twist, or overly extend the back. Keep them flat and supported throughout the session.
• Watch for pain signals: If your Dachshund yelps, tenses, or shows reluctance to move during grooming, stop immediately and assess. Pain during handling can indicate a back issue that needs veterinary attention.

Ear Infections from Floppy Ears

Dachshunds have long, pendulous ears that hang close to the ground, making them magnets for dirt, moisture, and debris. The closed ear flap creates a warm, humid environment where bacteria and yeast flourish. Dachshunds rank among the breeds most frequently treated for ear infections at veterinary clinics.

• Clean ears weekly with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser and cotton balls
• Dry ears thoroughly after bathing, swimming, or being caught in rain
• Check for warning signs: head shaking, ear scratching, foul odor, redness, brown or yellow discharge, or swelling
• Trim excess hair around the ear opening (especially in longhaired and wirehaired varieties) to improve airflow
• Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal — clean only the visible portions

For a deeper dive into recognizing and preventing ear problems, read our guide on dog ear infection symptoms.

Nail Overgrowth

Dachshunds are particularly prone to nail overgrowth for two reasons. First, their short legs mean their nails do not wear down naturally on pavement the way taller dogs' nails do. Second, they were originally bred as burrowing dogs with strong, fast-growing nails designed for digging.

Overgrown nails on a Dachshund are more than a cosmetic issue. They alter the dog's gait, putting additional stress on the already vulnerable spine. Long nails force the toes to splay, which changes the angle of the foot and can contribute to joint problems and back pain. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks without exception.

If nail trimming makes your Dachshund anxious, a nail grinder is often better tolerated than clippers. For step-by-step guidance, see our complete nail trimming guide.

Skin Fold Care

Some Dachshunds, particularly those that carry extra weight, develop skin folds around the neck, chest, and legs. These folds trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, which can lead to skin fold dermatitis — a painful, smelly condition characterized by red, irritated skin and a yeasty odor.

• Inspect skin folds during every grooming session for redness, odor, or discharge
• Clean folds with a gentle, unscented wipe or a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly
• Keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight to minimize the severity of skin folds
• See your vet if you notice persistent redness, sores, or a strong odor, as this may require medicated treatment

Regular grooming keeps your Dachshund healthy and comfortable

Essential Grooming Tools by Coat Type

The tools you need depend on your Dachshund's coat variety. Here is a breakdown of the essentials for each type:

Smooth Coat Tools

Smooth coat starter kit cost: $32-$71

Longhaired Coat Tools

Longhaired coat starter kit cost: $79-$172

Wirehaired Coat Tools

Wirehaired coat starter kit cost: $68-$148

DIY vs Professional Grooming

Whether you can handle Dachshund grooming at home depends largely on the coat type. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are excellent candidates for home grooming, while wirehaired varieties benefit significantly from professional expertise.

What You Can Do at Home (All Coat Types)

• Regular brushing: The most important grooming task, and it must happen between professional visits regardless
• Ear cleaning: Weekly maintenance with ear cleaner and cotton balls
• Nail trimming: With practice, this is a straightforward task (use a grinder if your Dachshund dislikes clippers)
• Teeth brushing: Should always be done at home between vet visits
• Bathing: Dachshunds are small enough to bathe in a kitchen sink, laundry tub, or regular bathtub
• Skin fold checks: Quick visual inspections during brushing sessions

When to Use a Professional

• Hand-stripping (wirehaired): This is a specialized skill that takes time to learn. Most owners benefit from having a professional handle it, at least initially.
• Feathering trimming (longhaired): Getting a natural, blended look requires practice with thinning shears. A professional can achieve a polished result faster.
• Nail trimming (if anxious): Some Dachshunds are extremely resistant to nail trimming. Professionals have tools and techniques to handle nail-averse dogs safely.
• Comprehensive health check: Good groomers spot skin issues, lumps, dental problems, and parasites during the grooming process.
• Back-safe handling: A groomer experienced with Dachshunds knows exactly how to lift, position, and support these dogs to protect their backs.

For smooth-coated Dachshunds, you can realistically handle all grooming at home and only visit a professional periodically for a thorough bath and nail trim. For longhaired Dachshunds, a hybrid approach works well: brush and maintain at home, and visit a groomer every 6-8 weeks for trimming and a professional finish. For wirehaired Dachshunds, professional hand-stripping is highly recommended unless you invest the time to learn the technique yourself.

If you prefer grooming at your home but want professional results, a mobile pet groomer is an excellent option. They bring all the equipment to you in a fully outfitted grooming van, which also eliminates the stressful car ride and table jumping that can be risky for Dachshund backs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Dachshund grooming is defined by coat type. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are low-maintenance and affordable to groom ($35-$40, every 8-12 weeks). Longhaired Dachshunds need more frequent attention ($40-$50, every 6-8 weeks) with regular brushing and feathering care. Wirehaired Dachshunds require the most specialized care ($45-$55) including hand-stripping 2-3 times per year to maintain their distinctive wiry texture.

Regardless of coat type, all Dachshunds share three critical grooming concerns: protecting their sensitive backs during handling, preventing ear infections in those floppy ears, and staying on top of nail trimming to support healthy posture and gait. Find a groomer who understands these breed-specific needs, and your Dachshund will stay comfortable, healthy, and looking their best.

For more breed-specific grooming information, explore our other guides. And when you are ready to book a professional grooming session, use our groomers near you to find experienced professionals near you.