Dachshunds come in three coat varieties — smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired — and the grooming requirements for each are different enough that advice given for one variety may be actively unhelpful for another. This guide covers all three separately, starting with what they have in common.
What All Dachshunds Share
All three coat types need the same attention to non-coat grooming: ears checked weekly (Dachshunds are prone to ear issues, particularly the longhaired variety whose ear feathering can trap debris), nails trimmed every four to six weeks, and dental care. The back, hips, and hindquarters need gentle handling during grooming — Dachshunds are prone to spinal issues and rough manipulation during grooming sessions can cause discomfort.
The Three Coat Types
The smooth coat needs the least attention: a weekly wipe with a rubber grooming glove removes loose hair and maintains the natural sheen. The longhaired coat needs weekly combing with a wide-tooth comb, paying particular attention to the ear feathering and the feathering on the chest and legs. The wirehaired coat is the most specialist — it benefits from hand-stripping twice a year to remove dead outer coat rather than clipping, which softens the texture of the wire coat. Hand-stripping is a professional service; most Dachshund owners with wirehaired dogs visit a groomer every four to six months for this, with home brushing in between.