Grooming the Long-Haired Dachshund.

Don’t reach for a standard human brush or a cheap plastic comb. A dachshund’s double coat requires tools that can penetrate the dense undercoat without scratching their sensitive skin.

• High-Quality Pin Brush: Look for ground-tip stainless-steel pins (like the Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush). This is your everyday tool to clear out loose hair.
• Steel Grooming Comb: A dual-sided metal comb is your lie detector. If it catches, you have a hidden tangle.
• Slicker Brush: Best for gently breaking up early-stage mats.
• Leave-In Detangler Spray: Never brush a dry coat. A light mist of a conditioning spray (like The Stuff) lubricates the hair shaft and prevents breakage.
• Small Grooming Shears: Round-tipped (safety) scissors are non-negotiable for cutting hair around the eyes and paws.

• Mist the coat lightly with your detangler spray.
• Use your pin brush to work through the main body hair, brushing in the direction of hair growth.
• Switch to the steel comb. Gently line-brush by parting the hair and combing from the skin outward. Pay extra attention to the dense chest hair and the “skirts” along their belly.

Step 2: Conquering the Trouble Spots

Long-haired dachshunds have high-friction areas where mats form almost overnight. Check these spots every single day:

• Behind the Ears: The hair here is incredibly fine and cotton-soft. Hold the base of the ear flat against your hand and use the fine teeth of your metal comb to gently tease out tangles.
• The Armpits: Friction from walking causes the belly hair to twist together under their front legs. Hold their leg up gently and use a slicker brush to clear the area.
• The Trousers/Breeches: The long fluff on their hind legs catches everything from morning dew to backyard debris. Brush this area thoroughly to prevent stubborn knots. 

Step 3: Bathing & Drying

Doxies only need a bath every 3 to 4 weeks. Washing them too often strips natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin and a brittle coat.

• Lather: Use a soap-free, moisturizing dog shampoo. Work the lather down to the skin, but do not rub the hair in circles—this causes tangles.
• Rinse thoroughly: Leftover soap residue causes intense itching and a dull coat.
• Dry: Squeeze excess water out with a towel—do not rub vigorously. If you use a blow dryer, keep it on a low, cool setting and brush the hair as you dry it to keep it straight and silky.

Step 4: Trimming the “Grinch Feet” & Sanitary Trim

Because dachshunds sit low to the ground, their paws and sanitary areas require regular maintenance to stay clean.

• Taming the Paws: Dachshunds grow long tufts of hair between their toes and paw pads, affectionately known as “Grinch feet.” This hair traps mud, ice, and allergens. Use your round-tipped safety shears to trim the hair flush with the paw pads. Trim the fluff on top of the foot into a neat, rounded shape.
• The Sanitary Trim: Carefully trim the long feathering away from the base of the tail and around the private areas. This keeps urine and stool from catching in their beautiful coat.

Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Grooming Session

• Start Early: Introduce your puppy to the brushes and scissors immediately. Even if they don’t need a trim, touch their paws and ears daily while giving high-value treats.
• Keep Sessions Short: If your dog gets anxious, don’t try to do a full groom in one day. Brush the ears on Monday, trim the paws on Tuesday, and do the bath on the weekend.

Ready to Meet Your New Best Friend? Now that you see how simple coat care truly is, take a look at our current litters!