Dogs require regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Which technique you use for your Dachshund depends on which of the three main types you have.
Smooth-Coat
A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular brushing and bathing. "Regular" varies with the dog’s environment and age.
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Younger dogs might require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes. If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats clean and brushed regurlarly. "Regularly" means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.Remove plant material as soon as they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but exercise caution. Even though all dogs are durable, it is important not to scrape the skin. Which can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since Doxies are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is necessary.
Wire-Hair
The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It also gives them a need for extra grooming care.More frequent baths and more regular brushing will be called for in their case. Brushing will take longer, too.
Like the terriers they look like, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the top layer. Be aware that they will shed more.A shed control shampoo, in some cases, may be necessary. In most cases, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Shorten any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. Cutting behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, regular brushing about twice a week is good enough.
Long-Hair
As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since they are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be necessary, along with more frequent bathing.Mattis is common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying special attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually until you have removed enought to work out the mat with a brush and fingers.
A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with this type.Take care not to over-bath them, though, which can lead to scaly, dried skin. Regular, gentle brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.
Nail Trimming
All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The usual technique is okay. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because of their feisty nature.
Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover
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This post was written by Noel DCosta on April 19, 2009
