All dogs require regluar grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie 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. Requiring little more than a regular brushing and bath, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” varies with the dog’s environment and age.
Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com
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 when they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but exercise care. 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 licking and chewing. Since Dachshunds are an assertive, high-energy breed, extra caution is needed.
Wire-Hair
The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a necessisty for extra grooming care.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.
The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they look like.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shampoo that helps control shedding. Be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Shorten any excess hair off the muxxle to avoid it dragging on the ground. Cutting behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Regular brushing up to 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.Mattig is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying close attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the mat with fingers and brush.
A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Be sure not to over-bathe them, though, which can lead to dried, scaly skin. Regular, gentle brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.
Nail Trimming
All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal 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
