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Grooming a Dachshund depends almost entirely on which of the three coat types you have. A smooth Dachshund needs little more than a weekly wipe-down; a longhaired Dachshund needs regular brushing to keep its feathering tangle-free; and a wirehaired Dachshund has a harsh coat that ideally gets hand-stripped a couple of times a year. This guide breaks down each coat, how much it sheds, the right tools, and the back-safe handling every Dachshund needs regardless of coat.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Smooth — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Three Coats, Three Routines
| Coat type | Shedding | Brushing | Special care | Typical pro cost (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Light to moderate, year-round | Weekly, rubber mitt or soft bristle | Sweater in cold weather; thin coat on ears and belly | $35-$60 bath and tidy |
| Longhaired | Moderate, seasonal increase | 2-3x per week, pin brush and comb | Feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail tangles | $50-$80 bath and trim |
| Wirehaired | Low if stripped, more if clipped | Weekly slicker and comb | Hand-strip about twice a year; tidy beard and eyebrows | $60-$110 hand-strip |
Smooth Dachshunds
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The smooth coat is short, shiny and close-lying. It sheds lightly all year, and the short hairs tend to stick in fabric. A rubber grooming mitt once a week, followed by a soft cloth, keeps the coat polished. Smooth Dachshunds have very thin hair on the ear leather, chest and belly, so they chill easily; a fitted sweater in winter is practical, not a fashion statement. Some smooth Dachshunds develop hair thinning on the ear flaps or undersides, which is worth mentioning to your vet if it appears suddenly or comes with itching.
Longhaired Dachshunds
The longhaired variety has a sleek, slightly wavy coat with longer feathering on the ears, under the neck, behind the legs and on the tail. The body coat is fairly easy, but friction areas mat: behind the ears, in the armpits and on the “pants.” Brush two or three times a week with a pin brush, then run a metal comb through the feathering to find hidden knots. Trim hair between the paw pads to reduce slipping and debris, and keep the sanitary area tidy. Shedding picks up in spring and autumn.
Wirehaired Dachshunds
The wire coat has a harsh, tight outer layer over a softer undercoat, plus the beard and eyebrows that give the breed its terrier-like look. The outer hairs have a natural growth cycle; when they are “blown” they can be plucked out by hand with little discomfort. This is hand-stripping, and it keeps the coat harsh, weather-resistant and true in color.
Stripping versus clipping
Clipping a wire coat is faster and cheaper, but it cuts the dead hairs rather than removing them, and over time the coat tends to become softer, lighter in color and more prone to shedding and tangling. Many pet owners choose clipping anyway, which is fine for comfort; just know the trade-off. Rolling the coat, which means stripping a little every few weeks, keeps a wire Dachshund looking tidy year-round without a big strip session.
Back-Safe Grooming
Dachshunds are at high risk for intervertebral disc disease. Grooming habits can reduce strain:
- Lift with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters so the spine stays level. Never lift by the front legs or under the armpits alone.
- Groom on a non-slip surface at a low height, or on your lap, rather than letting the dog jump off a high table.
- For bathing, use a sink or low tub with a rubber mat; lower the dog in and out rather than letting it jump.
Ears, Nails and Teeth
All three coat types have long, hanging ears that reduce airflow. Check them weekly and clean with a vet-approved solution if there is visible wax. Nails need trimming every three to four weeks; Dachshunds are notorious for resisting foot handling, so short sessions with treats help. Dental disease is very common in the breed because of crowded small jaws; daily tooth brushing is worth the effort.
Bathing
Smooth Dachshunds need baths only every two to three months. Longhaired and wirehaired dogs may need one every four to eight weeks. Use a mild shampoo and skip conditioner on wire coats, as it softens the texture.
FAQ
Which Dachshund coat type sheds the least?
A properly hand-stripped wirehaired Dachshund usually leaves the least hair around the house, because dead hair is removed during stripping. Smooth coats shed lightly but constantly, and longhaired coats shed moderately with seasonal peaks.
Can I clip a longhaired Dachshund short?
Light trimming of feathering and feet is fine. Close clipping of the body is generally not recommended because it can change the coat’s texture and regrowth. Ask a groomer familiar with the breed.
Bottom Line
Identify your Dachshund’s coat first. Smooth coats need a weekly rubber-mitt session and cold-weather protection, longhaired coats need regular brushing of the feathering, and wirehaired coats do best with hand-stripping a couple of times a year. Whatever the coat, lift carefully to protect the back, clean ears weekly and keep up with nails and teeth.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Smooth.
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