Dachshund Coats: Everything You Need to Know

Dachshunds are a beloved breed known for their unique appearance, characterized by their long bodies and short legs. One of the most important aspects of caring for a Dachshund is taking care of their coat, as it plays a significant role in their comfort and overall health. While Dachshunds may not have the most high-maintenance coats, they do require regular attention to keep them looking their best and ensure they stay comfortable, especially during different seasons.

Types of Dachshund Coats

Dachshunds come in three different coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Each coat type requires slightly different care and maintenance, so it’s important to know what type of coat your Dachshund has to provide them with the best care.

1. Smooth Coat Dachshund

The smooth coat Dachshund is the most common variety. They have short, sleek fur that lies close to the skin, giving them a smooth, shiny appearance. While they have less fur compared to the other types, they still need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free from loose hairs.

Grooming: Smooth Dachshunds shed a moderate amount, so regular brushing (once a week) helps reduce shedding and keeps their coat looking shiny. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove loose fur.
Care Tips: They are easier to maintain when it comes to grooming, but they can still get cold in winter due to their lack of thick fur. Be sure to dress them in warm clothing during colder months.

2. Longhaired Coat Dachshund

Longhaired Dachshunds have beautiful, flowing coats that are soft and slightly wavy. This coat type requires more grooming and maintenance than the smooth variety due to the longer fur, which can become tangled or matted if not properly cared for.

Grooming: Longhaired Dachshunds need regular brushing—ideally every other day—to prevent tangles and mats. A comb or pin brush works best to remove tangles without damaging the coat. You should also trim their fur every few months to keep it looking neat.
Care Tips: Longhaired Dachshunds tend to shed less than smooth-coated Dachshunds, but their coat can become heavy and tangled, especially in humid or rainy weather. Keep them dry and well-groomed to prevent matting.

3. Wirehaired Coat Dachshund

Wirehaired Dachshunds have a distinctive, rough, and wiry coat. Their coat consists of a dense undercoat with a tough outer layer of hair. This coat type was originally bred for hunting, as it provided protection from rough terrain and weather.

Grooming: Wirehaired Dachshunds require more grooming than smooth or longhaired varieties. They need regular hand-stripping or brushing (at least once a week) to maintain the coat’s texture and remove dead hairs. Regular trimming of the coat around the paws and ears is also important to keep it looking tidy.
Care Tips: Although wirehaired Dachshunds shed less than other types, they do require more attention to maintain their rough, wiry appearance. A professional groomer is often recommended for stripping their coat, as it’s a specialized skill.

Seasonal Coat Care

Regardless of coat type, Dachshunds may need extra care during the change of seasons, especially as temperatures shift and they may shed more or less fur depending on the weather.

Spring/Summer: During warmer months, Dachshunds with all coat types will shed more, so more frequent brushing is essential to prevent hair from building up around the house. Longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds may also need additional grooming to keep their coats cool and prevent tangling.
Fall/Winter: Dachshunds are sensitive to the cold, especially those with short coats. During colder months, they may need additional warmth, so be sure to dress them in dog sweaters or coats. You might also notice that they shed less during the winter as their fur thickens slightly to help keep them insulated. Regular grooming is still necessary to prevent matting or buildup of dead hair.

Coat Health and Grooming Tips

Bathing: Dachshunds don’t need frequent baths, as over-bathing can dry out their skin and coat. Generally, they should only be bathed every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat soft and healthy.
Brushing: Regular brushing not only helps remove loose hairs and prevent tangles, but it also promotes healthy skin by stimulating natural oils in the coat. Be gentle when brushing to avoid irritating your dog’s skin.
Nail Trimming: Don't forget to trim your Dachshund’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long, which can cause discomfort or even injury.
Ear Care: Dachshunds are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, so it’s essential to keep their ears clean and dry. Use a soft cloth or ear wipes to gently clean their ears, and watch for signs of infection, such as redness or odor.
Dental Health: Along with coat care, make sure to maintain your Dachshund's dental health by brushing their teeth regularly and scheduling annual vet checkups.

Conclusion

A Dachshund’s coat is an important part of their health and appearance. Whether your Dachshund has a smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired coat, each type requires specific care to ensure they stay healthy and comfortable. Regular grooming, seasonal care, and proper hygiene are key to keeping your dog’s coat in good shape. With a little attention and love, your Dachshund will always look their best and stay comfortable no matter the season.