True dachshund lovers know this breed wins for personality and flair. Between the iconically long silhouette and big-dog attitude, this breed takes the bacon when it comes to sheer doggy enthusiasm.
Originally bred in Germany in the 1400’s, “dachshund” means “badger dog.” As you may have suspected, they were originally bred to hunt badgers. These days, doxies are now great miniature watchdogs (and slightly less great athletes!). Dachshunds come in smooth, wired and long-haired varieties, with a spectrum of colors to match. Though the smooth-coated dachshund is relatively low maintenance, the long-haired dachshund requires a little more grooming upkeep to keep those flowing locks looking good.
Ready for your pint-sized spunky pup to shine? Here’s what you need to know about grooming a long-haired dachshund.
Grooming Basics
Lucky for dachshund owners, doxies are relatively clean and have little to no body odor. When you have a long-haired dachshund, they do occasionally need some extra TLC. Their glorious locks can get matted if not properly cared for.
For many long-haired varieties, the AKC recommends pin or bristle brushes as they help brush out the fur and combat shedding without harming the dog. While going through your brushing routine, check your doxie for any foreign materials that may have gotten lodged in their coats while they play outdoors. This is also a good opportunity to check for matted fur. Matting usually forms around the ears and under the legs but can occur almost anywhere.
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Because doxies are a clean breed, they don’t need frequent baths. But if they play in the mud or run through some sticker bushes, it’s definitely bath time! Experts recommend not giving your long-haired dachshund more than one bath a month, as it might dry out their natural skin oils. This can lead to skin irritation or hair losing its luster.
To dry, start by drying your doxie with a soft towel and then a dog-safe blow dryer. It may take some time before your dachshund will enjoy the hairdryer, but once they’re used to it, many dogs relish the warmth. A hairdryer is your best option as it helps avoid future tangles.
With a dachshund’s lovable big ears, they are particularly prone to ear infections. Grooming is the perfect time to make sure their ears are healthy.
Ready for your dachshund to look their best? Here are the top hairstyles for this breed.
Top Long-Haired Dachshund Haircuts
Puppy Cut
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Not just for the pups, the puppy cut is perfect for people who want all the benefits of a dachshund without the high-maintenance upkeep. Leave the hair approximately an inch long all over the body, while having a little more length on the ears.
The puppy cut is short enough so you don’t have to continuously brush out tangles but long enough so your doxie is well protected from the elements. It’s important to keep on top of this cut, though, or you’ll be back to giving your dachshund regular grooming sessions.
Best-in-Show
With a long-haired dachshund’s flowing locks and big-dog attitude, there’s a reason people obsess about putting their doxie in the Best in Show cut. Precision and detail are the focus in this do, as this is not for the faint of heart.
Each part of your doxie’s hair is examined and shaped according to the dog show guidelines. The shape around the neck and head are thinned out, while longer hair around the midsection is enunciated. All this work might be worth it to bring home the gold!
Au Naturel
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Just as the name suggests, it’s beneficial to just keep your doxie as-is. Having hair at the natural length can help regulate body temperature and keep your dog feeling fancy-free.
After bathing your dog, many groomers will do a slight natural-looking trim around the undercarriage and the ears of the doxie before blow-drying their long silky locks. This look is easy, but you’ll have a dog that will look presentable while still able to run with the wild pack.
After receiving their good-looking cut, it’s time to examine your doxie’s nails. Overgrown nails can harm their paws, especially when they walk on the pavement. While you’re grooming, trim your pup’s nails on a monthly basis to avoid any damage.
