The short-haired dachshund requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing usually suffices to remove dead hairs and keep him spruced up. That's not the case with his long-haired cousin, whose coat needs much more attention. If you have a long-haired doxie, invest in thinning shears, a stripping blade, a slicker brush and softer brushes. Grooming instructions for a long-haired doxie depend on whether he's a show dog or strictly a pet.
Show Dog Standard
If you show your long-haired doxie, your grooming must meet the standards of the American Kennel Club. The overall effect is that of an elegant animal. His long hair shouldn't be so thick that it masks the outline of the dog. The standard calls for longer, wavier hair under his neck, on the abdomen, front of the chest, rear of the legs and on his ears. The tail hair is the longest of any on his body, and "should form a veritable flag," according to the AKC. Deviations from the standard include the same length of hair all over the body, curliness or obvious hair parting on his back.
Show Grooming
You can have a professional groom your show dog, or you can learn to do it yourself. After bathing your long-haired doxie -- using shampoo and conditioner designed for canines -- blow-dry his hair rather than allowing it to dry naturally. Always brush your dog in the direction of the hair growth. Start at his head and work your way back. Comb back wavier or unruly hairs. You'll use thinning shears to remove more profuse areas of growth on the sides, legs and thighs. Moisten the hair before combing, which aids in training the growth and prevents breakage.
Pet Grooming
If you don't show your doxie, you don't have to be quite as meticulous about his coat, but it still requires care. The Dachshund Club of America recommends regularly combing the hair on the back of your dog's neck and his body with a magnetic stripping blade. This tool, available at pet stores or online, efficiently removes dead hair. Use scissors to remove long hairs from the bottom of your dog's feet, keeping the hair in line with his paw pads. Use thinning shears for the longer hair on his neck.
Weekly Care
Groom your long-haired doxie thoroughly at least three times a week. This regular grooming and attention to detail prevents matting -- especially common behind the ears -- and other tangles. Get the old hair off with a slicker brush, following with a soft brush to neaten him up. Check his ears at every grooming session, since long-eared doxies are vulnerable to ear infection from bacteria buildup. Your vet can supply you with ear-cleaning solutions, but take your pet to the vet if his ears smell bad or you suspect he has an infection.
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Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.