Posts Tagged ‘smooth-coat’
All dogs need regular 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” can vary with the dog’s environment and age.
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Younger dogs may 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 brushed and clean regurlarly. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary. Remove any plant material as soon as they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. All dogs are durable, but it’s important not to scrape the skin. That leads to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since Dachshunds are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.
Wire-Hair
The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It also gives them a need for extra grooming.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 resemble.Get the undercoat with a slicker brush and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Remember that they will shed more. That may call for a shed control shampoo in some cases. In every case, be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to avoid it dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week will suffice.
Long-Hair
As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Matting is common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, especially behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually until you have removed enought to work out the mat with a brush and fingers.
A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Dachshunds.Dried, scaly skin can be caused by over-bathing. 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 usual technique is fine. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Doxie’s case because they have a feisty nature.
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