Smooth, long or wire: which Dachshund suits you?

The smooth-haired Dachshund day to day

A damp cloth after a walk and a rubber mitt now and again – the short coat needs almost nothing. It sheds a little, mostly during moulting. In winter and in cold, wet weather many smooth-haired Dachshunds get chilly quickly; a well-fitting dog coat then isn’t vanity, it’s comfort.

The long-haired Dachshund day to day

The long coat is soft and falls straight, with feathering on the ears, chest and tail. Knots form mostly behind the ears and in the armpits, so brushing several times a week is part of the routine. After walks through long grass, check for grass seeds, especially in summer.

The wire-haired Dachshund

A harsh, dense topcoat with undercoat, plus a beard and bushy eyebrows: the wire-haired Dachshund has an expression all its own. Its coat is usually hand-stripped, meaning dead hair is plucked out by hand. We don’t breed this variety.

Moulting and bathing

In spring and autumn, smooth and long-haired Dachshunds lose more hair than usual; daily brushing helps then. Bath only when needed, with dog shampoo, and dry thoroughly afterwards – especially the feathering and ears on a long-haired dog.

The colours available are explained in Dachshund colours.

Does each coat come with its own character?

You often hear that. In reality temperament depends mostly on the individual dog, its parents and its upbringing. A Dachshund is a Dachshund whatever coat it wears.

Smooth if you want minimal grooming and don’t mind a winter coat; long if you love the soft, elegant look and regular brushing doesn’t put you off. Tell us how you live – we’re happy to help you choose.