How to Groom a Smooth-Haired Dachshund?

How to Groom a Smooth-Haired Dachshund?

In terms of grooming, smooth-haired (short) Dachshunds require very little maintenance.

Holding the title for the Dachshund with the shortest hair, they only need to be brushed on average once a week and given a bath once a month, provided your outings with him aren't too muddy 😜

Let’s recall that this wonderful pooch comes in 3 sizes (from smallest to largest):

- Kaninchen Dachshund

- Miniature Dachshund

- Standard Dachshund

BASIC Rules for Grooming Your Dachshund

You can help your smooth-haired Dachshund look great and feel good by taking the time to brush him, give him a good bath, and clean other parts of his body like his teeth and claws.

It is a good idea to have suitable equipment for your pooch: 

• Grooming glove
• Professional shampoo

Indeed, these are very effective for properly maintaining your dog's coat in complete safety.

Brushing your dog is a moment of intimacy and affection with your pet.

We also recommend checking for foreign bodies (e.g., ticks) that may have slipped into the ears, around the paws, and in his coat (back and abdomen).

The Bath: 

Place your gentle smooth-haired Dachshund in the bathtub without water to create positive associations with your dog (do this several times in the days leading up to the bath to get him used to it).

Bathe him in a minimal amount of water, about 0.5 cm, at a comfortable and pleasant temperature.

You can gently run water over his body as he gains confidence and feels more at ease.

Be very careful that no soap comes into contact with his eyes (which is very unpleasant for humans as well...).

Every time you bathe your companion using a special dog shampoo, offer him a nice treat afterward to reward his patience.

Grooming a smooth-haired Dachshund requires less work than a wire-haired or long-haired one, but try not to exceed 1 bath/month so as not to damage his skin (which produces natural oils) and the shine of his coat.

Drying:

Let your dog shake himself off in the bathtub and then dry him.

Use a warm, fluffy towel to carefully remove any excess water from your dog.

It will take him a few minutes to roll around on the towel and rub against the floor.

If the noise does not bother your pet, you can apply the heat of a special dog hair dryer on its lowest setting, but just like the water, try to accustom him to it gradually.

Dental Hygiene for Your Dachshund

You can take this opportunity to brush your dog's teeth (canines) because tartar builds up, and dental hygiene is an important aspect of your Dachshund's health.

You need to buy a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste.

Before trying to brush your Dachshund's teeth, make sure your dog is comfortable with your hand near his mouth!

Place your Dachshund on your lap, facing you.

Holding the toothbrush, start brushing the front teeth, then the back ones, and finally the sides to reduce tartar.

Go slowly, but don't take 5 minutes either.

Nail Care for Your Dachshund

Trimming your Dachshund's nails is another important part of regular grooming with a professional dog nail clipper.

Since a Dachshund's nails are black, it is sometimes difficult to see them growing.

It is therefore important that you be trained by a groomer or a veterinarian before deciding to trim your dog's claws.

In Summary

Grooming your smooth-haired Dachshund is well within your reach.

You can also go to a professional center (groomer) to regularly take care of your dog's whole body and on the same topic, you can find an excellent training course: SOS Potty Training for puppies or dogs!

Tell us in the comments how much time per month you spend grooming your gentle smooth-haired Dachshund; we are curious to know! 😇

The Teckelshop Team - 💚 Last updated 01/20/26

Additional article: Does the Dachshund shed?

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