How to Groom a Long-Hair Dachshund | Coat Care That Stops the Mats

Grooming a long-hair dachshund means brushing 2–3 times weekly, bathing monthly, and trimming only the feet, ears, and sanitary areas.

Figuring out how to groom a long-hair dachshund without turning it into a full-time job comes down to one habit: staying ahead of the tangles. The breed’s silky feathering on the ears, chest, tail, and legs mats fast if ignored, but a short weekly routine keeps the coat healthy and the dog comfortable. Here’s the practical system that works.

How Often Should You Brush and Bathe?

Brushing is the backbone of the whole routine. Artero, a pet-grooming manufacturer, recommends brushing a long-haired dachshund 2–3 times a week, with extra attention to the ears, chest, tail, and armpits where knots form first. The Dachshund Club of America (DCA) handbook agrees, noting that regular brushing with a combination natural-bristle-and-nylon brush removes dead hair and undercoat while keeping the coat in good shape.

Bathing happens far less often. The DCA handbook calls for regular bathing with a moisturizing shampoo followed by a crème rinse, while Artero suggests bathing every 3–4 weeks. Other grooming guides land on roughly monthly or every 4–6 weeks. Bathing too frequently strips natural oils and dries the skin, so when in doubt, stretch the interval.

Brushing Techniques That Prevent Mats

Start with a pin brush or slicker brush to work through the coat, then finish with a metal comb to catch tangles the brush missed, especially in the feathering. Work in sections rather than sweeping the whole coat at once — that way you actually reach the undercoat where mats begin.

• Brush the ears, chest, tail, armpits, and behind the legs every session; these are the hot spots.
• If you hit a tangle, never force the brush through it. Hold the hair near the skin to reduce pulling, and work the knot loose with your fingers or the comb first.
• For tight mats close to the skin, cut carefully with scissors only if you can see the skin clearly — or leave it to a professional groomer to avoid nicking the dog.

If your dachshund tolerates it, a few minutes of brushing daily beats a long weekly session, and it keeps the bond going. When your brush wears out or you want one suited to a double coat, our roundup of the best brush for a dachshund breaks down which tools actually handle the feathering.

Bathing and Drying the Right Way

Always use a dog-specific moisturizing shampoo and conditioner — human products are too harsh for canine skin. The DCA handbook recommends a thorough brushing before the bath to remove loose hair and tangles, since washing mats only tightens them.

After rinsing completely, towel-dry first to remove excess water, then finish with a dryer held against the coat while brushing straight. The DCA handbook specifically recommends a high-speed dryer used until the dog is hard dry — not just damp. Use a low or cool setting to avoid burning sensitive skin, and keep brushing as you dry so the coat dries straight instead of curling into new tangles. Also check and clean the ears after bathing, since moisture trapped in those long, floppy ears can lead to irritation.

Trimming and Sensitive-Area Care

Trimming is minimal for this breed. The DCA handbook recommends trimming hair between the toes, under the ear, and around the anus for hygiene. Artero advises against radically cutting the coat, suggesting instead a light trim of the feet, tail, and ear contours to keep things tidy without ruining the silky look.

While you trim, inspect the common matting zones — ears, armpits, chest, tail, and paws — and check the sanitary area. Mats in these spots can trap moisture and debris, so catching them early prevents bigger problems. When trimming near the paws or sanitary area, use blunt-nosed scissors and go slowly; the skin there is thin and easy to cut if the dog startles.

Grooming a long-hair dachshund takes about 15 minutes a couple of times a week once you build the routine. Brush consistently, bathe monthly, dry fully, and trim only the trouble spots — and your dachshund’s feathering stays soft, tangle-free, and healthy between professional grooming visits.