Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘wire-hair’

All dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and their nails in trim. 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. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular brushing and bathing. “Regular” can vary with the dog’s age and environment.

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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 clean and brushed regurlarly. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.When they are done playing, remove plant material.

A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but be careful. Even though all dogs are durable, it’s important not to scrape the skin. That can lead to hot spots that the dog will make worse by chewing and licking. Since they 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 can also give 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, too.

Like the terriers they resemble, the stiff coat is actually in two layers.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the top layer. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shed control shampoo. In most cases, be ready for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. A trim behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to matting.Otherwise, brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Dachshunds are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be ncessary, along with more frequent bathing.Mattig is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying close attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the mat with fingers and brush.

A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Take care not to over-bathe them, though, since that leads to scaly, dried skin. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal 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 Dachshund’s case because of their feisty nature.

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