Best brush for a Dachshund
Dachshunds come in three distinct coat types — smooth, wire-haired and long-haired — and the right brush genuinely depends on which one you have, since a tool built for one type can do very little for another. Getting this match right makes grooming quicker and more comfortable for the dog, whichever coat they carry.
Smooth-coated Dachshunds
A smooth Dachshund's short, dense coat needs the least equipment of the three types, but it still sheds and benefits from regular attention. A soft rubber grooming mitt or a bristle brush, used weekly, lifts loose hair and distributes natural oils through the coat, giving it a healthier shine than leaving it alone entirely.
Because the coat is so short, a stiff wire brush isn't necessary and can actually be uncomfortable against the skin — this coat type calls for something gentler than the tools suited to the wire-haired variety.
Wire-haired Dachshunds
A wire-haired Dachshund's coat is rougher and denser, with a distinct beard and eyebrows, and it benefits from a slicker brush or a dedicated wire-coat comb used a couple of times a week to prevent the undercoat matting close to the skin. Hand-stripping is also traditionally used on this coat type to maintain its texture, and is usually done by a groomer experienced with wire coats.
Regular brushing around the beard and leg furnishings specifically helps, since food and debris tend to collect there more than on the rest of the body.
Long-haired Dachshunds
A long-haired Dachshund's silky, feathered coat is the most prone to matting of the three, particularly behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. A slicker brush combined with a metal comb, used every couple of days, catches tangles before they become mats that need cutting out.
Paying particular attention to the feathering on the ears and legs, working in sections rather than brushing the whole coat in one pass, gets through mats more thoroughly and comfortably for the dog.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
MPS Head Cover — Breathable Dog Head & Ear Protector
A comfortable, breathable alternative to the cone of shame — protects head and ear wounds or bandages while letting your dog move freely.
From£30.99
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Absorbent Cotton Gauze Swabs for Pets – Pack of 100
Highly absorbent, low-lint cotton gauze swabs produced in clean conditions — a practical first-aid essential available in three size and ply combinations.
From£4.49
MPS Medical PetS Boot – Waterproof Paw Protector
A vet-recommended waterproof boot that keeps bandages, dressings, and casts dry during walks and wet weather.
£30.49
Suitical Recovery Sleeve for Dog Front Legs — Vet Recommended
A cotton-Lycra sleeve that protects a dog's front leg wound or skin condition without restricting movement or needing a cone.
£32.99
Microfibre Pet Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.
From£10.99
PAWZ Rubber Dog Paw Protectors — Waterproof Disposable Boots
Lightweight rubber dog boots that protect paws from injury and the elements — easy to fit, water resistant, and available in seven sizes from Tiny to X Large.
From£15.99
AniWrap Cohesive Bandages for Dogs & Cats
Stretchy, self-adhesive cohesive bandages that stick to themselves — not to fur — so removal is completely pain-free.
From£4.99
Suitical Dog Recovery Suit — Vet-Approved Post-Op Bodysuit
A vet-approved organic cotton and Lycra onesie that protects wounds after surgery — a gentler, less stressful alternative to a cone collar.
£30.99
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe
A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.
From£13.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Common questions
- How do I know which Dachshund coat type I have?
- Look at the coat directly: smooth is short and sleek all over, wire-haired has a rough, dense texture with a beard and eyebrows, and long-haired has soft, flowing fur with visible feathering on the ears, legs and tail.
- Do smooth Dachshunds need brushing at all?
- Yes, though less than the other two coat types. A weekly brush with a soft mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat's natural shine, even though the coat itself is very low-maintenance compared with wire or long-haired.
- How often should a long-haired Dachshund be brushed?
- Every couple of days is a sensible routine for most long-haired Dachshunds, focusing on the feathering behind the ears and around the legs where mats form fastest. Daily brushing is worth doing during a heavier shedding period.
- Can I use the same brush on all three Dachshund coat types?
- Not really — a tool that suits a smooth coat does very little for a wire or long coat, and vice versa. It's worth choosing a brush or comb matched specifically to your dog's actual coat type rather than a generic all-purpose option.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.