The shared routine
Whatever the coat, every dachshund needs nails kept short enough not to click on the floor or splay the toes — a trim every two to three weeks for most dogs. Long nails change the foot's angle and add stress up the leg.
Check ears weekly, especially on longhairs, and wipe out visible wax; the drop ear traps moisture. Brush teeth daily if you possibly can. Wipe the belly and "armpits" after muddy walks, where the skin folds chafe.
Smooth and long
Smooths need a weekly going-over with a rubber mitt or hound glove to pull dead hair and spread skin oils, plus a bath every month or two. That is the whole coat routine.
Longhairs need a comb through two to three times a week, targeting the feathering behind the ears, the trousers at the back end and the belly, where mats start. Trim the hair around the feet and sanitary area for hygiene. Bathe every three to four weeks and always brush before bathing, never after matting has set.
Wire
The wire coat is kept correct by hand-stripping two to three times a year — plucking the dead outer coat so harsh new coat replaces it. Many groomers offer this; it can be learned.
Clipping is the low-effort alternative but softens and fades the coat and loses its weatherproofing. Between strips, brush weekly and keep the beard and eyebrows clean and lightly tidied so they do not collect food and grit.
