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Dachshund Wire, Smooth & Long

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Dachshund

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The Dachshund is a popular breed, stipulated as 3 coat varieties and divided again by 2-3 sizes depending on which standard making this a busy breed for judging. The long-haired coat is the one we receive the most questions about, but all have their needs and issues.

Starting with the Long-Haired Dachshund, the standards vary, some call for a soft coat whereas the American does not mention it. However, they do state the coat can be straight or slightly wavy and stipulate that it ought to be shiny or glistening. He is a lively, fellow, built for work and his coat though soft is thick and should protect against the ravages of bushes and cold and heat. It also should be rainproof, close-lying with longer hair under the neck and underparts and behind legs and a tail forming a flag.

For the Long-Haired Dachshund use Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna. We call this the ‘Shine’ shampoo as it features natural Henna stalk extracts that impart a beautiful gloss and shine to your dog’s coat. All Purpose Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources and also features Alpine and Lichen herbs.  It is wonderful to use on normal to slightly dehydrated coats. Dilute 1:3 (1 part shampoo to 3 parts water) for show time and up to 1:10 for maintenance.

The question of conditioning is one that is decided on the present condition of the coat. If the coat you are working with is hard, then you will need to soften it with a softening agent such as Plush Puppy Natural Silk Protein Conditioner. This leaves the coat with a wonderful finish, reducing static electricity and fluffiness in “fly-away” coats. It is an intensive formulation boosted with Silk Amino acids and plant extracts that bind keratin in the coat, strengthening whilst protecting against moisture loss. Dilute at a ratio of 1:5. Work into the coat ensuring complete dispersion, then rinse thoroughly.

For the Smooth-Haired Dachshund part of the standard calls for it to be short and smooth and only hair on underside, coarse in texture. Use Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo diluted 1:5 for maximum shine. No conditioner, but do use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil diluted as below.

dachshund coat types

The Wire-Haired Dachshund requires a short straight harsh coat with dense undercoat though hair on ears almost smooth. Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. This shampoo thoroughly yet gently cleanses and deodorises the coat of wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. Formulated to be pH controlled, it can create or maintain texture, is low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance and is easy to rinse out. It is full of beneficial and powerful extracts from the Gentian Root, Juniper Fruit, St John’s Wart Leaf, Hay Flower, Lemon Balm Leaf and Arnica Flower that combine to nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.

If the coat is till too soft and needs more harsh texture, you can apply Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier once the coat has been oiled and dried. Simply flick a small amount onto the coat, repeating as many times as needed.

Alternatively you can add Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray before drying for extra strength to the coat.  Then apply the Powder Puff Terrier too, once dried, if you wish. No conditioner for this variety of coat either, and use Seabreeze Oil diluted as below. This will keep the coat in good healthy vigour without softening.

For all heads and faces use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.

For all 3 coat type varieties – I have seen a number of this breed with a powdery dandruff (dander) or scurf. It takes away that glistening shiny appearance that is a breed characteristic especially for the Long Hair and the Smooth.

I have had great results with Plush Puppy Sensitive Skin Shampoo which addresses itch, scurf, dandruff, psoriasis and sensitive skin. It is a gentle yet cleansing shampoo that removes dirt and allergens while soothing sensitive skin. It is an extremely low irritant shampoo with high levels of active natural extracts. An organic blend of Lichen, Alpine Herbs and Arnica extracts combine to hydrate, replenish and balance the skin. The use of these key extracts also provides calming, healing and soothing properties. The Arnica addresses the redness and soreness, the Lichen sorts out the fungal problems such as dandruff and scurf and the herbs are for promotion of good new skin and coat. Use initially diluted 1:3 until the problem abates, then dilute further to a maximum of 10:1 for maintenance.

For all 3 coat type varieties – If your dog’s coat is perfect and well done if it is, then use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil. This will add shine, hydrate and condition to the coat.  It is a truly beneficial blend of using extracts of Calendula oil, Wheat germ oil, and Evening Primrose.

Add 1 teaspoon to 2 Litres of water, then either sponge on or sluice well through the coat and LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE.  It will keep the coat in a waterproof type mode and help the moisture content. Use this for your show day bath too, but you may if you wish, dilute further depending on the thickness of the coat.

Seabreeze Oil is quite a unique product in that it is not greasy and totally water-soluble. It gives an outstanding healthy vigour to the skin and coat.  It will maintain the texture and moisture in the coat and help protect from the harsh outdoors especially in some of the tougher climates where this dog is required to work. Use the oil at this dilution rate after shampooing for a show. Again leave in and do not rinse. You will get a nice healthy sheen on the coat with this routine.

For the Long-Haired Coat – Plush Puppy Reviva Coat is a magical preventative for coat breakage on ears, featherings and fringing. A wonderful leave in moisturiser that never makes the coat greasy. Apply 1 golf ball amount to your hands and work directly into the coat. For males, use the Seabreeze Oil between shows, undiluted, directly to the groin area to prevent breakage on the pee area featherings. Do this daily.

When the long coat is dropping and it is decision time on whether to show or not to show, use Plush Puppy Volumising Spray. This is a ‘Ready to Use’ spray for quicker, easier and fuller coat results. Perfect either before blow drying or used to ‘fluff’ up the coat at the show. Apply a light even spray and brush in until dry or use a dryer. This is a hair thickener to add volume, not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable.  It leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel.

For a coat that is too fluffy you can use Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream to flatten it without spoiling the outline. Mix 1 tablespoon into 250mls of water and spray where required. You can also use Plush Puppy Swishy Coat to help to smooth the furnishings and featherings and keep excess wave out of the coat. Use at the same mix of 1 tablespoon to 250mls of water.

For that straighter appearance use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush, which is an oval cushioned pin brush – no knobs, until ¾ dry then switch to the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush.  The Anti-Stat brush consists of 100% black boar bristles with dialon porcupine pins for a smoother finish. This combination of pins ensures the coat is not stretched and broken and the desired finish is achieved. Due to its superior anti-static properties, we use Dialon instead of nylon so this brush will also eliminate static electricity.

Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.

For grooming at either the show or at home for the Long and Wires use Plush Puppy OMG.  This is a a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful.  It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. Use the concentrate form at 1:30-40 (1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water). The stronger the mix the stronger their effects.

Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. This is also an amazing product for regular brushing as it hydrates the coat reducing stress and coat loss. Its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat. OMG never builds up and never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using amazing technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.

Keep on hand Plush Puppy Wonder Wash which is a no rinse wet instant shampoo for “those show day” last-minute emergencies as this will clean up anything, pronto. Just spray foam with the fingers and towel off. Wonder Wash is a brilliant quick self-rinsing bathing alternative solution for quick and easy cleaning without the need for a complete bath. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds. It contains optical brighteners, has a fresh apple fragrance, and violet tone. Always keep it handy in your tack box.

For a subtle sparkle and hint of glamour, use a light dusting of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust onto the oval cushion Anti-Stat Brush and fluff through the bib, pants and topline. Just work against the growth of the coat to allow the powder to settle below the surface and leave the shimmer on top. Great on blacks too!

At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray infused with organic extracts that offers a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat for the perfect finished look of the coat.

Now for Show Day!

For the Long Coat– A light spray of OMG and a good brush works best. Add a mist of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb sprayed into the air about 30cms above the top line and let the mist fall onto the coat.  This will give a final boost to the shine and lustre of the coat.

For the Smooth Coat– The final touch is also to use a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb sprayed into the air about 30cms above the top line, allowing the mist to fall and wipe your hand over the coat to smooth and see the shine!

For the Wire Hair Coat– Ensure that coat is as wirey textured as you want.  Lightly add a final flick of Powder Puff Terrier and brush well into the coat.  Blow dry any excess out if you need to, though if applied discreetly you won’t need to! Remember, a little goes a long way.

So now this full hearted character is ready to go. His standard is full of superlatives from the very obedient to the extraordinarily intelligent. His job may well be to beat about the bush but yours won’t be with this straightforward routine. I love a dog that can do something and this well balanced confident little dog is surely capable. Glamour is an extra and maybe just the something extra you have been looking for.

Plush Puppy Australia