Top 5 Dog Brushes For Wire-Hair Dachshunds
Wire-hair dachshunds have a unique and beautiful coat that requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and tangle-free. Finding the right brush for your furry friend is essential to ensure their coat stays in optimal condition. In this review, we'll explore ten top brushes, including our top pick, the Furminator brush, designed specifically for dogs with undercoats like wire-hair dachshunds.
Why should I brush my wire-hair dachshund?
Regular brushing of your dog is of utmost importance for several reasons. First and foremost, brushing helps maintain a clean and healthy coat by removing dirt, debris, and loose hair that can accumulate over time. This not only enhances your dog's appearance but also prevents matting and tangling, which can be uncomfortable and painful for them.
Brushing also stimulates the skin, promoting blood circulation and the production of natural oils that keep the coat moisturised and shiny. Regular grooming sessions provide an opportunity to check for any abnormalities or potential health issues such as fleas, ticks, or skin irritations. For example, I have been travelling this month with my mini wire Pippin, and he has been outside in forests way more than usual. As such it is extra important to do your tick checks!
Moreover, brushing is a bonding experience that strengthens the relationship between you and your dog. Regular brushing ensures your dog's overall well-being and contributes to their overall health and happiness.
How often should I brush my wire-hair dachshund?
I recommend brushing your wire-hair dachshund at least once per week. It will depend on your dog’s lifestyle. If they spend a lot of time outside or get dirty often, you should also brush them more often. On average, I think I brush my dog twice a week. When he is in his shedding season (in spring and autumn), you also want to brush them more often. My dog had his first shedding season this spring and for two weeks, I brushed him every day because he had so much hair coming off of him!
Should I hand-strip my wire-hair dachshund?
Hand stripping is a grooming technique specifically designed for wire-hair dogs or dogs with an undercoat, to maintain the texture and appearance of their unique coat. Hand stripping involves manually plucking out the dead outer hairs to allow new growth and maintain the characteristic wiry texture. This technique helps preserve the natural color and texture of the coat, preventing it from becoming too soft or losing its distinctive wire-hair look. It also helps the coat become more waterproof.
The frequency of hand stripping depends on the individual dog and their coat condition. Generally, hand stripping is done every 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly your dachshund's coat grows. My dog Pippin’s wire-hair coat is much shorter than some other dog’s coats. He is now 1 year old and I have never hand stripped him. So far, his coat has not needed it.
It is recommended to consult a professional groomer who specialises in hand stripping to determine the best schedule for your wire-hair dachshund, as they can assess the condition of the coat and provide personalised advice on maintaining its optimal appearance.
Our Top 5 Brushes For Wire-Hair Dachshunds
Below is a list of our five top picks! We have tried to put together a varied list with easily available options on Amazon, but also low-budget friendly options from local pet shops. Please note as Amazon affiliate partners we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product on Amazon through our links. This does not affect the honesty of our reviews and it helps keep our blog ad free. Prices are correct at the time of writing but could change in the future.
1. The Furminator Brush
FURminator Deshedding Tool
£16.99
The Furminator deShedding Dog Brush is a must-have grooming tool for wire-hair dachshunds. My breeder recommended me this brush and I have used it since my dog was a puppy. It works extremely well and my dog likes it!
Its stainless steel edge effectively removes loose fur and helps reduce shedding. The brush reaches deep into the undercoat without damaging the topcoat, resulting in a smoother and healthier coat.
2. The Andis Deshedder
Andis Deshedder
£14.95
The Andis Deshedder is the choice of professionals. A groomer recommended us this tool which helps strip the undercoat and reduce shedding.
3. The Hertzko Slicker Brush
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
£14.99
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is perfect for wire-hair dachshunds due to its fine bent wires that penetrate deep into the coat without scratching the skin. This brush effectively removes mats, tangles, and loose fur, leaving your pup with a well-groomed appearance. Its self-cleaning feature allows for hassle-free maintenance. This brush works for all kinds of coats so useful if you also have another dog with a different coat.
4. The Groom Room Undercoat Rake
The Groom Room Undercoat Rake
£8.00
This is a budget-friendly alternative to our favourite, the FURminator. You can buy this at Pets at Home for just 8 pounds. If there is a store near you this is a good option.
5. Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Brush
Mason Pearson BN3 Handy Boar Bristle & Nylon Brush
£94.10
Definitely a more upmarket option, but I have spoken with several dachshund owners now who love using a human-grade Mason Pearson boar bristle brush. This brush will not help strip the undercoat, but it will give a lovely finish to your dog’s top coat.
We hope this post helps you find the right brush for your dachshund. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
