Long Haired Dachshund 

A long haired dachshund is built for winter in some ways, with a silky coat and a nose that never stops working. But the same feathering that looks so elegant on a sunny day turns into a mud magnet the moment the weather turns cold and wet. Ears, chest, belly, the backs of the legs and the tail all sit low enough to trail through puddles, slush and slippery pavement.

The good news is that a few small habits make winter walks easy on both of you. This guide covers what wet weather does to a long haired dachshund’s coat, how to dress for it, and the routine to follow when you get home so tangles never get the chance to set.

Know What Winter Weather Does to a Long Haired Dachshund’s Feathering

Long, fine feathering soaks up water and holds onto mud, slush and grit. As damp hair dries without being brushed, it clumps and twists into tangles, especially behind the ears, under the chest and along the belly and back legs. Road salt makes things worse, because it dries onto the coat and can irritate skin and paws, and your long haired dachshund will lick it off. A waterproof reflective raincoat with a leash hole and reflective strips keeps the back and sides of the coat dry, so you only have the low-hanging feathering to deal with afterward.

Layer Up a Long Haired Dachshund for Cold, Wet Walks

A long haired dachshund sits close to the ground, so the cold and damp reach the belly first. A waterproof Christmas jacket is warm enough for chilly days and festive enough for the season, and a soft fleece vest adds a breathable layer on milder days. For quick garden trips and cold mornings, a cozy winter sweater slips on and off easily. Whichever layer you choose, check that it does not rub under the legs and chest, since that is where feathering tangles first.

Choose a Harness That Keeps a Long Haired Dachshund’s Feathering Free

A collar can rub and matte the hair around a long haired dachshund’s neck and behind the ears, so many owners prefer a harness for winter walks. A trailblazer harness has adjustable straps and a breathable mesh lining, so it fits snugly without squashing the coat underneath. Fit matters more than anything else, so adjust it so you can slide two fingers under the straps. After each walk, lift the straps and brush the hair underneath, because that is where friction creates tangles.

Pick the Right Leash for Muddy Winter Trails With a Long Haired Dachshund

Open trails and muddy fields are where a long haired dachshund gets the most from a walk, and where the feathering gets the dirtiest. A long rope training leash gives your dachshund room to sniff and explore while you keep control, and it comes in 5m and 10m lengths. Keep the line short in boggy sections so it does not trail through puddles and drag mud onto the coat. Browse the walk collection for more winter walking gear.

Build a Post-Walk Routine for Your Long Haired Dachshund Right at the Door

The best time to deal with a wet coat is the minute you step inside. Set up a spot by the door with everything you need: a towel, a damp cloth, a brush and a place to hang the wet gear. Put a row of metal house hooks beside the door so the raincoat, jacket and leash have somewhere to dry that is not the floor. A fixed routine means your long haired dachshund learns what comes next and settles faster.

Wipe Mud and Road Salt Off a Long Haired Dachshund’s Legs and Belly

Start with the parts that touch the ground: the legs, chest and belly feathering. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away mud and road salt, working in the direction the hair grows rather than scrubbing against it. Salt left on the coat can irritate skin, so do not skip this step, even on a short walk. If the feathering is very muddy, let the mud dry and brush it off, because wet mud smears deeper into the hair.

Dry a Long Haired Dachshund Thoroughly Before You Brush

Blot the coat with a towel by pressing and squeezing, not rubbing, since rubbing twists wet feathering into tangles. Pay extra attention to the ears, the backs of the legs and the belly, where moisture hides. Then give your dachshund a soft, washable place to finish drying, such as a washable sofa blanket laid over their favorite spot on the sofa. It keeps the damp coat off the cushions and goes straight into the wash afterward.

Brush Out a Long Haired Dachshund Before the Tangles Set

Brush as soon as the coat is dry or nearly dry, because tangles set quickly once damp feathering dries in a clump. A dog grooming brush with rounded teeth lifts loose hair gently without tugging at sensitive skin. Work in small sections, starting at the ends of the hair and moving toward the skin, and give the ears, chest, belly and back of the legs extra time. A few calm minutes after every walk is far easier than untangling a mat later.

Check a Long Haired Dachshund’s Paws After Every Winter Walk

Winter pavements hide grit, ice and salt, and long haired dachshunds grow hair between their toes that collects it. Check between the pads for ice balls, mud and small stones, and look for redness, cracks or any limping. If paws get cold or sore, non-slip dog shoes keep them dry and protected from ice and snow. Ask your groomer about trimming the hair between the pads, and call your vet if anything looks sore.

Keep Winter Walks Simple With Your Long Haired Dachshund

Winter does not have to mean skipping walks. Short, regular outings keep a long haired dachshund happy, and a routine at the door turns the muddiest day into a five-minute job. Dress for the weather, wipe the legs and belly, dry thoroughly and brush before the tangles set, and the feathering stays soft and healthy all season. Your long haired dachshund gets the walks, and you get a clean, tangle free coat.

Explore Daizy Dogs for walking gear and cozy layers made for wet winter walks with your long haired dachshund. 🐾💛