The Dachshunds are 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 which is the shine shampoo. Dilute 3:1 for show and up to 10:1 for maintenance. The question of conditioning is one that is decided on the present condition of the coat, so, 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 which is acid balanced. Dilute at a ratio of (5:1) work into the coat and ensuring complete dispersion, allow to work and 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 5:1 for maximum shine. No conditioner but do use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil diluted as below.
The Wire-Haired Dachshund requires a short straight harsh coat with dense undercoat though hair on ears almost smooth. Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo is another product formulated using the latest technology to retain and improve coat texture. Recommended to thoroughly yet gently cleanse and deodorise the coat of harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. Formulated to be pH controlled, creates/ maintains texture, easy to rinse out and low irritant with a subtle apple fragrance. Incorporates Gentian Root Extract, Juniper Fruit Extract, St John’s Wort Leaf Extract, Norway Spruce Leaf Extract, Hayflower Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, Arnica Flower Extract. Use at 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring cleansing. Rinse thoroughly. To harshen up the coat especially if too soft, once the coat has been oiled and dried, apply Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier by flicking a small amount onto the coat, repeating as many times as needed. You can when drying add Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray before drying for extra strength to the coat and still 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 coat varieties for head and faces use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It – what the dog showing world has needed for way too long. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products that with the latest of technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothes, adds moisture, aids healing and anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. It’s low foaming design allows easy of rinsing yet complete cleaning.
For all 3 coat type varieties – I have seen a number of this breed with a powdery dandruff (dander)/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/or sensitive skin. Naturally sourced and laced with Arnica, Lichen and other herbal extracts, it is gentle to the skin. 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 at 3:1 (3 parts water to one-part shampoo) to start with till the problem abates and 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 the Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil mixed at a ratio of 1-2 teaspoons (depending on the coat) to 1 gal/4lt water. Use this mix all over the body and do not rinse out – it will keep the coat in waterproof type mode and help the moisture content plus give incredible shine. Use this for show day bath too but you may if you wish, dilute further depending on the thickness of the coat.
For the Long-Haired Coat – Plush Puppy Reviva Coat is a magical preventative for coat breakage on ears, featherings and fringing. Great leave in moisturiser and never makes the coat greasy. Apply direct 1 golf ball amount to your hands and work 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. A light even spray, brush in until dry or use a dryer. Produced for easy use and scientifically balanced for all coat types. This is a hair thickener to add volume – not a hair stiffener and not detectable as it leaves the coat with a natural thicker look and feel. A too fluffy coat use Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream to flatten the coat if it is too boofy and spoiling the outline at a ratio of 1 tablespoon to 250 ml (8oz) water, or, Plush Puppy Swishy Coat. This great product will help to smooth the furnishings/featherings and keep excess wave out of the coat. Mix at 1 tablespoon to 250 ml (8oz) water. For that straighter appearance use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush, which is an oval cushioned pin brush – no knobs, till ¾ dry and switch to the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush, oval cushioned ½ bristle ½ dialon pin brush for smoother finish. This ensures the coat is not stretched and broken and the desired finish is achieved.
For grooming at either the show or at home for the Long and Wires use Plush Puppy OMG – 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. Using at an approximate mixture of 1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water using this break down form the OMG concentrate. The stronger the mix the stronger their effects. For this type of double coated breed a lighter concentration works best. Using OMG can be a one off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. An amazing product for regular brushing also. The perfect product to allow all the benefits of putting a moisturising product into the coat without over softening the coat. OMG never builds up, never goes stringy.
Show day use Plush Puppy Wonder Wash simply spray it on the dirty area, work in and towel off. This no rinse cleanser is perfect. You can also use a light dusting of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust onto the oval cushion Anti Stat Brush and fluff through the bib, pants and topline for a subtle sparkle and hints of glamour. 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!
For the Long Coat– light spray of OMG and a good brush works best. A mist of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb sprayed into the air about 30 cms (12 inches) above the top line.
For the Smooth Coat-final finish for this dog is a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb sprayed into the air about 30 cms (12 inches) 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-show day, just ensure that coat is as wire coated as you want and add Powder Puff Terrier lightly and brush well into the coat and blow dry excess out if you need to though applied discreetly you won’t! 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
