What Is the Best Long Haired Dachshund Haircut? 6 Types

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Tanja

May 7, 2026

On May 7, 2026

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One of the more gorgeous coats in the dog world already belongs to the long-haired Dachshund. With those silky ears, voluminous chest, fringed legs and the feathery ‘flag’ tail the long-haired doxie has the softer, more regal bearing than its smooth or wirehaired counterparts. But ask any long-haired Dachshund owner and they’ll tell you a secret. All of that gorgeous coat can trap all sorts of mud, seeds, dust and mats. So, what’s the ultimate long-haired Dachshund haircut?

For most long-haired Dachshunds, the top long-haired Dachshund haircut will be what many professionals call a natural tidy. This sort of trim leaves the Dachshund with it’s natural coat and shape but neatly trims away the bits of coat that tend to become messy the quickest, i.e. Paws, tummy, around the privates and rear, ears, tail and leg frills.

The desired long-haired Dachshund haircut should never make your pet look like a totally different dog. Rather, it should be maintained for cleanliness, health and ease.

According to the Dachshund Club of America breed standard, the longhaired Dachshund coat should be sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy, and longer under the neck, on the chest, underside, ears, behind the legs, and tail. The standard also notes that the tail hair forms a “flag,” which is one of the most recognizable features of a long haired doxie.

That is why shaving a long haired Dachshund is usually not the best choice unless there is a serious matting or medical reason. A good haircut should respect the natural coat, not remove everything that makes the dog look like a long haired Dachshund.

Why Long Haired Dachshunds Need Regular Grooming

Long haired Dachshunds sit low to the ground. That means their belly, legs, paws, and tail often touch grass, dirt, leaves, mud, and outdoor allergens during walks. Even if your doxie only goes for short city walks, the coat can still pick up dust and tiny debris.

The most common areas where mats appear are:

behind the ears
under the front legs
around the chest
on the belly
around the tail
between the back legs
around the paws

The largest error owners make is to wait until the coat is already looking tatty. If a mat develops right next to the skin, this can cause pulling, pain, and safety issues during de-matting. Brushing, small trims, etc., are far preferable to a grooming emergency!

The Dachshund Space advice on long-haired Dachshund grooming is to brush the coat several times a week to prevent tangling and matting.

Long-haired Dachshund haircuts go hand-in-hand with basic home grooming: brushing, bathing, drying, paw grooming and skin inspection.

1. Natural Tidy Trim

Best for: most long haired Dachshunds
Look: natural, elegant, clean
Maintenance level: easy to moderate

The natural tidy trim is the best long haired Dachshund haircut for most dogs. It keeps the breed’s soft, elegant coat but removes the hair that causes the most trouble in daily life.

With this haircut, the groomer usually trims:

hair between the paw pads
messy hair around the feet
extra belly feathering
sanitary area
uneven chest hair
long back-leg feathering
tail ends if they drag or mat
small tangles behind the ears

I believe this style to be the most appropriate as a ‘first-cut’ choice for the majority of people. It retains the long haired Dachshund appearance, it does not look like a shaved dog. The ears remain silky smooth, the chest maintains its fluffiness and the tail still retains its pleasing shape. At the same time, the dog appears cleaner, tidier and simpler to groom.

In my view, this is the most suitable and least risky first choice. If you are not entirely sure of what to request, you could say:

“I would like to maintain the natural, long haired Dachshund appearance, but tidy the paws, belly, sanitary area, feathering and the tail please. I do not want the coat shaved down to the skin. “

2. Light Puppy Cut

Best for: active dogs, senior dogs, busy owners, dogs that mat easily
Look: soft, rounded, youthful
Maintenance level: easy

The puppy cut is another popular long haired Dachshund haircut. However, it should be done carefully. A puppy cut does not mean shaving your doxie extremely short. For this breed, a good puppy cut means trimming the coat to a shorter, more even, more manageable length while still leaving enough hair to protect the skin.

A light puppy cut can work well for Dachshunds who:

get dirty often
dislike long brushing sessions
mat easily behind the ears and legs
spend a lot of time outside
are older and need easier grooming
have very thick belly and leg feathering

This haircut gives your Dachshund a cute, soft, teddy-like look. It also makes bathing, drying, and brushing easier.

Still, I would avoid very short clipper cuts unless your groomer recommends it because of matting. A long haired Dachshund’s coat helps protect the skin from sun exposure, cold, insects, and environmental irritation. If the coat is cut too short, your dog may be more exposed to sunburn, scratches, and skin sensitivity.

For summer grooming, a puppy cut can be useful, but it should still be moderate. You can also read Dachshund Space’s guide on how to prepare a Dachshund for summer for more seasonal care tips.

What to ask the groomer:
“Please do a light puppy cut, but don’t shave the coat close to the skin. Keep the ears and tail natural, and just shorten the body and feathering for easier maintenance.”

3. Feather Trim

Best for: dogs with long ears, chest hair, tail hair, and leg feathering
Look: polished but still natural
Maintenance level: moderate

The feather trim is a beautiful option if you love the classic long haired Dachshund look but want the coat to look more polished.

This haircut focuses only on the long feathered areas, such as:

ears
chest
belly
legs
tail
back thighs

The groomer does not cut the whole coat short. Instead, they shape the longer parts so they look cleaner and less messy.

This is a great option for Dachshunds who get tangles in certain areas but do not need a full haircut. For example, many long haired doxies get knots behind the ears. Others get long tail hair that collects dirt during walks. A feather trim solves those problems while keeping the coat elegant.

This style works especially well for red, cream, black and tan, chocolate, shaded red, and dapple long haired Dachshunds because it lets the natural coat color and texture stand out.

The Dachshund Club of America notes that short hair on the ears is not desirable in the longhaired variety, which is why I would never recommend cutting the ears too short just for convenience.

What to ask the groomer:
“Please shape the feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and tail, but keep the coat long and natural.”

4. Paw and Sanitary Trim

Best for: hygiene, comfort, and safety
Look: almost unchanged, very natural
Maintenance level: easy

Some longhaired Dachshunds will not require a full haircut. Only a paw and sanitary clip will be necessary.

This one is possibly one of the most sensible styles of grooming for your Dachshund and will keep it a lot more comfortable without changing it’s general appearance. A paw and sanitary clip consists of:

trimming between the paw pads
shaping the hair around the feet
trimming around the sanitary area
tidying up the hair around the rear end
tidying up any shaggy ends on the belly

The hair between your dogs paw pads can trap all sorts of muck, moisture and very small pebbles. It also leads to a very slippery Dachshund, sliding on tiles, polished hardwood or laminated flooring is hardly ideal for a longbacked, shortlegged animal!

Dachshund Space’s guide on how to take care of Dachshund paws gives more tips on paw maintenance and comfort.

This trim is also helpful after potty breaks, especially for mini Dachshunds and senior dogs. It keeps the coat cleaner and reduces the chance of unpleasant smells around the back end.

What to ask the groomer:
“Please trim the paw pads, shape the feet, and do a light sanitary trim. I want the rest of the coat to stay natural.”

5. Summer Trim

Best for: warm weather, outdoor dogs, dogs that pick up debris
Look: shorter and cleaner but still soft
Maintenance level: easy to moderate

A summer trim can be a good choice, but it should not mean shaving your long haired Dachshund completely.

It is not necessarily true that shaving will keep the dog cooler and help in regulating their body temperature. A dog’s coat also keeps its skin protected from the sun, insects, and allergens etc., plus it helps keep scratches to the skin at bay. A better alternative to shaving is a trim. It will help your dog get rid off excess hair that collects heat and dirt.

A summer trim usually focuses on:

belly hair
paw hair
leg feathering
back-leg fluff
tail ends
sanitary area

This haircut is useful if your Dachshund:

gets hot easily
walks through grass often
picks up burrs and seeds
gets wet or swims
needs faster drying after baths
has thick belly feathering

The key is balance. You want the coat shorter and easier to manage, but not so short that your dog loses natural protection.

For more warm-weather care, internally link to: How to Prepare a Dachshund for Summer.

What to ask the groomer:
“Please do a light summer trim around the belly, paws, legs, and sanitary area, but don’t shave the coat down.”

6. Show-Style Natural Coat

Best for: owners who love the classic longhaired Dachshund appearance
Look: elegant, flowing, breed-standard
Maintenance level: high

The show-style natural coat is not really a haircut. It is a carefully maintained natural coat with very light shaping.

This style keeps:

long silky ears
flowing chest hair
soft belly feathering
feathered legs
full tail flag
natural body coat

This is the most elegant option but requires the most brushing. If your long-haired Dachshund is to retain the classic look of the breed, constant coat attention must be given.

This grooming is ideal for someone who loves to brush and does not mind the extra attention needed for the coat. If your dog is one who develops mats easily, or just dislikes being brushed a natural trim may be a better option.

This grooming method is most suited to those who love to brush and do not resent the added coat attention that is necessary. If your dog is one prone to mats, or hates being brushed, a natural trim may be more suitable.

What to ask the groomer:
“Please keep the coat natural and only lightly shape the paws, sanitary area, and uneven ends.”

Haircuts to Avoid for Long Haired Dachshunds

Not every cute haircut is good for a long haired Dachshund. Some styles may look fun online but are not practical for coat health, comfort, or breed appearance.

Avoid shaving the coat too short

A shaved long haired Dachshund may lose the natural softness and shape of the coat. In some dogs, the coat can grow back unevenly. Shaving also removes protection from sun, cold, allergens, and minor scratches.

Avoid cutting the ears too short

Long silky ears are part of the long haired Dachshund look. Light shaping is fine, but cutting the ears very short can take away one of the breed’s most beautiful features.

Avoid novelty cuts

Lion cuts and extreme creative grooming styles are usually unnecessary for Dachshunds. They may look funny, but they don’t support the dog’s natural coat type.

Avoid cutting mats with scissors at home

This is important. Mats often sit very close to the skin. If you try to cut them out with scissors, you can accidentally cut your dog. If the mat is tight, painful, or close to the skin, ask a professional groomer for help.

Best Bath Routine Before a Long Haired Dachshund Haircut

A haircut always looks better on a clean, brushed, fully dried coat. If your Dachshund arrives at the groomer with tangled or dirty hair, the result may not look as smooth.

Dachshund Space’s guide on how to bathe Dachshunds explains that long-haired Dachshunds can have a soft undercoat that traps water, so proper drying is especially important.

Here is a simple bath routine that works well before trimming.

Step 1: Brush before the bath

Never bathe a tangled coat. Water can make mats tighter. Brush the ears, chest, belly, legs, tail, and underarms before using shampoo.

Step 2: Use lukewarm water

Avoid hot water. Dachshunds can have sensitive skin, and hot water can make the skin dry or irritated.

Step 3: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner

For long haired Dachshunds, I recommend the 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Dachshunds.

This product is practical because it cleans and conditions in one step. That is especially useful for long haired doxies because the ears, tail, chest, and belly feathering can become dry or tangled if the coat is washed with harsh products.

It is a good choice for:

long silky ears
dry tail feathering
belly hair
dogs that tangle easily
Dachshunds who dislike long bath routines
owners who want a simple grooming routine

A 2-in-1 product can also shorten bath time, which is helpful because many Dachshunds are not exactly patient in the tub.

Step 4: Use a gentle bath brush

The Dachshund Steamy Brush is a helpful grooming tool for bath time because it can massage the coat, help loosen dirt, and work shampoo through longer hair.

For long haired Dachshunds, a bath brush is especially useful around:

chest
belly
legs
paws
tail area

Use soft, circular motions. Do not scrub hard around the ears, belly, or armpits. The goal is to massage the coat, not irritate the skin.

Step 5: Rinse very well

Leftover shampoo can cause itching or dryness. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Step 6: Dry completely

This step matters a lot. If the coat stays damp, it can smell musty and tangle more easily.

Use a towel first, then a dryer on a low or cool setting if your dog tolerates it. Brush gently while drying so the coat falls naturally.

Focus on drying:

behind the ears
under the legs
belly
chest
paws
tail

These areas stay damp longer.

How Often Should a Long Haired Dachshund Get a Haircut?

Most long haired Dachshunds need a professional tidy trim every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on their coat, lifestyle, and how quickly they mat.

A realistic grooming schedule looks like this:

brush 3–5 times per week
check behind the ears daily
trim paw hair every 3–6 weeks
do a sanitary trim every 4–8 weeks
bathe every 4–6 weeks or when needed
book professional grooming every 6–10 weeks

Some dogs need more grooming. For example, a long haired Dachshund who runs through grass every day will need more brushing than a city doxie who mostly walks on sidewalks.

Dachshund Space’s article on whether Dachshunds shed can be used as an internal link here because shedding, brushing, and coat maintenance are closely connected topics.

Best Long Haired Dachshund Haircut by Lifestyle

For city Dachshunds

Choose a natural tidy trim. It keeps the paws, belly, and sanitary area clean after sidewalk walks and rainy days.

For outdoor Dachshunds

Choose a light puppy cut or summer trim. These styles make it easier to remove grass, mud, leaves, and burrs from the coat.

For senior Dachshunds

Choose a low-maintenance tidy trim. Senior dogs may not enjoy standing for long grooming sessions, so comfort should come first.

Helpful internal link: 6 Important Things to Know About Dachshund Senior Care

For mini long haired Dachshunds

Choose a paw, belly, and sanitary trim. Mini doxies are even closer to the ground, so their belly hair often gets dirty faster.

For allergy-prone Dachshunds

Choose a tidy trim and keep the coat clean after outdoor walks. Regular grooming can help remove allergens from the coat before they irritate the skin. Dachshund Space also has a helpful guide on Dachshund allergies, which explains that regular grooming can help remove allergens and debris from the coat.

Common Grooming Mistakes Long Haired Dachshund Owners Make

Bathing before brushing

This is one of the biggest mistakes. Wet mats become tighter. Always brush first.

Waiting too long between trims

If your dog already has mats behind the ears or tail, grooming becomes more stressful. A small trim every few weeks is easier than fixing a coat that has been ignored for months.

Using human shampoo

Human shampoo is not made for dog skin. Use a gentle dog-safe shampoo instead. Dogs have different pH levels of the skin. Human shampoos can make them feel itchy and lead to flaky skin. Many people think they can use Johnson’s baby shampoo for bathing their dogs. However, the truth is that even baby shampoos can harm your dog’s skin.

Skipping the paws

Paw hair may seem harmless, but it can cause slipping and collect dirt. If you own a long haired dachshund, don’t forget to trim excessive hair between their toes.

Cutting too much at home

Small touch-ups may be fine if you know what you’re doing, but avoid cutting large coat sections by yourself. Long haired Dachshund hair can show uneven scissor marks easily.

FAQ About Long Haired Dachshund Haircuts

Do long haired Dachshunds need haircuts?

Yes, but they usually do not need dramatic haircuts. Most long haired Dachshunds need regular tidy trims around the paws, belly, sanitary area, ears, legs, and tail. That’s how you’ll help them stay tidy, clean and keep their coat shiny and healthy.

What is the best long haired Dachshund haircut?

The best long haired Dachshund haircut for most dogs is the natural tidy trim. It keeps the classic coat while making daily care easier. Your dog should not look like a lion or a kitty. My advice is to always put your dog’s health and needs first. Do not rush to the groomer just because you saw a funny or interesting dog haircut trend on Instagram.

Can a long haired Dachshund have a puppy cut?

Yes. A light puppy cut can be a good option for active dogs, senior dogs, or dogs that mat easily. Just avoid shaving the coat too short.

Should I shave my long haired Dachshund in summer?

Usually, no. A light summer trim is better than shaving. The coat helps protect the skin from

sun, insects, and irritation. If your dog has a light-colored coat, make sure you put a dog-safe sunscreen on pink parts of their skin. Rare-coated Dachshunds are more prone to alopecia, so make sure you protect the hairless spots on their skin during sun exposure.

How often should I brush a long haired Dachshund?

Brush your long haired Dachshund at least 3–5 times per week. Some dogs need daily brushing, especially behind the ears, around the tail, and under the legs. For easier brushing, I recommend you use the Silicone Dachshund Brush Glove. It features soft pins and allows you to reach every hidden spot on your dog’s body.

What areas mat the most on long haired Dachshunds?

The most common matting areas are behind the ears, under the legs, around the belly, on the tail, and near the back legs. Curves collect the most dirt, and for this reason, they require more frequent cleaning and trimming.