Dachshund

Long Haired

The Dachshunds are a popular breed, coming in 3 coat varieties and divided again by 2 sizes making this a busy breed for judging. In Denmark I believe it was, I noted that there was a whole group devoted just to Dachshunds - there seemed to be any number of varieties. I am being expressive here but as my command of Danish extends to the pastry only, then I was unable to verify the truth of it. Suffice to say that there appeared to be a perfect one for everyone. I have selected the Longhaired variety to discuss and mentor for their grooming. This coat appears to be one that the exhibitors have the most questions of. The standard for Australia calls for a soft coat whereas the American does not mention it. Both however, do state the coat can be straight or slightly wavy and both stipulate that it ought to be shiny or glistening. The outward overall appearance of the coat should not be too heavy but somewhat close lying with longer hair under the neck and underparts and behind legs and a tail forming a flag. It has been compared in coat appearance to somewhat like an Irish Setter. The Dachshund is a lively, little 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. This extraordinarily intelligent dog has a job to do so you have a job to do too - to ensure his coat is correct and he is able to get on with his job. 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. 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 those without dandruff/dander use the Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo which is the ranges shine shampoo. Use 3:1 for show and up to 10:1 for maintenance. The question of conditioning is one that is judged on the condition of the coat. The ideal is for a soft coat so if the coat you are working with is hard, then you will need to soften it with a softening agent such as a conditioner which is acid balanced. I recommend Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner. Use at a ratio of (5:1) - some like to use the conditioner straight from the container without dilution but for ease of working with a dogs coat and ensuring complete dispersion through the whole of the coat, I always dilute wet products. This way I dont get too much in one area and not enough in another. I also usually have only one free hand when bathing a dog. The other is clutching its neck to stop it bouncing out of the bath! Mix everything prior to starting and have everything in closed neck squeeze bottles so when the dog throws a tantrum in the bath you dont lose all your products. You can tell I have and breed renegades! If your dogs coat is perfect and well done if it is, then use the Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil mixed at a ratio of 1 tbsn 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. I like to use this for show day too but you may if you wish, dilute further depending on the thickness of the coat. For males, use the Seabreeze Oil undiluted directly to the groin area to prevent breakage on the pee area featherings during the week. The Seabreeze Oil is a good protector from the ravages of the yard. However, in summer use the Plush Puppy Volumising Cream. Dilute 1 tbspn to 1 cup water and apply with a P.P. Spray bottle or other suitable sprayer and leave in. Do not rinse. This will coat each hair effectively making much ado about very little. Great for ears! When preparing for show day, forstly bath, then oil or condition, apply coat assistance with either Volumising Cream for more coat, Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream to flatten the coat if it is too boofy and spoiling the outline at a ratio of 1 tbspn to 1 cup 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 tspn to 1 cup water. For that straighter appearance use the Plush Puppy Pin Brush, which is an oval cushioned pin brush - no knobs, till > dry and switch to the Plush Puppy Porcupine Brush, oval cushioned = bristle = plastic brush for smoother finish. This ensures the coat is not stretched and broken and the desired finish is achieved. You can use the various products concurrently in various areas of the coat or on their own. Once you have done the hard yard on this coat there is little to do at the show leaving you time to relax and socialise. Nothing worse than getting in a spin at a show with 9,000 things to do and never enough time to do it. Simply give the dog a light brush with the pin brush on the longer lengths and then the Plush Puppy Metro Anti-Static Brush. Apply Plush Puppy Protein Coat Balm to prevent the flyaways - invaluable on a windy day when everything just snarls and tangles. For final finish, another light application of Protein Coat Balm and a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine & Comb. You can apply this either direct or onto your Metro Brush or onto your hands and wipe over. You dont need much - just enough to bring out the lustre and depth of colour. I also like a sprinkle of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust first thing when I arrive at the show onto the Metro Brush. You do this lightly and against the growth of the coat allowing the powder to sink and the shimmer to stay behind. This leaves just a pinprick of shimmer to catch the light. If you can see the shimmer when you apply it then you have used too much. This dog is not the glitter fairy! Then you do your Protein Coat Balm and Shine & Comb. So now this little 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 wont 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.

CHERYL LECOURT