Stripping A Wire Coat

STRIPPING THE COAT

Wire Dachsies have a "double-coat".  There is a longer, harsh top coat 
with a dense, woolly undercoat beneath.  Two or three times a year the 
long, dead top coat will need to be plucked out to allow the new top 
coat to grow in.  Wires have the advantage of not moulting like other 
dogs.

You can take your pet wire to a grooming parlour to have his coat 
stripped or you can, with time and patience, do it yourself.  If you decide 
to do it yourself, choose a time when the dog is relaxed and lying quietly 
beside you.  

Starting at the neck, raise a fold of skin with one hand - 
you will see the long hairs of the top coat standing away from the woolly 
undercoat.  Taking a few of the long top coat hairs between the finger 
and thumb of your other hand, pluck them out.  If the coat is ready to 
come out, the top coat will come away easily without distressing the 
dog.  

Continue down one side of the dog, then the other and down the 
back, until the dog is in his undercoat all over.  This could take several 
sessions over a few days to achieve.  Be kind and firm and patient at all 
times.  

Finally, tidy the tail and legs with a stripping knife (a blade 
between two combs) which can be obtained from pet shops and dog 
shows.


GROOMING

Your Wire will need regular grooming 2-3 times a week using a bristle 
brush and wide-toothed metal comb.  Get your puppy used to standing 
quietly on a steady table to allow you to brush him.  Pay particular 
attention to the longer hair on the legs and beard to ensure there are no 
tangles.

Once a week, check your dog's eyes, ears and feet.  If you discover 
runny eyes, or a smelly brown discharge in the ears, visit the vet.  Keep 
the nails short using nail clippers, (the guillotine type are the best).  Be 
careful not to cut through the quick and make the nail bleed.

Your dog will probably need bathing every couple of months. It is a good 
idea to use an insecticidal shampoo to guard against fleas or 
alternatively use a flea-spray from the vet.     

At about 6 months of age, when your dog has all his adult teeth, you 
should start regularly brushing his teeth each week.  Use an old 
toothbrush and either ordinary toothpaste or special "doggy" toothpaste, 
and don't forget to try and brush the back teeth too.  This way you will 
help keep your dog's teeth free from tartar build-up.