Beagle Dachshund Mix Grooming & Shedding Guide

When I think of grooming a beagle dachshund mix, the first thing that comes to mind is balance these dogs don’t need the elaborate routines of a poodle, but they’re not “wash and forget” either. A Doxle’s coat, whether short like a beagle’s or slightly longer with a dachshund’s influence, thrives on regular maintenance. It’s less about keeping them “show-ready” and more about ensuring their coat stays healthy, their skin breathes, and their shedding doesn’t take over your couch.

Most Doxles are moderate shedders, with seasonal shedding peaks in spring and autumn. Their grooming needs depend on which parent breed they lean towards: a smooth-coated Doxle might get by with a weekly brush, while a long-haired variation will need 2–3 sessions per week to prevent tangles.

Grooming isn’t just about looks  it’s about coat maintenance, skin health, and overall well-being. The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that regular grooming helps detect skin issues, ticks, or bumps early (AKC Grooming Guidelines). For Doxles, this routine also strengthens your bond — turning brushing or nail clipping into moments of connection rather than a stressful chore.

This guide covers everything from shedding care to coat maintenance, bathing tips, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and the grooming tools that actually work for this mix.

A beagle dachshund mix (Doxle) can inherit a range of coat types — from the short, smooth coat of a beagle to the slightly longer, sleek fur of a dachshund. In some cases, if the dachshund parent is long-haired, you might see feathering around the ears, tail, or chest. This variety makes grooming slightly different for each Doxle, but the fundamentals remain the same: regular brushing, seasonal shedding care, and coat-friendly bathing.

1. Smooth Coats (Most Common)
   A smooth-coated Doxle resembles the classic beagle — short hair that lies flat and feels soft but dense. These coats are low-maintenance, needing only one weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt.
   
2. Medium or Feathered Coats
   When a dachshund parent has long hair, the mix may inherit medium-length fur with light feathering around the ears, belly, and tail. This coat needs brushing 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles and maintain shine.
   
3. Rare Wire-Like Coats
   Although less common, a Doxle may inherit coarse, slightly wiry fur from a wire-haired dachshund parent. These coats benefit from regular brushing with a slicker or pin brush to keep the texture healthy.

Doxles are moderate shedders, much like their beagle parents. Expect a steady trickle of loose hairs year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn as they adjust to seasonal temperatures. Unlike some double-coated breeds, their shedding is more manageable — regular brushing and a healthy diet will keep most of the hair off your furniture.

Doxle Shedding Care Tips:

• Use a de-shedding tool or grooming glove once a week during heavy shed seasons.
  
  
• Bathing every 4–6 weeks with a mild, moisturizing shampoo helps loosen dead hair.
  
  
• Supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon oil) to promote a healthy, less flaky coat. The AKC highlights that dietary fats directly affect coat condition and shedding levels (AKC Dog Coat Care).
  
  

Your Doxle’s coat is a reflection of their overall health. If you notice excessive shedding, dandruff, or dullness, it may be due to poor nutrition, stress, or allergies. According to PetMD, “A shiny coat is often the first sign of a well-balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids” (PetMD Coat Health).

Coat Maintenance Checklist:

• Weekly Brushing: Use a slicker brush for smooth coats and a pin or bristle brush for longer coats.
  
  
• Seasonal De-Shedding: Invest in a de-shedding tool like a Furminator for spring and autumn.
  
  
• Ear Checks: Beagle and dachshund genes mean floppy ears, which need weekly cleaning to avoid infections.
  
  
• Skin Check: During grooming, feel for lumps, bumps, or ticks — catching problems early saves stress later.
  
  

While frequent baths can strip essential oils, a bath every 4–6 weeks can help manage loose fur and keep your Doxle’s coat smelling fresh. Use dog-specific shampoos (avoid human products, which can cause irritation). For sensitive skin, oatmeal-based shampoos are a gentle choice. Always follow with a quick brush once they’re dry to remove loosened hair.

Good grooming starts in the bowl. A high-quality dog food rich in protein and healthy fats ensures your Doxle’s coat remains shiny and resilient. Adding supplements like fish oil or flaxseed oil can reduce dry skin and minimize shedding. Check our Beagle Dachshund Mix Lifespan & Health Guide for more on dietary support for coat and joint health.

When it comes to grooming a beagle dachshund mix, consistency beats complexity. A simple weekly routine can prevent shedding from taking over your home, keep nails at a comfortable length, and ensure your Doxle’s coat stays healthy and glossy. Grooming isn’t just a chore; it’s also an opportunity to bond — a time to check in on your dog’s overall well-being, from skin health to ear hygiene.

Most Doxles have short to medium coats that don’t require daily brushing, but a weekly brush is non-negotiable for coat health and shedding control. Brushing removes loose hair, dirt, and dander while distributing natural oils, which keep the coat shiny and skin healthy.

Brush Types to Use:

• Slicker Brush: Ideal for smooth-coated Doxles, removing surface debris and dead fur.
   
• Pin Brush: Best for medium or slightly feathered coats, helping to detangle fur without pulling.
   
• De-Shedding Tool: Perfect during heavy shedding seasons (spring and autumn), especially for beagle-heavy coats.
   
• Grooming Gloves: A gentle option that doubles as a mini-massage, great for nervous or fidgety dogs.
   

Brushing Schedule:

• Smooth Coats: Once a week, more often during shedding seasons.
   
• Medium or Long Coats: 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles and keep feathering smooth.
   

James’s Tip: Always brush in the direction of hair growth and start with gentle strokes. If you encounter tangles (more likely in long-haired mixes), use a detangling spray or a wide-tooth comb before brushing.

Doxles don’t need frequent baths. Over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, leaving the skin dry and flaky. The AKC Grooming Guide recommends bathing most dogs every 4–6 weeks (AKC Grooming Guidelines) — a rule that works perfectly for this mix.

Bathing Tips for Doxles:

1. Use a Mild Dog Shampoo: Oatmeal-based or hypoallergenic formulas are ideal, especially if your dog has sensitive skin.
    
2. Brush Before Bathing: Removing loose fur first prevents matting and makes bathing more effective.
    
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Any leftover shampoo can cause irritation.
    
4. Dry Gently: Pat with a towel and let them air dry, or use a low-heat pet dryer if your dog tolerates it.
    

When to Bathe More Often:
If your Doxle rolls in mud (or something less pleasant), give them a quick rinse with a gentle shampoo. Beagles are known for their love of smelly “finds,” and dachshunds aren’t much better — so keep a quick-dry towel and dry shampoo on hand for in-between clean-ups.

Nail care is often overlooked, but overgrown nails can cause discomfort and even affect your Doxle’s posture or gait. Because both beagles and dachshunds have active hunting backgrounds, their nails grow faster than you might expect.

Trimming Guidelines:

• Trim nails every 3–4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on hard floors.
   
• Use dog-specific nail clippers or a nail grinder for smoother edges.
   
• Take care not to cut into the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail). For light-colored nails, the quick is visible; for dark nails, trim small amounts at a time.
   

Tip: If you’re nervous about trimming nails, many vets or groomers will do a quick trim for a small fee — or you can desensitize your Doxle by pairing nail trims with treats and praise.

Floppy ears (a trait from both parents) can trap moisture and debris, leading to ear infections if not cleaned regularly. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, routine ear checks are crucial for breeds with drop ears (VCA Ear Care Guide).

Ear Care Routine:

• Check ears once a week for redness, odor, or wax build-up.
   
• Wipe with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pad (never insert cotton buds into the ear canal).
   
• Keep ears dry after swimming or baths to prevent infections.
   

Dental health is part of overall grooming. Beagle dachshund mixes can be prone to plaque build-up, especially if they inherit the dachshund’s smaller mouth.

Simple Dental Care Steps:

• Brush their teeth 2–3 times a week using dog-safe toothpaste.
   
• Offer dental chews or raw carrots as natural plaque reducers.
   
• Schedule professional dental cleaning if recommended by your vet.
   

Weekly Tasks:

• Brush coat.
   
• Check ears and wipe clean.
   
• Brush teeth 2–3 times per week.
   

Monthly Tasks:

• Trim nails.
   
• Bath (every 4–6 weeks).
   

Seasonal:

• Use a de-shedding tool in spring and autumn.
   

The right tools make beagle dachshund mix grooming so much easier. You don’t need a full salon setup — just a few quality essentials to handle brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, and nail care. When chosen well, these tools not only keep your Doxle looking good but also reduce shedding, prevent tangles, and maintain healthy skin and coat.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes that “using the proper grooming tools helps maintain coat quality and prevent unnecessary stress for both dog and owner” (AKC Grooming Guidelines).

1. Slicker Brush

• Ideal for smooth-coated Doxles (short beagle-like fur).
  
  
• Removes loose hairs and debris efficiently.
  
  
• Brands like Hertzko or Safari Slicker Brushes are highly recommended.
  
  
  

2. Pin Brush

• Best for medium or slightly feathered coats (common with long-haired dachshund genetics).
  
  
• Helps detangle fur without pulling, especially around the ears and tail.
  
  
  

3. De-Shedding Tool

• A must-have during seasonal shedding (spring and autumn).
  
  
• Tools like the Furminator or SleekEZ reach undercoats without damaging the topcoat.
  
  
• Use once a week during peak shedding to control loose hair.
  
  
  

4. Grooming Gloves

• Perfect for Doxles who dislike traditional brushes.
  
  
• Doubles as a bonding tool — you can pet your dog while removing loose fur.
  
  
  

1. Dog-Specific Shampoos

• Avoid human shampoos — they disrupt a dog’s skin pH and can cause irritation.
  
  
• For sensitive skin, oatmeal-based shampoos like Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo work well.
  
  
• If your Doxle has a thicker coat or dry skin, consider a moisturizing formula with aloe or coconut oil.
  
  
  

2. Conditioner or Rinse

• Helps with tangles in longer coats and keeps fur smooth.
  
  
• A leave-in spray conditioner can also add shine between baths.
  
  
  

3. Quick-Dry Towels & Pet Dryer

• A highly absorbent towel speeds up drying.
  
  
• For longer-coated mixes, a low-heat pet dryer prevents matting and ensures no dampness lingers (which can cause odor).
  
  
  

1. Nail Clippers

• Guillotine or scissor-style clippers (e.g., Safari or Millers Forge) work well for small to medium dogs like Doxles.
  
  
• Always use clippers with a safety guard to avoid cutting too far.
  
  
  

2. Nail Grinder

• A great alternative if your Doxle is nervous about clippers.
  
  
• Grinders like the Dremel PawControl provide smoother results and reduce the risk of hitting the quick.
  
  

3. Paw Balm

• Helps protect paw pads from cracks, especially if you walk your Doxle on rough surfaces or during extreme weather.
  
  
  

1. Ear Cleaning Solution

• Beagle and dachshund ears trap moisture and wax, so a vet-approved ear cleaner (like Epi-Otic or Virbac) is essential.
  
  
• Cotton pads or gauze work better than cotton buds, which can push debris further inside.
  
  
  

2. Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush with dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste, which contains harmful fluoride).
  
  
• Aim for brushing 2–3 times per week to reduce tartar buildup.
  
  
  

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Salmon oil or fish oil supplements keep your Doxle’s coat glossy and reduce shedding.
  
  
• As PetMD notes, “Omega-3 fatty acids help improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation” (PetMD Coat Health).
  
  
  

2. Biotin & Vitamin E

• Can support healthy hair growth, especially if your dog’s coat appears dull or brittle.
  
  
• Always consult your vet before introducing supplements.
  
  
  

Keep a grooming kit ready to go:

• Store brushes, clippers, shampoos, and wipes in a small caddy or basket.
  
  
• Dedicate a quiet space (like a bathroom or laundry room) where grooming can happen without distractions.
  
  
• Pair grooming sessions with treats and positive reinforcement to create a calm routine.
  
  

Owning a beagle dachshund mix (Doxle) means learning to manage shedding — not eliminate it. Doxles are moderate shedders, which means you’ll notice loose hair year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and autumn. While their coats don’t require daily maintenance, a little consistency goes a long way in keeping their fur (and your home) under control.

The AKC notes that “shedding is a natural process that keeps a dog’s coat healthy, but grooming helps manage the amount of hair released into your home” (AKC Dog Shedding 101). This section will walk you through seasonal shedding care, coat-friendly diets, and at-home grooming hacks to keep your Doxle’s coat looking its best.

Shedding is normal for both beagles and dachshunds, and the mix inherits that trait. A dog’s coat renews itself by naturally releasing dead or loose hair. Seasonal shedding ramps up during spring (shedding winter coats) and autumn (preparing for a thicker winter coat).

For smooth-coated Doxles, shedding is light but noticeable — think fine hairs on your couch. For medium-coated or feathered Doxles (influenced by long-haired dachshund genes), expect a bit more upkeep, as their fur can trap loose hairs and dander.

1. Weekly Brushing
   Brushing is your best defense against shedding.

• Use a slicker brush for smooth coats or a pin brush for longer hair.
   
• During heavy shedding seasons, add a de-shedding tool (like the Furminator) once a week to remove undercoat hairs.
   
• Finish with a rubber grooming glove to catch stray hairs and give your Doxle a gentle massage.
   
  

2. Bathing & Blow-Drying
   A bath every 4–6 weeks loosens dead fur and helps keep shedding manageable.

• Use a mild, moisturizing dog shampoo (oatmeal-based if your Doxle has sensitive skin).
   
• Follow with a low-heat pet dryer or a towel dry, brushing while the coat is still slightly damp to remove loosened hair.
   
• Avoid over-bathing, which can dry out the skin and increase shedding.
   
  

3. Seasonal Coat “Reset”
   In spring and autumn, brushing every 2–3 days helps control the extra hair. Use a shedding blade or undercoat rake (especially for beagle-heavy coats) for a quick once-over.
   

A healthy coat starts with proper nutrition. If your Doxle’s fur seems dull, brittle, or sheds excessively, diet is often the culprit. The PetMD Nutrition Guide points out that “essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, improve coat shine and reduce excessive shedding” (PetMD Dog Nutrition).

Dietary Tips:

• High-quality protein (like chicken, turkey, or fish) should be the first ingredient in their food.
   
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (found in salmon oil or flaxseed oil) nourish skin and coat.
   
• Avoid low-quality kibble with fillers like corn or soy, which can lead to flaky skin and more shedding.
   
  

Recommended Supplements:

• Fish oil capsules or liquid (vet-approved dosages).
   
• Biotin for hair growth and coat strength.
   
• Vitamin E for skin health.
   

Always consult your vet before adding supplements, especially if your Doxle has allergies or sensitivities.

Even with regular brushing, some hair will always find its way onto your furniture. Here are some low-effort hacks I use at home:

• Keep a lint roller or pet hair remover brush near the couch and car seats.
   
• Vacuum once or twice a week — I use a pet-specific vacuum attachment to handle stubborn hair.
   
• Wash their bedding weekly, as fur and dander build up quickly.
   
• Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down smooth surfaces where fur collects.
   

If your Doxle loves couches as much as Harvey loves ours, a washable throw blanket is your best friend.

While brushing, take a minute to check for:

• Dry patches or dandruff (may indicate allergies or nutritional gaps).
   
• Redness or hot spots (could be skin irritation or infections).
   
• Ticks or fleas, especially around the ears and belly.
   

Early detection of skin issues prevents bigger problems down the track. A quick check during grooming sessions is far easier than dealing with vet visits for preventable irritations.

During peak shedding seasons (spring and autumn):

• Brush every 2–3 days to keep loose hairs under control.
   
• Add an omega-3 supplement to their diet if not already included.
   
• Consider a quick “coat refresh” bath every 3–4 weeks to help loosen dead hair.
   

• Never shave your Doxle unless for medical reasons — their coat helps regulate temperature and protect their skin.
   
• Avoid harsh human shampoos, which strip essential oils and cause dryness.
   
• Don’t skip brushing sessions during shedding seasons — even one week can lead to excess hair build-up and mats in medium-coated Doxles.
   

Explore the full Beagle Dachshund Mix Collection for complete care, training, and health insights:

• Beagle Dachshund Mix: The Complete Doxle Guide
  Your all-in-one resource on Doxle temperament, size, coat colors, and care.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Temperament: Is the Doxle Right for You?
  A closer look at the Doxle’s personality, family compatibility, and quirks.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Size & Growth Chart
  Learn how big Doxles get and track their growth milestones.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Lifespan & Health
  Key health considerations, lifespan tips, and preventative care.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Coat Colors & Patterns
  Discover the unique coat colors and markings of this hybrid breed.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Training Guide
  Practical strategies for training a smart but sometimes stubborn Doxle.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Puppies: What New Owners Should Know
  A guide to raising happy, healthy Doxle puppies.
  
  
• Beagle Dachshund Mix Cost & Adoption Guide
  Costs, adoption advice, and how to find a reputable breeder.
  
  
• Beagle vs Dachshund vs Doxle: Which Breed Fits Your Lifestyle?
  A side-by-side comparison to help you decide which dog suits your lifestyle.

This article was written by Ellie, a dachshund owner and enthusiast — not a veterinarian. Please consult your vet for personalized guidance.