Dapple Dachshund
August 7, 2024 2024-08-07 14:44Dachshunds are a very popular breed among family homes, ranking #6 on the most popular breed list by the AKC. They come in two different sizes: standard and miniature, and three different coat types: long-haired, wire-haired and smooth-haired.
Dachshunds are commonly known to most as being completely red or black and tan in color. But they also come in many colors and patterns, including a very unique looking one called “dapple”, also known as “merle” in other breeds. This patterned coat is quite rare and very sought-after due to how beautiful it looks.
Unlike some breeds, dapple in Dachshunds is recognized and accepted by the AKC and is bred by many reputable breeders.
Appearance
The dapple Dachshund is very well recognized and often noted for their unique shape. Often called a “wiener dog” or “sausage dog” by some due to their short legs and long body. Though their color may be unique, the dapple Dachshund is just like any other Dachshund in appearance and size.
Ranging from 20-32 pounds for standard male Dachshunds and 16-28 pounds for standard female Dachshunds. Miniature Dachshunds should weigh no more than 11 pounds, with their ideal weight being 10 pounds when fully grown.
When it comes to the unique dapple pattern, they can range from colors of chocolate mixtures to black and gray mixed patterns. The light and dark should be even, and one should never be more predominant than the other.
Dachshunds come in three different coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. The smooth coat is very sleek, and the coat is very tight to the body. Long-haired Dachshunds have long hair all over them, especially on the ears, chest, and underside, with the longest hairs being on their tail. Wire-haired Dachshunds can look similar to smooth-coated Dachshunds, but their overcoat is rough and harsh. They also display a beard and eyebrows. Dapple is possible in all three coat varieties but is least common in the wire-haired version.
The Dachshund’s ears are long and rounded at the end; their ears should never stand up. Wall eyes, or blue eyes, can happen in dapple Dachshunds, but this is less desirable, and brown eyes are preferred.
History
Dachshunds originally came from Germany; the name “Dachshund” translates to “badger dog” in English. These little fearless dogs were bred and used to hunt vermin above and underground. They were bred as hunting dogs that could do it all: track, flush game, and retrieve it.
1700 was when the first description of a Dachshund-like dog was recorded, and in 1719, a book showcased an illustration of two dogs that were very similar to the Dachshund breed. The breed continued to grow popular in Germany as hunters and for companionship.
In 1836, the first Dachshund portraits of all three varieties appeared, and this was when the first image depicted the dapple pattern as well. This shows that dapple has been a part of the breed for a long time. Breeders focused mostly on hunting ability and used the coats that were best suited for that location.
By 1888 this was when the first Dachshund breed club was created in Germany, called ‘The Tekel Club’. But, before this club was formed, there was actually a Dachshund Club formed in Great Britain, and the standard was a bit different than that of the German Standard. Calling for a large, hound-type dog with crooked legs, vs. a more terrier looking dog that was small with straighter legs. Eventually, the German standard was adopted over the version written in Great Britain.
Dachshunds were first introduced to America around the 1880’s, mainly in the Midwest and East Coast, and were very popular, even though these breeders had trouble getting their hands on German bloodlines. Dachshunds were actually part of the AKC’s six original breeds. But, when World War I came around, popularity plummeted due to a hatred for anything related to the Germans.
Slowly though, their popularity gained again a few years after the war, even many soldiers coming home to the USA were bringing these dogs back home with them, and to this day, they have stayed quite high on many of the most popular breed lists.
Personality and Temperament
The Dachshund, although considered a hound, can be very terrier-like. Many people claim them to be big dogs in a small dog body. They have a big personality and are described as clever, lively, and courageous in the AKC standard. They are also known as being courageous, so courageous that they may pick a fight with something no matter the size.
They make fantastic companions and are usually very loving to their family. They really enjoy being with their people, whether it be cuddling on the couch or going for a walk in the woods. They can make great sidekicks for polite children, with the standard size being more ideal as they are bigger.
Dachshunds will usually pick one family member to glue themselves to. They will bond closely with this person, and act very differently towards them than anyone else in the home. But they will still show love to other family members as well.
They can be a bit aloof towards strangers, and they are even known as being a bit nippy around people as well. Sometimes they may even be shy towards people they don’t know and may want no interaction with them at all. Reactivity can be a known behaviour issue in Dachshunds as well. But socializing them well and respecting your Dachshunds’ space can help stop this.
They are also known as being on the barky side, which a lot of people do not like, but with training they can be quiet dogs as well. This can also make them a good guard dog; while they are small, they are very likely to bark when a stranger comes to the home. Their bark has been known to be quite loud and deep, tricking strangers into thinking a bigger dog lives there.
Because they are a hunting breed and were bred to go after prey, this can make them have a strong prey drive. They may chase many small animals, including cats. Make sure you implement a good recall for moments like this, even if you never let your Dachshund off a leash. Be mindful as well if you’re looking to add a Dachshund into your home with prey animals like bunnies, mice, etc,.
Owning a Dachshund
If you’re thinking about owning a Dachshund, there are some things to keep in mind. These dogs are ideal for any living situation, especially the miniatures. They can make great dogs for apartments as they don’t take up as much space as a bigger dog. But if you do live in an apartment and are considering a Dachshund, remember they can be quite vocal and may need extra training to keep them quiet.
While their size is great for living areas, they may not always do the best in cold climates. Especially the smooth-coated Dachshund. A lot of snow and cold temperatures can make it hard to exercise and even potty your Dachshund, but many owners purchase warm coats and booties to help with this.
While the Dachshund is already known for being hard to potty train, living in a colder climate can make this even harder. While it is entirely possible, be prepared to spend more time on potty training them.
The Dachshund is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years, and even some living over 18 years is not uncommon. While they can have a few health conditions, some only complicate parts of their body, and they can still live a long, happy life.
The expenses of owning a Dachshund can vary, but their small size makes them a bit more affordable in some ways. Although some of the health issues they may get can be expensive, especially dental, looking into pet insurance for your Dachshund can be beneficial.
Basic care, like food and grooming, is also very affordable due to their small size. But keep in mind the varieties of the Dachshund. A standard Dachshund will need more food than a miniature. Grooming may be a bit more expensive for a long-coated or wire-coated Dachshund than for a smooth-coated Dachshund as well.
Exercise and Training your Dachshund
A Dachshund can be very versatile and has been known to compete in anything from agility to Earthdog trials. Other than Terriers, Dachshunds are the only other dog breed that can compete in Earthdog trials.
They are said to be “stubborn,” as most hound breeds can be, and people think a stubborn dog is a dog who is not very smart. But, this is very incorrect especially for a Dachshund. They are a very smart breed; they can learn many tricks and compete in many venues. But other than trained “tricks”, they show a high amount of intelligence and problem solving skills.
What’s hard about training a Dachshund is learning how to train a dog who thinks the way they do and is not exactly a people pleasing breed like a Border Collie or German Shepherd. They can be very food-motivated, which is incredibly helpful when it comes to training. They have even been known to open zippers on bags to get to something they can eat, showing their high motivation for food as well as how intelligent they are
Coming back to being versatile, Dachshunds can be great dogs to cuddle with on the couch, but they will also love going out and exploring on a walk or hike too. Some Dachshunds, though, may prefer to cuddle all day vs going for a hike, while others may want to go, go, go.
If you’re hoping to do more sports and hiking with your Dachshund, just remember to always be careful of potential back issues. Being aware of things they are jumping off of or over can make a huge difference and can keep them from getting IVDD. While these dogs are said to be able to do it all, they still have limits due to their body type at the end of the day.
Being a hunting breed, these dogs love to sniff and dig. On walks, you may see them with their noses straight on the ground, looking for something that has passed by. Because they were bred to go into holes, they will even go as far as digging into an animal’s den to try to get to them. They are very reluctant to give up. You may notice them even digging and tunneling in blankets at home; this is due to their hunting nature and selective breeding.
Health and Care
Dachshunds have a few health conditions that you should be aware of if you’re hoping to add one to your home. Dapple Dachshunds can have all the same issues as Dachshunds of other colors, but they are also prone to some dapple-specific issues.
A few of the common conditions can be prevented with a few easy lifestyle changes. Carrying your Dachshund to prevent them from using stairs or jumping off high surfaces can help prevent back problems later down the road. It’s also recommended to not allow them to jump off of furniture for the same reason. But you don’t have to pick them up or let them down each time; Dachshunds are trained by their owners to use ramps to get off of furniture. Which can be very helpful.
You should also make sure to keep your Dachshund at a good weight to prevent back issues as well as joint pain. This goes for any breed of dog, but because of a Dachshund’s short legs and long body, they are more prone to back issues, and adding weight to the equation does not help that.
Grooming
Grooming requirements for a dapple Dachshund are the same as any other color, but that does change depending on their hair type. Nail clipping, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, etc. will all be the same and should be done regularly.
The easiest Dachshund coat type to groom will be the smooth variety; an easy bath and brush are really all they need.
The long-haired and wire-haired varieties will need more grooming. The long-haired Dachshund will require daily brushing to keep tangles and mats away. Especially around the longer spots, like behind the ears and tail, as they are more prone to getting mats there.
The wire-haired Dachshund will also require brushing a few times a week, but they will also require their coats to be stripped a few times a year. Stripping the coat can be a timely grooming requirement.
Common Health Issues
Dapple Dachshunds can be prone to a few health issues, just like every other Dachshund. But, they can be prone to a few unique health issues due to their coloring.
The most common health issue you may see in your dapple Dachshund is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This disease is caused by a bulging or slipped disc in the spine. Because dapple Dachshunds have such short legs, they are more prone to this disease.
Because dapple Dachshunds are a small breed, they are very prone to dental disease as well. Brushing your dog’s teeth and getting dental cleanings done by a veterinarian can prevent this, but sometimes dental disease is genetic, and your Dachshund may still get it regardless. But that’s no reason to not put any time into teeth care; this is important for any and all dogs.
Obesity is another common health issue that dapple Dachshunds may face. Because of their small size and being prone to some health conditions that may limit movement, these can cause excess weight gain. It’s important to keep your dapple Dachshund at a good weight to prevent other health conditions from happening and keep your Dachshund healthy for years to come.
There are a few health issues specific to dapple Dachshunds to be careful of when thinking about adding one to your home. While eye issues can be common in any Dachshund color, the dapple pattern has a higher chance of eye conditions.
Another thing to be careful of is sunburns on your dapple Dachshund. While any dog can get a sunburn, if your Dachshund has more light-colored patches, or very light pigment, they are more likely to get a sunburn. Luckily, there is dog-safe sunscreen you can buy.
Something to be very careful of when looking to adopt a dapple Dachshund is to watch for someone breeding two dapple Dachshunds together. This is very unethical and can, unfortunately, cause many issues for the puppies. A dapple Dachshund will usually have white on them and commonly have one or both eyes that are blue.
Double dapple Dachshunds will usually be born partially or completely deaf, blind, or both. They can also be born with missing eyes, or “micro eyes,” where the eyes are unusually small. They usually lack pigment as well and will have pink around the eyes, nose, etc.
Adopting a Dapple Dachshund
Because Dachshunds are pretty popular in the United States, finding a breeder should be fairly easy, but you may run into a bit more trouble finding a breeder who breeds dapples, especially a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders do indeed breed dapple Dachshunds, but they are not as popular as red and black and tan as they are more favorable in the show ring. Unfortunately, bad breeders overweigh the good ones, so make sure to be picky when you’re searching. There are a few things to look for when selecting the breeder for your dapple Dachshund.
When looking for a reputable Dachshunds breeder, starting with the breed club is a great place. Each breed of dog will have a breed club in every country, and they will have a list of breeders who are in good standing with them. It’s recommended to try to stay away from classified advertising websites, as you are most likely to run into bad breeders there.
The cost of a Dachshund may change based on their color. Although many people argue that all puppies should be priced the same, some breeders may charge a bit more for the dapple coloring anyway. This may be due to supply and demand, and to also make sure responsible people are inquiring about the puppy. Sometimes people who are only looking based on color and not the temperament of the dog breed itself inquire about these dapple dogs. This may also be due to the parents used. Finding a dapple parent to produce dapple puppies that suites the other parent can be harder. Which can result in a higher priced puppy. You can decide whether this makes or breaks your decision of the Dachshund breeder you choose.
When it comes to health testing, it can be a bit confusing to know what you’re looking for. Health testing is more than just having the parents or puppies checked over by a vet. Although this is important too, there is much more to it. There are some health testing organizations that specialize in things that are genetic and more complicated than a basic check up. Like at The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Within the OFA, there is the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program. This program works alongside the breed parent club to decide which health tests fit the basics for breeding. For a dog to receive a CHIC certification, they must have the recommended health testing. They don’t have to pass them, but the results must be posted to the public.
Every dog that is being considered for breeding should at least pass health testing that is specifically for the breed. For Dachshunds, eye exams and patella examinations are recommended. It is recommended that the eyes be checked at least two years before breeding, as well as having the patella reevaluated, as issues may not show up until later in life. Many breeders opt into having eyes checked yearly.
Dachshunds are also recommended to have a basic cardiac exam done, and it is recommended to do it as early as possible and then again 2 years before breeding. The cardiac exam is only optional for breeders to do and is not needed to receive the CHIC certification.
Breeders can also test for LaFlora Disease, IVDD, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy but unfortunately, these tests are not as reliable as others. They are also not needed to receive a CHIC certification, but maybe in the future when tests are more available.
When searching for a dapple Dachshund, as stated above, it is important to stay away from anyone breeding two dapple Dachshunds together due to the many issues the puppies will likely be born with. But this doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a dapple Dachshund from a reputable rescue if you’re prepared for the care and challenges of owning a double dapple Dachshund. At the end of the day, they are all loving companions.
The Bottom Line
A dapple Dachshund is a very unique looking dog, and although the color is very different, a dapple Dachshund is purebred and is the exact same as other Dachshunds in every other way.
The Dachshund is a very old breed, and the dapple pattern itself has been noted in the breed.
for a long time. Although the breed faced some issues that reduced the numbers in many parts of the world, they came back stronger than ever and have been a fan favorite ever since.
Because they are quite rare, it may take a while to find a reputable breeder who breeds them, so be prepared to wait. Always choose a reputable breeder over anyone else so your chances of getting a healthy dog can be at its highest.
Always consider health issues when deciding to add a dapple Dachshund to your family, as you may have to make special modifications around your home to keep your Dachshund from getting hurt.
Dapple Dachshunds can make great family pets in a home that understands their hunting nature and aloof tendencies towards strangers. Although they can be prone to barking and can be hard to train for some, their funny antics and notable personalities have stolen the hearts of many people for hundreds of years.
Author: Andrea
Andrea lives in Canada with her pack of pups. She is very passionate about everything dog related and has many years of experience in the animal world.
Andrea enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs, training, exploring new hiking trails, and capturing the joy of their adventures through photography.
