Dapple Dachshund: Rare Color Or a Flaw

Dapple Dachshund: Rare Color Or a Flaw

Author WDF Staff


There is no denying that the dapple Dachshund is a striking dog, and their popularity confirms that. They have a beautiful pattern that makes their coat unique and attractive, but there is a lot more behind the dapple Dachshund than what meets the eye. Let’s explore the hidden parts of the “rare” sausage dog color.

What is a dapple Dachshund? 

A dapple Dachshund is a part of the Dachshund breed; the only difference is that it is a dog with a specific spotted pattern on its coat. This pattern is not unique to them. It can be found in other breeds like the Scottish Collie or the Australian Shepherd. The difference is that the pattern within those breeds is called merle.

 Dachshunds come in three sizes - the Standard, Miniature, and Rabbit. They also come with three possible coat variations - wiry, straight, and short. No matter the size or coat, the dapple pattern can shine through, and the dog will have this unique pattern on their coat.

dapple dog different eyes

Are they pureblooded Dachshunds?

Yes, dapple Dachshunds are considered pureblooded. Dapple spotting, or pattern, is a mutation the same way that merle pattern is in other breeds. Dapple Doxies can be registered in all major kennel clubs. They are a fully-accepted member of the breed; the only thing is - they stand out with their color.

This pattern is even described in their standard. The Doxie standard says that these dogs should have a dark base color, except in red dapples. A highly desired pattern in the show ring would be as small spots as possible. Large spots are not desirable. The preferred coloring of the spots is beige or grey.

Check out the full profile of the Dachshund breed here.

What are the available dapple colorings?

Pureblooded Doxies come in different colors and patterns. They can be one-colored, two-colored, dappled, or even have a brindle pattern on their coat. The most common dapple Dachshund colorings are:

  • Chocolate and tan
  • Chocolate
  • Silver dapple
  • Red dapple
  • Black and tan brindle
  • Blue and tan piebald
  • Black and tan
  • Black and cream
  • Blue and cream
  • Wild boar

Any allowed color of this breed mentioned in their official standard can come with a dappled pattern.

dachshund dapple puppy

What kind of a pet is a dapple Dachshund?

The dapple Dachshund is not very different from the “regular” dog. They were originally bred as hunting dogs specialized in hunting animals that live in boroughs or tunnels (rabbits, foxes, badgers, etc.). They are surprisingly strong compared to their size, which might be expected since they had to take on one of the fiercest foes - the badger.

Original hunting Dachshunds were a bit larger and even stronger than the modern-day dogs. Still, some traits remained with them today, and they heavily influence their characters. They have a keen sense of smell and will follow exciting scents no matter where it leads them.

At home, they can be peaceful and content, but they often chose not to be. Dapple Dachshunds are often described as having a large personality and being humorous. They love their routines and will let you know if you are late to anything they expect to be in time, as their daily walks or meals. They can be vocal, and they love to express their feelings and needs. 

Should you get a dapple Dachshund?

There is no reason not to get a dapple Dachshund. It is one of the most popular dogs in the US for years now, and they have a great personality that fits with families and single owners. They can have a bit of a stubborn streak, so every usual raising technique should be employed. Keep in mind to socialize and train your dog, and you will end up with a loving pet that is great with all family members.

Before you get a dapple Doxie, there are some things you should know as a future owner.

dachshund profile

Health risks

Dapple pattern is often connected to a multitude of health problems and concerns. Most of these problems are associated with their eyes and ears. Dapple Dachshunds are known for hearing and seeing problems, and that is only the start. Some health issues these dogs are prone to are:

Getting a healthy miniature dappled Dachshund puppy

With a breed that is prone to so many health problems, you must get the best possible start for your dog. The best way to ensure that is to get it from a breeder that follows the best breeding practices and guidelines. Getting a healthy miniature dappled Dachshund puppy is not an easy or a quick thing to do. It will require patience and research.

Irresponsible breeders like to take advantage of naive buyers looking to get a dog as soon as possible. Buyers often concentrate on getting a dog and rarely think about problems that go hand-in-hand with poorly-bred dogs. Just because you came across an ad saying “dapple Dachshund for sale” doesn’t mean you should immediately buy.

dachshund and a woman

Things to look out for when buying a dappled Doxie

It is your duty as a buyer not to fall for tricks irresponsible breeders use to sell their unhealthy dogs. We would love to see you end up with the healthiest dappled Dachshund puppy, so keep an eye out for things like these:

  • Rare-colored sausage dogs for sale
  • Double dapple dogs
  • Low prices
  • No health tests
  • No pedigrees
  • You can’t see either of the puppy’s parents
  • Social media sale

Double dapple Dachshunds

The double dapple Dachshund is a term to describe a dapple Doxie puppy that was bred by two dapple parents. That might sound interesting, but that is a risky thing to do. Double dappled puppies are usually unhealthy and will most likely display blindness or deafness. Dapple pattern is a dominant gene, and if one parent has that type of coat, the puppies will inherit it.

The best way to produce healthy dapple Dachshund puppies is by breeding a dappled dog with a one or two-colored dog. They have fewer health risks and are generally a lot healthier than double dappled dogs.

World Dog Finder team

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