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Your Black Dachshund Guide

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black dachshund

A black Dachshund will usually have tan or cream markings. But, some puppies may have the less common all black fur.

Black Dachshunds can have short, long, or wire hair. And, they can be shown by AKC standards.

The black color will not impact your dog’s temperament or health. But, they will be prone to the same issues as any other colored Dachshund.

Read on to find out if the black Doxie will suit your home!

Contents and FAQs

If you’re considering one of these popular colors on a Doxie, it’s important to learn all you can about them first.

Make sure that they’re the right fit for your family before bringing one home.

This quest for information starts with the most basic question: what is a black sausage dog?

What is a Black Dachshund?

A black Dachshund, as we mentioned earlier, is a Dachshund dog with completely or partly black fur.

Dachshunds are also known as Doxies, wiener dogs, weenie dogs, and sausage dogs.

This breed is very popular across the world. It ranks at number 11 on AKC’s most popular breed list in 2019.

black dachshund

Dachshunds with black coloring can have short or long fur, depending on their genetics.

Their health and temperament will vary depending on how well they are socialized and trained, and any heritable problems passed down from their parents.

Popular Black Dachshund Color Combinations

When people search for black weiner dogs, they don’t always mean solid black. In fact, black with no markings is quite rare in this breed.

Whilst solid black is an accepted color by the AKC breed standard, it’s not one of the standard colors.

Instead, most people refer to either black and cream, or black and tan Dachshunds. Both of these color combinations are standard colors in the AKC breed standard.

It’s also possible to get black and tan piebald Dachshunds. These will have black, tan, and white coloring on their fur.

Fitting Breed Standards

Dachshund colors are a case of genetics. So, not all of them will fit into the breed standard restrictions.

In fact, you may find Doxies with some very unique color combinations. But, they will not be show quality if they aren’t in line with the breed standard.

This means it can be hard to find puppies with uncommon black colorings and patterns.

Black Dachshund Genetics

All doggy coat colors are down to genetics. It can be quite a daunting and complicated topic, but we will break it down here for you.

All dog colors come from two pigments: eumelanin (which is expressed as black) and pheomelanin (which is expressed as red).

It may be surprising to learn that such a huge spectrum of shades only come from two initial pigments. But, it’s all down to the way different genes interact with these pigments.

Coat color inheritance will depend on the genes that your puppy’s parents provide.

So, you’re likely to get black puppies if you breed together two black parent dogs.

However, breeding for certain colors can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of inheriting serious health problems.

Black Dachshund Coat Lengths

There are three coat varieties in the Dachshund breed. They are:

  • Long haired
  • Smooth haired
  • Wire haired

A black Dachshund, or one with black fur and different colored markings, can be any of these three types.

Their grooming needs will differ depending on which they are. So, let’s take a closer look.

Long Haired

Long haired Dachshunds have long fur all over their bodies, reaching a few inches in length.

This fur type requires regular grooming. Some owners choose to give their long haired Doxies haircuts to keep their fur under control.

Their fur will be soft, and may have a slight wave to it.

You can read more about long haired Dachshunds here.

Smooth Haired

A smooth black Dachshund will have a short, glossy coat. This is the easiest of the three coat types to care for.

They will need minimal grooming.

Wire Haired

A wirehaired Dachshund will have a short, dense, and rough overcoat on most of its body. Underneath this top coat is a softer, shorter undercoat.

The ears, eyebrows, and beard of a wire haired Dachshund will be much longer, giving your dog a distinctive appearance.

Wire-haired dogs like this need special attention when owners groom them. Their fur is rougher, and more brittle, so may need specialized grooming tools.

Black Dachshund Temperament

The black color on a weiner dog is not known to affect its temperament. Instead, sausage dogs with this coloring will be like any other individual from the breed.

Their exact temperament will depend on how well they have been trained and socialized as puppies.

Generally these little dogs are intelligent, independent, and very loyal. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.

Plus, they can become very territorial over their owners and home.

Socialization

Black Dachshunds should be socialized well when they are puppies, and trained from the time they come home.

Although they are only small dogs, they can still deal a lot of damage if they decide they don’t like someone.

Doxies were originally bred to hunt, so they often won’t get along well with other animals.

Owners should also watch them carefully around small children. Dachshunds may lash out if they are hurt by curious prodding fingers, and can be easily hurt themselves due to their long back and very short legs.

Black Dachshund Health

Current research hasn’t linked a black coat color to any health issues in the Dachshund breed.

But, there are a number of problems that the breed as a whole is prone to, including Doxies with black fur.

Some of the most common health problems include:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Lafora’s Disease (a form of late onset epilepsy)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Skin problems
  • Urolithiasis
  • Cryptorchidism

Intervertebral Disc Disease

The main problem that will impact many Dachshunds is due to their long backs and very short legs. It’s a conformational problem that cannot be avoided.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) causes back problems that range from back pain to spinal cord damage, and in extreme cases – paralysis.

The body conformation of this breed can also impact their ability to run, jump, and play like other dogs can.

Sadly this body conformation is very popular, as most people think it makes these dogs look cute. But, it can lead to a very poor quality of life and many health problems for a lot of Doxies.

Health Testing

Some of the health conditions on this list can be tested for before breeding.

So, make sure to see a clean certificate of health from any breeders you are considering. If they refuse to show you heath testing results, or cannot provide a clear bill of health from dogs they will be breeding, you should choose another breeder.

The Canine Health Information Center recommends the following tests:

  • Eye examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness

Have you decided that a black Dachshund is right for you?

Should I Get a Black Dachshund?

Black coloring on a Dachshund dog is popular, particularly with tan or cream markings.

However, a black Doxie will be vulnerable to the same long list of health problems that affect all Dachshunds, and the potential for behavioral issues.

Owners of these dogs must dedicate a lot of time to socialization and training, particularly whilst the dogs are young.

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If you have young children, or other small pets at home, you may want to consider a different breed.

Depending on the type of coat your black sausage dog has, grooming needs can also be quite time consuming.

If your heart is set on this breed, you might want to consider finding a rescue dog.

Where can I Find a Black Dachshund

There are two ways you can go about bringing home a black Dachshund. Either, look for a reputable breeder, or choose a rescue dog.

It’s important to avoid pet stores and puppy mills, particularly given the long list of health problems this breed is prone to.

Reputable breeders must be able to show evidence of health testing, and will let you visit one, if not both parent dogs. Take this time to assess the temperament of the parents.

If the dogs are aggressive towards you, it’s best to find another breeder.

Rescue is another great option. Doxies are popular, so it won’t be hard to find a black Dachshund up for adoption.

Just remember that some Dachshunds in rescue centers could have temperamental problems due to their early life experiences.

So, work with rescue center staff to find a dog that suits you best if you choose this option.

Black Dachshund – Summary

It’s not too hard to find a black and tan or black and cream Dachshund. In fact, these dogs can even be shown.

But, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the health and temperament issues that could affect your new pet.

Dachshunds of all colors are prone to some serious and painful health problems due to their long backs.

And, if they aren’t socialized well, they can be aggressive to people outside your immediate family.

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