Dapple Dachshund dogs have a pattern coat with splotches of brown, black, gray and tan. In order to get dapple Dachshund puppies, one parent must have the merle gene. And it isn’t always obvious! A dog who has even one barely detectable dapple spot is still technically a dapple. They should be registered as such, because their offspring might have more splashed and spots.
Contents
- Dapple vs double dapple Dachshunds
- Characteristics and temperament traits
- Potential health problems
- Dapple Dachshund puppies
Dachshunds come in two sizes: standard and miniature. They’re also available in three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. All Dachshunds have only one color. A pattern in another color, like the dapple, can be superimposed over the base hue. The dapple design can vary from a huge smattering of splashes to one single spot. Even dapple Dachshund puppies from the same litter can look entirely different.
What is a Double Dapple Dachshund?
When both parents are dappled, each will pass on the dapple, or merle gene, to create double dapple Dachshund puppies. In addition to having even more intricate kaleidoscopic color patches, double dapples usually have large areas of white on their bodies. If dappling appears on the face, the eyes might be an icy shade of blue.
These characteristics can be quite striking, and some breeders will try to create double dapple puppies for their uniqueness. Unfortunately, double dappling is associated with serious ear and eye problems, which we’ll look into shortly.
Height and Weight
The standard Dachshund will stand from 8 to 9 inches and weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. The miniature version is considerably smaller, measuring just 5 to 6 inches and weighing under 11 pounds.
Coat and Grooming
The smooth or short haired Dachshund is the most popular variety. Their shining coat won’t shed much and requires only a quick brush once a week.
Long haired dapple Dachshunds require daily brushing to prevent matting. The short coarse outer coat of the wire haired variety needs to be brushed several times a week with a bristle brush. Plucking or stripping a few times a year to get rid of dead hairs is a good idea for the wire haired dapple Dachshund.
Temperament and Behavior
Despite their small size, Dachshunds are courageous and protective. A tendency to be suspicious of strangers and scrappy towards other dogs requires early socialization to avoid behavioral problems.
They were developed in Germany in the 16th century as a hunting breed. Their long, low body was designed for digging into badger dens and their loud bark alerted hunters to their underground location. Dapple Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs, are very loyal, and have a tendency to be stubborn.
Training and Exercise Requirements
For any dog breed, socialization from an early age is important. A strong-willed, independent breed like the Dachshund can be difficult to train. The trainer needs patience and consistency. Children and Dachshunds should never be left alone together due to the dog’s small size and delicate backs. Remember that the Doxie’s long back is easily injured. They’ll bite if not handled properly.
Dapple Dachshunds were born to be active. Two daily walks of moderate length should be enough to keep them in shape. For this breed, staying fit is vital. Regular exercise will avoid obesity and build muscle tone to protect their vulnerable back.
Dachshund Back Problems
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) tops the list of Dachshund health problems. Their distinctive wiener dog shape means they have a risk 10 to 12 times greater than other breeds. Of all Dachshunds, 19 to 24% are affected by IVDD.
While some dogs can recover, there is a considerable risk of permanent damage. This terrible disease can be very painful, and in severe cases causes paralysis. Ensuring they don’t become overweight and not allowing them on stairs or jumping on furniture is the best way to avoid IVDD in a dapple Dachshund.
Dapple Dachshund Eye and Ear Problems
The sweet, soulful eyes of the Dachshund are prone to a wide array of genetically linked diseases. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is one of the most serious eye problems. This degenerative eye disease may result in blindness and affects long haired Dachshund puppies in particular. One study also found signs of early onset vision impairment in the wire haired Dachshund.
Dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, and optic nerve hypoplasia can also affect the breed. Even more disturbing are issues that concern double dapple Dachshunds. As mentioned earlier, when both parents carry the merle gene, there is an increased risk for eye and ear issues. This includes puppies being born blind, having malformed eyes, only one eye, or no eyes at all. Similarly, double dapple puppies can be born deaf or with misshapen or missing ears.
Ideal Home for a Dapple Dachshund
The Dachshund is a loyal companion, devoted to his family. Although they’re not the best choice if you have young children. About one out of every four Doxies will develop IVDD that can result in paralysis. The severe back problems that plague this breed should be a serious consideration before bringing a dapple Dachshund into your home.
Choosing a Dapple Dachshund Puppy
When picking a puppy, nothing is more significant than health testing for issues that impact the parents. Seeing both the dam and the sire is also very important before making a decision.
Avoid buying puppies whose parents have exaggerated body length or very short legs, as either of these attributes can increase the risk for IVDD. Finally, never buy a puppy whose parents are both dapple Dachshunds, due to the high risk of genetic defects. Only when people refuse to buy these dogs will breeders cease to breed for the double dapple characteristics that cause needless genetic defects.
Sandra says
Where can one like on the add with the blue eyes be found to buy
Amy says
Hello. I have found this page to be very useful, thank you.
I have a rescue dachshund with eye problems which after research and a trip to the vets has turned out to be a 1 year old double dapple with very little sight remaining. We have now had her 6 months and she is very sweet.
We have a friend with a dachshund of solid colour and they have asked us if we would ever want our dog to have a litter. Before considering it, we would need to know if this is safe. Have you ever come across this before?
I would be grateful of any feedback, thank you.
Charice says
Your dog has severe genetic defects. Do not breed your dog with any other dachshunds. No it is not safe and it is completely irresponsible.
Tracey says
Hi! My name is Tracey and I am a dachshund Mom to a female long haired chocolate & tan dapple named Francis Claire. I do a ton a research on their breed and I have learned so much since I got her ❤ Down the road I will be letting her have a litter of puppies and I really can’t find a color chart of what coat type that would be BEST to breed her with. I am very aware of the whole double dapple thing-and of course would never breed her with another dapple. Can you give me some information on this subject? Thanks so much!
Deb Allen says
A year ago we adopted a rescue short hair red dachshund with very small amounts of dapple white coloring on one ear, under one eye, and on chest. Since then the dog is getting more and more white on him….ears turning polka dot, more white on chest and lower belly, with some white interspersed on neck and back. He spends a lot of time outside sunbathing. Dog is neutered male around 4 – 5 and not turning white on snout or paws yet as aging dogs usually do first. Is this normal for a doxie to become more dapple at this age, could sun exposure cause it, or is this typical of early change in coloring in an aging dapple?
Rosa Donato says
I live in Townsend Delaware and I have been looking every where for a miniature dapple puppy, can someone please help me find the love of my life
Alee says
We are trying to figure out if our Weiner is a dapple or what his breed is he has gray patches and he has one blue eye and one brown he under 3 years old
StyxxsMom says
he is most likely a silver dapple with a rare genetic eye coloring. I forget the the name but humans can have this too. A photo would be helpful but a dna would be able to confirm the breed/breeds.
Jess says
Heterochromia.
Dani DuBose says
My long haired beautiful dapple lived to 12.5 yrs. She passed away 2 days ago. She was the sweetest most loving, mild mannered creature I have ever met. In all of those years, we never heard her growl at anyone or anything. Not even once. She was very gentle and loving around my little boy. We got her three months before he was born. I don’t understand the comment that said don’t leave them alone around children. That boggles my mind. She was an angel dog around children and everyone and everything. We didn’t have to teach her to be gentle and loving. She was just that way. <3
StyxxsMom says
Dozies like to steal food & lick food off babies which can be scary for them, but they will also dart at people & children may react to this wrong & scare everyone, including the dog. My 12 yo just did this with my neighbor & puppy & even as adults we all freaked out. I’ve had dozies the last 27 years and only my 12 yo ever behaved this way, or gave me concern around kids. He is sweet as can be & a huge love bug but I pay extra attention around him & kids he doesn’t know.
Jess says
Small children can also lack the impulse control to be reliably gentle, which can result in back injuries if dogs are picked up improperly or dropped, and even if dogs are not hurt, they can become frightened and bite.
Elizabeth May says
I’ve owned large dogs for 50 years. I love all animals, but I recently moved into an apartment that has a 35lb weight limit. I’ve always adored Dashhounds…I’ve been researching, best breeder in Nc? Thanks
tammy says
I know it’s a bit of a drive but Whispering Pines in Tennessee is great. Look them up online.
Scott says
I have a short haired female dapple 3 years old. Would it be safe to breed her with a short haired solid red?
Jennifer Hutchins says
Yes- just do not breed her to another dapple. That will create double dapple puppies and as an owner of a rescue double dapple the health issues are immense. He is blind, he had IVDD that required a $3000 surgery, and he is now losing his vision
JENNIFER J SMITH says
I love my dapple.
Mac says
Good information.
Thank you
Lynn Marie says
Thank you for information my pup is 4mths old was born blind. I went on ur site to find out about colors. Mine is blk\tan but has area’s where looks like white come in, was checking if possible. Didn’t find out but got other good info.thank you,LynnMarie