A white Dachshund is a dog from the Dachshund breed that is completely snowy white from nose to tail. The Dachshund breed comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. It even comes in two different sizes and three different coat types! However, the internet can be misleading, with many image searches pulling up pictures of adorable white Dachshunds and a number of breeders selling this ‘rare’ colored breed for thousands of dollars. But there isn’t truly an official white Dachshund type. You’ll see the photo at the top of this article shows a dog that could far more accurately be described as cream than white. So where did the idea of a milky white Dachshund dog come from, and is there any truth behind it?
Contents
- Official Dachshund coat colors
- White Dachshund dog genetics.
- Training and behavior.
- Are white Dachshunds healthy dogs?
Official Dachshund Coats
Most famously, Dachshunds are known for their long bodies, squat legs, long tails, long ears, and pointy little faces. While most Dachshunds are born with round brown or amber colored eyes, some lighter colored ones such as piebald, merle, or dapple colored can have blue eyes.
Although white is not a standard or recognized color, according to the AKC, there are a number of other colors that are recognized and therefore eligible for show. These colors include
- Black
- Tan
- Black and Tan
- Chocolate and Cream
- Chocolate and Tan
- Red
- Blue and Tan
- Cream
Just like his other Dachshund counterparts, a white Dachshund can come in two size varieties, including
- 8-9 inches (Standard)
- 5-6 (Miniature)
The dog can also come in three different coat types, including
- Smooth
- Long-haired
- Wirehaired
White Dachshund Genetics
Did you know that the color of a dog’s coat is the result of only two base colors?
That’s right! Regardless of your dog’s breed, its coat color will be determined by a pair of foundation colors which are red and black.
Its coat will also be determined by the genetics from the parent breeds.
Since the gene that works to produce lighter colored coats in dogs is a recessive gene, both parent breeds must carry it in order to create a white Dachshund.
But will the color of your Dachshund’s coat have any sway on his health or temperament?
White Dachshund Temperament
There is quite a bit of speculation when it comes to the color of a dog’s coat and its influence on temperament or personality.
In fact, as Dr. Stanley Coren explains, studies have been done on the phenomenon of black dogs being bought or adopted less due to their color and the idea that black dogs are more aggressive.
The truth is, there have been no conclusive studies done to prove that the color of a dog’s coat has any correlation with personality or temperament. This means that black dogs are no more aggressive than white dogs.
For the most part, it’s believed by experts that a dog’s temperament depends on responsible breeding practices, early socialization, health, and training.
Based on this information, a white Dachshund’s temperament will be like that of his other colored counterparts.
On average, Dachshund dogs are clever, independent thinkers who love their people and get along well with other dogs. They are active and curious, with big personalities and are often described as sausage-shaped comedians.
However, it is very important that Dachshunds be trained from an early age and are properly socialized. This is because they were bred hunting dogs who went up against impressive prey like badgers!
Badgers are known for their fearsome nature, but still, the little Dachshund is known to be a courageous pursuer. This means that he will not back down and can be bold and hardheaded.
How to Train Your White Dachshund
And while smart, Dachshund dogs can be tough to train and will need a consistent, patient hand. Therefore they need an owner who understands that this breed will respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
We should note that Dachshunds can be prone to digging. So, they should be watched in the backyard so they don’t destroy your garden and grass or even dig a tunnel and escape!
While Dachshunds are small and for the most part sweet natured, they can tend to show aggression when not properly socialized and trained.
In fact, a 2008 study conducted by Applied Animal Behavior Science stated that the Dachshund breed was known to show a higher rate of aggression to humans.
This means that the white Dachshund will be best suited for families with older children and families who are able to devote time to training and socializing their new furry family member.
White Dachshund Health
Unfortunately, there are a number of health issues related to the pigmentation of a dog’s coat, with lighter or diluted pigmentations being the most dangerous of all. Along with other issues like blindness and birth defects, your white Dachshund can be prone to congenital deafness.
However, along with deafness, blindness, and birth defects in certain colored Dachshund dogs, a prospective owner should also keep in mind that any color can be prone to a number of inheritable health issues.
As Dachshunds can be prone to back issues and back injuries if over-exercised, owners should monitor their play and not encourage them to run up and down stairs or climb on and off furniture without assistance.
White Dachshund Grooming
You can also help keep your Dachshund happy and healthy by ensuring you practice proper grooming techniques.
Consistently and properly grooming can help play a major role in overall health and happiness.
Dog owners who neglect to properly groom can leave their pups vulnerable to skin issues, rashes, matting fur, and even infections. And an uncomfortable dog can lead to a dog with behavioral issues as well.
White dogs, in general, can be more prone to developing eye stains and they can show dirt and debris on their coats more vividly.
To keep your white Dachshund’s coat and skin in top shape, we recommend investing in scent free baby wipes or grooming wipes to clean your Dachshund after play or walks.
You can also buy a high-quality dog shampoo and tear-stain remover at any local pet supply store or online.
Coat Type Variations
Dachshunds are also shedding breeds, and while they shed only mildly, they will still need to be brushed on occasion. However, how much and how often will depend on coat type.
For the most part, a short haired Dachshund is the easiest to maintain with occasional baths and brushing when needed.
The long-haired Dachshund should be brushed one or two times a week to keep hair from matting. While the wire-haired Dachshund will need to be hand-stripped or plucked a few times a year.
And since Dachshunds have long ears and can be prone to ear infections, ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.
And, as we mentioned your Dachshund may also be prone to digging. So to avoid a broken or cracked nail, owners should keep nails cut or ground down regularly.
Bob says
When I lost my best friend, a pkain ol’ wonderful brown and tan shorthair nsmed Duchess, I was inconsolably heartbroken. A family friend who raises Doxies offered me the last, unclaimed pup of a litter. This little white ugly duckling with tear stained eyes turned out to have epilepsy. We spent 2 months diagnosibg and getting her meds stabilized, but she grew up to be a beautiful swan! Bright white longhair with light golden ears and a few small golden spots, she became a celebrity in our neighborhood. We are cirrently weaning her off her anti siezure meds, about 2/3 of the way there, with 3 months to go. So far so good, this little girl with the fluffy white coat like a cotton candy cloud is my life.
LaVida says
I have a beautiful long haired dachshund named Remi. I’ve never seen his coat type anywhere. Not even on the internet. I think he’s a sable because his ears are tipped black. However, he has a white chest and a white tipped tail. What do you make of this. He is certified as a purebred.
Susan Holman says
my daughters chocolate double dapple …mixed red piebald/ silver dapple… threw off 2 solid white 1 chocolate double dapple, 2 cream piebald and 1 cream piebald dapple…
Judy Brown says
I have a pure white 7 year old spayed female dachshund with blue eyes and a touch of tan on the tips of her ears. Her name is Sarah and she.is the joy of my life.
W says
I was blessed with a Double Dapple Dachshund. Jessica was with me for 18 years. She had the least health issues of all my 11 doxie girls. She was a treasure and I revered her, always will. I believe creating Dachshunds centuries ago in Germany must have been brutal. It took a century to get it right. So called doxie lovers should remember all those casualties in a harsh environment that happened to have the babies they enjoy today. Any dog can have issues no matter how well bred.