Dapple Dachshund

These Dachshunds are really just Dachshunds with a special coat pattern. The pattern is called a dappling pattern, and it appears as lighter markings against a darker-based coat color. A Dapple Dachshund’s dappling pattern may be just one spot, or it may be numerous spots and splashes on their coat. The reason some Dachshunds develop this dapple pattern while others do not is due to a genetic mutation.

The dapple gene, also referred to as the merle gene, is mutated in some dogs, creating the dappling pattern, which is then passed on to their offspring. This pattern first received recognition as a variation for the color of a Dachshund in 1885 from the American Kennel Club.

The dapple pattern on these dogs may be a variety of colors, including black, tan, cream, chocolate, blue, silver, red, or piebald. Since Dapple Dachshunds are really just Dachshunds with a special pattern, they share the same friendly personality and spunky nature that a Dachshund displays. Both standard and miniature Dachshunds may have a dapple pattern.

Owning a Dapple Dachshund: 3 Pros and Cons

Evolution and Origins

The dachshund arrived in Germany during the 16th century, and it was there that the dapple dachshund breed was first identified. Although they were larger than the modern dapple dachshund, they were still small dogs whose purpose was to track, dig, and aggressively bark at badgers until their owners arrived.

A Dapple Dachshund is a type of Dachshund that has a distinct dapple pattern on its fur, which is the result of a genetic mutation. The color of a Dapple Dachshund’s coat can vary and may include shades such as chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, black and cream, black and tan, piebald, red, silver, and blue.

The dachshund was originally developed in Germany centuries ago for the purpose of hunting badgers. The name “dachshund” is derived from the German words “dach” meaning badger, and “hund” meaning dog.

The three variations of a dachshund — smooth-coated, wire-haired, and long-haired — were developed at different points in history.

Size and Weight

Dapple Dachshunds come in two different sizes. These dogs usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and are between 8 and 9 inches tall. Miniature Dachshunds are much smaller and only weigh up to 11 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds are typically between 5 and 6 inches tall.

Common Health Issues

Single Dapple Dachshunds are not generally more likely to develop health issues than standard Dachshunds, but Double Dapple Dachshunds — resulting from breeding two Dapples — are at significantly higher risk for serious health problems. The mutation that causes the dappling pattern is responsible for a number of conditions that could make a Dapple Dachshund unhealthy and result in higher vet bills and stress levels for its owners.

Some potential health concerns linked with the dapple pattern include skin cancer, eye issues, and hearing loss. Double Dapple Dachshunds, the result of breeding dapples, are at an even greater risk for these issues.

In addition to the potential problems tied to the dapple mutation, this breed may also suffer from other concerns common to genetically normal Dachshunds. A longer body shape leads to Intervertebral Disc Disease, a very painful disease that may even cause paralysis.

As a review, some potential health issues these Dachshunds may face include:

• Skin cancer
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Intervertebral Disc Disease

Temperament and Behavior

The temperament of Dapple Dachshunds is much like any other standard Dachshund. They aim to keep their family safe from strangers and can make good watchdogs. Dachshunds often form very close bonds with one member of their family and may become jealous when that person’s attention is dedicated to someone else. In some cases, this may lead to barking or other potentially aggressive behaviors.

However, dapples also have traits that can make them very good family pets. They can be loving and playful with the members of their family. If they are raised around children, they can also make good companions for a child.

How to Take Care of a Dapple Dachshund

Keep the medical concerns, nutritional recommendations, exercise requirements, and other factors in mind as you plan to care for your Dachshund.

The Best Dog Food for Dapple Dachshunds

Dapples should be fed high-quality food. You should work closely with your veterinarian to determine the ideal food and serving size for your dog, since it is very important to make sure that this breed does not become overweight. Obesity can place excess strain on their already elongated back, causing a herniated disc, which can be quite painful.

Dapple Dachshund puppies have very small stomachs, requiring smaller meals than adults. Aim to feed puppies under six months in small quantities, three or four times each day.

Maintenance and Grooming

Dapple Dachshunds shed moderately, so they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. The exact maintenance your dog will require can vary based on its coat type. Some of these Dachshunds have short and smooth coats that require minimal grooming, while long-haired Dachshunds will need to be brushed regularly.

It is also essential to make sure you brush your dog’s teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup or dental disease. Their nails should also be trimmed, and their ears should be kept clean.

Training

Dachshunds can be very stubborn and difficult to train. They are also known for being independent. So, while this breed is intelligent, they are not the easiest to train. When training your dog, choose a positive training method that uses rewards in order to achieve the best results possible. Using punishments or being overly harsh will not go over well with Dachshunds and will not yield the results you’re looking for.

Exercise

While these Dachshunds are not a very high-energy breed, making sure they get sufficient exercise is important for their health. You also want to keep their muscles strong enough to support their long backs. Aim to take at least two walks each day with your Dachshund to give them the exercise they need. You can also play with them inside the house for additional exercise.

Puppies

Before purchasing a puppy from a breeder, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder. You do not want to purchase a Double Dapple Dachshund puppy, as these dogs have more health problems. Breeders who interbreed Dapples are considered unethical.

You should also make sure your home is ready for the puppy before you pick him or her up. Puppy-proof the spaces where the dog will be allowed and purchase a crate, food, toys, treats, and all the other supplies your dog will need. You will also want to find a veterinarian and schedule a check-up shortly after the dog comes home.

Dapple Dachshunds and Children

These Dachshunds can be good family pets. However, they will do best when they grow up around the children in the family, as they are playful and affectionate. However, they may not be very accepting of a child’s friends who come to visit and may bark or snap at unknown children.

You should also closely supervise any children when they are around a dog. The dog’s back could easily be injured by a child mishandling it.

Colors

While these Dachshunds all have a dapple pattern on their fur, there is still some variability in the different colors of their coat or the dapple pattern itself. The base of the coat is a darker color than the dapple pattern. Some of the different colors you may see on these Dachshunds include:

• Chocolate
• Chocolate and Tan
• Cream
• Black and Cream
• Black and Tan
• Silver
• Red
• Blue
• Piebald

Keep in mind that, like standard Dachshunds, Dapples may be short-haired or long-haired, all sharing color patterns.

Similar Dog Breeds

Basset Hounds, Drevers, and Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are three breeds that are similar to these Dachshunds.

• Basset Hound: Basset Hounds and these Dachshunds both have very long bodies. Both breeds are also very easy to groom. Basset hounds are much larger than Dapple Dachshunds, though. Males have an average weight of 57.5 pounds compared to the 24-pound average weight of a standard Dapple Dachshund.
• Drever: Drevers and Dapple Dachshunds can both be sensitive and affectionate dogs. Both breeds can also do well in living in an apartment. Drivers are often seen as more family-friendly dogs than a Dapple Dachshund.
• Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers and these Dachshunds are both hunting dogs. Both breeds are also known to bark a lot and can make a good watchdog. However, a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is much easier to train than a Dapple Dachshund.

Famous Dapple Dachshunds

Check out some of these Dachshunds who have made it ‘big’ on Instagram!

• Otto from London
• Buddy from the UK