Have you ever heard of the dapple Dachshund?
You probably haven’t, but dog lovers among you will know what we’re talking about.
No, this is not a separate Dachshund breed. This is only one of the beautiful ways Doxies come in.
Would you like to know what’s so interesting about these babies? Keep reading and you’ll bedappled!
Is Dapple A Color Or Something Else?
The dapple Dachshund look is simply stunning! But, there’s sometimes a bit of confusion about what Dapple Dachshunds are. Even more confusion is added when it comes to a dog in many different colors and coat types like the Dachshund breed.
Since we’re talking about coat colors, let’s clear something out: the Dapple Dachshund is not a Dachshund color. This is more of a coat pattern! These are purebred Dachshund puppies recognized by the American Kennel Club breed standard.
Also known as merle, the word dapple is used to describe the spotting pattern on a Dachshund’s coat – a.k.a. dappling!
This means that Doxies come in numerous coat colors, including:
• Black and tan dapple
• Black and cream dapple
• Blue and cream dapple
• Chocolate dapple
• Chocolate and tan dapple
• Silver dapple
• Red dapple
• Wild boar dapple
• Black and tan brindle dapple
• Blue and tan piebald dapple
Dapple Dachshund Size And Coat Types
Photo from: @1girl2labs
The Dachshund is a dog of many names. Some people refer to them as the Doxie, while others know them as Wiener Dogs or Sausage Dogs. So many popular monikers for this adorable pup!
Along with many different coat colors, Dachshunds come in many coat types, but also in two different sizes. Their one-of-a-kind appearance makes them stand out in a crowd.
One of the great things about a Doxie’s versatility is that families and potential owners of this dog breed have the luxury of choosing the dog of their dreams since they have the option to choose the size, coat type, color, etc.
As we mentioned above, dapple Dachshunds come in two different sizes: the standard, and the miniature dapple Dachshund size.
The standard dapple Dachshund is around 8 to 9 inches tall, and weighs 16 to 32 pounds. The miniature dapple dachshund is 5 to 7 inches tall, and weighs 8 to 11 pounds.
No matter their size, weight, or coat color, the dapple pattern comes in three different coat types, including:
• Smooth coat
• Longhaired
• Wirehaired
Smooth coated Dapple Dachshunds have short and sleek coats that shed moderately.
Long-Haired Dapple Dachshunds have silky and wavy hair, with fur that feathers at their ears and legs. They also shed moderately.
Wirehaired Dapple Dachshunds are double-coated dogs with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. They have longer hair, which gives them a unique look. Wirehaired Dachshunds also shed moderately.
The Origin Of The Dapple Doxie
Despite their small size, dapple Dachshunds have huge personalities. That’s not a surprise considering where they came from and what they were once bred to do.
Dachshunds came from Germany, and they were primarily bred for hunting. These are fearless and tenacious dogs that chase and catch small prey. One of the Dachshund’s most formidable prey were the aggressive Badgers.
In fact, the name, Dachshund, actually means badger dog in German.
The Dachshund is quite an old dog breed. Historians trace their origin back to the 15th century. However, many experts claim that this fierce dog breed was originally bred during the 17th century.
Unlike many dog breeds that were bred down in size for vanity purposes, the Doxie was bred from the start to come in two different sizes.
Standard Dachshunds deserve a badge of honor for chasing down badgers and flushing them out of their burrows. The miniature Dachshund was mostly bred for hunting rabbits.
Both Dachshunds are still in use in the USA for hunting small prey, rabbits, prairie dogs, and even for deer tracking.
What Is Chondrodysplasia?
Dachshunds were specifically bred for burrowing and catching small animals. They have genes responsible for short legs and distinctive body types. That same gene is responsible for dwarfism. It’s called Chondrodysplasia or canine dwarfism.
There is some controversy amongst dog breeders and experts for purposeful breeding of dogs with chondrodysplasia since it may lead to severe health concerns, spinal problems, and chronic pain for dogs with this gene.
However, the Doxie is not the only dog breed that has been bred purposefully with this genetic mutation.
Here’s a complete list of other dog breeds that carry the Chondrodysplasia gene:
• Beagles
• Basset Hounds
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis
• The Australian Terrier
• The Dandle Dinmont Terrier
• The Highland White Terrier
• The Norfolk Terrier
• The Sealyham Terrier
• Border Collies
• The Cesky Terrier
Canine dwarfism is not the only concern when it comes to the health of dapple Dachshunds. The fact that this dog has a dapple coat puts him at more risk, but we’ll discuss this soon.
What Other Health Issues Are Dapple Sausage Dogs Prone To?
The merle gene that makes the Doxie’s coat dapple is also responsible for deafness, blindness, sensitivity to sunlight, and higher rates of skin cancer in the dog breeds that carry it.
A Dapple Dachshund is even more at risk when he’s a double dapple puppy, meaning both his parents carry and have passed on the merle gene to their offspring. Double Dapple Dachshund dogs can be born deaf, blind, or even born without eyes! Usually, rather than dark eyes, these Doxies have blue eyes.
The good news is that Single Dapple Dachshunds are much less likely to have severe health problems, and are usually born healthy just like all the other Dachshund puppies!
With that being said, dapple Weiner dogs can be prone to a number of the same genetic issues as any other type of Dachshund dog.
Some of the most common genetic health issues seen in Dachshund dogs are:
• Back and spinal issues, and pain
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Mast cell tumors
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Seizures and Epilepsy
• Obesity
• Patellar luxation
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Granulomatous meningoencephalitis
• Dental issues
• Thyroid
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Allergies
• Autoimmune issues
• Cataracts
• Progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers
• Cherry eye
• Patent ductus arteriosus (congenital heart defects)
• Skin disorders resulting in hair loss
We’re fully aware that this is quite a list, but with proper care, diet, and exercise, most dapple Doxies will live a long and healthy life. In fact, the average lifespan of these dogs is an incredible 12 to 16 years!
Dachshund Back Problems
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the top health issues that strikes Dachshunds. The distinctive shape of a wiener dog means that their risk of developing IVDD is 10 to 12 times greater than other breeds. Almost 19% to 24% of all Doxies are affected by IVDD.
Most Dachshunds can recover from IVDD, but there is a significant risk of permanent damage. IVDD is very painful, and it may cause paralysis in severe cases. Making sure your Dachshund doesn’t become overweight and not allowing it to jump on furniture are the best ways to avoid IVDD.
Dapple Dachshund Eye and Ear Problems
Those sweet and soulful eyes can be prone to many genetically-linked diseases. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is one of the most serious eye problems. This degenerative eye disease can result in blindness, and it affects long-haired Dachshund puppies in particular. There was a study that even found signs of early-onset vision impairment in wire-haired Dachshunds.
Dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, and optic nerve hypoplasia can also affect this breed. Even more disturbing are issues concerning double dapple Dachshunds. If both parents carry the merle gene, there is a highly increased risk for eye and ear problems. This includes puppies being born blind, having malformed eyes, having only one eye, or even having no eyes at all. Double dapple puppies can be born deaf or with misshapen or missing ears.
What Kind Of Personalities Do These Doxies Have?
They’re wild, crazy, and funny. But, you’re gonna love them! Dapple Dachshunds, and Dachshunds in general, are widely known for their over-the-top personalities. They’re bigger than life and pretty size-blind.
These tiny sausage-shaped comedians will brighten up any home. Doxies will communicate with everyone, not only their own kind. They love showing affection, and they won’t hesitate to climb into your lap for a cuddle session. As a matter of fact, not only your lap, but everyone else’s, too!
What’s so funny about these dogs is that most Doxie owners will agree that they didn’t train their Dachshund. Their Dachshund trained them! These pups can be quite stubborn, so you will need to stay focused and never let them boss you. Or, at least, you can only try to do this.
Problematic Behavior Patterns
Besides being cute and making you fall for their cute, stubby legs, Dachshunds also come with a list of behavioral problems that aren’t always the easiest to curb.
The first thing you need to know about these pups is that they’re very vocal. Dachshunds love to bark loudly, despite their small size. They can also exhibit aggressive behavior, and act territorial, especially if you don’t train and socialize them at an early age.
Because of their history of being hunting dogs, Doxies tend to have a high prey drive. This means they should be taught a solid and reliable recall as soon as you get them, and should be walked with a leash and harness when you’re out.
You should keep them in a secured back yard with fences that go well underground because besides the barking and running issue, Doxies love to dig. A lot!
It’s their history of hunting badgers and digging them out that causes this behavior. In fact, even the Doxie’s body was designed for digging and burrowing. Their long spines are flexible, and their front paws are crooked and shaped like paddles, making them the ideal little digging machines.
This can be an issue if you love your beautiful yard and fresh flower beds. And, this can be an issue with your freshly made bed, too! These dogs dig no matter if they’re outside or inside.
Even though Doxies are highly food-motivated, they can’t be bought with food. They’re tough nuts, and won’t do anything they don’t want to do no matter what bribe you use!
A downside of this dog breed is that Dachshunds can be very sensitive and easily have hurt feelings. They will shut down if you train them harshly, so you better use positive reinforcement methods like consistency, treats, and praise.
How Does A Dog Become A Dapple?
How can you tell that a dapple Dachshund is really a dapple dog? Their spots are the obvious cue. You may be surprised to learn that a Dapple Doxie only needs just one spot somewhere on its body to be considered a Dapple Dachshund. The dog may have many white markings or other colors on the coat, but with a single dapple dot, it will be a dapple Doxie!
For example, the Dachshund that is mostly black and tan has a splash of spotting on his chest. While they may not match the general idea of dapple Doxies, those dogs will certainly be dapple!
Dapple Dachshund And Its Relationship With People
Photo from: @thedaxietrio_ni
All Doxies, not just the Dapple Dachshund, are known for their devotion to their family members. This is probably their most beloved trait, even though it can sometimes affect their behavioral issues and destructive manners.
Dachshunds tend to become very bonded with their families, and they don’t do well if they’re left alone at home for too long.
Dapple Dachshunds need lots of love and care. They want to be with you wherever you go. If you let these pups become bored or lonely, they will become depressed and destructive. It even goes so far that Doxies experience separation anxiety, which also leads to destructive behaviors you don’t usually see at home.
If you’re in doubt as to whether you have a Dachshund with separation anxiety, you should be able to notice some signs. Scratching or chewing at doors or windows, finding routes of escape, and chewing on furniture, toys, clothing, shoes, etc. are some of the signs. What’s important to understand is that this behavior only happens when the family is out.
There are a few ways to deal with a dog that suffers from separation anxiety. You can work on proper crate training so your dapple Doxie stays safe and away from problems while you’re out of the house.
Some dog owners also opt to hire pet daycare services or professional dog walkers. This is a great thing because your pup gets the much-needed exercise, and also gets to spend time with new people and dogs.
One of the best ways to keep a dapple Dachshund happy is to make sure he has another Doxie playmate. Dapple Doxies love having a canine buddy to play with and get along with, especially if it’s another sausage dog.
Are Dapple Dachshunds Really That Small?
You already know that the dapple Dachshund is a small dog. But, did you know that this is the smallest dog of all hound types?
Yup, they are!
Dachshunds are tiny and tough. They were bred purposefully this way. Based on their history, it’s clear that there were no breeding accidents that might have affected their physical appearance and unique looks.
Everything from their size to their physique was purposeful, making them perfect burrowing dogs with sharp minds and flexible bodies, and always being one step ahead of their prey.
Getting Along With Kids And Other Pets
Photo from: @ellie.tordoff
Dapple Doxies may be ideal companions for the right home or dog lover, but the question is whether they’re right for little children and other household pets.
Doxies get along great with other dogs, especially with other Dachshunds. However, they may not cope well with smaller pets, rodents, birds, and reptiles. This is mostly because of their high prey drive and history as hunting hounds.
With that being said, dapple Doxies can get along well with cats. They also make good family dogs for families with kids. Still, you need to socialize and train them at an early age.
Their hunting history and territorial tendencies require adequate socialization in a number of different situations in order to help them grow up happy and healthy.
As with any other dog breed, don’t leave your kids unsupervised with dapple Dachshunds. Any dog may be susceptible to biting or nipping when in fear or in pain. Parents should work with children on the proper and appropriate ways to interact with dogs in order to ensure that playtime is safe and fun for everyone.
Work, Training, Attention: What Dapple Doxies Crave!
Like all intelligent working dogs, the dapple Dachshund is going to need extra time and attention from a patient owner.
Dachshunds in general need moderate exercise daily. Brisk walks in the dog park and some fun games like fetch or chase in your back yard will keep their energy bar empty.
Puzzle toys will work on their mental health and keep their sharp minds just the way they are.
Dapple Dachshunds do well with active families who enjoy outside time and love taking part in their activities. There are not many things a young and healthy Doxie can’t do.
Proper exercise is highly important for dogs like Dachshunds with short legs and long bodies, as it keeps them fit and it maintains a healthy body weight.
Doxies can be especially prone to obesity, which also leads to numerous health issues. Make sure you get them exercised at any cost!
You should remember that dapple Dachshunds can be prone to destructive behaviors caused by boredom, so mental games, puzzle toys, and other similar items will only benefit your dog.
Special Needs For Special Pups
We do love Doxies for their adorable looks, stubby legs, and long backs. Most people find these to be the cutest traits of Doxies. But, we should also be aware of many mobility problems that may come with years of the Doxie having this unique body type.
You can help ease any pain or injury to your Doxie by keeping him exercised, making sure that his diet is healthy and appropriate for his age, as well as providing ramps throughout your home so he has easy access to all the places in the house, which they can’t usually access due to their stubby legs.
Offering dog-climbing ramps is a great way of dog-proofing your home, especially if you have a senior dog.
Silver Dapple Dachshund
As we mentioned earlier, dapple Dachshunds come in numerous colors, including chocolate and tan, silver dapple, black and tan brindle, red dapple, and chocolate.
As the name suggests, a silver dapple comes in silver color. The dominant color of the fur is silver, with the secondary color being blush or dark silver.
This combination is usually accompanied by cream-colored eyebrows, snout, and feet. The nose is usually black, and the eyes are usually dark-colored.
Everything else is the same as with other dapple Dachshunds, including temperament, health concerns, exercise requirements, maintenance expectations, cost, etc.
Price: Dapple Dachshund For Sale
Many dog breeders consider dapple Dachshunds to be rare dogs. They need to be bred carefully by responsible breeders to ensure they’re healthy and don’t have the double merle gene.
Purposefully breeding a healthy dapple Dachshund takes an experienced breeder, and it may take a few generations of breeding to achieve it.
But, how much does a dapple Dachshund cost?
Most people will spend anywhere from $400 to over $1,100 for a Dachshund puppy in general. But, a dapple Dachshund will be on the expensive end of the spectrum.
If you’re on a budget, you should watch carefully for backyard breeders, online sellers, or pet shops that offer you dapple Doxies. Just because the price is low doesn’t mean you won’t end up paying more on the back end.
Most of those pups are sick, and sick puppies can cost you a fortune in the long run, not to mention the emotional distress! Many of them are missing eyes, missing ears, prone to hearing loss, have micro eyes, and many other health risks.
The safest way is to go through reputable breeders. These breeders will have their puppies tested for health issues, and will provide you certificates proving that their dogs are clean of any severe health concerns.
The Dachshund breed as a whole needs a special owner who is equipped to handle their needs. It’s not uncommon for a Dachshund to end up in a dog shelter just because the owner was not capable of fulfilling the dog’s needs.
Where Can A Dapple Weiner Dog Live?
Dapple Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs as long as you get them exercised properly. But, there’s a difference between whether they can make good apartment dogs and whether they are good apartment dogs.
Dachshunds are bred to bark, dig, and burrow, which can do quite a lot of damage to your home.
Doxies have the potential to do well in apartments as long as their exercise needs are being met. Also, if you train them adequately, and you tend to be around, they won’t become bored easily or become anxious.
Since these dogs come in two different sizes, they only require moderate exercise, and they can be adaptable to both apartment and house living situations.
Even though Dachshunds enjoy playing outside, it doesn’t mean that they’re okay with living outside in a dog house. This can only be cruel to dogs as many Doxies bond with their families.
Top Tips To Help You Take Care Of Your Dapple Dachshund
Getting used to a new puppy isn’t a walk in the park, especially if you’re getting an uncommon breed like the dapple Dachshund. These dogs have specific requirements that need to be met. You can’t expect a Dachshund to walk on his own up and down the stairs. Sure, it’s doable, but at what cost?! You can only hurt your puppy! Without further ado, check out these top tips that may help you ease your life with a dapple Doxie!
• You need to make sure you feed your dapple Dachshund a suitable and balanced diet in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Human food, junk food, and snacks are off-limits! Overfeeding a Doxie may lead to obesity, which can cause additional problems to your dog’s back. You also need to remember that this dog breed enjoys dog kibble or food that comes in small chunks since they’re relatively small dogs.
• Since these dogs have long backs and stubby legs, a dapple Doxie is likely to suffer from a wide range of mobility problems as they age. Every Dachshund owner should consider putting ramps throughout their home in order to make every part of the house accessible to the dog, especially if the dog prefers high grounds like beds and couches, especially in their senior years.
• Dapple Dachshunds are very sensitive dogs, and they can end up with hurt feelings easily. To get the most out of your dog, you need to avoid harsh treatment, training, and corrections. Instead, you need to stick to positive reinforcement methods like praises and giving rewards. This is the only way to succeed with dog training.
• Every Doxie owner must ensure that his dog gets vaccinations on time and gets annual check-ups. You should take your Dachshund to a vet every time you suspect there’s something odd going on, or you assume that your dog is suffering from a health problem. The dog needs to be monitored and medicated. Maintaining these routines may be a bit pricey, but if you skimp on your dog’s health, it may even cost you more in the long run. Besides, it’s unfair and cruel, too!
• Dachshunds can act destructively sometimes, especially when they’re bored. You need to strive to keep your dapple Doxie mentally stimulated in order to curb such unwanted behavior.
• When buying a new dapple Dachshund, you need to avoid breeders who seem questionable. You only want to buy from reputable sources in order to avoid potential health issues. For example, if you buy a puppy coming from parents with exaggerated body features, the puppy may have an increased risk of IVDD. Also, you should always request pedigree documentation to confirm that the puppy you’re buying meets breed-regulated standards. Double dapple Dachshund puppies are prone to severe genetic defects, so if you’re a first-time buyer, then you need to make sure you stay away from such puppies.
So, Should I Get A Dapple Dachshund?
A dapple Dachshund is as good as any other Dachshund! If you believe you’d make an excellent fit after reading this article, then you should get this dog breed. Dapple Dachshunds are kind, sweet, funny, and exciting to have around. They’re the best dogs for families that love spending time together doing different activities. Also, they make good protectors and watchdogs since they attach easily to their owners.
Every day is a new adventure with these adorable little weirdos!
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