Dapple dachshund

The dapple dachshund is an unusual dachshund’s variety which is famous for its visually distinct dappling pattern.

With a unique design pattern that can vary significantly from one puppy to the other, the dapple dachshund always stands out from its kind.

Despite looking different from other dachshund types, the dapple will display all the qualities of a dachshund breed.

This article focuses on this beautiful dog highlighting its physical appearance, temperament, as well as genetics behind the unique dapple pattern.

It also takes the closer look at the differences between the dapple and the double dapple dachshund.

What Is a Dapple Dachshund?

A dapple dachshund is a dachshund which has a distinct dappling pattern throughout its body. It looks like a slashing or swirling of paint all over the base colour of a dachshund coat.

Though all dachshunds have just one colour as their base hue, this particular type will have another colour as the pattern, that is the dapple, which is superimposed over the base hue.

The coloration can be of any melange, including black, tan, also brown, white, and other colours.

Furthermore, dapple dachshunds appear in all coat varieties, – short-haired, wire-haired and longhaired.

Dapple dachshund temperament and activity requirements

With regards to temperament, a dapple dachshund will share all the traits of other dachshund types.

To begin with, these include that bubbly personality that all dachshunds will have in abundance. Not to mention, a dachshund equals a loyal companion who will always stand by their owners’ side.

However, the Dapple, like all the other wiener dogs, will also display a persistent stubbornness and, at times, aggression towards other people or dogs.

One of the easiest dogs to train, a dapple dachshund will eagerly follow your commands, especially if it is rewarded with treats. Just make sure that you keep your wiener dog busy and active, because dachshunds naturally have a lot of energy to burn off.

Despite its small size, your Dapple will still need to exercise daily. Though it won’t be able to take on miles and miles of extended walks, your doxie do well with short bursts and thrive on ball and agility games regularly throughout the day.

If you would like to find out more about the wiener dog’s character, we wrote a separate article on Dachshund temperament and personality.

The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!

What Causes Dapple Pattern? – Genetics

The dapple pattern in dachshunds is caused by what is known as the merle gene.

Breeding two solid coloured parents cannot produce dapple offspring.

As a matter of fact, the merle gene is dominant, meaning that one parent must be Dapple to produce a dapple offspring.

The merle gene refers to the patches of diluted pigment that causes the colouring in the coats of domestic dogs.

There is no difference of how weak the pattern is, – for instance, even if a dachshund just has one dapple patch, it is still technically a dapple.

Besides, the merle gene is widely associated with other dog breeds included Collies, Shelties, Australian shepherds, and Great Danes.

It is worth remembering that merle is not a colour – but is in fact a coat pattern. It can indeed affect any dog’s base colour.

The dappling effect usually occurs in a random pattern. Therefore no Dapple dachshund will be similar to one another. In other words, every Dapple dachshund is one of a kind!

What Do Dapple Doxies Look Like?

To begin with, it is virtually impossible to whittle down the dapple dachshund to one particular look – as there are multiple pattern variations, even within the puppies from the same litter!

For instance, it can be a couple of spots on the coat, or just one. In the other case, it can be a considerable number of splashes all over the body.

Within a litter, you can have one puppy displaying what resembles a swirl of paint all over the coat, while his brothers and sisters might show the pattern that looks like flecks of paint!

In any case, whatever the dapple pattern looks like, you will see the Dapple dachshund a mile away because of its distinct patterning.

The most common base dachshunds’ colours with a Dapple pattern are:

Black and tan (known as silver dapple)
Red and tan
Chocolate and tan

In dachshunds with red colour as a base it is not always easy to recognise the dapple markings straight away. Even an expert may not see the dapple pattern in an adult red wiener dog.

On a red dachshund, the dapple markings look like a lighter swirl in the coat that disappears as the dog matures.

The combination of dappling against a white background is particularly tempting for some breeders.

However, in most cases, it can only happen when breeding two Dapples together, resulting in a Double Dapple dachshund.

It is essential to know that Double Dapples have serious health problems related to genetic mutations, and are not accepted as a breed standard.

Differences Between a Dapple and a Double Dapple Dachshund

Dapple dachshunds have one of the parents with the merle gene.

Double Dapples, in turn, are produced with both parents having the merle gene. In case that both doxies are Dapples, they will both pass on the merle gene to their offsprings.

It is important to know if a puppy is a Dapple or a Double Dapple, due to potential health issues related to the latter.

In the first place, double dapples will tend to have a more intricate kaleidoscopic pattern, as opposed to the pattern of splashes and spots more seen in dapples.

Double dapples will also tend to have larger areas of white over their bodies, looking more like Collie type coat pattern.

If a double dapple has areas of white on their face, they will also most likely have one or both eyes that are an icy shade of blue.

Double dapples can often display eye deformities, like on the picture above.

If you breed two single dapple dachshunds, the color variations are:

solid
single Dapple
double Dapple

However, if you breed two double dapples, you will only produce Double Dapple puppies.

Double dapples health concerns

Most of the breed experts are clearly aware of the genetic health concerns, associated with double dapples.

However, some unscrupulous breeders are still breeding these dogs.

Many of them know well that lethal genes cause the health issues of the Double Dapple dachshunds.

Despite that fact, they are eager to achieve more striking dappling pattern or the icy blue colour of the eyes, associated with the Double Dapples.

As a result, some puppies are born with significant health deformities.

Notably, partial or full deafness, blindness, ears and eyes malformation are common in Double Dapples, reducing their quality of life considerably.

The scientists aren’t still sure why these genetic anomalies occur. On the positive side, you can be confident that these deformities don’t develop in single dappled doxies.

It should be stressed that most respected organisations and Kennel Clubs will not register the double dapple dachshunds.

Choosing a Dapple Dachshund Puppy

To be sure that you are getting a healthy puppy and that it is indeed a dapple, you should check for a few things before making your final choice.

✓ Most importantly, the parents should have some sort of paperwork, that reflects their pedigree. Never go by a person’s word that their puppies are pure breed Dapples. That is to say, you should insist on seeing the paperwork for confirmation.

✓ Always ensure you see both the dam and the sire of your puppy. There should be no reason why a decent breeder can’t introduce you to both. Be wary of any breeder who tells you that it isn’t possible.

✓ In most cases, registration papers should be provided by the breeder. The reputable breeder will always register his puppies with the Kennel Club and will give you the certificate.

✓ Make sure you perform a thorough physical examination of a puppy you intend to buy. It should be in good health and display normal behaviour.

✓ Don’t buy a puppy with large patches of white; it might be a Double Dapple.

✓ Do not be misled by the adverts offering rare coloured dapple dachshunds! In other words, stay clear from those advertisements claiming they have all dachshund colours available. It is a clear sign that this is a commercial breeder.

Remember, established breeders don’t have to advertise their puppies, so free adverts are usually not a good way to look for a puppy.

What is your query about?

How do you get dapple dachshunds?

To get a dapple offspring, one parent must be a dapple; in other words, have a dapple pattern caused by the merle gene.

What does a dapple dachshund look like?

Dapple dachshunds look just like their standard coated cousins, but it is their coat pattern that makes them stand out. The dapple pattern is unique to each dog and can range from small splashes of colour to large multi-colored spots over the dog’s coat.

How long do dapple dachshunds live?

Healthy dapple dachshunds can live until around 17 years old.

Do dapple dachshunds have health problems?

Dapple Dachshunds are recognized by the Kennel clubs and don’t have any hereditary health issues. However, they are often confused with double dapple dachshunds that are prone to vision and hearing issues.

Are dapple dachshunds more expensive?

Yes, dapple dachshunds do command a slightly higher price than their standard coloured cousins. They can have blue eyes along with their unique pattern, which is desired by many dog owners.

Are dapple dachshunds purebred?

Yes, unless stated to be a crossbreed, dapple dachshunds are purebred.

Do dapple dachshunds shed?

Just like their solid coated cousins, dapple dachshunds shed. The amount of shedding will depend on their coat variety. Generally, the dachshund is considered a low-shedding breed.

Is it safe to breed two dapple dachshunds?

Breed experts and Kennel Clubs strongly advise against the breeding of two dapple dachshunds. Most responsible breeders will only breed a dapple to a non-dapple dachshund. Double dapple dachshunds are prone to hearing and vision problems, caused by genetic factors.