Dapple Dachshunds are just like other Dachshunds except for one key difference – they have a unique and beautiful cloud-shaped pattern on their coats. A dapple pattern is beautiful and is usually in contrast to your dog’s base coat. For example, a brown Dachshund may have dappling that is light brown or dark brown.
Dapple Dachshunds make for beautiful pets. They have a fun-loving and quirky personality and due to the pattern on their fur, have a distinctive look. If you’re planning to adopt a Dachshund, a dapple Dachshund could be the perfect choice for you, especially if you want a unique-looking dog.
Before you go ahead and bring one into your life, there are a few things you need to know about dapple Dachshunds including things to look out for and common health concerns.
What Causes A Dachshund To Have A Dapple Pattern?
The dapple pattern on your Dachshund’s coat is caused by the merle gene meaning one parent must have the dapple pattern on their coat to produce a dapple offspring. You cannot get a dapple Dachshund by breeding two parents of solid color.
The great thing about dapple Dachshunds is that no two Dachshunds will have the same pattern, even if they’re from the same litter. One dog may have a few spots on its coat while the other could have what looks like paint splatters all over its coat.
What’s a Double Dapple Dachshund?
A double dapple Dachshund is a product of breeding two dapple Dachshunds. This is typically advised against as many double dapples suffer from severe health complications such as vision and hearing loss, missing or micro eyes, severe back problems, and, in some cases, cancer.
How Can I Tell The Difference Between A Dapple And A Double Dapple?
Double dapple Dachshunds will always have large areas of white on their coat and their pattern will often follow that of a Collie. Double dapples will usually have blue eyes and, in some instances can have one blue and one brown eye.
Dapple Dachshund Temperament
Dapple Dachshunds are clever, lively, and courageous dogs that make the perfect addition to any family. Despite only being small, they are incredibly protective of their owners and can sometimes get scrappy with other dogs. The best way to combat this is to ensure your dog is familiar with other dogs and people when they’re young. This helps to ensure your dog grows up to be a well-behaved dog.
Dapple Dachshund Size
Dapple Dachshunds come in two sizes – standard and miniature. Standard Dachshunds will grow no taller than 9 inches in height and can weigh up to 35 pounds. Miniatures, on the other hand, are much smaller measuring around 6 inches and weighing a maximum of 11 pounds.
Do Dapple Dachshunds Shed?
Like all dogs, Dachshunds shed their hair as new ones grow. The good news is, they don’t shed anywhere near as much as larger dog breeds, and how much they shed depends on the type of dog you have. With Dachshunds there are three types:
Smooth-Haired
Smooth-haired dapple Dachshunds typically lose a small amount of hair each day as opposed to shedding their coat in one go. You won’t recognize your dog shedding much and they only require brushing once per week.
Wire-Haired
Wire-haired dapple Dachshunds have two coats – one fluffy undercoat and a thick topcoat. Their coat grows thicker in winter and sheds in the summer. So, unlike the smooth-haired Dachshunds that shed daily, the wire-haired Dachshunds only shed once or twice every year.
Long-Haired
As their name suggests, these dapple Dachshunds have long, soft, and silky coats and shed their hair the most out of the three varieties. Although it’s not as much as larger dog breeds, they still shed their coats twice a year, in spring and autumn. You will notice it more as their hair is longer and easier to spot on floors.
How Much Exercise Do Dapple Dachshunds Need?
Dapple Dachshunds will need a minimum of 60-minutes of exercise every day, ideally split into two walks to give them some variety and stimulate their brains. Dachshunds can be energetic little creatures so ensure you give them plenty of time off their lead to play fetch and to explore.
How Much Food Should A Dapple Dachshund Eat?
As Dachshunds are small dogs, it’s important you feed them the correct amount of food each day so they can avoid health problems such as obesity. Obesity can cause serious joint and mobility problems in Dachshunds so it’s important to avoid these wherever possible. You should aim to feed your Dachshund 2-3 meals per day and allow for a couple of treats. If you are unsure how much your Dachshund should be eating, we always advise you to consult your local vet who can help ensure your dog is getting the right food.
Choosing A Dapple Dachshund
A dapple Dachshund makes for a great family pet. To be sure you’re getting a healthy dog you should check for a couple of things before adopting.
Check Paperwork
If you’re adopting a dapple from a breeder, you should always ask to see the paperwork of their parents, reflecting their breed. Never take the breeder’s word for it that they are pure breed dapples.
Physically Exam The Puppy
If you’ve fallen in love with a beautiful dapple, then don’t be afraid to perform a physical exam of them before committing to adoption or purchase. The dog should be in good health and display normal behavior.
Avoid Buying A Puppy With Large Patches Of White
As we mentioned above, puppies with large patches of white are usually double dapples and often have many health complications.
Final Thoughts
Dapple Dachshund dogs are fantastic family dogs and make for a great first-time pet as they are relatively low-maintenance and require only 60 minutes of exercise each day.
Although they can be protective of their owners, ensuring they get regular interaction with other dogs and people is key to making sure they don’t get scrappy with other dogs.