Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They are short, sassy and absolutely adorable. But have you heard about the Dapple Dachshund?
The Dapple Daschund is an unique color variation of the Daschund dog, commonly known as the Dapple Doxie or the Dapple Sausage Dog.
The Dapple Dachshund doesn’t refer to a separate dog breed, but instead to a coat pattern. There are many different types of coats a Dachshund can have. Long, wired, or the best known one — smooth. On the other hand, there are also many different colors that a Dachshund can be: brown, fawn, black… and then there is dapple!
A dapple isn’t actually a color, but instead a pattern. The dapple design can vary from a huge smattering of splashes to one single spot. Even dapple Dachshund puppies from one litter can look differently.
Origins of the Dapple Dachshund
Even though they’re only a small dog, Dapple Dachshunds have big personalities. This is because of where they came from and what they were originally bred to do.
Dachshunds are known for being fearless and tenacious when it comes to hunting. They were born in Germany. A fierce and aggressive Badger was one of the Dachshund’s most dangerous enemies, and it was very hard for the dog to fight.
Even the name Dachshund itself means “badger dog” in German, which is why this dog is called that.
People who study the history of the Doxie say that the Dachshund is a very old breed. The adorable Sausage dog came from Germany in the 15th century. This “badger dog” was perfected in the 17th century. And we personally think that he really is perfect, isn’t he?
The Dachshund was bred from the start to be two different sizes, unlike many other breeds, which were bred down in size for looks.
Standard Dachshund dogs had a badge of honor because they were good at sniffing out badgers and getting them out of their burrows. To be fair, though, the Miniature Dachshund, on the other hand, is more often used as a hunting dog.
Dachshunds of both sizes are still used in the United States to hunt, and their prey includes rabbits, prairie dogs, and even deer. They also track down some deer.
Dachshunds were brought to the United States in 1885, when the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They increased in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s.
What does “Dapple” mean?
You might not know what a Dapple Dachshund is. When you’re dealing with a dog that comes in so many different colors, coat types, and variants like the Dachshund breed, that confusion gets even worse.
The Dapple Dachshund, on the other hand, is a Dachshund coat pattern, not a Dachshund color.
The word “dapple,” which is also called merle, refers to the spots on a Dachshund’s coat. These Dachshunds can come in a lot of different shades of gray and white!
- Black and tan dapple
- Black and cream dapple
- Blue and cream dapple
- Chocolate dapple
- Dark chocolate and tan dapple
- Silver dapple
- Red dapple
- Black and brown brindle.
- Blue and brown dapple
There are a lot of choices, right? The Dachshund is all about variety, and the Dapple Dachshund is no different. But that’s not all. There is also a lot of variety when it comes to their coat and size!
What is the best way to tell if a Dapple Dachshund is a Dapple Dachshund? Of course, by the spots! You might be shocked to find, however, that a Dapple Doxie just needs one spot on his body to be classified as a Dapple Dachshund.
The Doxie above, for example, is predominantly black and tan with a splash of spotting on his chest. So, while he may not seem like your idea of a normal Dapple Dachshund, he is a Dapple Dachshund by definition.
What does the Dapple Doxie look like?
Their bodies are long and narrow and they have short legs like their other Daschund siblings.
As a contrast to their small heads with long, thin snouts, their ears are big and floppy. Daschunds are well-balanced and don’t have a hard time moving around, even though they are a little wider than other dogs.
Dog breed clubs have worked hard to keep the size of Dachshunds down through the years, which is why they’ve grown smaller.
Because their bodies are long and low to the ground, they may be able to dig down into the ground to find food. The working dog has strong and sturdy legs that help him when he goes hunting.
Dachshunds have black-rimmed small eyes, a short dark nose, and a medium-length tail that isn’t too short or too long. Some Dapple Dachshunds have blue eyes, while most Dachshunds have brown eyes.
What is a Double Dapple coat?
Dapple refers to large splashes of decorative patterns on a Dachshund’s coat, but it can also refer to a single white patch on the dog’s body. This particular trait is really desirable amongst Doxies. We already know that the Sausage dog is a popular breed worldwide, so it’s no wonder that they are so costly.
But for a Dapple Dachshund you will even have to pay a little bit extra — because they are so expensive.
Because there is no certainty that the puppies will acquire this trait from their parents, some breeders breed two Dapple Dachshunds together to assure that their children will receive the desired pattern. This can result in a number of issues for the puppies of their litter.
Hereditary ailments are the main source of concern, as they appear to be more prevalent in Double Dapples. Most European kennel clubs and breeding groups are opposed to breeding these dogs and refuse to acknowledge the characteristic as a breed standard.
Dapple Dachshund vs. Double Dapple Dachshund
It is unethical and frowned upon by respected breeders to breed one Dapple Dachshund with another. This can put the health of the couple’s children, known as Double Dapple Dachshunds, at jeopardy.
Breeding Double Dapple puppies is dangerous for the litter since the puppies’ vision and hearing can be affected. These canines are born with missing or misshapen “micro eyes” in the most devastating situations.
Examining your Dapple Dachshund’s coat will reveal this unethical breeding method. Similar to the Collie breed, Double Dapple Doxies can have white markings or all-white coats.
The parentage of your dog also makes a difference. You’re safe if one parent has a coat type other than Dapple.
But not only Dapple Doxies are at risk. Piebald Dachshunds are prone to hearing and vision impairments too. A coat pattern with conspicuous lighter patches on top of a darker foundation is known as piebald.
The white markings in Dapple Dachshunds’ coats are less obvious and more patchy, as opposed to this.
Should I buy a Double Dapple Dachshund?
Buying a double dapple Dachshund is not a good idea. You’re not only putting yourself at risk of heartbreak and hefty doctor bills if they get sick, but you’re also giving the breeder money to keep making puppies that aren’t healthy.
Double dapples are often said to be “unusual” or “rare.” On the other hand, a breeder who sells unusual or rare puppies should be kept away from at all costs! The Dachshunds are beautiful, but so is a single dapple or any other dog.
To be clear, you can buy a single dapple Dachshund. Because they aren’t double dapple Dachshunds, they don’t have the same health problems. If you get them from a good breeder, they should be happy and healthy dogs.
Only when two dapples are bred together does a problem arise. It’s only the double dapple Dachshunds who have the major health problems. We will talk later about the serious health problems of these poor dogs.
If you’re having trouble finding a good breeder, check to see if they’re a member of the Kennel Club’s “assured breeder” group.
Breeders who say they have Dachshunds in rare or unusual colors or patterns are usually a scam. A reputable breeder would never say this.
What’s the size of a Dapple Dachshund dogs?
There are two sizes of Dapple Dachshunds: Standard and miniature.
Standard Dapple Dachshunds are about 8-9 inches tall and weigh 16 to 32 pounds.
Miniature Dapple Dachshunds are small dogs that are 5-6 inches tall and weigh up to 11 pounds.
Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs in general, but not always. They may be little, but if they aren’t properly taught, they can go wild on your furniture.
In addition to that, they are also chatty dogs, as they love to bark, but we will talk about that more later on.
These dogs, however, should be kept indoors. They are by no means outdoor pups. Doxies enjoy running around in the backyard, but at the end of the day, they are affectionate dogs who require companionship and care.
Dachshunds were designed to hunt little animals, which is why they have shrunk in size over time. However, the same gene that causes their short stature also causes canine dwarfism.
Miniature Dachshunds stop growing between 10 and 12 months, while standard Dapple Dachshunds attain full size at 12 months.
Chondrodysplasia in Dachshunds
The reason why Dachshunds have such a unique figure is a gene that causes dwarfism in dogs. This condition is called Chondrodysplasia.
Dachshunds were created for burrowing and catching smaller animals, and the gene that causes dwarfism is also responsible for their short legs and unusual body form.
Breeders and doctors disagree about whether or not to continue purposefully breeding dogs with chondrodysplasia because it can cause major health problems, spinal disorders, and persistent discomfort in dogs with the gene.
That said, the Dachshund isn’t the only breed created specifically for this genetic abnormality. Beagles, Basset Hounds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and other dog breeds are carriers of the Chondrodysplasia gene.
When it comes to the health of the Dapple Dachshund, canine dwarfism isn’t the only cause for concern. Like we already explained earlier, the “Double Dapple Doxie” is at high risk for many health problems.
Coat of the Dapple Sausage dog
Dapple Dachshunds can have smooth, long, or wire-haired coats.
Dapple Doxies with smooth coats have lustrous, short hair, but wire-haired Dapple Doxies have medium-length hair. This is how it works: Soft undercoats and grizzly topcoats are used to double-coat wirey coats.
Doxies with long hair have silky fur, which feathers around their legs and ears. Dapple Dachshunds shed a lot, no matter what kind of coat they have.
Dapple Dachshunds can have a wide range of coat colors and patterns, including the following:
- Black
- Tan
- Chocolate
- Red
- Silver
- Cream
- Blue
- A mixture of two or more colors
Silver Dapple Dachshunds have a gray coat that is darker than other Dachshunds. People who buy Dapple Dachshunds might find that they have white spots on their bodies.
Doxie pups are born with spots, which are called dappling or merle. Any Dachshund that has spots on it is called a Dapple Dachshund. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has one or many spots.
Grooming
Dachshund are a pretty low maintenance breed. All of them shed, but some of them more than others.
They don’t need to be bathed very often unless they roll around in something smelly. Between baths, use a wet cloth to clean them. People in cold places might need to give their dog a sweater when they go outside in the winter.
Dogs with wired coats need to be brushed often, and they should have their coats “stripped” two or three times a year so they stay in good shape. When you buy a Wirehaired Dachshund, ask the breeder or groomer where you bought it about how to do this.
To keep mats from forming, long-haired Dachshunds need to be brushed every few days. In order for their coats to look good, they need to be washed more often than the Smooth Dachshund.
The droopy ears of all Dachshund breeds and sizes can be a breeding ground for fungus, germs, and mites, so pay close attention to them. Wipe their ears with a cotton ball dampened with an ear cleanser prescribed by your veterinarian once a week to keep them clean and healthy.
Nail care and dental hygiene are two more things you need to do as well. Do this once or twice a month. If you can hear their nails click on the ground, they’re too long. Start clipping their nails while they are still puppies, so they get comfortable with it from an early age.
The best way to get rid of tartar and bacteria is to brush their teeth at least twice a week, or even better, every day. Start when your dog is young so that he gets used to it.
Personality of a Dapple Dachshund
Dachshund may be small and short, but they definitely have the biggest personality! These dogs are courageous, protective and very loyal to their owners. They can be quite suspicious when it comes to strangers and you will have to start the socialization process early. Dachshunds have a hard time trusting strangers and can be quiet snappy if they don’t know someone.
The Dachshund is said to be smart, energetic, and brave to the point of recklessness. He’s been raised to be stubborn, which is why he always gets what he wants.
Funny and bold are two things that people think of when they think of Dachshunds. Their true desire is to snuggle with their owners, though. For many Dachshund owners, this trait is more important than having to deal with the breed’s insistence on getting his own way.
There could also be a difference in a Dachshund’s personality based on the type of coat it has. Dogs with wiry hair can be cheeky troublemakers because they come from the terrier breed. Long haired Doxies are very calm and peaceful, while smooth coated are somewhere in the middle.
Make sure you meet the siblings, or at least the mother when you’re buying a puppy. That way you will get a good idea on how your dog will act as well.
As adorable as they are, Dachshunds are actually a hunting breed which explains some of their personality traits. They are alert, bark a lot and will notice any weird noises around your home. Dapple Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs and are very loyal. However, due to their high intelligence, all Dachshunds have a tendency to be stubborn.
Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs?
Yes. Dachshunds that receive enough of exercise and aren’t left alone for lengthy periods of time make excellent apartment dogs. They may take some time to adjust if you’re moving from a house to an apartment, but they’ll soon become acclimated to their new routine and surroundings.
Living in an apartment with a dachshund will be different than living in a house. Most flats do not have their own gardens. As a result, you may need to take the stairs or use an elevator to get in and out.
People usually live above and below you, as well as on either side of you, so you’ll surely have additional neighbors to consider. You can keep a dachshund in this area, but you will encounter more obstacles than if you lived in a house.
Dachshunds love to bark, especially if they aren’t trained properly. So make sure you start training your dog as soon as possible.
The majority of dachshund misbehaviors are caused by an excess of pent-up energy and a lack of activity. So long as your dachshund gets enough exercise to tire him out (30 minutes for a miniature and 60 minutes for a standard), he’ll cheerfully follow you around the apartment and snuggle under a warm blanket.
Dachshunds enjoy playing and have their wild moments, but they also sleep a lot during the day, like most dogs.
Are they good family dogs?
The Dapple Dachshund, like all Doxies, is recognized for its great love to their family members. Even though they can be troublemakers, most commonly they are sweet and affectionate.
This is due to the fact that Dachshunds form strong bonds with their families, but they do not do well when left home alone for long periods of time.
Dapple Dachshunds require a lot of love and care and will follow you around everywhere you go. They become unhappy and destructive if they are bored or lonely. They might also have separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Most commonly barking or destroying your furniture.
Dogs with separation anxiety will scratch or chew at doors or windows as these are escape routes, or they will chew furniture, rip up toys, or destroy clothing or shoes, but only while their owners are away.
There are a few options for dealing with a dog like the Dapple Dachshund who suffers from severe separation anxiety. You can focus on crate training your Dapple Dachshund so that he and your home are safe while you’re away.
If introduced to children in their own family at a young age, Dachshunds are good with kids. They may not like your children’s pals, so keep an eye on them during playtime.
They can be a bit jealous, so if you already have other animals at home it could be a challenge. But not if the other animal is another Dachshund.
In their ideal home, these small animals would have constant company, with owners that have enough time to train and care for them.
Training and Exercise Requirements
Like we already said, early socialization is key when it comes to Dachshunds. They are strong-willed dogs which can make them a bit difficult, to say the least! You will need a lot of patience and consistency for the training process to be successful. Positive reinforcement will be key!
These dogs were made to be active. Make sure to walk them as least two times a day. Long walks and a healthy diet will keep them in good shape. This is crucial as Dachshunds are prone to obesity.
Doxies are lively and energetic dogs due to their hunting ancestry. They want to be outside, so if you prefer to be inside, this is not the breed for you. Even Miniature Dachshunds anticipate two or three daily walks.
Sausage Dogs require some time off the leash to explore and satisfy their inherent curiosity. Regular outings to the park, as well as playtime with other dogs, are encouraged. Don’t be hesitant to take your furry pet for a walk in the neighboring forest; they thrive in nature and will greatly appreciate it.
Mental challenges are an excellent concept for Dachshunds because they are incredibly intelligent. It’s a great hobby for rainy days when you can’t spend much time outside because you can practice tricks inside. Interactive toys are fantastic because they keep your dog occupied even when you are not present.
Health and life expectancy
If bred responsibly, Dachshunds will live a long and healthy life. Their average life expectancy is from 12 to 16 years.
However, there are certain health conditions that they are prone to. Obesity is one of them. Therefore, make sure your dog gets enough of exercise and eats a healthy and balanced diet.
Some other medical conditions that you need to be on the lookout for, are:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Make sure to give your Dachshund enough exercise. 10 minutes walks multiple times a day and some extra play time will do the trick. Obesity is one of the main health issues in Dachshunds. However, thankfully it can be prevented with a healthy and active lifestyle.
Double Dapple health risks
Double Dapples appear to be more prone to blindness and deafness than other Dachshunds when it comes to other health conditions. Due to the lack of pigmentation in the blue eyed Double Dapple Dachshunds, regular eye examinations are required. Both problems aren’t fatal, but they can keep your dog from living a happy life.
If both parents have the merle gene, stillbirths are more likely. One of the main reasons why many Kennel Clubs frown on breeding Double Dapple puppies is because of this.
Having a Double Dapple can be problematic because they are susceptible to other Doxie ailments. Because of the extended spine, back problems are one of the most common problems. As a result, you should strive to keep your Sausage Dog from jumping as much as possible and give them proper care.
Obesity is another issue, so don’t let your fur baby consume too much. Try upgrading to the best senior dry dog food as they get older and less active. It should assist them in maintaining a healthy weight.
How to care for their back
While we may like the Dapple Dachshund’s stubby legs and long back, we should keep in mind that as the Dachshund ages, this unusual build will eventually cause mobility concerns.
You can help your Dapple Dachshund avoid pain and injury by keeping him well-exercised, ensuring he eats a balanced food appropriate for his age, weight, and activity level, and installing ramps throughout your home so he has easy access to all of his favorite spots, such as the couch or bed.
Climbing ramps for your Dapple Dachshund are a terrific method to dog-proof your house for your Doxie, especially as he gets older.
How much are Dapple Dachshund puppies?
Puppies of Dapple Dachshunds range in price from $400 to $1500. Puppies with both parents having breed certificates can command a higher price from reputable breeders.
Female puppies are also more expensive than male puppies, however the price difference will vary from breeder to breeder.
Dapple Dachshund puppies are born in litters of four to eight puppies. Before you go out and buy or adopt a Dachshund puppy, there are a few things to keep in mind.
When purchasing a puppy from a breeder, Dapple Dachshund puppies are more expensive than other breeds of Dachshund canines. This is due to the fact that they are pretty rare compared to other color variations.
Dapple Dachshund puppies are available for purchase at pet stores and puppy farms. Purebred dogs, on the other hand, are taken care of far better by respectable breeding groups.
Due to the risks associated with Double Dapple Dachshund breeding, you should stick to registered breeders to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
In general, miniature Dapple Dachshunds cost the same as the usual size. The pricing point will be determined by the breeders and the coat, rather than the animal’s size.
There is no conclusive answer to the question of how much it costs to rear a Dapple Daschund. Each dog has its own set of medical and nutritional requirements.