Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Dapple Dachshund is a special kind of Dachshund dog. It’s famous for its unique coat with spots of different colors like black, chocolate, red, and cream.
People really love Dapple Dachshunds because they’re very loving and love cuddling. But taking care of them is important, especially using top-notch doggy shampoos and eye wipes for their eyes.
But there’s something to keep in mind. Dapple Dachshunds might have some health problems like deafness and blindness. So, before getting one, it’s smart to learn more about them from experts like Alex Seymour.
These dogs are really friendly and loving. They come in different types, like English Cream Dachshunds and long-haired ones. There are even small and medium-sized ones for people who like them that way.
If you’re thinking about getting a Dapple Dachshund, make sure to find a good breeder. These dogs can have health issues like back problems and eye troubles, so getting one from a healthy family is important.
By the way, in other dog breeds like Frenchies, Cardigan Corgis, Cattle dogs, and even Pitbulls, what we call “dapple” is called “merle.”
“In the heart of every dapple dachshund lies the courage of a lion and the loyalty of a lifetime.”
Breed overview of Dapple Dachshund
- Origin: Germany
- Breed Group: Hound Group (AKC)
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Height: 8-9 inches
- Weight: 11-32 pounds
- Coat: Smooth/wiry, short/medium/long, typically dark base with lighter spots (tan, chocolate, black). Can also be cream, blue, silver, or red.
- Exercise: Moderate
- Intelligence: High
- Barking: Occasional
- Temperament: Smart, affectionate, vigilant, playful, stubborn
- Hypoallergenic: No
Dapple Dachshund Dog Breed History
The dapple dachshund, originating from 18th century Germany, played a crucial role in badger hunting. Its name “Dachshund” reflects its purpose, meaning “badger dog” in German With its unique appearance, dapple dachshunds were bred for their job.
They needed long bodies and strong legs to dig after badgers. Their keen sense of smell, inherited from their hound ancestors, helped them locate prey. Dachshunds were brave and smart, able to confront badgers alone, and their loud barks alerted hunters.
Every aspect of the original dachshund was carefully designed for hunting. Breeders in the 19th century created miniature dapple dachshunds to deal with Germany’s rising rabbit population.
As dachshunds shifted from hunting to companionship, breeders mixed them with other breeds to develop different coat types. Smooth coats were the first, possibly with influences from pointer, terrier, bloodhound, and basset hound breeds.
Wirehaired dachshunds resulted from crossing smooth coats with rough-coated terriers, while long-haired dachshunds came from selective breeding of longer-haired smooth coats.
Today, the American Kennel Club recognizes standard and miniature dachshunds in all three coat types. There’s also a size known informally as a “tweenie.”
Temperament and Characteristics
Dapple Dachshunds are incredibly smart, loyal, and independent. They make wonderful companions. However, they may not be the ideal choice for first-time owners or families with small children and cats.
These dogs have a long history as working dogs, bred to hunt and catch prey underground. With early training, Dapple Dachshunds can learn to control their strong prey-drive around smaller animals, behave well around older kids, and become more friendly towards strangers.
Dapple Dachshund Health Problems
The dapple dachshund can have many health problems because of a gene change that gives them their special coat. This gene, called merle, makes them more likely to have issues like deafness, blindness, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin cancer.
If both parents have this gene, there’s a risk of the dapple dachshund puppies being born with serious problems, like being deaf, blind, or even without eyes at all.
So, it’s important to be careful when breeding dapple dachshunds to avoid these problems.
Diabetes Mellitus: Dapple dachshunds are prone to diabetes mellitus, primarily Type I, due to their unique genetics.
Bone Conditions: Their small size is due to a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which can result in spinal issues, dislocated kneecaps, and fragile bones and teeth.
Eye Conditions: Dapple dachshunds can develop cataracts, cherry eye, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause blindness over time.
Autoimmune Disorders: Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can affect dapple dachshunds, leading to weight gain, increased thirst, urination, and hair loss.
Cancers and Tumors: Dapple dachshunds have a higher risk of developing certain cancers and tumors, such as mast cell tumors, skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, typically appearing later in life.
Heart Problems: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common heart issue in dapple dachshunds, causing symptoms like lethargy, coughing, and decreased appetite.
Caring
Even though dapple dachshunds aren’t used much for hunting now, they still have that same independent and stubborn spirit. When addressing his dachshund, the owner once remarked, “When I talk to him, I don’t have to shout or expect too much. He even ignores me when I tell him not to do something he wants to do.”
Remember this when you bring a new dapple dachshund puppy home. You’ll need to take them to the vet for vaccinations and get their shots. It’s also smart to puppy-proof your home and get ready for when they start teething.
Grooming
Caring for your dapple dachshund’s coat depends on its type. If you have a dapple dachshund with long hair means regular brushing is necessary to prevent mats and tangles. Dapple dachshund with short hair require minimal grooming, making them a convenient choice for busy owners.
For wirehaired dachshunds, it’s better to visit the groomer a few times to pluck or hand-strip their coat. Short-haired dapple dachshunds need little maintenance, just a quick wipe with a towel or hound glove.
All three types of dapple dachshund dogs shed moderately, but they’re generally tidy and don’t have much odor. It’s important to trim their nails monthly, starting this routine when they’re young is a good idea, just like with most dog breeds.
ExerciseÂ
Despite their small size, dapple dachshunds need plenty of exercise to stay fit and avoid mischief. It’s best to take them for one to two walks each day, aiming for a total of 60 minutes of activity.
Dapple dachshunds don’t like being alone much, so if you’re going out (somewhere dogs are allowed), bring your dachshund along to get some extra exercise.
Diet and NutritionÂ
It’s important not to spoil your dapple dachshund too much. They may be stubborn, but it’s essential not to give in to all their wants.
One example is Obie, a dachshund who became overweight at 77 pounds due to overindulgence. Fortunately, with his owner’s determination, Obie managed to shed 50 pounds.
Dachshunds’ long bodies already strain their spines, so it’s smart to discuss the right food portions with your vet to maintain a healthy weight.
Also, keep snacks and table scraps away from them. Remember, dapple dachshunds have sharp noses and may get into mischief if they catch a whiff of food.
Costs of Caring for Dapple Dachshunds
Dapple dachshund for sale, adorable puppies ready to join your family. The dapple dachshund price typically ranges from $400 to $1500, depending on factors like pedigree and breeder.
Some of these health problems stay with dapple dachshunds for their whole lives, needing constant care, medicine, or even surgery. Even if your dachshund seems healthy now, they might develop mobility issues as they get older.
The dapple dachshund’s long body can strain their spine a lot. But you can help by adding ramps and steps where your dachshund likes to go the most.
Having health insurance for your dapple dachshund can lower how much money you need to pay from your own pocket. If you sign up for insurance early, you’ll get the best benefits.
You could also think about starting a pet savings account to help manage the costs of your dachshund’s health issues.
Dapple Dachshund Training
Dapple dachshunds have certain behaviors that need attention when they’re young to stop them from becoming issues later on.
Digging, barking, not liking strangers, and wanting to chase after prey are all common traits of the dapple dachshund. It’s important to start training early, be consistent, and use positive methods.
They’re very loyal to their owners, but they also have a strong sense of independence. Stubborn dachshunds will tell you what they want and when they want it, so training should be more like a fun game with lots of good choices for them to pick from.
Similar Breeds to the Dapple Dachshund
Not sure if a dapple dachshund is the right choice for you? Even if you think it is, it’s a good idea to look into other breeds that are similar. To initiate, here are a few examples:
Basset Hound: Slightly larger and sturdier than the dapple dachshund, the basset hound possesses all the traits of a hound but requires less exercise. They are also known for their compatibility with children and other dogs.
German Shepherd: Sharing the same country of origin as the dapple dachshund, German shepherds have similar exercise and training requirements. They also exhibit strong loyalty, making them excellent companions.
Beagle: If you’re seeking a friendly, energetic companion who easily befriends everyone, a beagle might be the perfect fit for your household. However, akin to the dapple dachshund, ensure you allocate ample time for play and exercise.
Key Facts
- Dapple dachshunds are not considered a distinct breed but rather dachshunds with a unique coat pattern, typically marked by a single spot.
- Common nicknames for dachshunds include “sausage dog,” “wiener dog,” “dotson,” or “doxie.”
- The term “hot dog” was derived after the dachshund, with the food initially named the “dachshund sausage” due to its resemblance to the breed.
- Throughout history, dachshunds have been popular companions for various notable figures, including Carole Lombard, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Franz Ferdinand.
Frequently Asked Question
How Big do Dapple Dachshund full Grown Dogs Get?
Dapple dachshund full-grown dogs typically reach a height of 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) at the shoulder and weigh between 11 and 32 pounds (5 to 15 kilograms).
What are Some Popular Dapple Dachshund Names?
Some popular dapple dachshund names include Daisy, Max, Bella, Charlie, Lucy, Oscar, Molly, and Buddy.
Do Dapple Dachshunds Commonly Have Blue Eyes?
Yes, dapple dachshunds can occasionally exhibit blue eyes due to the merle gene responsible for their unique coat pattern. However, not all dapple dachshunds have blue eyes, and eye color can vary.
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