If Dachshunds are human beings, they would probably need a large walk-in closet due to their numerous coat colors and patterns.
Among their 15 shades and six types of markings, a certain coat pattern stands out called the dapple Dachshund.
Their unusual and stunning appearance makes them an interesting sight to behold. However, it is not always all fun and games for dapple Dachshunds as their coat pattern has adverse effects on their health.
If you are interested in dapple Weiner dogs, congratulations on finding this article. This covers basically everything you need to know about this color variety along with some FAQs to guide you along.
What Is a Dapple Dachshund? What Does “Dapple” Mean in Dachshunds?
A dapple Dachshund is not a different dog breed but a purebred Doxie that exhibits the dapple pattern. Their coat has speckles and patches of diluted colors or light markings which is similar to the Australian Cattle Dogs. The name dapple directly means “marked with spots or rounded patches.”
The visibility and extent of dappling vary for each Dachshund dog. Some may have minimal dappling that is only noticeable when observed closely, while others may have striking and bold splatters of pigment in their coat like the dapple black and tan pup above.
Dapple Doxies can come in any of the Dachshund breed coat colors and can also be observed in all of the three coat varieties of Doxies: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. A Doxie will be considered a dapple even with just a single patch of color.
Accordingly, there are two kinds of dapple Dachshunds: single dapple and double dapple Doxies. The former is born with a single dappling gene while the other obviously has two dappling genes.
Although both are dapples, you must learn about their differences since these are connected to their health.
Single dapple Doxies are typically healthy and sound dogs. In fact, breeding them is not prohibited by major kennel clubs. The ones that are at higher risks of developing congenital diseases are the double dapple Dachshunds.
For you to further visualize, here’s a video of how dapple Dachshunds should look like:
READ NEXT: Doxin, Doxen, Doxie, or Dachshund? 11 Facts About This Weiner Dog
What Is a Double Dapple Dachshund?
Similar to single dapple dogs, double dapple Dachshunds exhibit the dapple pattern or patches and speckles against a solid or bi-colored base.
What makes a double dapple Dachshund different from a single dapple Dachshund is the presence of “large” white patches in the body aside from the dappling patterns.
Take a look at the double dapple Dachshund below:
The distinguishing white patches of double dapple Dachshunds usually appear on the neck, nose, paws, and tail.
They also manifest blue eyes more than the single dapple Sausage dogs, but they can also have brown eyes like the one above.
Both single dapple and double dapple Dachshunds carry the dapple or merle gene in their genetic makeup. However, single dapples only have a single copy of the dapple gene while double dapples have two copies.
You can produce a (single) dapple Doxie dog by breeding a dapple Dachshund with a normal coat Dachshund.
On the other hand, a double dapple Dachshund is produced by breeding two Dachshunds with the dapple (merle) gene.
Unfortunately, the merle gene which causes this pattern is also associated with genetic conditions related to pigmentation.
The existence of two merle genes on double dapple Doxies exposes them to a higher risk of acquiring genetic disorders. That is why even though they look good and astonishingly beautiful, breeding them is highly discouraged.
What Is the Difference Between a Hidden Dapple Dachshund and a Double Dapple Dachshund?
The difference between a hidden dapple and a double dapple Doxie is simple: one exhibits dappling while the other “hides” it.
As mentioned earlier, double dapple Dachshunds have speckles of diluted pigments as well as large white patches against their base coat. This is also the case for single dapple Dachshunds.
However, it is also possible for Doxies to acquire the dappling gene but it won’t manifest through a speckled or dapple coat.
This means that the dappling is not visible but it is inside the genetic makeup of the dog which they could pass on to their offspring.
Here’s a hidden dapple Dachshund who looks like a regular Dachshund:
What Is the Difference Between a Piebald Dachshund and a Dapple Dachshund?
Dapple Doxies and piebald Doxies are both standard coat patterns. They are oftentimes confused with one another because both of them have white markings on their body. Nevertheless, they are separate and have different coat patterns.
To say the least, the genes responsible for piebaldism and dappling are different. Piebald Dachshund dogs manifest white patches as a result of the S Locus or piebald gene.
This is the usual gene responsible for the white spotting on the coat of most white dogs. And since it is recessive, only two piebald Doxies will be able to produce another piebald.
Look at this piebald Dachshund with a predominantly white coat and dapple-like speckles:
Unlike the piebalds, the patterns of dapple Dachshunds are caused by the merle gene. This gene is dominant so only a single copy is needed for a Doxie puppy to be dapple.
When two dapple Doxies are bred, it will result in double dapple puppies that manifest white spots on their coat — a color variation that is not exactly acceptable.
Dapple Dachshund Coat Color Genetics
The dapple Dachshund’s coat is an amazing result of the wonders of genetics.
So in this section, I will help you better understand the dapple gene, how Dachshunds are bred to produce unique dapple patterns, and some other info about this dapple dog breed that you shouldn’t miss.
What Makes a Dachshund a Dapple?
A Dachshund is considered a dapple when it exhibits a dapple or spot(s)/patch(es) of dilute pigments against its base coat color.
This pattern or patches result from the presence of the merle gene. Dachshunds that inherit even just a single copy of this gene become dapple.
Similarly, only a single spot of diluted color is needed for a Doxie to be classified as a dapple. The concentration of dappling varies for every individual dog.
Can You Breed Two Dapple Dachshunds Together?
Technically speaking, yes. However, you should never breed two dapple Dachshunds together since it will result in a double dapple puppy.
The canine community deems the intentional breeding of this dog unethical because of the health risk it may pose for puppies.
Can You Breed a Dapple Dachshund With a Piebald Dachshund?
Most kennel clubs don’t allow the breeding of dapple Doxie dogs with piebalds. You can only register a Dachshund with one pattern.
Breeding the two is also undesirable as it can lead to various health complications, thus making the dog’s life worse and complicated.
Can the Dapple Gene Be Carried?
The dapple gene is dominant which means only a single copy is needed for it to be exhibited.
As we all know, the genes that are “carried” are the recessive ones; thus, Doxies with even just a single copy of the dapple gene will always appear as dapples and not mere carriers.
However, some Dachshunds become “carriers” of the dapple gene through a certain condition called cryptic or hidden dapple.
It is a state where dappling or spots are not visible even if a Dachshund carries the merle gene. The dappling gene could then be inherited by the litters of the carrier unknowingly.
Dapple Dachshund Appearance: What Does a Dapple Dachshund Look Like?
Dapple Dachshund comes in a variety of colors. This pattern can be observed in any of the shades and combinations that a regular Dachshund can have.
You will be surprised how varied and unique the appearance of dapple Dachshunds can be!
To summarize, dapples can come in silver, blue, black and tan, black and cream, blue and cream, chocolate, red, wild boar, black and tan brindle, and black and tan piebald.
Silver Dapple Dachshund
Silver dapple Doxies have streaks of silver fur along with random patches of full pigmentation.
The silver color is achieved through the dilution of the black pigment (eumelanin) produced by melanocytes. These are evident in the long haired dapple Dachshund pictured above.
Blue Dapple Dachshund
Blue dapple Dachshunds achieve their coat color the same way with silver dapple Doxies.
The dilution of black pigment in their coat results in a bluish appearance on the coat. Often, the dapple pattern is highly contrasting like the pup in the picture.
Black and Tan Dapple Dachshund
Black and tan dapple Doxies are similar to plain black and tan Dachshunds. It’s just that they have random streaks of diluted coloring as a result of the merle gene.
The dappling can be silverish or grayish if the dilution targets the black pigment. Meanwhile, it will be cream if the merle gene affects the tan color.
Black and Cream Dapple Dachshund
A black and cream dapple Badger dog mostly has a stunning color combination — black coats with cream patches on the head, chest, and feet.
Their dapple pattern can be seen scattered across the black base coloring just like what is shown in the long haired dapple Dachshund in the picture.
Blue and Cream Dapple Dachshund
The dappling pattern for blue and cream dapple Dachshunds is a color combination of cream spots and blue pigments as a result of a dilution of the black coloration.
The patches of blue against the cream color coat will vary depending on the extent of dappling for each Doxie.
Chocolate Dapple Dachshund
Chocolate dapple Dachshunds have either dark or light-brown pigmentation. This color is achieved when the production of black pigment is regulated which prohibits the completion of full black color.
Red Dapple Dachshund
The red dapple is the rarest dapple Sausage dog. Their coat has a base color that can either be dark red or rust with swirling shades of darker pigments. Most of the time, the dappling isn’t that noticeable on their coat.
Wild Boar Dapple Dachshund
The wild boar dapple coat is common for wire-haired and smooth-coat Doxies. The individual hair of a wild boar Dachshund is banded so it changes color from the roots to tips.
With the existence of the merle (dapple) gene, spots of colors can appear on the coat of wild boar dapple Dachshunds.
Black and Tan Brindle Dapple Dachshund
Black and tan brindle dapple Dachshunds sport two patterns on their coat. The brindling manifests through stripes of darker colors against a lighter background. But aside from this, they also exhibit dappling spots in their coats.
Black and Tan Piebald Dapple Dachshund
Black and tan piebald dapple Doxies are known for their dominant black coat, tan markings on the face and legs, and white markings on the feet and chest as a result of the piebald gene. They also have spots of diluted color caused by the merle gene.
RELATED: All Dachshund Colors and Patterns Explained With Pictures
Dapple Dachshund Size and Weight: How Big Does a Dapple Dachshund Get?
Dapple Dachshunds grow similarly to other Dachshunds. A standard dapple Dachshund stands from eight to nine inches and weighs between 16 and 32 pounds.
Meanwhile, the miniature dapple Dachshund’s height ranges from five to six inches and they weigh 16 pounds and below.
Standard dapple Dachshunds stop growing at the age of 12 to 13 months. At this age range, they should already have achieved their full-grown weight and height.
Miniature dapple Dachshunds, on the other hand, mature a bit earlier than standards and they stop growing at the age of 11 to 12 months. Nevertheless, dapple Dachshunds may still gain some more body mass even after the said age.
You should be wary of the weight they put on because obesity is one of the leading health problems on Dachshunds.
You may read our blog about the Dachshunds growth curve and average weight to learn more about your dapple’s growth.
Are Dapple Dachshunds Rare?
Some breeders consider dapple Dachshunds rare even though they come in numerous color combinations and dappling extent. Thus, Doxies with dapple patterns tend to be more expensive compared to their cousins.
Even rarer are the double dapple Dachshunds which are not encouraged to be produced through intentional breeding. They may look incomparably stunning, but their genetics are all messed up leading to more health issues.
Do Dapple Dachshund Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Although the color of any dog is already predetermined by its genetics, you might still need to wait for your dapple Dachshund to fully mature before identifying its final coat color.
This is because most owners claim that dapple Daschund puppies may change color as they grow.
The shade they have when they are born might lighten up or darken as they mature. Some may have visible dapple patterns or speckles of color at birth which can disappear once they are fully grown. As I said, genetics encompasses this phenomenon.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize the Dapple Dachshunds?
Dapple Dachshunds are recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), Continental Kennel Club (CKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
This means that they can be registered and are eligible to participate in conformation shows.
Breeding dapples is also allowed as long as the parent dogs are a single dapple and a solid or bi-colored Dachshund. The only expected litters are single dapples.
Meanwhile, double dapple Dachshunds are not recognized by any kennel club at the moment.
Dapple Dachshund Personality and Temperament: Are Dapple Dachshunds More Aggressive?
Dapple Dachshunds do not differ from their Doxie counterparts in terms of personality and temperament.
They are known for their lively, energetic, and courageous personalities which make them great family companions and apartment dogs.
Here is an overview of how dapple Dachshunds interact with others at home:
- With Family and Children: Dapple Dachshunds are great family dogs and they enjoy pleasing their owners as well as the other family members. The loyalty of dapple Doxies can never be questioned as they will courageously protect their pack even though they are small. They are also good with children especially if they are trained well.
- With Other Pets: These dapple sausage dogs usually behave well with other animals and pets that they have grown up with. However, you might find your Doxies chasing after smaller pets because they were originally bred as hunting dogs.
- With Strangers: When it comes to strangers, dapple Dachshunds are known to be distrustful and always alert. That is why early socialization is needed for them to easily acclimate with other people.
Despite these generalizations, the temperament of each dapple Doxie will be affected by its environment and training.
If they aren’t raised in a welcoming home and they weren’t trained and socialized at an early age, they can easily make the worst family pets.
They’ll also be aloof from your family members no matter how hard you coax them to socialize.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dachshund: Which Is Better?
Dapple Dachshund Lifespan and Health Issues: How Long Do Dapple Dachshunds Live?
A healthy dapple Dachshund can live for as long as 16 years. But of course, this is based on their general population. The health, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition towards diseases of each dog will affect how long they will live.
Single dapple Dachshunds are healthy and lively dogs; that’s why they are likely to enjoy the long life expectancy of their breed. However, this is not the case for double dapple Dachshunds.
Double dapple Dachshunds are more exposed to various illnesses because of the double merle gene in their DNA which could cut the length of their life expectancy.
Here are some of the health problems observed on dapple Dachshunds whether the carrier of the single or double dapple gene:
- Congenital Deafness: Congenital deafness is one of the most common health problems of double dapple Dachshunds as a result of the double merle gene. This gene does not only affect the pigmentation in the body but as well as the development of the auditory system. Unfortunately, some double dapple Doxies are born deaf.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Due to their body shape (longer than tall), dapple Dachshunds suffer from this spinal and back-related disease. This occurs when the joints in the spinal cord start to deteriorate which can cause excruciating pain or worse, paralysis.
- Obesity: Obesity is a debilitating condition and when left unattended, it can lead to more severe complications such as diabetes mellitus and joint-related problems. This is preventable with proper health care.
- Eye Problems: Dachshunds with the double merle gene often have eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Some even end up blind. Deformation of eyes is also prevalent among this Dachshund variety.
- Color Dilution Alopecia: This is one of the health issues commonly seen on dilute color Dachshunds. It causes hair loss in specific areas of the coat. Aside from hair loss, the signs may also include flaky and itchy skin.
How Much Is a Dapple Dachshund Puppy? Are Dapple Dachshunds More Expensive?
The prices of dapple Dachshund puppies vary from breeder to breeder. Professional ones typically advertise and sell their dapple Dachshund puppies from $600 to $1,500.
However, the price could still rise depending on the lineage, breeder’s reputation, and condition of the puppy.
Dapple Dachshund pups are a bit more expensive than their other cousins which price only ranges from $600 to $1,300.
The rarity of their coat pattern, as well as the vast array of possible color combinations, make them highly valued in the market.
You should also consider the initial expenses of owning dapple Dachshund pups. These are the necessary supplies you will need to tend to the needs of your dapple Doxie.
Food supply, bedding, leash and collar, microchip, food and water bowl, grooming kit, cleaning supplies, and chew toys are the primary things you should buy before taking home your puppy. These expenses will probably set you back around $300.
Usually, neutering, spaying, and core vaccine shots for your dapple Dachshund puppy are already administered and provided by reputable breeders.
Nevertheless, you should also take your puppy to a vet for early screening and health examination because dapple Dachshunds are at a higher risk of acquiring pigment-related congenital disorders. Vet checkups usually cost around $200.
Places to Find Dapple Dachshund Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Many reputable breeders are dedicated to breeding healthy and top-of-the-line dapple Doxies in the United States.
They commit to improving the breed and preventing genetic disorders by breeding dapple Doxie pups with the best traits, health, and temperament.
They also refrain from breeding double Doxies because they understand the risk and harm it brings to the puppies.
Here are some of the top Dachshund dog breeders and directories you should check out to find dapple Dachshund puppies for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club (AKC) manages an online puppy marketplace where various dog breeds are advertised. Reputable dapple Weiner dog breeders can post their litters here once they are available. All of the breeders in this marketplace are registered and monitored by the kennel club.
- JM Kennel’s Dapple Doxie Miniature Dachshunds – This Colorado-based Dachshund breeder is committed to breeding dapple Dachshund pups as well as piebald Doxies. All of their puppies are AKC-registered and complete with vaccine shots and basic training.
- Patti’s Dachshund Farm – This breeder focuses on breeding mini-Doxie including healthy dapple Dachshunds. Their breeding process ensures that no genetic disorder and undesirable traits are passed down to the bloodline of their Doxies.
If you are not after the lineage or show quality, you should opt to save a dapple Dachshund from rescues or shelters instead of buying from breeders. After all, adopting is a noble cause.
Here are some of the best Dachshund rescues in the United States:
- Midwest Dachshund Rescue (MWDR) – MWDR has already rescued hundreds of Dachshunds including dapple Doxies across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and other midwest states since 2003. Their charity efforts include rescuing and rehoming abandoned and surrendered Doxies regardless of age, health concerns, coat color, and gender.
- Dachshund Adoption, Rescue & Education (DARE) – This non-profit organization dedicates its efforts to rescuing Doxies, dapple Doxies, and other Dachshund mixes while educating the community about responsible pet ownership and guardianship. You’ll surely find your dapple family dog here.
- Dachshund Rescue Education Awareness Mentoring (DREAM) – DREAM not only aims to rescue abandoned and surrendered Dachshunds across the state of Georgia but also educates and spreads awareness to the canine community about proper caring and training of Doxies.
You can also read our blog about the 10 best Dachshund rescues for adoption to find the best rescue in your area where you can find a dapple Dachshund for adoption.
RELATED: 10 Best Dachshund Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dapple Dachshunds Shed?
In general, dapple Dachshunds are considered moderate shedders. Nonetheless, the amount of shedding for every Dachshund is different since there are various coat types.
Wire-haired and long haired dapple Dachshunds shed more than their smooth-coat cousins, so their grooming requirements are more intensive.
RELATED: Long-Haired Miniature Dachshund: The Ultimate Purebred Icon
How to Know If Your Dachshund Is a Double Dapple?
The appearance of a Dachshund dog will signify whether it is a single or double dapple. Unlike single dapple Doxies, double dapples have white patches in their body as a result of the double merle gene.
They also tend to exhibit blue eyes on either one or both eyes. If you aren’t confident at your eye’s assessment, you can always have their DNA tested.
What Is the Rarest Color of the Dachshund Breed?
The real gems when it comes to coat colors are the black Dachshunds. Their various coat types come in a solid black color due to a recessive gene.
However, solid black Doxies are still considered by the AKC as non-standard and they are not listed in any breed standard.
How to Breed a Dapple Dachshund?
If you want to produce dapple Doxies, you should breed a dapple Dachshund together with a solid or two-color Dachshund. The resulting litter will certainly include single dapple Doxie puppies.
You should never breed two single dapple dogs together because they will produce double dapple puppies. These dogs are predisposed to a lot of genetic issues and have a higher risk of acquiring different illnesses.
Final Thoughts
Dapple Doxies are certainly sights to behold. They are not only beautiful dogs but also good family companions because of their loyal and energetic personalities.
However, as mentioned earlier, you should avoid patronizing breeders who advertise double dapple Dachshunds. Intentionally breeding double dapples is unethical because it results in puppies acquiring genetic problems and predispositions.
Also, you should only own a dapple Dachshund once you are ready to provide everything it needs.