The Dapple Dachshund dog is loved by lots of families and people. It’s the 12th most liked dog in the US and has been part of the American Kennel Club since 1885.
It’s got different colors. If you want a Dachshund for your family but want something a bit different in color, this could be a good choice.
In this guide about Dapple Dachshunds, you’ll get all the info you need to be a great pet owner to this little dog breed. It covers everything you might not even know you need to know!
History of Dapple Dachshund
Dachshunds got their name “badger dogs” or “hole dogs” because they’re good at sniffing out, chasing, and getting small animals like badgers out of their homes underground. Even though there are old paintings and mentions of badger dogs in the past, they might not exactly be Dachshunds.
People have different ideas about when Dachshunds were first bred for hunting animals living in burrows. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says it happened in the 15th century, but the Dachshund Club of America thinks it was in the 18th or 19th century.
The original Dachshunds were bigger than the ones we see today, and their legs were longer. But over time, people bred them to be smaller, like we know them now. The different kinds we have today, like standard and mini Dachshunds, with long, short, or wire hair, and with different patterns like dapple or piebald, developed over many years of breeding. The dapple pattern might have first shown up in the 16th century.
Temperament and Characteristics of Dapple Dachshund
If you’re hoping for a calm dog with perfect behavior, a Dachshund might not be the best choice. But if you want a loyal buddy who’s full of life and can be a bit mischievous (while still bringing lots of laughter), then this small, short-legged dog might be just right for you.
Think of a Dachshund as a big dog trapped in a small dog’s body. Despite their size, they’re stubborn, brave, and rarely shy. Actually, being shy is seen as a flaw in this breed because it doesn’t match their bold nature, which comes from their history.
These dogs are not just bold, they’re also full of energy and love to be active, especially outdoors with their owners. Also, these dapples also have qualities that make them great as family pets. They can be very affectionate and playful with their family. If they grow up with kids, they can be good friends for them too.
How Dapple Dachshund Becomes Popular?
Dachshunds first came to the UK in 1840. The Royal Family brought them back for hunting, and even Queen Victoria liked them, which made other people interested in them too. Even though they were originally hunting dogs, their small size meant they could live in small spaces.
People have always connected Dachshunds with Germany because of where they’re from. During World War I and II, this caused some people to not like them so much. But that didn’t last long, and soon they were popular again. Queen Elizabeth, who loved corgis, even had a mix of a corgi and a Dachshund called a “Dorgi.”
Nowadays, Dachshunds are seen as a good thing for Germany. In 1972, during the Olympics in Munich, a Dachshund named Waldi was the official mascot. This wasn’t just because they’re from Germany, but because they represent the strength, determination, and quickness of Olympic athletes.
Physical Features of Dapple Dachshund
Even though Dachshunds are known for being small, there are actually two sizes: standard and miniature. They don’t usually grow taller than 9 inches.
The main difference between the two sizes is weight, not height. A standard Dapple Dachshund weighs around 16 to 32 pounds, while a miniature one can weigh up to 11 pounds. So, a miniature Dapple Dachshund could be much lighter than a standard one.
Apart from their coloring, which we’ll talk about soon, there isn’t much that makes the Dapple Dachshund different from other Dachshunds. They all have a long, low body with strong muscles, short legs, and long ears. These ears are a reminder of their past as hunters of badgers in Germany; they helped them hear better while working.
Dapple Dachshund Colors:
Even though all these Dachshunds have spots on their fur, there can still be some differences in the colors of their coat or the spots themselves. The main part of the coat is usually a darker color compared to the spots. Here are some colors you might find on these Dachshunds:
- Brown (Chocolate)
- Brown with Tan (Chocolate and Tan)
- Light Yellow (Cream)
- Black with Light Yellow (Black and Cream)
- Black with Tan (Black and Tan)
- Grey (Silver)
- Red
- Greyish Blue (Blue)
- Spotted with White (Piebald)
Remember, just like regular Dachshunds, Dapples can have either short or long hair, but they all have these color patterns.
Intelligence of Dapple Dachshund
It takes a clever pup to do the job they were made for in Germany long ago. Dachshunds are smart, but they can also be very stubborn. This means they can learn a lot, but they might not always listen to you.
This is just how they are, and it’s something to think about before getting one as a pet. If you’re patient and don’t give up easily, you can enjoy all the good things about this breed.
Common Health Issues of Dapple Dachshund
Dapple Dachshunds often have more health problems than standard ones. The special pattern on their coat can cause a lot of issues, which means their owners might have to spend more money at the vet and deal with more stress.
Some of the health problems that can happen because of the dapple pattern are skin cancer, eye problems, and hearing loss. If two dapples are bred together, their puppies are at even higher risk of these issues.
But besides the dapple pattern, Dachshunds in general can have other health issues. Their long body shape can lead to a painful disease called Intervertebral Disc Disease, which might even make them unable to move.
So, these dogs might face problems like:
- Skin cancer
- Missing eyes
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
Top 5 Unique Fact of Dapple Dachshunds
Dapple Dachshunds have many unique facts and characteristics but we make a list of five unique facts of dapple dachshunds which is given below.
1. Dapple Dachshunds love hanging up the garden
Dapple Dachshunds can be a bit challenging to train, especially if you’re not familiar with this special kind of dog!
Since they come from a line of hunters, Dachshunds really enjoy digging. You might see them digging up your garden or tearing up flower beds when you take them to the park.
Sometimes they’re just curious, but other times they might have caught the scent of an animal. Either way, your garden might not be too happy about it!
2. Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs
Dachshunds are really cute dogs, but it’s hard to imagine them as hunters! But they were actually first bred in Germany for hunting!
Their short legs help them stay low to the ground, which makes it easier for them to smell and find small animals like rabbits and badgers.
Your dachshund might love digging in the garden, which is a reminder of their hunting history!
3. All Dachshunds experience back problems
The main health problem for Dapple Dachshunds (apart from Double Dapples) is the same as for all Dachshunds – issues with their backs.
Dachshunds have a kind of dwarfism, which is why they have short legs and a unique body shape. As they get older, this can lead to ongoing back problems, especially a disease called IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease).
To keep your Dachshund healthy, you can give them a bed ramp so they can move around the house safely without hurting their backs.
4. Dapple Dachshunds come in many colors
Dapple Dachshunds have really colorful coats, and it’s not just because of their dapple pattern. There are lots of different colors for Dachshunds! You can find them in colors like cream, red, brown, white, black, and tan. Plus, there are lots of mixtures and combinations of these colors too!
5. Dapple Dachshunds need lots of grooming
Dapple Dachshunds might look great, but they need regular grooming to stay that way. Their coats are silky and smooth, and they come in lots of colors. To keep their coats healthy and clean, you should brush them at least once a week.
Start brushing Dapple puppies when they’re young so they get used to it. They’ll also need regular baths, trims, and grooming sessions to keep them looking their best.
Breeds Similar to Dapple Dachshund
Not sure if a dapple dachshund is the right fit for you? Even if you are, it’s good to explore other breeds that are similar. Here are a few you might consider:
Beagle: If you want a friendly, active buddy who gets along with everyone, a beagle could be a good choice. Just like dapple dachshunds, they need lots of playtime.
Basset Hound: Slightly bigger and heavier, basset hounds are like dachshunds but with less need for exercise. They’re also great with kids and other pets.
German Shepherd: Besides coming from Germany like dachshunds, German shepherds have similar exercise and training needs. Plus, they’re fiercely loyal companions, just like dapple dachshunds.
Costs of Caring For Dapple Dachshunds
Many of the problems mentioned earlier can last for the dog’s whole life and need regular attention, medicine, or sometimes even surgery. Even if your dachshund seems healthy now, they might face mobility issues as they grow older. The long body of a dapple dachshund can strain their spine a lot. But you can help by adding ramps or steps to places they like to go, making it easier for them.
Getting health insurance for your dog can help with the costs, especially if you sign up when they’re young. You could also think about starting a savings account just for your dachshund’s health needs. This can help you manage expenses and make sure your dog gets the care they need without worrying too much about money.
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’S)
What is a Dapple Dachshund?
A Dapple Dachshund is a special kind of Dachshund with a spotted coat. This happens because of a change in their genes. Their coat can come in different colors like brown, brown with tan, light yellow, black with light yellow, black with tan, spotted with white, red, grey, and greyish blue. The spots are lighter than the main coat color. These dogs don’t shed a lot, but they’re not hypoallergenic either. On average, they live for 12 to 16 years.
Is dapple Dachshund Rare?
Yes, Dapple dachshunds are considered a rare type of purebred dachshund breed due to them inheriting the merle gene. These dogs are not easy to find them.
Dapple Dachshund Price?
Good breeders make sure they don’t give puppies two copies of the merle gene, which creates the special dapple coat. They often test the genes of both parents to ensure this. Because of this extra care, dapple dachshund puppies can cost around $3,000, on average.
Are Dapple Dachshunds less Healthy?
Sadly, dapple dachshunds often face some big health issues because their special coat comes from a genetic change. The gene that makes their coat spotty can lead to more deafness, blindness, sensitivity to sunlight, and a bigger chance of getting skin cancer.
Are Dapple Dachshunds Deaf?
Double Dapple dachshunds can have serious issues with their eyes and ears because of the harmful genes they carry. They might have trouble seeing or hearing well, and sometimes they can even be born with missing or very small eyes. Being a Double Dapple increases the chance of being blind or deaf. But it’s important to note that single dachshunds don’t have these severe health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a dapple dachshund can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to know about their special needs. Make sure to choose a responsible breeder who tests for genetic issues to keep your pup healthy. Remember, while their spotty coats are adorable, some dachshunds might have problems with their eyes and ears. Taking good care of them and being aware of these challenges can help you and your dachshund enjoy a happy and fulfilling life together.
Also read this blog on the topic of 10 Reasons Why Are Dogs Better Than Cats?