Dapple Dachshund

A merle or dapple Dachshund is an accepted coat pattern in this breed. Dapple coat pattern means that a dog has lighter-colored areas of hair against the darker background. A background color should not predominate over the lighter color as well as a lighter color should be well balanced with the background. White spots on the chest are accepted in dapple Dachshunds. All eye colors are accepted in dapple Dachshund, but darker colors are preferred. This coat variety may have partial or wholly blue eye coloration. Nose and nail color in these dogs are the same as in solid or partially colored dogs.

Any acceptable color may be a background color in dapple Dachshunds. Red is a most common coat color in the Dachshund. It comes in a variety of shades from light cream to mahogany and reddish-brown. Other common colors in the Dachshund are black, chocolate, gray, fawn, tan, and white.

Besides a dapple Dachshund, other coat patterns are accepted in this breed. Solid Dachshunds are relatively rare. Two-colored dogs usually combine white and black or black and fawn or tan with markings over the eyes, on the ears, on the legs or paws, and under the tail. A small amount of white is accepted in two-colored dogs. Brindle pattern is also possible in this breed. Brindle pattern may be visible in the tan points or over the entire body. Sable pattern means having double-pigmented hairs. In Dachshunds, sable dogs have a dark overlay of a red coat.

Since the original purpose of the Dachshund is hunting, this breed is praised for its working abilities and personality. True breed fanciers appreciate the Dachshund’s intelligence, friendliness, and affection rather than their coat color or structure. Dachshunds that deviate from the breed standard can also make excellent family companions and brighten up people’s lives. They are ideal pets for many homes. Dachshunds suit well active families with children and can adapt to many environments, if given enough exercise. Responsible breed fanciers choose dogs by their temperament, but not by their appearance. If someone wants to obtain a dapple Dachshund only, it’s not the breed fancier.