Dapple dachshunds have a different pattern to their coat. They have the same genetic mutation as merle-colored shepherds. Dapple dachshunds do have the independent and stubborn personalities of a typical dachshund; their only variation is in color. Dapple dachshunds are intelligent, courageous and lively. However, the hunting heritage of these dogs provides them with a tenacity that is not suitable for first-time owners. Dapple dachshunds have short legs and a narrow body, which allows them to crawl into small spaces in order to hunt badgers. Their low body and long ears helps them track scents and other markers, making them useful worker dogs.
Dachshunds are affectionately referred to as ‘wiener dog’ or ‘sausage dog’ or ‘Doxie’, which means badger dog. Although dachshunds still take part in field trials and conformation shows, dapples live as family pets and loyal companions.
What is Dapple?
Genetically, it is the same as “merle” found in Australian shepherds, collies and certain other breeds. Instead of being a color, dapple is a pattern. It appears “painted” over the other, more standard dachshund colors. Sometimes, the dappling can be very noticeable and bright, or other dogs may have very little of the dapple pattern that cannot even be seen easily. However, it is easy to recognize a dapple dachshund when the pattern is present on one of the base colors like red or chocolate and tan, or black and tan. In order to get dapple puppies, one of the parents must be dapple.
What is a Double Dapple?
Double dapple are those dogs created by mating two dapple dachshunds. In all cases, double dapple puppies are going to have white markings, many of which are in the pattern associated with collies. Generally, a double dapple dachshund has blue eyes, but it may also have one or both dark eyes.
The Health Risks Associated With Double Dapple
Genetic problems related to the double dapple dachshund include different degrees of hearing and vision loss, including missing eyes or micro eyes. However, these serious health issues are not present in the case of single dapple dachshunds.
The gene for dapple dominates the gene for non-dapple. However, in view of the significant health risks present in the case of double dapples, it is considered unacceptable or even irresponsible to mate two dapples together. A dachshund is considered dapple even if there is only a small dapple patch present on his coat. Such a dachshund must be registered as a dapple because he will produce dapple puppies if he mates with a non-dapple. Again, serious health problems are not present in the case of the single dapple dachshund. If a single dapple dachshund mates with a dachshund of solid color, then there shouldn’t be any problem.
Dachshund puppy buyers should not be misled by advertisements claiming to offer rare-colored dachshunds like double dapple or piebald. These colors are not acceptable and as we’ve read, there are certain health problems related to double dapple dachshunds. You cannot be sure what health risks the puppies might face when they have been bred by such breeders. You should avoid purchasing puppies from breeders who claim that they have all colors available. Reputable dachshund breeders are not going to make the claim that they have rare-colored dachshunds because they breed in accordance with breed standards. The main concern for a breeder should be the health and welfare of the puppies that they produce.
Are Dapple Dachshunds More Expensive?
Dachshunds are available in a wide range of color and coat patterns. Dapple dachshunds have a single color with spots, and a dog with a single spot is treated as a dapple. The price of a dapple dachshund depends on the characteristics of the puppy and from where you are going to purchase him. In general, dachshunds are a pricier breed and female puppies are a little bit more expensive than males. The price of a dachshund puppy varies, depending on the characteristics and quality of appearance. If both parents of the puppy have papers, the puppy is certainly going to fetch a premium price. Puppies with blue eyes or partially blue eyes or one blue eye and one brown eye are not desired by kennel clubs, and so they command a lower premium. High-end breeders also test the appearance of the puppy, and the presence of any genetic problems is included in the puppy’s papers. A breeder will also make sure that the puppy is properly vaccinated.
Conclusion
In general, animal enthusiasts do not support buying a puppy from a pet shop. Animals in the pet shop are not typically provided the same level of care as a breeder can provide. Also, a lot of pet shops purchase their puppies from puppy mills, which are infamous for the inhuman treatment of animals. Animal advocates do not encourage buyers to purchase puppies from pet shops.
It is, however, a good idea to get a dachshund from a rescue group. These nonprofit organizations specialize in dachshund adoption. Rescue groups get dachshunds from a number of sources, including animal shelters and people who cannot find an owner for a puppy.
