Every Dapple Dachshund you encounter is a masterpiece.
Each one is unique and beautiful in their own special way. Some have solid colored faces whereas others have dotted faces and speckled bellies.
Despite their beautiful appearance these pups are courageous protectors and will fearlessly watch over their families.
They are the most gorgeous watchdogs in existence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a Dapple Dachshund?
The Dapple Dachshund is a purebred dachshund with a very specific coat pattern.
Their fur has a dark base (tan, chocolate, black) with lighter spots flecked all over their bodies.
These beautiful dogs were originally used as hunting companions. These days they have happily settled into their new role as companions and love nothing more than laying in their owner’s lap after running around in the backyard during the day.
They have a determined attitude and enjoy getting their way.
Whilst these petite dogs are fairly easy to care for, training can be a bit of a nightmare.
Be prepared to pamper these pups with lots of love and attention and get used to them being the center of attention.
These show stopping dogs have a magnetic personality and you will want to sit and watch your adorable comedian all day long.
- Overview: Purebred.
- Purpose: Companion.
- Weight: 11-32 pounds.
- Size: 8-9 inches.
- Temperament: Feisty, courageous and affectionate.
Appearance
These dogs have a goofy appearance that is anything but intimidating!
Their long muscular bodies stand on top of short and stubby legs. They will have big brown or blue eyes that are endearing and sweet beyond belief.
You will also notice they have long floppy ears. These flimsy ears help them pick up scents, but really just flip inside out all the time and make them look even goofier.
A Dachshund Dapple will have funny little paws that crook outward and are paddle-shaped to help them dig. These goofballs are both comical and beautiful at the same time.
Dapple Dachshund Size
Dapple Dachshunds can come in two different sizes:
- Standard: typically weigh between 11-32 lbs.
- Miniature: only weigh 8-11 lbs.
Both varieties are only 8-9 inches tall.
Colors
A common misconception is that the color of a Dapple Dachshund’s fur is Dapple.
However Dapple is a pattern not a color.
This pattern is characterized by a dark colored base and lighter colored spots on top.
The most common color patterns are black and tan, or chocolate and tan. Some of these beauties also have red in their coats but this is very rare. Cream, blue and silver are also possible colors that these dogs can have in their beautiful coats.
Coat
These pups can have one of three coat varieties: smooth, wire haired, or long haired.
Smooth haired pups appear silky and shiny with very short fur.
Wire haired Dachshunds have rough fur that is medium length and can sometimes stick out in all directions.
Long haired Dapple Dachshunds are definitely the most glamorous. These models have long, billowing fur that gently blows in the breeze.
Regardless of what fur they have they typically won’t shed that much. You will still find their fur around your home but you won’t be overwhelmed by it.
5 Fun Facts About Dapple Dachshunds
- They only need to have one singular spot on their fur to be labeled as Dapple.
- These beautiful dogs are exactly the same as other Dachshunds except they have a different coat pattern.
- Dachshunds with this gorgeous coloring are considered rare because their unique pattern is the result of a genetic mutation.
- Dapple Dachshunds have many nicknames including the Doxie (which means Badger Dog) and the Weiner Dog.
- Dachshund means Badger Dog in German. These courageous dogs were originally bred in German over 600 years ago with the job of chasing badgers out of their dens for hunters to capture.
Dapple Dachshund Personality and Temperament
Dapple Dachshunds have the same feisty personality that any other Dachshund has.
Despite their short stature these pups are bold and courageous and will never back down from a fight. They are more than willing to protect their family from any sort of stranger and make good watchdogs with their loud barks.
By looking at one of these tiny dogs you would never guess that these pups have such strong protective instincts. They form extremely tight bonds with their family members and are loyal for life.
These dogs are true sweethearts with the people they love and trust.
Dapple Dachshunds pack lots of energy into their tiny bodies and have a very playful side. They love going for walks, playing in the backyard and messing around with any toy you give them.
These goofy dogs will always keep you laughing with their silly personality.
Whilst these dogs are very affectionate with their family members they can sometimes be a bit hard-headed and moody.
With strangers and other animals they are not so kind.
It is hard to imagine that such a loud bark can come out of such a small creature. Their barking can get a bit out of hand so you will have to work on this from a young age.
Is The Dapple Dachshund A Good Family Dog?
They can be good family dogs if they are socialized properly.
These dogs have a tendency to be a bit irritable around young children so make sure to pay attention to this.
Caring for a Dapple Dachshund
Exercise Requirements
Although Dapple Dachshunds are small and compact they have a lot of energy.
These pups love to run around in the backyard and play fetch with their favorite humans.
They will play any game that you are willing to play with them (especially fetch).
When you take your pup on a walk it is very important that they are always on a leash. They have a high prey drive, so if they see a rabbit or squirrel they will take off in an instant. Their short legs cannot take them long distances, so they prefer 1-2 short walks each day to allow them to explore their world.
Just remember that in a fenced-in backyard the fence needs to extend far into the ground because these little balls of energy can dig under fences.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 1-2.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 60 minutes.
Grooming and Shedding
The amount of grooming they need will mainly depend on what type of fur they have.
If your Dapple Dachshund has silky or wire haired fur their grooming routine will be pretty simple. They will need to be brushed 2-3 times per week but will not need much more than that.
Long fur will need a bit more upkeep.
These glamorous pups will need to be brushed 4 times a week to prevent tangles and mats.
All three coat varieties of this breed shed moderately but not excessively.
They do not accumulate much dirt or debris in their fur so bathing is not a major concern unless they start to smell.
Nail clipping and teeth brushing are also very important to the health of your pup.
Feeding and Diet
This is a small dog breed so they do not need lots of food.
These short pups have a high likelihood of becoming obese, so it is important to keep a close eye on their diet and weight.
Check in often with your vet to make sure that they are maintaining a healthy weight and adjust the amount of food you feed them as needed.
They typically only need 1 cup of food each day spread out over 2 meals.
When selecting a food, a food formulated for small dog breeds that is low in fat and calories and has a healthy amount of protein is best. It is important to pick a nutritious food that won’t go straight to their hips.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 200-600 | 1 |
Known Health Problems
Unfortunately, they can have more health complications compared to average Dachshunds.
Although their unique spots are undoubtedly beautiful, they can create a lot of health problems for your pup.
The Dapple pattern can often result in vision loss, hearing loss, missing eyes or skin cancer.
Double Dapple Dachshunds are at an even greater risk. It is extremely important that if you are purchasing a one of these dogs from a breeder that you ensure your pup is not a Double Dapple Dachshund.
The short stature of these dogs can also be problematic.
They can develop Intervertebral Disc Disease during their lifetime. This is a condition that is caused by the Dachshunds elongated body and may lead to pain and potentially paralysis in the future.
You should use ramps around the house that minimize jumping on and off couches/beds. This can help reduce the amount of strain they put on their delicate spines.
With all known health problems, pet insurance for your Dapple should be included in the planned care costs. You could
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
How Long Does A Dapple Dachshund Live?
These feisty dogs often live long lives of 12-16 years.
How Much Does A Dapple Dachshund Cost?
Prices for these precious dogs can range anywhere from $400 to $1500.
These pretty pups are often much more expensive than the typical Dachshund because breeders consider these dogs to be rare.
How To Train Dapple Dachshunds
Training a Dapple Dachshund is where owners run into the most trouble.
It can be frustrating to train these stubborn pups. You will need lots of patience and forgiveness.
These pups are independent thinkers and like to demonstrate their extreme intelligence, especially when they are digging all the way under your fence.
They need to quickly know that you are in charge.
Because these dogs like to do their own thing rather than be told what to do, it is important that you make dog training a game for them. They need to feel like they are having fun and that they have a choice in what they do.
Positive reinforcement is especially important when training these dogs because of how sensitive they are. If you raise your voice at one of these pups, they will become very angry with you and will have no desire to do what you ask of them.
Be patient and remember to reward them with lots of treats and praise.
The Dachshund Dapple are extremely intelligent and will quickly become destructive if they are not kept busy. Puzzle toys and sand pits (for them to dig in) are great ways to mentally stimulate your pup and keep their big brains active.
Socialization is vital for these pups because they are not naturally welcoming with strangers and other animals. Their protective instincts cause them to be wary of newcomers. You need to introduce them to a variety of people and animals at a young age so that they realize that new people are not a threat to their beloved family.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Affectionate and loving with family members. | Stubborn and difficult to train. |
| Good watchdog and very protective. | Can bark excessively if not trained. |
| Make good apartment dogs. | Dapple pattern makes them more susceptible to medical issues. |
| Minimal grooming requirements. | Expensive |
| Funny and will always make you laugh. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 8-9 inches |
| Weight: | 11-32lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Coat: | Smooth, wire haired, or long haired |
| Color: | Black and tan, red and tan, or chocolate and tan |
| Do They Shed: | Moderately |
| Temperament: | Feisty, confident, protective, loyal, and affectionate |
| Intelligence: | Very intelligent |
| Socialization: | Need to be socialized early on so they do not become aggressive or territorial |
| Destructive Behavior: | Will dig or chew if bored or left alone for too long |
| People Skills: | Affectionate and loving with family but wary of strangers |
| Good with Children: | Better with older kids (10+) |
| Activity Levels: | Highly active |
Summary
The Dapple Dachshund has a strong personality and can be a challenge for first time dog owners.
These stubborn pups are difficult to train and can be a bit moody from time to time. Despite their sensitive nature with patient training these beautiful dogs can make loyal and loving companions.
Apart from some mental stimulation and moderate exercise these pups are low maintenance.
If you are willing to put in the time and effort you will have an affectionate companion for many years to come that will enrich your life with lots of smiles and laughter.
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