Dapple Dachshunds
Dapple Dachshund
Of all the Dachshund patterns, Dapple Dachshunds are the most popular. The have very pretty splotches of two-tone (occasionally three-tone) color spread throughout the coat. Most people tend to call them spotted dachshunds or Merle dachshunds. They are really beautiful. Very flashy and vibrant. Yes, we love a dapple dachshund. Speaking from a genetic standpoint, the dapple gene is also known as a Merle gene. It is a dominant gene. (it cannot be carried) Meaning that one of the parents must be a dapple to produce dapple dachshund puppies. Breeding Dappled Dachshunds is not really for novice or beginner Dapple Dachshund breeders, but I can give you a few pointers. You must be very aware of your dogs bloodline and follow certain guidelines to breed for dapples. The main “rule” is NOT to breed a dapple dachshund to other dapple dachshunds! Unless you are very experienced at breeding double dapple dachshund puppies. While they are beautiful, there is always the possibility of producing vision or hearing impaired puppies. Keep in mind that this ONLY applies to the double dapple dachshund. Dapple Doxies DO NOT have vision or hearing impairment. They are perfectly healthy. There are certain ways that a dapple gene can hide itself, as well. Most commonly in a red long haired dapple dachshund or an English Cream. These puppies can be born with dapple markings that fade as the puppy matures. There are occasionally blue in the eyes that will help you determine if an adult dachshund is a dapple, but it’s hard to rely on. If you are in doubt, contact your breeder and order pedigrees for your dog. It is always better safe than sorry. If there are a lot of dapples in the background of your dog, it may be safer not to breed that dog to another dapple. Even though a dog cannot “carry” for dapple, it is a good indicator that you should be careful. I also want to add here that if a dapple dachshund has blue eyes this is not an indicator of vision impairment. It is just an indicator that your dog is a dapple.
More resources about the Dapple Dachshund
Definition of the word dapple by Merriam-Webster - What does Dapple Mean?
