The Double Dapple Dachshund has a unique history that dates back to the 16th century.
This breed originated in Germany as a hunting dog, specifically bred to track badgers and other burrowing animals.
Double Dapple Dachshunds are known for their distinctive coat pattern, which is the result of a genetic variation that causes the dilution of the black pigment in the coat.
Their coats can come in a variety of colors, including red, cream, and wild boar, but the Double Dapple pattern is what sets them apart.
Their short stature and long bodies were bred for their ability to follow their quarry into underground tunnels.
The Double Dapple Dachshund's friendly and outgoing personality makes them a popular choice as family pets.
Broaden your view: What Were Dachshunds Bred for
History of Double Dapple Dachshund
The Double Dapple Dachshund has a rich history that spans centuries. It originated in Germany, where the earliest records of the Dachshund breed date back to the early 18th century.
Dapple is just one of several patterns found in Dachshunds, and Double Dapple is a variation of this pattern.
The Double Dapple Dachshund was first established in the United States in the late 1800s.
Here's an interesting read: Double Dapple Dachshund
Characteristics and Features
The Dapple Dachshund is a small dog, but did you know that there are actually two size variations of this breed: standard and miniature? The standard Dapple Doxie weighs between 16 to 32 pounds.
A miniature Dapple Dachshund can weigh as little as 11 pounds, making them quite a bit lighter than their standard counterparts. They have the same profile as other Doxie dogs, with a long and low body and well-defined muscles.
They have short legs, but long ears, which are a throwback to their badger hunting days in Germany, helping them to hear better when they were doing their jobs.
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Size and Appearance
The Dachshund's size is quite interesting. There are actually two size variations: standard and miniature.
A standard Dapple Dachshund can weigh between 16 to 32 pounds, while a miniature one can weigh up to 11 pounds. This is the main difference between the two sizes, not their height.
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Dachshunds in general don't grow taller than 9 inches, regardless of their size variation. Their long and low body profile is quite distinctive.
They have well-defined muscles and short legs, which make them quite agile. Their long ears are a throwback to their badger hunting days in Germany.
Their ears are a great example of how their physical features have been shaped by their history and purpose.
For more insights, see: Red Dapple Long Haired Dachshund
Miniature Long-Haired
As a dog owner, you might be wondering about the unique characteristics of a miniature long-haired dachshund. They can have a dapple pattern, which is a genetically inherited trait that's dominant in their lineage.
A dapple dachshund can inherit the dapple pattern from a dapple parent, and there's a 50% chance of it happening in a litter of puppies.
The dapple pattern is a possibility in purebred dachshunds, meaning they have no other breed of dog in their lineage. However, it's essential to note that breeding two dachshunds with the dapple pattern together is not a good idea.
Health and Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Dachshund is 12 to 16 years, and typically matures into an adult dog at the age of 12 months old.
Dachshunds can suffer from a neurological disorder called Intervertebral Disc Disease, which is where the discs in the spine become diseased, and they have up to 12 times greater risk of developing this disease than other breeds.
The unique appearance of the Dapple Dachshund is likely what will attract you to this particular variation of the breed, but it's worth noting that this coat color dappling actually comes from a genetic mutation.
Dapple Dachshunds can be prone to vision and hearing loss, or even missing or micro eyes, due to the genetic mutation that causes the dappling.
Dapple Dachshunds tend to live between 12 and 15 years, which is similar to the average lifespan of other Dachshunds.
As long as your Dachshund isn’t a double dapple – that is, both parents are also dapples – they should have no more susceptibility to health problems than other types of Dachshunds.
Broaden your view: Dapple Dachshund Lifespan
Breed Overview and Facts
The Double Dapple Dachshund is a unique breed that stands out from its standard and miniature counterparts. They typically range in height from 14–19 inches and weigh between 16–32 pounds.
Their small stature is a notable characteristic, especially in the miniature version, which weighs under 11 pounds. Their height and weight vary depending on whether they're standard or miniature.
Their coat comes in four main colors: solid red, black and tan, red and tan, and merle.
Here's an interesting read: Breeds of Red Dogs
Gained Popularity
The Double Dapple Dachshund's popularity has been a remarkable journey. They were first bred for badger hunting, but their role changed over time, making them one of the most popular companion breeds.
Their size has also undergone significant changes, with the breed now coming in two varieties: standard and miniature. They were primarily used for hunting in the early days, but their popularity didn't begin to soar until the 1930s and 1940s.
They have consistently remained a popular breed, and to this day, they rank among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in America.
Breed Overview
The Double Dapple Dachshund is a unique breed with a distinctive appearance. They typically stand between 14-19 inches tall.
Their weight range is between 16-32 pounds for the standard size. For the miniature size, they weigh under 11 pounds.
Their coats can be solid red, black and tan, or red and tan.
A different take: Shaded Red Dapple Dachshund
5 Unique Facts
The breed has a unique characteristic - it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, bi-color, and tri-color.
One of the most distinctive features of the breed is its short, easy-to-maintain coat.
This breed is known for being highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
They are also naturally athletic and love to stay active, which makes them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Their average lifespan is around 12-15 years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds.
Temperament and Training
Dapple dachshunds are known for their bold and fearless personalities, stemming from their original purpose of hunting badgers. They're not for everyone, especially if you're looking for a placid breed.
Their tenacious and courageous nature means they'll give you a run for your money on the exercise front, and they require regular outdoor activities with their owners. Dachshunds are active dogs that need to be exercised regularly.
Training a dapple dachshund can be a challenge due to their stubborn temperament, but with consistency and patience, they can learn to be well-behaved pets. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are effective tools in their training.
Dogs and Temperament
Dachshunds are known for their stubborn and brave personalities, which makes them a great match for active owners who can keep up with their energetic nature.
They are almost never shy, which is considered a fault in this breed as it wouldn't fit with their original characteristics.
Dachshunds are excellent guard dogs due to their loud, deep bark and general wariness of strangers.
Their loyalty is famously strong, and they may bond especially strongly to one person in the household.
Dachshunds can learn to get along with other dogs, but they may have a hard time with other pets like birds, rabbits, or hamsters.
Their strong prey drive makes them think of small animals as potential prey, which can lead to chasing or worse.
If you're looking for a placid breed with angelic behavior, a Dachshund might not be the best fit.
However, if you want a loyal puppy pal that will give you plenty of laughs through its lust for life, a Dachshund could be your perfect match.
Their intelligence and playfulness make them benefit from puzzle toys and plenty of playtime.
Training
Training a Dapple Doxie can be a challenge due to their stubborn temperament. They are super smart, but their independence can test your patience.
Socialisation is key to easing your dog into life as a well-behaved pet. You should start socialising your Dachshund as soon as you bring it home, so they can get used to other pets and people.
Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are essential tools in your armoury. You can use treats to your advantage, as Dapple Dachshunds will do just about anything for a treat.
Keep training sessions short and fun to avoid frustration. If you're getting tired, your dog certainly is too, so it's better to take a break and try again later.
Consistency is crucial when training a Dapple Doxie. You should establish a predictable routine and stick to it to avoid confusing your dog.
Crate training can be a useful tool in the housebreaking process. When done properly, your Dachshund will view their crate as a safe, comfortable space in which to rest.
Discover more: When Do Dachshunds Calm down
Coloring and Coat
The dapple pattern is a key characteristic of the Double Dapple Dachshund, and it's essential to understand that it's not a color, but rather a coat pattern. This pattern comes in three merle color patterns: black and tan dapple, chocolate dapple and tan, and the rarest color variation, red dapple.
The base color of the dapple pattern is usually dark, with lighter-colored areas as part of the merle pattern. Some Double Dapple Dachshunds have a large, white area on their chest, and double dapple occurs when you breed together two Dapple Dachshunds, resulting in white patches on their paws, nose, and tail tip.
Double dapple Dachshunds may also have a band around their neck, like you may see on a collie. The probability of puppies receiving the double dapple gene when two dapples are bred is approximately 25%. The most common color variety of dapple is a blue coat color combined with gray, black, brown, and tan.
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Sausage Dog Coloring
Sausage Dog Coloring is all about the unique patterns and colors of the Dachshund coat. The dapple pattern is not a color, but rather a coat pattern that comes in different color sets.
There are three main merle color patterns that can be present on a Dapple Dachshund: black and tan dapple, chocolate dapple and tan, and the rarest color variation, red dapple. These patterns feature a dark base color with lighter-colored areas.
The dapple pattern can also include a large white area on the chest, and in some cases, a band around the neck. This is especially true for double dapple Dachshunds, which occur when two Dapple Dachshunds are bred together.
Double dapple Dachshunds often have white patches on their paws, nose, and tail tip, and may also have blue eyes. In fact, the probability of puppies receiving the double dapple gene when two dapples are bred is approximately 25%.
Here are the three main merle color patterns that can be present on a Dapple Dachshund:
- Black and tan dapple
- Chocolate dapple and tan
- Red dapple
Coat Types
The Double Dapple Dachshund's coat is a unique aspect of their appearance. They come in three coat types, which is similar to traditional Dachshunds.
A smooth coat is one of the three coat varieties, and it's exactly what it sounds like - smooth to the touch.
The wire-haired coat is the second type, and it feels rough to the touch, giving it a distinct texture.
A longhaired coat is the third type, and it's typically soft and luxurious to the touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color can I breed my dapple dachshund with?
To breed a dapple dachshund, consider pairing it with a Red or Cream dachshund, as breeding with other colors may lead to unintended results. However, consult further guidance for specific breeding recommendations
Can you breed a double dapple Dachshund?
No, breeding two Dapple Dachshunds together is not recommended due to the risk of double dapple offspring. The Kennel Club will not register puppies from such a mating.
What is the lifespan of a double dapple Dachshund?
Double dapple Dachshunds typically live for up to 12 years, which is shorter than the standard Dachshund lifespan. Their lifespan is affected by the double dapple gene, which can also impact their overall health.
Sources
- Dapple Dachshund - Complete Dog Breed Guide (animalcorner.org)
- Double Dapple Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (With ... (dogster.com)
- Full Circle Dachshunds (fullcircledachshunds.com)
- MyGaDachs (georgiadachs.com)
- Daisy-Hill Dachshunds (daisyhilldachshunds.com)
- Rockin L Dachshunds (rockinldachshunds.com)
- Dapple Doxie (dappledoxie.com)
- dachshund (wikipedia.org)
- have been linked to Double Dapple Dachshunds (dachshundhealth.org.uk)
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