Dapple Dachshund Guide (Silver vs Chocolate Dapple)

Dapple Dachshunds (AKA Merle Dachshunds) have beautiful mottled patterned coats that can come in many colors including silver dapple and chocolate dapple. In addition to their distinct coats, Dapple Dachshunds often have striking green or blue eyes. It’s not surprising at all that these dogs are highly sought after because of their aesthetics! Nevertheless prospective owners need to be aware of the health dangers of the merle (dapple) gene, especially ‘merle-to-merle’ breeding and Double Dapple Dachshunds.

If you are interested in Dapple Dachshunds keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about the different coat colours!

Cover Image Credit: Photo by Avery Cocozziello on Unsplash

What Is A Dapple Dachshund?

Dapple Dachshunds have a rare coat pattern that features mottled patches of various colors depending on whether they are a silver dapple or chocolate dapple. The merle gene dilutes random sections of the coat to a lighter color whilst leaving patches of their original coat color remaining. It may also affect eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws. Merle coats occurs when a Dachshund carries the “M” Merle allele and a negative “m” copy of the Merle allele. Merle Dachshunds are the same as Dapple Dachshunds.

Despite the captivating look of a Dapple Dachshund, prospective owners should be aware that they are often a result of poor breeding practices and because of this may suffer from ocular and auditory defects. That is not to say that all Sapple Dachshunds are the result of poor breeding practices or that they will have these health issues but there is a higher risk than an ordinary Dachshund.

Are Dapple Dachshunds Rare?

Dapple Dachshunds are rare in comparison to other coat colors like red, black & tan, chocolate & tan and cream. Unlike other dogs who have merle coats, the dapple (merle) coat is recognised by many kennel clubs.

Another reason why Dapple Dachshunds are rare is because breeders often choose not to breed them. This is because it is much more complex breeding Dapple Dachshunds as breeders have to carefully track lineage to ensure healthy litters. Breeders cannot breed two Dapple Dachshunds together otherwise they will be Double Dapples (Double Merles) and may suffer from severe ocular defeats and auditory issues. Double Dapples also are likely to have no colouring in their fur and appear completely white.

Silver Dapple Dachshund (AKA Blue Dapple)

What Is A Blue Dapple Dachshund?

Silver Dapple Dachshunds feature blue, grey, white and tan coats in a distinct mottled pattern. Usually most of their coat is grey and blue with white and tan patches throughout it. They have jet black noses and dark brown or blue eyes.

Silver Dapple Dachshunds are usually created by breeding a Dapple Dachshund with a Dachshund that features black in their coat. This is most likely going to be a black and tan Dachshund as solid black Dachshunds are very rare. Remember two Dapple Dachshunds should never be bred together otherwise their litter will have some Double Dapple puppies.

Chocolate Dapple Dachshund (AKA Red Dapple Dachshund)

What Is A Chocolate Dapple Dachshund?

Chocolate Dapple Dachshunds feature a chocolate, copper, beige and white coat in a mottled pattern. Most of their coat is a beige-grey and they feature red, white and copper patches throughout it. Chocolate Dapple Dachshunds usually have light or dark brown noses. In most cases they have light brown eyes however they may also have blue eyes.

Chocolate Dapple Dachshunds are usually created by breeding a Dapple Dachshund with a Chocolate & Tan Dachshund. Again, two Dapple Dachshunds should never be bred together otherwise there will be Double Merles in the litter.

Double Dapple Dachshund

What Is A Double Dapple Dachshund?

A Double Dapple (M/M) Dachshund carries two copies of the dominant “M” allele. They are a result of bad breeding practices where breeders have bred two Dapple Dachshunds together which results in a dog that has a very high chance of suffering from ocular defects and deafness. These dogs are also called ‘lethal whites’ as they have little to no colour in their coat.

Double Sapple Dachshunds have created a lot of controversy in the dog world with many official bodies refusing to register dogs that are a product of merle-to-merle breeding. Two Dapple Dachshunds should never be bred together

Long Haired Dapple Dachshund

Long Haired Dapple Dachshunds have silky, long hair that features the merle coat pattern. Their hair is longest on their ears, tail, neck, behind their legs and on their belly. Long Haired Dapple Dachshunds are not as common as Smooth Haired Dapple Dachshunds. They require more attention in terms of grooming as they require weekly brushing to keep their coat in a good condition.

Wire Haired Dapple Dachshund

Wire Haired Dapple Dachshunds have a medium length coarse and slightly wavy coat with the merle coat pattern. The combination of wavy but coarse hair gives their coats a rough texture. Their hair is usually a bit longer under their chin and around their muzzle, giving the appearance of a beard.

Wire Haired Dapple Dachshunds are the least common Dapple Dachshund. They are not as popular as smooth haired or long haired Dapple Dachshunds so hardly any breeders breed them.

Smooth Haired Dapple Dachshund

Smooth Dapple Dachshunds have short, shiny and dense coats that feature the merle pattern. It is the most common hair type for the merle coat. Smooth Dapple Dachshunds are very popular as their coat doesn’t require as much attention as Wire-haired or Long Haired Dachshund. Smooth Dapple Dachshunds are one of the most common type of Dapple Dachshund.

Dapple Dachshund Name Ideas

Marble
Bolt
Dusty
Merle
Bambi
Cinnamon
Sienna
Ruby
Chilli
Flame
Valentine
Scarlet
Clementine
Tabasco
Arizona
Speckles
Stormi
Comet
Sonic
Freckles