Dapple Dachshund

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Get to Know Dapple Dachshunds

Dapple is a Pattern, Not a Breed: “Dapple” refers to a merle-style coat pattern that creates mottled patches of lighter and darker color. It does not affect temperament or working ability when responsibly bred.
Double Dapple Risks: Breeding two dapple Dachshunds together can produce “double dapples,” which are at significantly higher risk for congenital vision and hearing impairments. Ethical breeding avoids dapple-to-dapple pairings.
Bred for the Hunt: Dachshunds were originally developed to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their fearless nature and strong prey drive remain evident today.
Big Dog Personality in a Small Body: Dapple Dachshunds are famously confident and assertive, often unaware of their small stature. This boldness makes them entertaining and sometimes stubborn companions.
Highly Expressive & Vocal: They are excellent communicators and are known for their distinctive bark, which historically helped hunters locate them underground.

Breed History

The Dachshund originated in Germany over 300 years ago, bred specifically for hunting badgers, foxes, and other burrowing animals. Their elongated body, short legs, and powerful chest allowed them to enter tunnels and work independently. The dapple (merle) pattern developed later through selective breeding and became popular for its striking appearance. Today, Dapple Dachshunds are cherished both as companions and for their rich working heritage.

Personality and Behaviour

Fearless & Confident: They are brave and curious, often approaching new situations with confidence.
Strongly Loyal: Dachshunds form deep bonds with their families and may be protective of their people.
Independent Thinkers: Their hunting background makes them intelligent but sometimes stubborn, especially during training.

Care

Exercise: Daily walks and controlled play help maintain fitness while protecting their spine—avoid jumping and stairs.
Training: Use positive reinforcement and short sessions to keep them engaged and cooperative.
Grooming: Brush weekly (more often for long-haired varieties) to maintain coat health and reduce shedding.

Dapple Dachshund Summary

Weight

11-29 lbs

Lifespan

12-16 years

Exercise

Moderate

Trainability

Moderate

Temperament

Bold

Affectionate

Willful

Grooming

Low

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

Dachshund Health Testing

Screening	Considerations
ACVO Eye Exam	Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist. Dogs can be evaluated when their eyes are open. Males and females should be evaluated within 2 years prior to breeding.
Patellar Luxation	OFA Patella Evaluation at 12 months of age or older. It is recommended that dogs be periodically reevaluated, as some luxations will not be evident until later in life. Patients that are evaluated and found to have patella luxation should be reevaluated by a Diplomat of the College of Veterinary Surgeons for confirmation.
Cardiac Evaluation	(Optional) Basic Cardiac Exam Minimum age for OFA/CHIC certification is 12 months, however earlier examinations are encouraged as most of congenital diseases can be detected at a much earlier age. Adult males and females should be evaluated again within 2 years prior to breeding.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dapple Dachshund Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning a Dapple Dachshund is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

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