Dapple Dachshund
Find Dapple Dachshund Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Dapple Dachshund puppies available.
Find Dapple Dachshund BreedersGet 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
Lifespan
Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
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.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Dapple Dachshund
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Dapple Dachshund puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Dapple Dachshund, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Dapple Dachshund is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
