Rare Dachshund Colors & Patterns Guide: 12 Stunning Types

 

Rare Dachshund Colors & Patterns Guide: 12 Stunning Types (Prices & Health Risks)

Introduction: The Rainbow of the Dog World

Let’s be real for a second. We all know the classic "hot dog" look: the standard red or the handsome black and tan. They are iconic. But did you know that Dachshunds actually come in a mind-blowing variety of colors and patterns?

We are talking about dogs that look like little leopards (Dapples), dogs that look like cows (Piebalds), and colors so rare they look like they were painted by an artist (Isabella).

But here is where things get confusing (and where most other websites get it wrong). There is a big difference between a "Color" and a "Pattern."

Think of it like getting dressed:

• The Base Color: This is the dog's actual skin/fur pigment (e.g., Red, Cream, Chocolate).

• The Pattern: This is the "jacket" worn over the color (e.g., Dapple spots, Brindle stripes).

In this ultimate guide, we are going to break down the 12 most stunning Dachshund coat types, reveal the truth about prices, and issue a serious health warning about the "Double Dapple" that every potential owner needs to hear.

Ready to find your dream puppy? Let’s dive in! 🌈

Part 1: The "Standard" Base Colors

Before we get to the rare gems, we have to respect the classics. These are the colors accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club) without hesitation.

1. Red (The Classic Wiener)

• The Look: It can range from a light rusty brown to a deep, dark mahogany.

• Fun Fact: A "Shaded Red" has black tips on the ears and tail, making them look like they rolled in charcoal.

2. Black & Tan
3. Chocolate & Tan

• Note: The nose and paw pads will always be brown, not black. If the nose is black, it’s not a true chocolate!

This is what 90% of people imagine when they hear "Dachshund."

The tuxedo of the Dachshund world. These dogs are sleek, shiny black with distinct tan (brown) markings above the eyes, on the snout, chest, and paws. They look ready for a formal event 24/7.

Imagine a Black & Tan, but swap the black for a rich, dark brown chocolate bar.

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Part 2: The "Rare" Solid Colors (The Showstoppers)

Now we are getting into the territory of "Wait, is that really a Dachshund?!" These colors are harder to find and usually come with a higher price tag.

4. English Cream (The Royalty)

This is arguably the most elegant coat type, usually found in Long-haired Dachshunds.

• The Look: A stunning blonde/white coat that looks like a Golden Retriever.

• English vs. American: True "English Creams" are born dark and get lighter as they age. "American Creams" (or EE Creams) are born light and stay light because they lack the red gene.

• Vibe: They are often noted to have the sweetest, calmest temperaments.

5. Isabella & Tan (The Lilac)

If you see one, make a wish! This is essentially a "diluted" Chocolate.

• The Look: A silvery-beige, lavender, or taupe color. It is absolutely breathtaking and looks like velvet.

• Rarity: Very High. Because it requires two recessive genes (one from each parent), breeders rarely get this color by accident.

6. Blue & Tan (The Grey Ghost)

"Blue" in dog terms actually means steel grey. It is a dilution of the Black coat.

• The Look: A gunmetal grey coat with tan points.

• ⚠️ Health Warning (CDA): I have to be honest with you. Blue Dachshunds are prone to Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). This condition causes hair thinning, hair loss, and itchy skin infections. While beautiful, they require extra skin care.

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Part 3: The Patterns (The Art of Genetics)

This is where the magic happens. These patterns can appear on TOP of any of the colors mentioned above.

7. Dapple (The Merle Gene)

This is the trendy superstar right now. In other breeds, it's called "Merle."

• The Look: Lighter spots swirled on a darker background. For example, a "Chocolate Dapple" is a brown dog with silvery/white splotches.

• Uniqueness: No two Dapples look the same. It’s like a fingerprint.

• Single Dapple: If one parent is Dapple and the other is Solid, the puppies are healthy "Single Dapples."

8. Piebald (The Cow Print)

Unlike the Dapple (which swirls colors), the Piebald gene creates unpredictable white patches.

• The Look: A mostly white dog with large patches of color (Red, Black, etc.).

• The Ticking: Many Piebalds have "ticking"—tiny freckles of color on the white parts of their fur. It is adorable!

9. Brindle (The Tiger Stripe)

This is subtle but wild.

• The Look: Dark tiger stripes over the dog's base color. It is most visible on Red Dachshunds. On a Black & Tan, you might only see the stripes in the tan points.

10. Sable (The Burnt Toast)

Most common in Long-haired and Wire-haired Doxies.

• The Look: The hair shaft is red at the base but black at the tip. From a distance, the dog looks dark, but when you part the fur, it’s red underneath. It gives a shifting, color-changing effect.

11. Wild Boar

This is the standard look for Wire-haired Dachshunds. It’s a mix of black, brown, and grey hairs that gives them a rugged, "wolf-like" appearance.

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⚠️ Part 4: The "Double Dapple" Warning

Please pay close attention to this section. Unethical breeders will sometimes breed two Dapple dogs together to try and get more unique patterns. This creates a "Double Dapple."

Why is this bad? Double Dapples often carry the "Lethal White" gene. These puppies are frequently born:

1. Blind (or with missing/small eyes - Microphthalmia).

1. Deaf.

1. With serious internal deformities.

How to spot them: They usually have excessive white markings, especially around the ears and eyes, and bright blue eyes (sometimes with jagged pupils). Never support a breeder who intentionally breeds Double Dapples.

Part 5: Price Guide (How Much Do They Cost?)

Dachshund prices vary wildly based on location and breeder reputation, but here is a general estimate for 2024/2025 to help you budget.

Coat Color/Pattern	Rarity Level	Estimated Price (USD)
Standard Red / Black & Tan	Common	$1,000 - $1,800
Dapple (Single)	Popular	$2,000 - $3,000
Piebald	Moderate	$2,200 - $3,200
English Cream (Longhair)	High	$3,000 - $4,500
Blue / Isabella	Very High	$3,500 - $5,000+
Wire-haired (Wild Boar)	Niche	$1,500 - $2,500

Note: Always prioritize health testing over color. A healthy $1,500 Red Dachshund is better than a sickly $5,000 Isabella.

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Conclusion: Which Coat is Your Favorite?

Whether you fall in love with a spotted Dapple, a majestic English Cream, or a classic Red, remember that the coat is just the wrapping paper. The real gift is the personality inside.

Dachshunds are stubborn, loyal, and endlessly entertaining, regardless of their color.

My final advice? If you are looking for a rare color like Blue or Isabella, do your homework. Ask the breeder about health history (especially alopecia) and always run away if you suspect Double Dapple breeding.

Tell me in the comments: Which Dachshund color is your dream dog? I admit, I have a soft spot for the Isabellas! 👇

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