Black and Tan Dachshund: Coat, Standard, Price & Buying Tips
Share
The black and tan dachshund is THE iconic two-tone coat of the breed, instantly recognizable by its deep black fur set off by rusty-brown tan markings. This classic coloring, found in all three coat types (smooth, long, wire), combines elegance with full conformity to the breed standard. Because black and tan is a recessive base color, its genetics are distinctive and shape breeding: two black and tan dachshunds produce ONLY black and tan puppies. This complete guide covers everything about the iconic coat: a detailed description of the markings, the official breed standard, genetics and breeding, differences by coat type, purchase price, specific grooming, and tips for choosing a healthy, well-bred black and tan puppy.
Key takeaways: The black and tan dachshund is one of the two official base colors alongside red (three for wirehaired, with wild boar). Description: Glossy deep black coat with rusty-brown or yellow tan markings in precise spots: above the eyes, sides of the muzzle, lower lip, inner edge of the ears, chest, inner/rear sides of the legs, feet, around the anus, and the lower third to half of the tail. Breed standard: Black nose and nails are required. White is not desired but tolerated (a small chest spot under about 1.2 in / 3 cm). Genetics: A recessive color. 2 black and tans = 100% black and tan puppies. 2 red carriers can produce black and tan. Price: Typically the same as red, with no color surcharge. Roughly €800-1,300 ($850-1,400) for a registered companion puppy, €1,500-2,500 for champion lines, €2,000-3,500 for show quality. Grooming: Smooth coat = brushing once a week. Long coat = daily. Wire coat = hand-stripping 3-4 times a year. Watch for fading tan points (sun, diet). Advantage: A very recognizable coat that shows dirt less than light red. Health: No predispositions linked to color (unlike dapple).
Detailed description of the black and tan coat
The black and tan coat is defined by a deep black base with tan markings in very specific places set by the standard.
Color distribution
Black and tan: a codified two-tone coat
Dominant color: Deep, glossy dark black covering the whole body (back, sides, top of the head, ears, top of the tail). The black should be solid and intense, with no brownish or grayish glints. Tan markings: Rusty-brown to yellow depending on intensity, placed precisely according to the breed standard. Ideally an intense copper color, neither too pale (washed-out yellow) nor too dark (deep brown). Contrast: A sharp line between black and tan zones. Well-defined tan points with no smudging or spreading into the black areas. Development: Puppies are born with tan points that are often lighter (almost beige) and gradually darken until 12-18 months, when the final adult shade is reached.
Exact placement of the tan markings
| Body area | Detailed description of tan markings |
|---|---|
| Above the eyes | Two symmetrical tan spots forming "eyebrows." Medium size (about 0.4-0.8 in / 1-2 cm), well defined, must NOT meet in the center of the forehead. |
| Sides of the muzzle | Side tan markings starting at the corners of the lips and rising toward the cheeks. They form a characteristic "mask" without invading the bridge of the muzzle (the central black part). |
| Lower lip | A continuous tan band under the chin and lower lip, rising slightly onto the flews. It must not reach the nose (which stays black). |
| Inner edge of the ears | The inside of the ear flaps has discreet tan markings. The outside of the ears stays mostly black. |
| Chest | Two symmetrical triangular tan spots forming a "bib" on the chest. Variable in size but well delimited, ideally not forming an excessive bib running down the belly. |
| Inner sides of the legs | The inside of the front and hind legs is tan, from the armpits/groin down to the feet. The tan often rises to mid-height on the inner sides. |
| Rear sides of the legs | The back of the thighs and hocks have tan markings rising from the feet. The tan may form characteristic "trousers" at the rear. |
| Feet | The tops of the toes are tan. The nails stay BLACK (an important standard criterion). |
| Around the anus | A tan circle surrounding the perianal area, rising to the base of the tail. |
| Underside of the tail | Tan present under the tail for a third to half of its length from the base. The top of the tail stays black, the underside tan = the characteristic two-tone look. |
Quality and intensity of the tan points
- Optimal tan points: Intense copper rusty-brown, well delimited, bilaterally symmetrical, present on ALL required areas, with sharp contrast against deep black
- Acceptable tan points: A slightly lighter shade leaning yellow-orange, slightly variable extent between individuals, small minor asymmetries tolerated
- Tan point faults: Color too pale (washed-out yellow), too dark (chocolate brown), excessive spreading onto black areas, "sooty" tan (black hairs mixed in), tan missing from required areas (eyebrows, muzzle), or tan too restricted or almost absent
Black and tan breed standard
The official breed standard (AKC and FCI) precisely defines the requirements for the two-tone black and tan coat.
Detailed standard criteria
| Criterion | Standard requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base color | Deep dark black | Solid, deep, glossy black. No gray, brown or reddish glints. Intense pigmentation required. |
| Tan color | Rusty-brown or yellow | Ideally rusty-brown (copper). Yellow is acceptable but less sought after. Uniform shade across all markings. |
| Tan placement | Precise areas defined | Above the eyes, sides of the muzzle, lower lip, inner edge of the ears, chest, inner/rear sides of the legs, feet, anus, underside of the tail (see previous table). |
| Nose | Black REQUIRED | Fully black nose pigmentation = NON-NEGOTIABLE criterion. A brown nose = disqualification (chocolate genetics). |
| Nails | Black | All nails should be black. Reddish-brown is tolerated but NOT desired (a sign of pigment dilution). |
| White | Not desired | A small white chest spot (under about 1.2 in / 3 cm) is tolerated but penalized in the show ring. Extensive white = serious fault. A white coat with or without tan = DISQUALIFYING. |
| Symmetry | Desired | Tan markings ideally bilaterally symmetrical (eyebrows, bib, legs). Minor asymmetries tolerated, major ones penalized. |
Faults and disqualifications
Black and tan genetics and breeding
The genetics of the black and tan coat follow precise rules of inheritance that breeders and adopters should understand.
Basic genetic principle
Black and tan: a recessive color
Dachshund color hierarchy: Three base colors exist in the dachshund, with genetic dominance: 1. Red (dominant), 2. Wild boar in wirehaired (intermediate), 3. Black and tan (RECESSIVE). What recessive means: A dog must have TWO copies of the black and tan gene (one from each parent) to show this coat. One black and tan gene + one red gene = a red dog that CARRIES black and tan (red phenotype, mixed genotype). Breeding consequence: Two black and tan dachshunds can produce ONLY black and tan puppies (100% carry two copies of the gene). Red or wild boar is impossible from this cross. Predictability: Black and tan × black and tan = a GUARANTEED all-black-and-tan litter. An advantage for breeders who specialize in this color.
Probabilities by pairing
| Parent pairing | Possible puppies | Probabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Black and tan × Black and tan | 100% Black and tan only | Absolute certainty. No other color is possible. |
| Red carrier × Black and tan | 50% Red carrier 50% Black and tan |
Half the litter red (carrying the hidden black and tan gene), half black and tan. |
| Red carrier × Red carrier | 25% Pure red 50% Red carrier 25% Black and tan |
Statistically 1 puppy in 4 is black and tan. Red parents CAN produce black and tan IF both are carriers. |
| Pure red × Black and tan | 100% Red carrier | All puppies are red but ALL carry the black and tan gene (passed on by the black and tan parent). |
| Pure red × Pure red | 100% Pure red | Black and tan is impossible if neither parent carries the gene. |
| Wild boar (wirehaired) × Black and tan | Varies with the wild boar genotype | A wild boar carrier can produce black and tan. Complex calculations (wild boar is intermediate between red and black and tan). |
Breeding tips
- Maintaining black and tan quality: Favor black and tan × black and tan crosses to fix the coat, guarantee uniform litters, and preserve tan intensity and contrast
- Red × black and tan cross: Possible to introduce hybrid vigor (heterosis) or correct conformation faults. Caution: it often produces "sooty" reds (black hairs mixed in) that are hard to eliminate in later generations. Reserve for experienced breeders with precise goals
- Avoid: Crosses with dapples (the merle gene masks black and tan on black and tan dapple puppies and complicates selection), repeated red/black-and-tan crosses (accumulates sooty reds), excessive inbreeding (even with black and tan × black and tan, vary the lines to preserve health)
- Selection goal: Prioritize tan quality (intensity, delimitation, extent), optimal pigmentation (solid black nose and nails), conformation balance and health BEFORE color
Black and tan in the three coat types
The black and tan coat exists in all three coat types, with subtle differences in appearance and care.
Smooth-haired black and tan dachshund
The most classic variety
Appearance: Short, smooth, dense, glossy coat lying flat against the body. Brilliant deep black with silky glints in the light. Very crisp, contrasting tan markings (sharp delimitation). Texture: Short hair (0.4-0.8 in / 1-2 cm max), firm to the touch, no thick undercoat. A velvety, slightly rough feel. Shine: The black coat is especially glossy on smooth hair, a characteristic "mirror" effect that signals excellent health. Popularity: The most iconic and sought-after variety for black and tan. The "standard" image of the dachshund in the popular imagination. Grooming: Minimal. Brushing once a week is enough. Moderate shedding. No trimming needed.
Long-haired black and tan dachshund
The elegance of silky hair
Appearance: Long, smooth, slightly wavy, silky hair. Black is less glossy than on smooth hair (a matte texture). Characteristic feathering on the ears, legs, tail and belly adds to the elegance. Tan markings: May look slightly diluted or less contrasted than on smooth hair (an optical effect of the texture). Tan is especially visible in the leg and tail feathering. Development: Long hair develops gradually until age 2-3. Puppies have relatively short hair resembling a smooth coat; the final length appears late. Special feature: Tan on the feathering creates a very attractive "two-tone feather duster" effect on the tail and legs. Grooming: Demanding. Brushing daily or every other day is a must (tangles). Regular detangling of the feathering. Professional grooming recommended 3-4 times a year.
Wirehaired black and tan dachshund
The rugged character
Appearance: Rough, hard, dense, tight coat. A full undercoat. The characteristic beard and eyebrows give a unique expression. Black is less intense than on smooth hair (a matte texture that reflects less light). Tan markings: Less visible than on smooth hair because the rough texture scatters light differently. Tan is present but the overall look can seem "darkened." The beard is often a black/tan mix, giving a "salt and pepper" tint around the muzzle. Wirehaired particularity: Three base colors are allowed (red, black and tan, wild boar), unlike smooth/long (only red and black and tan). Black and tan is less common than wild boar in wirehaired. Hardiness: The wire coat protects against weather and brush. Historically the hunting variety. Grooming: Hand-stripping 3-4 times a year is a must to maintain the rough texture. Otherwise the coat turns soft and loses its properties.
| Criterion | Smooth | Long | Wire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black intensity | ⭐⭐⭐ Maximum | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Tan contrast | ⭐⭐⭐ Very sharp | ⭐⭐ Sharp | ⭐ Less marked |
| Shine | ⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant | ⭐⭐ Satiny | ⭐ Matte |
| Grooming | ✅ Easy | ⚠️ Demanding | ⚠️ Technical |
| Frequency | Very common | Common | Less common |
| Price | €800-1,300 | €800-1,500 | €900-1,500 |
Judging tan marking quality
Not all black and tan dachshunds are equal. The quality of the tan markings sets show dogs apart from companions.
Show-quality criteria
- Color intensity: Intense copper, deep rusty-brown tan. Not washed-out pale yellow or dark chocolate brown. Uniform shade across all markings
- Sharp delimitation: Clean borders between black and tan without smudging. No isolated black hairs in the tan zones (sooting). No tan "fading" gradually into the black
- Correct extent: Tan present in ALL required areas in harmonious proportions. Neither too restricted (tiny points) nor too invasive (black reduced)
- Bilateral symmetry: Eyebrows, chest bib and legs symmetrical left to right. Minor asymmetries tolerated, major ones penalized
- Perfect pigmentation: Intense black nose with no depigmentation (pink patches). All nails solid black with no brown/white traces
- No white: Ideally no white spots at all. The maximum tolerated is under about 1.2 in / 3 cm on the chest. Beyond that, progressive penalties depending on extent
Common tan quality faults
| Fault | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pale tan | Very light yellow, beige, almost faded cream color | Penalized in the show ring. Acceptable for a companion. May point to dietary deficiencies or weak genetics. |
| Sooty tan | Black hairs mixed into the tan zones giving a "dirty," "dusty" look | Moderate cosmetic fault. Often inherited from repeated red × black-and-tan crosses. Avoid breeding. |
| Invasive tan | Tan spreads well beyond standard areas, black reduced to traces on the back/head | Serious show fault. The dog looks almost red with a black mask. Disqualifying if excessive. |
| Restricted tan | Very small markings, almost absent in some areas (invisible eyebrows, tiny bib) | Moderate to serious fault depending on degree. The dog may look "almost black." A problem in the show ring. |
| Asymmetrical tan | Marked left/right differences (one eyebrow present, the other absent; offset bib) | Variable cosmetic fault. Minor asymmetries tolerated, major ones penalized. |
| Fading | Tan that has lost intensity with age, going from copper to beige-gray | Common in seniors (normal aging). May signal health problems in a young adult. |
At 8 weeks (going-home age): Puppy tan points are often lighter than the adult's (normal). Check that tan is present on ALL required areas. Look at the parents to predict adult color (puppies generally darken like their parents). Tan that is too pale in a puppy = risk of staying light as an adult.
Development from 8 weeks to 18 months: Tan points gradually darken, reaching their final shade at 12-18 months. The black also intensifies. Contrast sharpens with maturity.
Advice for adopters: If you want show quality, ask to see the parents' pedigrees (show titles), examine the parents in person (color, tan symmetry), and choose a puppy whose tan is already intense at 8 weeks (the best adult prognosis). If you only want a companion, cosmetic tan faults don't matter = an equally adorable and healthy dog.
Black and tan dachshund price and budget
The price of a black and tan dachshund varies with quality, lines and purpose (companion vs. show/breeding).
Price guide
| Category | Price | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Registered companion | €800-1,300 (about $850-1,400) | A registered puppy (AKC or equivalent), registered but untitled parents, acceptable standard tan quality, vaccines/microchip, health guarantees. Ideal for a family with no show ambitions. |
| Champion lines | €1,500-2,500 | Parents/grandparents who are conformation or working champions. Superior tan quality, optimal standard conformity. Show/breeding potential. |
| Show quality | €2,000-3,500 | A puppy selected for exceptional tan quality, perfect conformation, and a prestigious multi-champion line. Reserved for serious breeders/exhibitors. |
| Without papers | €300-600 | ⚠️ A black and tan-type dachshund with no pedigree. No guarantee of standard conformity, parents' health or inbreeding. A misleading saving (veterinary risks). Not recommended. |
| Shelter/rescue | €150-300 | Adoption fee (identification, vaccines, spay/neuter included). Mostly adults. A caring choice if you accept an adult. |
Full first-year budget
- Puppy purchase: €800-1,300 (standard registered companion)
- Starter supplies: €150-300 (bed, bowls, collar/harness, leash, toys, travel crate)
- First-year vet costs: €300-500 (booster shots, deworming, parasite prevention, growth checkup, optional spay/neuter €200-350)
- Annual food: €400-600 (premium kibble, €35-50 a month depending on dachshund size)
- Pet health insurance (optional): €200-400 a year (a basic plan runs €15-35 a month and reimburses 50-80% of costs. Recommended given the predisposition to disc disease)
- Grooming: €0 for smooth coat (at home) / €150-250 for long or wire (professional, 3-4 times a year)
- Unexpected costs: €200-500 (emergencies, broken gear, extra care)
Specific care for the black and tan coat
The care of the black and tan coat follows the same principles as other colors, with a few particularities.
Brushing and coat care
-
Smooth coat: weekly brushing
Once a week with a rubber glove or soft brush is more than enough. Remove dead hair and stimulate natural shine. Increase to 2-3 times a week during shedding seasons (spring/fall). -
Long coat: daily or every-other-day brushing
A soft-pin brush plus a wide-tooth metal comb. Detangle the ear, leg and tail feathering (tangle zones). Brush carefully after outdoor outings (twigs, leaves). -
Wire coat: professional stripping 3-4 times a year
Hand-stripping of dead hair (trimming) is a must to maintain the rough texture. No clippers (they soften the coat). Between strippings, brush 1-2 times a week with a firm brush. -
A bath once a month at most
One bath a month is enough (barring exceptional dirt). Use a dog shampoo for dark coats (revives the black, avoids reddish glints). Dry thoroughly (hair dryer on a low setting).
Preserving color intensity
Premium-quality food: Kibble rich in animal protein (30%+), omega-3/6 fatty acids, and B vitamins (biotin). Poor food = faded tan, dull black and lost shine.
Sun protection: Prolonged sun exposure fades the tan (copper → beige) and dries out the hair. Limit sunbathing in the hot hours of summer. Rinse after swimming in the sea or pool (chlorine/salt fade the coat).
Supplements: If there is abnormal fading, add brewer's yeast (biotin), salmon oil (omega-3) or spirulina. See a vet if fading is rapid (a sign of deficiency or a health problem).
The right shampoo: "Black enhancing" or "dark coat" formulas contain subtle pigments that intensify the black without chemically dyeing. Avoid brightening shampoos (made for light coats).
Additional care
- Eyes: Clean daily with a pad plus saline solution. Black and tan dachshunds show fewer tear stains than light reds (a cosmetic advantage)
- Ears: Check/clean once a week with ear lotion. Dark hair hides dirt better, but regular inspection is a must
- Teeth: Brush 2-3 times a week with dog toothpaste. The dachshund's tartar predisposition is independent of color. Annual professional cleaning at the vet is often needed from age 3-4
- Nails: Trim every 3-4 weeks with nail clippers. Black nails = invisible quick, so cut small amounts carefully to avoid bleeding. Ask a vet or groomer if unsure
Choosing your black and tan dachshund puppy
Adopting a black and tan puppy calls for specific checks beyond the general criteria for choosing a dachshund.
Essential checks
-
Color standard conformity
Check that tan markings are present on ALL required areas (eyebrows, muzzle, chest, legs, anus, tail). Any missing area is a fault. The nose must be black (a brown nose = chocolate genetics, not a pure black and tan). -
Tan quality for your goal
Companion: tan quality is secondary, cosmetic faults are acceptable. Show: demand intense, symmetrical, well-delimited tan. Examining the parents predicts adult quality. -
Pedigree and parents' health tests
Registered parents are a must (genetic traceability). Parents' tests for patellar luxation, PRA and IVDD are essential. A responsible breeder provides the results spontaneously. -
Observing the mother and littermates
Meet the puppies' mother (balanced behavior, apparent health). Watch the puppies together: liveliness, curiosity and harmonious interaction are good signs. -
Picking a puppy from the litter
Favor a lively, curious puppy that comes to you on its own (neither fearful nor aggressive). Check for bright eyes, a clean muzzle, a soft belly (not bloated = parasites), and straight legs. -
Required handover documents
Registration papers, health record (vaccines, deworming), a vet certificate dated within 7 days of departure, a bill of sale, and a written contract with a health guarantee. A microchip already implanted for identification.
Questions to ask the breeder
- Parents' genotype: "Are both parents black and tan, or is one a red carrier?" (If both are black and tan = a 100% black and tan litter is guaranteed)
- Breeding history: "What colors were born in these parents' previous litters?" (Checks the declared genetic consistency)
- Genetic tests: "Were the parents tested for patellar luxation, PRA and IVDD? Can I see the results?" (Mandatory for a responsible breeder)
- Show titles: "Do the parents have show titles (champion, etc.)?" (If you want show quality)
- Socialization: "How do you socialize the puppies? Have they been exposed to varied stimuli?" (Early socialization is crucial for balance)
- Recommended food: "What kibble brand do you recommend to maintain coat quality?" (An experienced breeder gives precise advice)
- Return clause: "What happens if I can no longer keep the dog?" (A responsible breeder always takes the dog back, for life)