Dachshund Colors: Complete Guide to Recognized Coat Colors
The dachshund, a long-bodied dog that comes in three coat varieties, is available in several fascinating colors. But keep in mind that choosing a coat color isn't just about looks. Some exotic colors hide health problems or aren't recognized by the breed standard. This guide covers the official coat colors and the nuances worth knowing.
Before you choose, check that the color meets the standard:
-
1. The Classics (Safe Bets):
• Red
• Black and Tan
• Wild Boar (Wirehaired) -
2. The Unusual Ones (Recognized):
• Chocolate and Tan (Brown)
• Dapple (Merle) - Beware of breeding pairs!
• Brindle (Striped) -
3. The Off-Standard Colors (Not Recognized by the FCI):
• Solid black (no tan points)
• White / Piebald / Cream
• Diluted blue
The short version: Dachshunds mainly come in red, black and tan and wild boar. Chocolate, dapple and brindle are accepted under certain conditions. "Exotic" colors (blue, isabella, white), on the other hand, fall outside the standard and are often linked to genetic problems (alopecia, deafness).
Origin of Dachshund Colors
Historically, the original dachshund color is black and tan. The earliest lines, descended from German hounds, had this dark coat. Red dachshunds appeared in the 19th century through crosses with red Bavarian hounds. As for the wild boar coat, typical of the wirehaired variety, it comes from the introduction of Schnauzer and Dandie Dinmont Terrier blood.
Base Colors by Coat Type
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) sorts colors according to coat texture.
Smooth & Longhaired
• Red: A uniform coat, from light red to deep deer red. A small white spot on the chest is tolerated.
• Black and Tan: A black coat with well-defined tan (mahogany) markings (muzzle, eyebrows, paws).
Wirehaired
• Wild Boar: A salt-and-pepper mix (gray/black/red). This is the most common color and the one most typical of the variety.
• Dead Leaf (Feuille Morte): A duller variant of red.
Black/tan and chocolate are also possible but rarer.
Genetic Modifiers and Special Colors
Certain genes change the base pigmentation to create spectacular coats, but they call for extra vigilance.
A recessive gene turns black into brown. The dog is "chocolate and tan." The nose and paw pads are brown. It's an accepted color but rarer in wirehaired dachshunds.
The merle gene creates ragged gray or beige patches on a dark background. Very trendy! Warning: breeding two dapples together is not allowed (risk of "double merle" puppies that are deaf and blind).
Black stripes over a red background (like a tiger). The nose and nails stay black. It's often mistaken for wild boar, but the base color is truly red.
Diluted Variants and Unrecognized Colors
Some colors, often sold at a steep price as "rare" or "exotic," actually fall outside the standard and can be dangerous for the dog's health.
- Double Merle (extensive white): Born from two dapple parents. Major risk of deafness and eye malformations.
- Blue and Isabella (dilutions): These pale gray or beige coats are linked to color dilution alopecia (hair loss, skin problems).
- Piebald (white patched): Large white patches. Not recognized by the FCI standard (but accepted in the US by the AKC).
- Solid Black: Without tan markings, it's a disqualifying fault.
Breeding Tips
Color genetics are complex. Here are the golden rules for protecting the breed:
• Dominance: Red dominates wild boar, which dominates black and tan.
• Strictly forbidden: Dapple x dapple (deadly risk for the puppies).
• Not recommended: Dapple x brindle (unpredictable and non-conforming results).
• Recommended: Pair special colors (chocolate, dapple) with solid colors (black and tan) to maintain good pigmentation.
Dachshund Colors FAQ
Conclusion: The variety of dachshund colors is a treasure, but it must never come at the expense of health. While dapple or chocolate coats are beautiful, they demand rigorous breeding selection. Be wary of breeders who sell "rare" colors at a premium without health guarantees. A beautiful dachshund is first and foremost a healthy dachshund that meets its breed standard.
Information & advice – Teckel Paris