Decoding The Double Dapple Dachshund Coat Pattern
When it comes to Dachshund coat patterns, the ‘double dapple’ is one of the most misidentified or confused patterns. While there are dapples, piebald dapples, and piebalds, double dapples can be easily confused with these other patterns, despite the significant health risks they carry.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the double dapple, how it differs from other Dachshund coat patterns like dapple and piebald, and the important health considerations every potential Dachshund parent should know.
Here’s your guide to Decoding The Double Dapple Dachshund Coat Pattern.
Table of Contents
What Does Double Dapple Mean?
A double dapple Dachshund is the result of breeding two dapple Dachshunds together, both carrying the ‘merle’ gene.
Health Risks Associated with Double Dapple Dachshunds
The merle gene affects pigmentation, which plays a crucial role in the development of the eyes and inner ear. When a Dachshund inherits two copies of the merle gene, the risk of severe health issues increases.
Common health problems in double dapple Dachshunds include: (reference)
What Does Dapple Mean?
Let’s start with the ‘single’ Dapples. The term dapple refers to a dachshund’s coat pattern, having a distinct marbled appearance with lighter spots on the darker base color.
The Blue Eye! Many people mistakenly believe that Dachshunds with a blue eye are always double dapple.
In reality, the presence of blue eyes indicates that the dog carries the merle gene, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are double dapple.
Even Dachshunds without a dappled coat can carry the merle gene and have bright blue eyes.
Common colors that can have dapple pattern:
- Black and Tan Dapple: A black base colored coat with tan markings, and the dapple pattern adds some lighter spots.
- Chocolate and Tan Dapple: A brown base coat with tan markings, with the dapple pattern adding lighter spots.
- Blue and Tan Dapple: A gray colored base with tan markings, with the dapple pattern scattered across the coat.
- Red Dapple: A solid red-brown base coat with dappled light patches.
- Silver Dapple: A dapple pattern with a silver-gray base, where the marbled patches are a lighter silver or gray color.
Dapple vs Double Dapple
A dapple Dachshund inherits one copy of the merle gene, which can result in a dapple coat pattern with lighter spots on a darker base color.
Before Eko, I had a black and tan silver dapple named Reno (pictured below).
Unlike a double dapple, he had the classic dapple pattern without excessive white.
Dapple vs Merle
The term ‘merle’ is often used interchangeably with ‘dapple’. The gene responsible for the unique pattern is called the merle gene.
The term ‘dapple’ is used for the Dachshund dog breed.
Merle is often used for other dog breeds, like the Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog.
Piebald vs Double Dapple
Next up, the pretty piebalds! Piebald Dachshunds and double dapple Dachshunds can appear similar due to their coat patterns, but they are genetically very different.
Piebald Pattern: Typically, the piebald Dachshund coat pattern features symmetrical white, brown, and/or black markings with ‘smooth’ or rounded edges.
They ‘often’ have symmetrical markings that are mirrored on both sides of their face.
While the double dapple patterns are more irregular, jagged patches of color.
Eye Color: Piebald Dachshunds generally have brown eyes, not blue. The blue eye indicates they are a carrier of the ‘merle’ gene (dapple).
Piebald Dapple vs Double Dapple
Here’s where it can get a little more tricky. Piebald dapple Dachshunds are not the same as double dapple Dachshunds.
Now, let’s talk about my mischievous mini Dachshund, Eko (pictured above). He’s a piebald dapple Dachshund, which means he has both the merle (dapple) gene and the piebald gene.
His mama is a long hair black and tan cutie and his papa is a piebald dapple (literally his duplicate).
Here are some visual differences:
– Piebald Dapple Dachshunds can have brown or blue eyes (they carry both the merle (dapple) and piebald gene). They have a unique pattern of white areas mixed with larger brown or black spots with some dapple sprinkled in.
They ‘can’ have symmetrical markings that are mirrored on both sides of their face – but not always!
– Double Dapple Dachshunds often have extra small or misshaped eyes, sometimes pinkish in color, or with a starburst pupil (pictured below).
A double dapple’s coat pattern is more sporadic with irregular and asymmetrical patterns compared to the piebald dapples.
Why it can be confusing: Piebald dapple Dachshunds display a variety of patterns, which can make it tough to tell the difference.
Genetic Testing
If you really want to know what type of dapple your Dachshund is, I recommend getting a genetic test done to find out.
Some popular dog DNA testing companies that offer dapple gene testing are Embark Dog DNA Test, Wisdom Panel, and AKC DNA testing.
Going Forward
It’s essential to be aware of the health risks often associated with double dapple Dachshunds. However, whether your little long dog is a double dapple or not, they deserve so much love, and a happy life just the same.
Every Dachshund is special in their own way and should be cherished for the wonderful companion that they are.
If you are looking to add a new doxie to your family, make sure to consult with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their pups.
– Check out AKC’s Local Club Breeder Referral Officers to help you find a breeder in your area.
– Take a look at AKC’s Marketplace for AKC-registerable litters. They conduct lots of kennel inspections each year.
Helpful Links:
References:
double dapple dachshund eye problems, double dapple dachshund life expectancy
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