Dachshund Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Dachshund colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Dachshund Colors Overview

The Dachshund comes in several recognized coat colors. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Coat color is determined by genetics, with some colors being dominant and others recessive. Understanding color genetics can help predict puppy colors and identify responsible breeding practices.

Recognized Colors

Red Standard

Black and Tan Standard

Chocolate and Tan Standard

Cream Standard

Blue and Tan

Wild Boar Standard

Dapple

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($800–$1500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$450–$750)

Coat Genetics

Color genetics in Dachshunds involve multiple loci working together. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Key genetic loci include E (controls whether pigment is expressed), A (pattern distribution), K (solid vs. patterned), and B (black vs. brown base). DNA testing allows breeders to predict litter colors accurately.

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Dachshunds, the standard colors (Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream, Wild Boar) are most common. Non-standard colors like Blue and Tan, Dapple are rarer and may command premium prices above the standard $800–$1500 range. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Do Dachshund Colors Change with Age?

Many Dachshund puppies experience some degree of color change as they mature. Puppies may be born darker or lighter than their adult coat. Standard colors (Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream, Wild Boar) typically stabilize as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months of age.

Controversial Colors

Some Dachshund colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. Colors like Blue and Tan, Dapple fall outside the standard palette of Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream, Wild Boar. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $1500 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Intervertebral Disc Disease and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dachshund comes in Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream and other colors. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Rarity depends on genetics. Non-standard colors may be less common but should not be prioritized over health and temperament. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Yes, many Dachshund puppies experience color changes between 4 and 12 months as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness.. Standard colors like Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream are generally stable by 12 months.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..

Among Dachshunds, the most commonly seen colors are Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream. As the breed standard recognizes 7 color variations, there is good variety to choose from. The dapple pattern is caused by the merle gene; double dapple breeding is dangerous and can cause deafness and blindness..