A lot of people may not know that there are several kinds of Dachshund colors. Aside from the well-known black and tan Dachshunds, they may also come in different colors, patterns, and unique markings.
If you’re curious to see all the Dachshund colors and markings, this article features both and more. Several fun facts, such as the rarest and most common Dachshund color, are also included below.
How Many Dachshund Colors Are There?
There are currently 27 known Dachshund colors and color combinations. Only 12 of these colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as standard colors.
Listed below are the 27 Dachshund colors and color combinations, with the first 12 being the standard AKC-recognized ones:
- Cream
- Wheaten
- Wild Boar
- Red
- Fawn (Isabella) and Cream
- Fawn (Isabella) and Tan
- Black and Cream
- Chocolate and Cream
- Chocolate and Tan
- Blue and Cream
- Blue and Tan
- Black and Tan
- Black
- Chocolate
- Fawn (Isabella)
- Blue
- White
- Albino
- Red Sable
- Shaded Red
- Shaded Cream
- English Cream
- Red Dapple
- Blue Dapple
- Chocolate Dapple
- Blue and Tan Dapple
- Black and Tan Piebald
Each Dachshund color is featured below to give you a more in-depth comparison of what each Dachshund color and pattern may look like.
27 Dachshund Colors
Below are all the known Dachshund colors with their pictures and descriptions:
1. Cream Dachshund
The cream Dachshund is a well-known and common Dachshund color. A cream Doxie usually has a softer and sweeter look compared to other darker-colored Dachshunds with bold features.
Cream Dachshunds come in the lightest shade of brown. Some people find cream as one of the most sophisticated-looking coat colors this breed can have. This color is also usually seen on long-haired Dachshunds.
Cream Dachshunds can also come in different variations, including shaded cream and English cream. These two coat colors will be explained further in the latter part of this article.
2. Wheaten Dachshund
Wheaten is considered one of the rarest coat colors a Dachshund can have. This color is usually described as light golden brown or simply the same color as wheat, as seen in its name.
Wheaten was initially only found on wire-haired Dachshunds. Due to the interbreeding of different Dachshunds with varying coat types, this coat color can now be seen on smooth and long-haired Dachshunds as well.
3. Wild Boar Dachshund
If you’re searching for a unique and interesting pup, the wild boar Dachshund could be perfect for you. Given its name, this color was called such due to its resemblance to the coat of a wild boar.
A wild boar Dachshund typically has a combination of black, chocolate, and tan shades. This coat color is usually seen on wire-haired and smooth-haired Dachshunds.
The wild boar Dachshund is one of the rarest kinds of its breed and can be quite difficult to find. It is often mistaken for a black and tan Dachshund, but unlike the wild boar, its colors are seen in spots and isolated patches.
4. Red Dachshund
Red Dachshunds have a unique dark reddish brown color. This coat is one of the more common Dachshund colors due to the fact that only one dominant red gene is needed to produce a red Dachshund.
The red Dachshund was first discovered in the 17th century along with the black and tan Dachshund. These were the most common Dachshund coats until breeders started producing different colors and patterns.
Some common facial features Red Dachshunds usually have include dark brown eyes and round black noses. This coat color is typically seen on a smooth-haired dachshund and is rarely seen on a wire-haired one.
5. Fawn (Isabella) and Cream Dachshund
The fawn and cream Dachshund has a washed-out chocolate color and cream combination. Its main base coat is typically fawn, also known as Isabella, while its markings are a light cream color.
The fawn and cream color combination is typically seen on both smooth-haired and long-haired Dachshunds. It is also considered a less common or rare Dachshund color.
6. Fawn (Isabella) and Tan Dachshund
A fawn and tan Dachshund typically has the color fawn as its base coat with tan markings on the head and body. Many people tend to confuse this color combination with fawn and cream.
The tan points found on fawn and tan Dachshunds are in a deeper shade of brown compared to the light cream markings on other Dachshunds. Its faded color is the result of color dilution inherited from either parent dog.
7. Black and Cream Dachshund
Black and cream Dachshunds are some of the most adorable pups you can find on the market. This black and cream color combination is a mixture of the lightest and darkest colors that can be found on a Dachshund.
The base color of black and cream Dachshunds is typically black, while the markings are light cream. Cream points are typically found above the eyes, while the rest of the markings can be found on the chest and paws.
Many people often confuse black and cream Dachshunds with black and tan Dachshunds. Cream markings have white or yellowish hues, while tan markings have red tones.
8. Chocolate and Cream Dachshund
The chocolate and cream Dachshund is another two-colored pup that can be quite difficult to come across. The base is typically a chocolate coat color, while the markings are light cream.
Chocolate and cream Dachshunds have a teddy bear-like appearance. Cream points are typically found above the eyes and on the chest and paws. They also come with deep brown eyes and a light brown nose.
9. Chocolate and Tan Dachshund
The chocolate and tan Dachshund is one of the popular two-colored Dachshunds on the market. This coat color is typically seen on both smooth-haired and long-haired Dachshunds.
A lot of people tend to confuse the two chocolate color combinations. Unlike the chocolate and cream Dachshund, chocolate and tan Dachshunds have deeper and darker colored markings with hints of red.
Despite the popularity of this pup, finding a chocolate and tan Dachshund can be difficult. Interested buyers would have to scour several websites to locate a good breeder with this Dachshund color.
10. Blue and Cream Dachshund
Similar to a chocolate and cream Dachshund, blue and cream Dachshunds are some of the lesser-known pups with unique color combinations. The blue coat leans more toward the color gray with hints of blue.
Blue and cream Doxies usually have light-colored eyes to match their light base coats. Like other Dachshund color combinations, the blue and cream Dachshund has a round black nose with cream points above its eyes.
11. Blue and Tan Dachshund
Similar to the chocolate and tan Dachshund, blue and tan Dachshunds are another addition to the list of rare Dachshund colors. Its base coat is blue with tan points above its eyes and tan markings on its chest and paws.
People often mistake a blue and tan Dachshund for a blue and cream one. You can better differentiate the two by looking at their markings. Tan markings have a darker brown color compared to light cream markings.
12. Black and Tan Dachshund
Unlike the blue and tan Dachshund, black and tan Dachshunds are some of the most common coat colors you can find. People often mistake this black and tan dog for a mini Doberman due to their physical similarities.
Similar to the majority of other color combinations, the black and tan Dachshund has its darker color, black, as its base coat. Its tan markings are typically found above the eyes and around the paws.
13. Black Dachshund
A black Dachshund comes in a pure black coat and has no cream or tan markings. This pup comes with a round black nose, deep brown or black eyes, and pure black paw pads.
A pure black coat is often only seen on smooth-haired Dachshunds. It is very rare to come across a solid black Dachshund since most are born with tan, cream, or white markings.
14. Chocolate Dachshund
Chocolate Dachshunds, like black ones, are difficult to find. They come in a rich pure brown color with no white, black, tan, or cream markings. A chocolate Dachshund also typically has a brown nose and brown eyes.
This beautiful chocolate coat type comes from a recessive gene caused by the dilution of eumelanin. Only a small amount of eumelanin is needed to create a Chocolate Dachshund coat.
15. Fawn (Isabella) Dachshund
The fawn Dachshund has a faded light brown coat with gray hues. Some people also refer to this color as Lilac or Isabella. This coat is quite rare to come across and can be difficult to produce.
A fawn Dachshund puppy has its particular coat color due to color dilution in its genes. Gene dilution usually involves a genetic defect that affects pigment, creating an unusual yet beautiful coloration in the hair shaft.
16. Blue Dachshund
A blue Dachshund has a diluted black coat. Its shade of blue has hints of gray that also make it appear like a faded charcoal color. This particular coat is the result of a recessive gene inherited from one or both parents.
Unfortunately, the recessive gene responsible for a blue Dachshund’s coat color also causes alopecia. This can lead to hair loss and flaky skin, but it can be treated with creams and medications.
17. White Dachshund
White Dachshunds have a solid white coat with no other points or markings. Although they are sometimes confused with Albino Dachshunds, white Dachshunds have black or brown noses and paw pads.
A white Dachshund coat is not a recognized color under the AKC. Although it is not standard, this Dachshund color can be quite difficult to find, resulting in relatively high purchase costs.
18. Albino Dachshund
An albino Dachshund has a pure white coat, pink nose, pink eye rims, and pink paw pads. Some Dachshunds may be partially albino and have small black or brown spots, while others are completely white with pink points.
An albino Dachshund is very rare to come across. This unique pup is typically the result of a genetic mutation that causes the loss of pigmentation.
If you would like to see an albino Dachshund in action, here is a video of an extremely adorable and high-spirited one eager to play with its owner:
19. Red Sable Dachshund
Red sable Dachshunds have red coats with black tips. This color combination and pattern gives the plain red Dachshund a deeper rusty brown color that can also resemble a light crimson shade.
A red sable Dachshund can either have a short and smooth or a long and fluffy coat. It typically has long ears that highlight the black tips of its red base. This coat type is rarely seen on wiry-haired Dachshunds.
20. Shaded Cream Dachshund
Shaded cream Dachshunds have dominant cream base coats with small patches of dark brown or black hair on their ears and tails. This coat differs from a cream Dachshund with no other markings or patches.
Shaded cream Dachshund puppies are typically born with a dark brown or black color. As they grow older and reach around eight weeks, they begin to lighten into a golden brown and eventually become a light cream color.
21. Shaded Red Dachshund
A shaded red Dachshund has a deep rusty red coat color with small patches of dark brown or black hair on its ears and tails. It is often confused with a red Dachshund with a pure red coat and no patches or markings.
Similar to a shaded cream dog, a shaded red Dachshund is usually born with a dark brown or black coat. It starts to lighten at around eight weeks while leaving sporadic black hairs on its ears and tail.
Shaded red Dachshunds can also resemble red sable Dachshunds. The main difference between the two is the first has full black strands of hair while the latter only has black tips.
22. Red Dapple Dachshund
If you’re looking for a red Dachshund with a unique twist, this particular sausage dog could be the one for you. Red dapple Dachshunds have a deep rusty red coat with diluted cream or light pink speckles.
Some breeders see these markings as an abnormality that could lower a dog’s overall appeal. On the other hand, many people view these speckles as a unique and beautiful trait that adds to the character of a Dachshund.
Red dapple Dachshunds typically have light brown noses and light-colored eyes. This coat color is also typically seen on short and smooth-haired Dachshunds.
23. Blue Dapple Dachshund
A blue dapple Dachshund has a bluish-gray coat with light cream, gray, or brown spots and patches of color. This dapple dog is another addition to the list of rare Dachshund coat types.
Blue dapple Dachshunds can have either light or dark-colored noses with light-colored eyes. In rare instances, this pup can also have different-colored eyes, one brown and the other blue.
24. Chocolate Dapple Dachshund
Chocolate dapple Dachshunds have a rich and deep chocolate-colored base coat with fawn, tan, or white spots and patches on their heads and bodies.
Similar to other dapple Dachshunds, a chocolate Dachshund can have blue, light brown, or even heterochromatic eyes. Its unique markings paired with its endearing eye colors, make this pup really stand out.
25. English Cream Dachshund
English cream Dachshunds have a golden brown or slightly darker cream color. These adorable pups are known for their long, soft, and wavy hair and their endearing floppy ears.
Many people often confuse the cream Dachshund, also known as the American Dachshund, for the English one. American creams usually have red undertones, while English creams have white or golden hues.
26. Blue and Tan Dapple Dachshund
Blue and tan dapple Dachshunds usually have a blue base coat, tan patches, and cream or light gray spots scattered around their heads and bodies. These Dachshunds are extremely rare and difficult to produce.
Like other Dachshund variations, the blue and tan dapple Dachshund has a recessive gene that causes random speckles and patches that may have a cream or tan color. This can be inherited from either parent dog.
27. Black and Tan Piebald Dachshund
Black and tan piebald Dachshunds are some of the most unique and uncommon pups you can encounter. They typically have a dominant black coat with tan, white, and cream patches on their heads and bodies.
A black and tan piebald Dachshund often has a white tip on the end of its tail and can also have all-white nails. This coat type is produced by a recessive gene that creates random patterns on a Dachshund’s body.
Dachshund Markings
Aside from the plain coats we see in different dog breeds, Dachshunds also have several markings with different colors and patterns. These markings add to the list of traits that make this pup unique and special.
Although there are six known Dachshund markings, only four are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as standard Dachshund markings. These include brindle, dapple, piebald, and sable.
1. Brindle Dachshund
A brindle Dachshund typically has a tri-colored coat. These colors may include tan, chocolate, black, fawn, and cream. This pattern is often referred to as a tiger pattern as well.
A brindle Dachshund usually has black or tan stripes across its head and body. Although some breeders find this pattern unappealing, many people see it as a unique and beautiful feature brindle Dachshunds have.
The brindle gene is very dominant, which makes it easy and common to pass down to a Dachshund puppy. Only one parent is required to have a brindle gene for its litter to contain brindle puppies.
2. Dapple Dachshund
A dapple Dachshund has random speckles, spots, or small patches scattered around its head and body. These patterns usually come in a light cream, white, blue, or tan color.
Unfortunately, the dapple gene is usually considered problematic given its association with various health problems. These issues may include hearing problems and visual impairment.
Dapple Dachshunds are most suitable for owners who are willing to devote a lot of their time, effort, and money to care for this unique pup. Regular check-ups are recommended to closely monitor its overall health.
3. Sable Dachshund
A sable Dachshund has sporadic black hairs spread across various areas on its body, head, and ears. This pattern is typically seen on long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds.
A red or cream sable Dachshund may easily be mistaken for a shaded one. Sable Dachshunds only have the color black on the tips of their hair, while shaded Dachshunds have full black strands of hair on their ears and body.
4. Brindle Piebald Dachshund
Brindle piebald Dachshunds have grown quite popular over the years. Their unique and eye-catching colors and patterns have made them a sought-after Dachshund variation in several parts of the country.
A brindle piebald Dachshund, given in its name, is the result of crossing a brindle Dachshund with a piebald one. Its base coat is typically light-colored, with black or tan spots scattered across its head and body.
5. Double Dapple Dachshund
Double dapple Dachshunds are a result of crossing two dapple or merle dogs. Although their coat colors and facial features are striking and beautiful, these are often associated with multiple health issues.
A double Dapple Dachshund, similar to a single dapple Dachshund, typically has a light-colored base coat with black, tan, or chocolate spots and patches found around its head and body.
Double dapple Dachshunds usually have light-colored eyes. In other rare instances, they can have different-colored eyes as well. The double dapple pattern is unique to each dog and can be very unpredictable.
Depending on your location, finding a double-dapple puppy may be quite challenging. Potential owners must first consider the health risks this pup may develop and if they are capable of properly caring for this dog.
6. Piebald Dachshund
A piebald Dachshund has a white or cream base coat with dark spots and patches layered on top. These markings may be tan, chocolate, black, red, blue, wheaten, or fawn.
The piebald pattern can be seen on smooth-haired, long-haired, or wire-haired Dachshunds. Although piebalds look similar to dapples, piebalds often only have spots on their bodies and none on their heads.
Like dapple dogs, the piebald Dachshund is susceptible to certain health problems. One notable health issue is congenital deafness. Piebald Dachshund puppies are prone to becoming deaf within their first weeks.
Piebald Dachshunds are most suitable for owners who are capable of providing all their specific needs. These pups would require regular check-ups to closely monitor and maintain their health and well-being.
Dachshund Breed Standards & Disqualifications
Like many other dog breeds, the Dachshund has particular standards with regard to physical appearance. These are set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and are adhered to by several Dachshund clubs and breeders.
In terms of color, the AKC only accepts the first 12 of the 27 mentioned Dachshund colors to be standard for show rings and other dog competitions.
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) accepts fewer Dachshund colors. These include cream, tan, red, black, liver, fawn, wild boar, yellow, mahogany, and red-brown.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) accepts red, yellow, chocolate, gray, white, red-yellow, and deep black. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) accepts the fewest colors, including red, brown, and deep black.
Do Dachshund Colors Affect Behavior and Health?
Generally, coat colors have no direct effect on a dog’s behavior and health. Despite several myths stating that a Dachshund’s color may correlate to its characteristics, there is no scientific research to prove them to be true.
There are only certain coat colors that come with several genetic health issues. These include dapple, double dapple, and piebald Dachshunds. Common health risks in these pups are visual and auditory impairments.
Light-colored Dachshunds, such as blue and fawn, are also prone to health problems such as color dilution alopecia. This is a recessive genetic condition that causes the thinning or loss of patches of hair in dogs.
Although these Dachshunds have unique and eye-catching coats, they are not suitable for just any ordinary owner.
These pups require regular check-ups to properly monitor their health, along with lots of love and care.
To help save money, it is recommended to check out different pet insurance companies. This can help owners in the event that a medical emergency arises with their dogs.
Do Dachshund Puppies Change Colors as They Grow?
Generally, dogs do not completely change color as they grow since their coat colors are predetermined by their genes and parent breeds. However, certain Dachshund puppies change color as they get older.
Some Dachshunds may have coat colors that lighten as early as eight weeks. An example is the shaded cream Dachshund. This pup is usually born with a dark brown coat which eventually lightens to a cream color.
Also, senior dogs may start to grow gray or white hair which is nothing to be alarmed about. The majority of dog coats tend to lighten or fade as they reach 7 to 8 years of age.
What Color Will My Dachshund Puppy Be?
Predicting the exact color of your Dachshund puppy can be quite challenging given the large number of possible Dachshund colors and patterns.
Owners can get an idea of their Dachshund puppy’s color by examining the coat of each parent dog. Crossing same-colored dogs could give you a predictable outcome compared to different-colored dogs with patterns.
You may also ask your selected breeder about the possible color your Dachshund may have. It is crucial to only purchase from the best breeders you can find. These breeders prioritize the health and welfare of their dogs.
To get a more detailed and precise prediction of what your Dachshund puppy’s color can be, you may try getting a DNA test. This is said to be one of the most accurate ways of predicting a puppy’s coat color.
If you’re interested in learning more about Dachshund color genetics, you can apply it by formulating a Punnett square. This method comes up with the possible color results of each gene combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Brindle and Dapple Dachshunds?
Although some people find these two pups similar, their patterns are quite different. Brindle Dachshunds have dark-colored stripes wrapped around their bodies, while dapple Dachshunds have speckles and patches.
Another important difference between these two pups is that the brindle Dachshund does not have any genetic or congenital defects correlating to its coat color or pattern. Unfortunately, the dapple Dachshund does.
What Is the Difference Between Piebald and Dapple Dachshunds?
Piebald and dapple Dachshunds tend to look very similar in terms of their coat patterns. A subtle difference between the two is dapple Dachshunds have speckles on their heads while piebalds typically don’t.
Also, piebald Dachshunds usually only have cream or white base coats, while dapple Dachshunds may have dark-colored base coats aside from cream and white.
What Is the Rarest Dachshund Color?
Since a Dachshund can come in several different colors, there is more than one rare color for this particular pup. The majority are solid coat colors, but the list also includes Dachshunds with unique patterns.
Rare solid Dachshund coat colors include albino, black, chocolate, fawn, blue, wheaten, and white. Rare Dachshunds with markings include brindle, dapple, piebald, and brindle piebald Dachshunds.
What Is the Most Common Dachshund Color?
The most common Dachshund colors are red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, and fawn and tan. The most common Dachshund coat pattern is sable, often seen on long-haired red Dachshunds.
Final Thoughts
Given the vast and wide array of beautiful Dachshund colors, picking the perfect one could be quite challenging. Aside from your dog’s one-of-a-kind personality, its coat and pattern add to its uniqueness.
If you plan on selecting a Dachshund with a special pattern, such as dapple or piebald, you must first consider and become knowledgeable of all the potential health risks this pup may incur.
Your source of purchase also plays an important role. Only purchase from a reputable, responsible, and trusted breeder. It is the buyer’s full responsibility to do thorough research on the selected breeder.
If you’ve chosen your favorite Dachshund color, let us know in the comments below! All questions regarding Dachshund colors and patterns are also welcome!
