The Merle Dachshund

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Merle Dachshund: 10 Things to Know

The merle dachshund is a dog of the dachshund breed (group 4 according to the French Canine Central) that features a distinctive patch pattern on its coat.

Also known as a sausage dog, the merle dachshund comes in 3 sizes (standard, miniature, rabbit) and 3 coat types (smooth-haired, long-haired, wire-haired) with a variety of coat colors including black and tan, black and cream, chocolate, chocolate and tan, etc.

The patch pattern is also known as Dapple.

So, what is it about spotted animals that we love so much? Perhaps it’s the idea that these creatures are exotic, special, or even unique? 🤗

Regardless, one thing is for sure: We love them. This may be one of the reasons why spotted dachshunds are gaining popularity so quickly.

Dachshunds alone are spectacularly unique. You recognize a dachshund immediately when you see one, with its short, stubby legs, long body, pointed snout, and long ears!

These endearing little dogs with big personalities have a fascinating history and origins, regardless of the color, type, or pattern of their coat, but if you add that the merle dachshund is, in the opinion of many breeders, a rare dog, you get a rare gem 💖.

If you are considering welcoming a merle dachshund into your life, before you do, here are 10 things you should know to choose your little wonder of a pup.

1. The Merle Dachshund is Not a Dachshund Color but Rather a Coat Pattern

There can be some confusion about what exactly a merle dachshund is, and the confusion is even greater when it comes to a dog that exists in as many varieties, colors, and coat types as the dachshund breed.

Also known as a dapple dachshund, this term is used to describe the pattern of the patches on the Dachshund's coat (see the official FCI nomenclature).

This means that merle dachshunds can come in a variety of colors, but the base color is always a dark BLACK or BROWN.

Small, irregular gray or beige patches are sought after, but large ones are not.

2. Dachshunds in General Originate from Germany and Were Bred to Hunt

Dachshunds are bred to be brave, lively, and tenacious hunters.

Bred in Germany primarily for hunting, the dachshund (or Dackel) is known for being a hunting and tracking dog that will follow its prey until exhaustion!

One of the dachshund's most formidable enemies was the fierce and aggressive badger.

In fact, the name Dachshund itself means "badger dog".

This breed was therefore specifically bred from the start to hunt and move easily in and out of burrows due to its shape (long back).

The rabbit dachshund and the miniature dachshund are incredibly gifted at hunting rabbits due to their small size (3kg for the rabbit dachshund and 6kg for the miniature).

The standard dachshunds (from 7 to 14kg) wore the badge of honor for sniffing out badgers and flushing them from their burrows.

Today, these little dogs are still used to hunt game around the world and can also chase wild boars or track deer.

Remember this: even when injured, a dachshund set on its trail will rarely let go of its prey, which will exhaust itself before the dog... Their endurance is incredible, and they can easily run for several hours, so don't hesitate to spend plenty of time outside with your athletic pup!

3. The Dachshund Suffers from Chondrodysplasia, a Form of Dwarfism that Explains its Unique Morphology

Indeed, it’s all about genetics!

Dachshunds were specifically designed to dig and catch small animals.

The gene responsible for their short legs and distinctive morphology is the same one responsible for dwarfism. This gene is called chondrodysplasia, which is also known as canine dwarfism.

This can lead to serious health problems, such as back pain, spinal issues, and chronic pain in dogs carrying this gene.

That said, the dachshund is not the only breed to have been bred with this genetic mutation. Other dog breeds that carry the chondrodysplasia gene include:

The Beagle
The Basset Hound
The Welsh Corgi
The Australian Terrier
etc.

4. Spotted Dachshunds May Be Prone to More Health Issues than Other Colors

The merle gene that makes the dachshund's coat spotted is also responsible for a higher number of cases of:

- deafness

- blindness (vision disorders)

- sensitivity to sunlight

- higher rates of skin cancer

A merle dachshund is even more susceptible to serious health problems when it is "double dapple," which means both of its parents carried the merle gene and passed it on.

Also, some dachshunds with large spotted patches can be born deaf, blind, or even without eyes.

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The good news is that, in most cases, merle dachshunds are born with simple (smaller) patches that are much less likely to have serious health problems.

With proper care, nutrition, and exercise, most dachshunds live long and healthy lives.

In fact, it is even said that dachshunds have a wonderful, long life expectancy of 12, 16, or even 19 years!

5. Dapple Dachshunds Have Big Personalities and Will Make You Laugh

These little dogs are real comedians! 🤣

Merle dachshunds and dachshunds in general are known for their outsized personalities.

In their heads, they are larger than life and are nothing but little sausage-shaped comedians.

This breed is very insistent and stubborn about the things it wants and needs. You're not giving your merle dachshund enough attention? He will climb right onto your lap to let you know.

Is dinner five minutes late? You will find out very quickly that your dachshund is hungry. Trust us.

In fact, many dachshund owners will tell you that they didn't train their dachshund, but that the dachshund trained them 😅

Moreover, perhaps the most adorable thing is that dachshunds continuously fold their ears back over their heads like little shawls, and you will find yourself fixing them time and time again... The struggle is real!

6. Dachshunds Can Be Prone to Problematic Behaviors such as Digging, Barking, and Stubbornness

Besides being cute, knowing what they want, and making you envious with their adorable short legs, dachshunds also have a long list of behavioral issues that are not always easy to fix.

Dachshund enthusiasts agree that these pups love to use their voices. They are vocal dogs that bark loudly despite their small size.

They can also exhibit aggressive behavior and be territorial, especially if they are not properly socialized and trained from a young age.

And, because of their long history as hunting dogs, dachshunds tend to have a strong prey drive.

Therefore, it is necessary to positively teach them (with behavioral experts) a solid and reliable recall as early as possible and walk them safely with a leash and a harness when they are out.

Backyards must be securely fenced with barriers that extend underground, because in addition to barking and running, dachshunds love to dig!

Their long claws are flexible, and their front paws are curved with a wide shape, making the dachshund the perfect little digging machine.

This can be a problem for your beautiful lawn, your freshly planted rose bush, or even your freshly made bed. Because inside or outside, whether it's dirt, sand, or cushions, dachshunds love to burrow.

And while dachshunds are very food-motivated, they cannot be bought. These stubborn-headed dogs will do nothing they don't want to do, and it is difficult to bribe them.

Nevertheless, if you think like a dachshund and try to make training fun, playful, and interesting, your dachshund should enjoy learning and be a good student.

On the other hand, dachshunds can be sensitive and get injured easily. Experts therefore recommend sticking to positive reinforcement methods such as consistency, treats, and praise.

7. The Merle Dachshund is a Very Intelligent Dog

Like all intelligent working dog breeds, the dachshund will need a little more time and attention from a patient and dedicated owner.

Dachshunds in general need moderate exercise every day.

Quick walks around the neighborhood as well as a fun game of fetch or chase in the yard will help them feel their best, while brain games and puzzle toys will help satisfy their active and intelligent minds.

Also, dachshunds adapt perfectly to active families who love to be outdoors and adore participating in fun activities.

So, when they are young and in good shape, there is very little that dachshunds cannot do.

Remember that dachshunds can be particularly prone to obesity, which can lead to a number of health issues, so make sure your dachshund gets enough exercise.

Also, remember that dachshunds can be prone to destructive behaviors that can be exacerbated by boredom. Keeping your dachshund mentally stimulated will help reduce unwanted behaviors.

8. As They Age, Rabbit, Miniature, or Standard Dachshunds will Need Help Getting Up and Down from Furniture and Stairs

Although we love the short legs and the long back of the dachshund, we must keep in mind that this unique build will eventually lead to mobility issues as the dachshund ages.

You can help alleviate pain or injuries for your miniature dachshund by ensuring they get enough exercise, following a healthy diet suited to their age, weight, and activity level, and installing ramps throughout the house to give them easy access to all their favorite spots, such as the couch or the bed.

Providing your Dachshund with an adjustable or simple ramp is a great way to preserve their health, especially as they enter their senior years.

9. Dapple Dachshund Puppies Generally Cost More Than Other Types of Dachshunds

Many breeders consider dapple dachshunds to be rare, and these dogs must be bred carefully by responsible breeders to ensure they are healthy and do not carry a double dose of the dapple gene (mentioned above).

Deliberately breeding a healthy dapple dachshund requires an experienced breeder and can take a few generations of breeding to achieve.

So, how much will a dapple dachshund cost you?

According to our research, between 1000-1500 euros.

Do not try to cut costs by going through online sellers or pet stores to get your hands on a dapple dachshund.

Remember that just because the price is lower at the start, it doesn't mean you won't pay more in the end.

A sick puppy can cost you thousands of euros in the long run, as well as emotional distress and, obviously, time.

The safest route is to go through reputable and responsible breeders when looking for a dapple dachshund.

Professional breeders will have had their puppies health-checked and will be able to offer you health certificates proving that their dogs are free of any serious health issues before handing them over to you.

Let’s be honest: the dachshund breed as a whole requires a special owner who is equipped to handle their unique needs, which unfortunately means it is not uncommon for dachshunds, dapple or otherwise, to end up in shelters and rescue centers and in need of a good home.

So, it might not be as hard as you think to find the dapple dachshund of your dreams in a shelter for a fraction of the price of a breeder!

Having a dog means welcoming a new family member 🧡

10. The Dapple Dachshund Can Adapt to Different Living Environments

Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs, provided they are properly trained.

But that doesn't mean they are excellent apartment dogs 😅

Keep in mind that dachshunds, as a breed, tend to bark, dig, and burrow, which can prove damaging to your rental.

They are an affectionate little dog with the potential to behave well in an apartment, provided their exercise needs are met, they are properly trained, and you are present often enough to keep them from getting bored or anxious.

And even though dachshunds love playing outside, they are designed to be indoor dogs who do not want to live outside in the yard in the cold.

Not only could this be dangerous for your dog, but it would also be cruel, as dachshunds are so attached to their families and love cuddles.

So, do you think the dapple dachshund is the right dog for you and your home? Let us know your thoughts on this adorable companion dog in the comments section below. 🐾

The Teckelshop Team - 💚 Last updated on 10/07/26

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