A dachshund with spots sounds undeniably cute but what type of coat is that? Let’s go over the dogs and spots dachshunds can have and why they are there. We’ll cover the coat types that will typically exhibit such coloring and we’ll also mention the less fun type of dots on your dog’s skin – moles.
The Two Main Types Of Dots and Spots Dachshunds Have
Dachshunds can famously come in dozens of different coat colors and patterns – we’ve gone over the 20 or so most popular ones here. Which of those are characterized with spots or dogs on their coats, however? The two we most often talk about are piebald and dapple dachshunds. So, let’s explain each type here.
What Is A Piebald Dachshund
We’ve talked about piebald Doxies in detail here but to give you a quick rundown – piebalds are dachshunds with numerous small white dots on their coats that give them a unique look. Those spots are caused by a unique genetic mutation that doesn’t affect the dog in almost any other way.
The one exception to that is the relatively minor risk of the dog having congenital deafness. However, this risk is only really present in piebalds that have over 80% of their bodies covered in white – the so-called “extreme piebald dachshunds”. All other piebalds are pretty accepted by kennel clubs and regularly bred by breeders. As this mutation is recessive, however, it’s not very common.
What Is A Dapple Dachshund
The much more controversial counterpart of the piebald is the dapple dachshund. These dogs also have white spots in their bodies but of a different pattern – typically larger white spots that can cover larger parts of the body pretty consistently. These dogs’ mutation is due to an entirely different gene than the piebald dachshund.
Just like piebalds, however, dapple dachshunds don’t really have any significant health issues on top of those already common for the dachshund breed. That is, unless the dapple isn’t actually a double dapple dachshund. We’ve covered these dogs extensively as well as they are quite notorious. Essentially, a double dapple is the offspring of two dapple dachshunds. Why is this bad?
It’s bad because, like the extreme piebald dachshund, the double dapple does have some health problems that aren’t present in “normal” dachshunds. The two main ones are deafness and blindness, only the risk of them is greatly increased in the double dapple compared to any other breed and sub-breed.
As a result of that, the breeding and selling of double dapple dachshunds is strongly frowned upon by most, if not all, kennel clubs. And, even though single dapple dachshunds don’t have these health risks, their breeding is also often viewed as a bad idea as these dogs can later be bred with each other – whether intentionally or by accident – and produce double dapples.
How About Dachshunds and Moles?
Of the dots and spots you wondered if dachshunds can have are black and on their skin – yes, those are probably moles. Like all other dogs and like humans, dachshunds too can occasionally have moles. This doesn’t happen often, however, as canines seem to have moles less often than people. Plus, they are harder to see, especially if the dog has long fur.
Moles are, of course, generally harmless. Still, they are worth mentioning to your vet as they can rarely be cancerous.
So, The Dots and Spots Dachshunds Can Have – Are They Worth Noting?
If you’re being offered to purchase a dog that’s almost fully covered with white spots and dots – yes, it’s definitely worth noting what those dogs are. Piebald and (double) dapple dachshunds that have white fur over the majority of their coat are relatively likely to suffer from congenital deafness and even blindness in the case of double dapples.
So, while adopting such a dog is admirable and advisable, we’d advise you against purchasing it. Financing the irresponsible breeders that continue to breed dogs with an increased risk of deafness and blindness just isn’t a good idea for anyone involved.
Learn more about: 20 Different Colors Of Dachshunds
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