Isabella dachshund’s health problems are a big concern for many Dachshund owners, as a specific gene influences both coat coloration and health. Dachshunds are a very colorful breed, their coats painted in different variations, and the isabella gene is responsible for such variation.
Dapple coat coloration in dachshunds is one of the most unique features of their fur. Doxies are usually healthy dogs, with few health problems, most of which revolve around their spine. But as all dogs are a product of human influence and breeding, certain genes are inherited and have harmful effects.
What Is The Isabella Gene In Dachshunds?
The fawn color of a dachshund is the result of a recessive gene by the name of Isabella gene. What this gene does is dilute the base color which ordinarily is chocolaty brown. All types of coat textures can have this gene and present a color discrepancy, whether longhaired, smooth or wirehaired.
Isabella dachshund is ordinarily the name that we use to refer to a light brown dachshund coat coloration. This discoloration deems these dachshunds as highly undesirable in some kennel clubs but others accept certain color deviations.
What Color Is An Isabella Dachshund?
Natural coat coloration for dachshunds includes black with tan or cream, chocolate with cream or tan, red, and cream. With Isabella dachshunds, colors extend to a fawn or lilac color. Another uncommon color for dachshunds is blue or grey, but it can’t be categorized as blue isabella dachshund. The Isabella gene is not responsible for the grey color.
Speckles of other colors or dilution can show up within Isabella dachshunds. Lighter shades of tan or cream markings appear in certain spots or areas on their bodies. Some examples of these include over the eyes, on the sides of their jaw, on the chest, under the lip, and more.
Their tails can have a different diluted color, and all Isabela variations exhibit grey nails, nose, and eyes. Isabela dachshunds are one of those deemed undesirable by the UK Kennel Club, some examples don’t fit with AKC either.
Isabella Dachshund Health Problems
Most dachshund owners with light color coats ask: are Isabella Dachshunds healthy? Unfortunately, health issues inevitably arise with this type of dachshund, and it may be necessary to know what to expect.
Afflictions Caused By Isabella Dachshund Health Problems
Isabella dachshunds have been selectively bred for their appearance and thus other health risks were not taken into consideration. Apart from unique circumstances that can cause health problems for Isabella dachshunds, some individuals can be quite healthy overall. They can live between 12 to 16 years with the right balance of care, diet, and exercise.
Color Dilution Alopecia
The term alopecia implies a loss of hair that creates bald patches or thins the coat in general. Isabella and blue dachshund puppies will look normal up to around 6 months when their fur starts to thin out.
Since the fur is too thin it will fall out at the follicle and irritate the skin. Itchiness, soreness, and flaky skin soon follow, to make a dachshund that much more uncomfortable.
Skin Infection
One collateral effect of color dilution alopecia is a predisposition for dermatitis and skin infections. The skin is too exposed and can thus suffer from any number of outside irritants.
Skin Cancer
A more extreme case of isabella dachshund health problems is the risk of skin cancer. Without the protection of a healthy coat, the sun can greatly affect bald patches and pose a great struggle with walks.
Lighter coat colors are not natural and these colors only exist because they are so unusual. There’s a dispute between breeders, that there is no straightforward link between alopecia and color dilution but many studies disagree.
It’s important to protect this breed from any additional cruel practices like this. The fact that they present it as this rare kind of dachshund, encourages breeders to keep these features exclusive.
Crushing Disease
An impairment of the adrenal glands causes an overproduction of steroid hormones. Excessive production of this hormone can affect the kidney, cause diabetes, and lead to serious illness. This affection is one that gets passed down through genes.
Spinal Disc Damage
The long spine of a dachshund is by itself a health risk as the discs can suffer damage. This can happen due to the fact that the discs may not be entirely supported by their short legs.
Obesity can also make this issue worse so keeping a close eye on their diet is vital. Maintaining a healthy exercise routine that does not put pressure on their back is also something to keep in mind.
Patellar Luxation
Another gene inherited type of condition, small and mini breeds, including doxies can suffer from, is patellar luxation. This illness arises when the cartilages of the kneecaps suffer damage and dislocate from their usual position. Obesity or physical stress to the knees can also trigger this condition.
A basic recommendation to avoid damage to the knees to some degree is by using leg braces. Any symptoms should be the next topic of discussion for a veterinary professional. Fast intervention in this condition can prevent permanent lameness.
Ear Infection
Dachshunds have drooping ears and those areas can be a breeding ground for infections, and be harder to notice. Regularly checking their ears and cleaning them out will ensure they remain infection-free.
Isabella dachshunds can also suffer from other rare health problems, like heart problems, eye infections, and hyperthyroidism.
Final Thought – Isabella Dachshund Health Problems
Isabella dachshund dogs are a rare divergence from regular doxies. The color of their coat is the result of a recessive gene. This specific gene is not bred as much as the ones that determine regular doxie colors. Isabella dachshund is thus present with lighter coat colors.
Health concerns can be a negative side of this unique coloration, and so many breeders avoid it. Many other breeders, however, lean into it and maintain a streak of unhealthy conditions in the doxie breed. Other than the coloration and some health side effects, the Isabella dachshund is basically the same as a regular doxie.
Read more about: Are Dapple Dachshunds Rare And Why?
