What Is a Merle Dachshund? 12 Types of These Rare Dogs

Ever seen a Dachshund with a coat that looks like a work of art? That, my friend, is probably a Merle Dachshund. These little cuties are not just any Dachshund. They have a coat that’s truly one of a kind, so it’s no wonder they’re a hot topic among dog enthusiasts. But what is a Merle Dachshund? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about these rare dogs and what to look out for.

What is the merle gene in Dachshunds?

The magic of the Merle Dachshund lies in their genes, specifically the Merle gene. This gene is what creates the coat patterns that make Merle Dachshunds different from the rest. But how does this gene work?

How the Merle Gene Works

The Merle gene creates a mottled effect on the dog’s coat, resulting in patches of different colors. This gene modifies the base coat color, creating lighter areas that appear as spots or streaks. The cool thing is no two Merle Dachshunds look alike, thanks to the randomness of this genetic trait.

Dachshund Genetics and Coat Colors

Dachshunds come in many coat colors and patterns and Merle is just one of the many genetic variations. The Merle gene adds an extra layer of beauty to their already many looks.

Why Merle Dachshunds are Special

Coat Patterns

One of the most noticeable thing about Merle Dachshunds is their coat. These dogs have a pattern of their base color (black, chocolate or red) with lighter patches creating a dappled or speckled effect. That’s what makes them so cool.

Eyes and Other Physical Traits

Another cool thing about Merle Dachshunds is their eye color. The Merle gene can affect the eye pigmentation so they can have blue eyes or even eyes of different colors (heterochromia). That’s just extra adorable and makes each Merle Dachshund one of a kind.

Breeding Merle Dachshunds

Responsible Breeding

Breeding Merle Dachshunds requires caution and responsibility. Breeders must follow responsible practices to avoid health issues associated with the Merle gene.

Responsible Practices

One of the responsible practices in breeding Merle Dachshunds is to avoid “double merles” which is when two Merle coated dogs are bred together. Double merles have a higher risk of health issues including hearing and vision problems.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is crucial in breeding Merle Dachshunds. It helps identify potential health risks and ensures breeders know what their dogs are genetically. This makes for healthier and happier Merle Dachshund puppies.

Blue Merle Dachshund Coat Combinations

Merle Dachshunds are known for their beautiful and unique coat patterns. The Merle gene creates a mottled effect, so you get patches of different colors. Here are all the possible coat color combinations for Blue Merle Dachshunds:

Blue Merle Dachshund

The Blue Merle is the most popular color of these rare pooches. Black and gray patches, gives the dog a blue shade of coat. The blue merle is really pretty and often comes with a blue or heterochromatic eyes.

Black and Tan Merle Dachshund

This one has a black base coat with tan points, overlaid with the merle pattern. The tan points are on the face, chest, legs and under the tail, so it’s a beautiful contrast with the black and merle patches.

Chocolate Merle Dachshund

A Chocolate Merle Dachshund has a chocolate brown base coat with lighter brown or cream merle patches. This one is less common than the blue merle but just as pretty, with the merle pattern adding depth to the chocolate coat.

Red Merle Dachshund

Red Merle Dachshunds have a red or reddish-brown base coat with lighter red or cream merle patches. This one is quite rare and makes the dog look warm and special. The red merle can vary in intensity so each dog is truly one of a kind.

Cream Merle Dachshund

Cream Merle Dachshunds have a cream base coat with lighter cream or white merle patches. This one is less common but highly sought after. The merle can be faint but adds a little something extra to the cream coat.

Blue and Tan Merle Dachshund

This one has a blue-gray base coat with tan points, just like the black and tan merle but with the blue merle pattern. The tan points creates a beautiful contrast with the blue-gray and merle patches.

Black and Cream Merle Dachshund

A Black and Cream Merle Dachshund has a black base coat with cream points, overlaid with the merle pattern. The cream points are on the face, chest, legs and under the tail, so it’s a lovely contrast with the black and merle patches.

Chocolate and Tan Merle Dachshund

This one has a chocolate brown base coat with tan points and the merle pattern. The tan points creates a beautiful contrast with the chocolate and merle patches.

Chocolate and Cream Merle Dachshund

A Chocolate and Cream Merle Dachshund has a chocolate brown base coat with cream points, overlaid with the merle pattern. The cream points is a soft and elegant contrast with the chocolate and merle patches.

Isabella (Fawn) Merle Dachshund

Isabella (Fawn) Merle Dachshunds have a light fawn or beige base coat with lighter merle patches. This one is quite rare and makes the dog look special and elegant. The merle adds a little something extra to the fawn coat.

Wild Boar Merle Dachshund

This is a rare combination featuring a wild boar coat which is a mix of black, brown and grey hairs with the merle pattern overlaid. The wild boar merle looks like the wild ancestors of the Dachshund breed.

Blue and Cream Merle Dachshund

A Blue and Cream Merle Dachshund has a blue grey base coat with cream points overlaid with the merle pattern. The cream points add a soft contrast to the blue grey and merle patches.

Health Issues in Merle Dachshunds

Common Problems

Like all dogs Merle Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues. One of the biggest is related to their body shape. Because of their long bodies and short legs Merle Dachshunds are prone to back problems, especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This is when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine start to deteriorate and cause pain, nerve damage and even paralysis in extreme cases. Preventative measures such as keeping them at a healthy weight, not jumping and using ramps instead of stairs can help reduce the risk of this.

Also dental issues are a common health problem for Merle Dachshunds. Their small mouths can lead to overcrowding of the teeth which can cause plaque buildup, gingivitis and other periodontal diseases. Regular dental check ups and consistent oral hygiene practices like brushing their teeth and providing dental chews are essential to prevent these problems.

Genetic Health Risks

The Merle gene while responsible for the beautiful coat patterns of Merle Dachshunds also brings specific genetic health risks. One of the biggest is the risk of hearing and vision problems. The Merle gene can sometimes affect the pigmentation of the inner ear and cause partial or total deafness. This is especially true for double merles – dogs that inherit the Merle gene from both parents. Double merles are at a much higher risk for serious hearing and vision impairments.

Also the Merle gene can cause ocular defects such as microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) and colobomas (defects in the structure of the eye). These can cause varying degrees of vision loss and may require specialist care. This is why responsible breeding is important to reduce the risk of double merles and to ensure the overall health of Merle Dachshund puppies.

Allergies

Merle Dachshunds may also have a tendency to allergies which can manifest in several ways. Skin allergies are common and can be uncomfortable and itchy. These can be triggered by environmental factors like pollen, dust mites and mold as well as certain grooming products or materials in their bedding.

Food allergies are another problem for Merle Dachshunds. Common food allergens are beef, chicken, dairy and grains. Symptoms of food allergies can range from gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea to skin issues like itching, redness and hot spots. If a food allergy is suspected a vet may recommend an elimination diet to identify and avoid the culprit.

Managing allergies in Merle Dachshunds is multi-faceted. For skin allergies regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoos, air purifiers and keeping their environment clean will help reduce exposure to allergens. For food allergies a carefully chosen diet with high quality limited ingredient dog food will prevent reactions and keep them healthy.

Caring for a Merle Dachshund

Diet and Nutrition

Any dog needs a balanced diet and Merle Dachshunds are no exception. High quality dog food appropriate for their age, size and activity level is key to their overall health and well being. Merle Dachshunds have specific dietary needs that support their coat, skin and energy levels.

When choosing dog food look for ones that have meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers like corn, wheat and soy. These dogs need a diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their active lifestyle and shiny coats. Adding omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids will also help with skin and coat health and reduce the risk of allergies and skin issues.

Feeding schedules are important too. Splitting their daily food into two or three meals will help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of obesity which is a common problem in Dachshunds due to their long bodies and short legs. Always make sure they have access to fresh water and consult with your vet to tailor their diet to their needs.

Exercise Needs

Merle Dachshunds are energetic little dogs that need regular exercise. Exercise is key to their health, happiness and mental stimulation. These lively dogs need a combination of physical and mental exercises to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.

Daily walks are a great way to exercise your Merle Dachshund. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour a day, split into two sessions if possible. Walks will burn off their energy and provide socialization and mental stimulation as they sniff around.

In addition to walks, playtime is key. Interactive games like fetch, tug of war and hide and seek will keep your Merle Dachshund mentally and physically active. Puzzle toys and treat dispensing toys are also great for mental stimulation and boredom prevention.

Don’t jump and hig- impact activities as back problems are common. Gentle exercise like swimming or using ramps instead of stairs is good and reduces injury.

Grooming Tips

Merle Dachshunds have short coats that are easy to maintain but regular grooming is still necessary to keep them looking their best and to monitor their overall health. Regular brushing keeps their coat in good condition, reduces shedding and to check for skin issues or allergies.

Use a good quality dog brush like the following one to make grooming more effective and enjoyable for your dog. Brushing your Merle Dachshund once or twice a week is usually enough but you may need to increase the frequency during shedding season.

Bath your Merle Dachshund as needed, usually every few months or when they get dirty. Using a gentle dog shampoo is important to avoid irritating their skin. The 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner for Dachshunds is a good choice. It cleans and conditions their coat while gentle on their skin to maintain their coat health and shine.

Grooming sessions are also a good time to check your Merle Dachshund’s ears, eyes, teeth, and nails. Clean their ears with dog ear cleaner to prevent infection and trim their nails regularly to avoid overgrowth. Brush their teeth several times a week to prevent dental problems and maintain oral health.

Merle Dachshunds as Family Pets

Temperament and Personality

Merle Dachshunds are lively and affectionate. These little dogs are full of energy and have playful, curious nature that makes them great companions. Whether it’s chasing a ball in the yard or cuddling on the couch, Merle Dachshunds love interaction and attention. Their charming personality is one of the many reasons why people fall in love with them and their merle coat is just the icing on the cake.

They are also loyal and can form strong bond with their family members. They follow their favorite humans around the house and love to be part of family activities. Despite their small size, Merle Dachshunds have big and brave attitude, they think they are much bigger than they are. This feisty personality can be cute but also means they need a little extra supervision in some situations to keep them safe.

Training and Socialization

Early training and socialization is important for Merle Dachshunds. These smart dogs can be a bit stubborn so consistent training helps to channel their energy positively. Start training your Merle Dachshund as early as possible and use positive reinforcement like treats, praise and play to motivate them.

Socializing your Merle Dachshund from a young age is just as important. Introduce them to lots of people, places and other animals so they grow up to be well-rounded pets. Take them out regularly, introduce new experiences, and arrange playdates with other dogs to build their confidence and social skills.

Because of their intelligence and sometimes independent nature, Merle Dachshunds will try to test boundaries. Consistency and patience is key in training. Basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come and heel should be mastered early on. Crate training is also beneficial, giving them a safe space and helping with house training.

Interaction with Children and Other Pets

Merle Dachshunds get on well with children and other pets so make great family pets. However, always supervise interactions especially with younger children, to make sure everyone plays nicely together. Teach children how to handle the dog gently and respectfully and not to play rough with the dog that could hurt the dog or cause stress.

Because of their small size and delicate build, Merle Dachshunds need gentle handling. Their long backs make them prone to injuries so children should be taught to support the dog’s body properly when picking them up. Teaching kids how to interact with the dog will help build a strong bond of trust and affection between them.

Other pets and Merle Dachshunds, get on well especially if introduced gradually and under positive circumstances. They have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background. Therefore, introductions to smaller pets, like cats, should be supervised. With proper socialization Merle Dachshunds can learn to live with other household pets.

Rare Dachshunds and Dapple Dachshunds

Merle Dachshunds are part of a rare group of Dachshund coat patterns. The term “merle” refers to the gene that creates their dappled coat which can come in many colours and patterns. This gene is also responsible for the striking and unusual eye colors often seen in Merle Dachshunds, blue or heterochromatic eyes.

Dapple Dachshunds are another type of Dachshund with a similar coat pattern often confused with Merle Dachshunds. The term “dapple” is often used interchangeably with “merle” in the Dachshund world. Both terms refer to the same genetic pattern that creates those beautiful coats that many Dachshund lovers adore.

Merle and Dapple Dachshunds are rare and beautiful so they are highly sought after. However, their unique genetic makeup requires careful and responsible breeding to ensure their health and well being. Prospective owners should look for reputable breeders who put their dog’s health first and avoid breeding double merles, which can cause severe health issues.

Conclusion

We can’t deny that Merle Dachshunds are a beautiful and fun breed. Their coat patterns and eyes are one of a kind and they win you over with their affectionate and playful nature. If you’re thinking of adding a Merle Dachshund to your family, remember that responsible breeding and proper care is key to a happy and healthy life for these special dogs.

FAQs

What makes Merle Dachshunds different from other Dachshunds?

Merle Dachshunds have a unique coat pattern because of the Merle gene, which creates a mottled look with patches of different colors. That’s what sets them apart from other Dachshunds.

Are Merle Dachshunds more prone to health issues?

Merle Dachshunds can be more susceptible to health issues, especially if they are double merles. Responsible breeding and genetic testing can help minimize those risks.

How do I keep my Merle Dachshund healthy?

A balanced diet, regular exercise and regular vet care is key to keeping your Merle Dachshund healthy. Also be aware of potential genetic health issues and manage them proactively.

Are Merle Dachshunds good with kids?

Yes, Merle Dachshunds are generally good with kids. They are playful and affectionate, great family pets. But supervision is recommended to ensure safe interaction.

What to look for when getting a Merle Dachshund?

Reputable breeders who practice ethical breeding and genetic testing, healthy and well socialized puppy and be prepared for the special needs of a Merle Dachshund.