What Is an Albino Dachshund? Things You Need To Know

Albino dachshunds are a rare and beautiful variant of the beloved dachshund breed. Characterized by their striking appearance and delicate health needs, these dachshunds are a unique breed that requires special attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about albino dachshunds, from understanding what causes their distinctive appearance to the extra care they require and the unique challenges they face.

What Is an Albino Dachshund?

An albino dachshund is a dog that has inherited a rare genetic mutation, known as albinism. This condition occurs due to a recessive gene that causes the dog to lack melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring their skin, eyes, and fur. The result is a dachshund with white fur, pink skin, and often light blue or pink eyes. These dogs are sometimes referred to as pink dachshunds due to the pink tint seen in their noses, paw pads, and eye rims.

Albinism in Dachshunds: A Genetic Anomaly

Albinism results from the absence of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the coat, skin, and eyes of animals. In dachshunds, this condition manifests as pure white fur and pinkish features, distinguishing them from the more common white dachshunds. Unlike albino dachshunds, white dachshunds retain some pigmentation and usually have black or brown noses and darker eyes​.

Albino Dachshund Appearance

Albino dachshunds are distinct in their appearance:

• Coat: A completely white coat with no other color markings.
• Skin: Pink skin, visible around the nose, eyes, and ears.
• Eyes: Their eyes are typically light blue or pink, giving them a delicate and almost ethereal look.
• Nose and Paw Pads: These dogs often have pink noses and pink paw pads, which sets them apart from standard-colored dachshunds. Since the skin on these body parts

Because albino dachshunds are so visually unique, they are often confused with white dachshunds, but it’s important to distinguish between the two. While both are rare, albino dachshunds lack any pigment, which makes them far more sensitive to environmental factors such as sunlight​. 

Special Care for Albino Dachshunds

Due to the lack of melanin, albino dachshunds require specific care to protect them from potential health risks. Owners must pay close attention to their skin, eyes, and overall health. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider if you’re the proud owner of an albino dachshund:

1. Sun Protection

Albino dachshunds are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Without melanin to shield their skin from UV rays, they are at a higher risk for sunburn and skin cancer. To prevent these issues:

• Limit their exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.
• Use dog-safe sunscreen or invest in sun-protective clothing to cover their sensitive skin when they’re outdoors. Just like you take care for yourself, you also need to take care of your pet too. 
• Make sure your dachshund has plenty of shade and never leave them outside for extended periods on sunny days​.

2. Eye and Hearing Issues

Albinism in dachshunds can also lead to vision problems due to the lack of pigmentation in their eyes. They might be more prone to sensitivity to light, and in some cases, partial blindness can develop. Additionally, some albino dachshunds can experience hearing difficulties, as albinism can affect the auditory system. Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitor these potential issues and ensure your dachshund’s overall health​.

3. Skin Health and Sensitivity

The pink skin of albino dachshunds is more delicate than that of their darker-coated counterparts. Ensure you’re using gentle grooming products designed for sensitive skin, and always be cautious of allergies or irritants that could lead to rashes or other skin issues​(

Are Albino Dachshunds Rare?

Yes, albino dachshunds are incredibly rare. Their appearance is the result of a genetic mutation that occurs in very few dogs, making them highly sought after by collectors and dog enthusiasts. However, due to their rarity, some unethical breeders may attempt to produce albino dachshunds, despite the risk of health problems associated with albinism. It’s important to work with responsible breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of the animals over aesthetics​.

What Genes Do Albino Dachshunds Carry?

Albino dachshunds carry a recessive gene responsible for their lack of pigmentation, a condition known as albinism. The specific genetic mutation affects the TYR gene (tyrosinase), which is responsible for producing the enzyme that plays a key role in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin, fur, and eyes.

For a dachshund to be albino, it must receives copies of both parents of this recessive gene—one from each parent. If both parents carry this gene but do not express it themselves, there is a 25% chance their offspring will be albino. These dogs will display the classic features of albinism, including white fur, pink noses, pink eye rims, and blue or pink eyes​(

In albino dachshunds, the complete absence of melanin makes them more prone to health issues like sun sensitivity and vision or hearing problems, all of which stem from the lack of pigment that normally protects their skin, eyes, and ears.

Other Rare Dachshund Colors

While albino dachshunds are the rarest, there are several other rare dachshunds colors that enthusiasts love. These include:

• Fawn (Isabella): A diluted light brown or grayish-brown coat that gives the dog a muted, almost ethereal appearance​.
• Blue Dachshund: These dogs have a grayish-blue coat caused by a dilution of the black color gene. They are also prone to skin conditions such as color dilution alopecia​.
• English Cream: Long-haired dachshunds with a cream or light golden coat, often descended from British cream lineage​.

These rare colors are highly prized, though some, like the double dapple dachshund, can come with serious health concerns if not bred responsibly​.

FAQs

How long do albino dachshunds live? 

Albino dachshunds have a similar lifespan to regular dachshunds, typically around 12-16 years. However, they may need extra health monitoring due to their albinism.

Are these Doxies good with kids?

Yes, these rare pooches are generally known to behave friendly toward kids and even other pets like cats. Their behavior will also depend on the socialization they’ll get, so you should allow your pup to get used to kids and other animals from an early puppyhood.

What is the average price of the albino dachshund?

The average price of an albino dachshund can range widely due to their rarity. On average, albino dachshunds cost between $1,000 to $3,500 or more, depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, and health certifications. These prices are higher than for most other dachshund colors because of their unique genetic traits and the risks associated with breeding them​(

It’s important to be cautious when purchasing an albino dachshund to ensure that they are bred ethically, as albino dogs are prone to specific health issues such as hearing loss and vision problems. Working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes health screenings is crucial to ensure the well-being of the dog.

Are albino dachshunds more expensive?

Due to their rarity, albino dachshunds can command a higher price compared to standard dachshunds. Prices can vary based on the breeder and the specific lineage. Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you check the puppy’s genes and health certificate.

Can albino dachshunds be bred? 

While possible, breeding two albino dachshunds is generally discouraged due to the increased risk of passing on severe health issues, including blindness and deafness​. We don’t recommend you to search for these rare beauties in rescues or adopt centers because such pups often suffer from certain health problems. If you decide to adopt a Doxie from a rescue center, you should be ready to deal with aggression and some other behavior problems those pups may show.

Conclusion

Owning an albino dachshund is a rewarding experience, but it comes with extra responsibilities. From protecting their sensitive skin to monitoring their hearing and vision health, these dogs require a specific environment that helps them thrive. Like humans, they need ongoing care, and when provided with love and attention, they repay their owners with loyalty and affection. Albino dachshunds, with their elongated bodies and striking white coats, are a truly rare and precious companion. For those lucky enough to own one, the support and extra care they provide create a bond that’s truly special.

If you’re considering adopting an albino dachshund, make sure to consider their unique needs and consult with a breeder or veterinarian to ensure their health and happiness for years to come.

By giving an albino dachshund the care and attention they need, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion who is sure to turn heads wherever they go! They are excellent pets both for singles and families with kids and make wonderful pets for life!