Many people simply describe their dachshunds as brown, red, gold, etc. But in reality, the colors and patterns of the dachshund breed are much more complicated.
Dachshund Colors
When someone refers to the solid or self color of a dachshund, they’re referring to the solid base color of a dachshund’s coat. A dachshund can have one solid color, or a combination, such as:
- Red
- Chocolate
- Black
- Cream
- Blue (or gray)
- Isabella (or fawn)
- Black and tan
- Black and cream
- Chocolate and tan
- Blue and tan
- Isabella and tan
Dachshund Patterns
What distinguishes a pattern from a solid color is that patterns are specific markings on top of the solid color. There are five main dachshund patterns:
Dapple
Dapple dachshunds have patches of lighter colors mixed with patches of their solid color. For example, a black and tan dapple dachshund would have white or silver patches mixed in with their black and tan coat.
Double Dapple
The difference between a dapple and a double dapple is that the light patches on a double dapple are larger than that of a dapple. So if that same black and tan dachshund was instead a double dapple, they could have a large patch of white across their body, in addition to smaller patches interspersed throughout.
Brindle
A brindle dachshund has dark stripes superimposed over their solid color. The stripes can be difficult to see depending on the solid color of the dachshund.
Piebald
Piebald is similar to dapple as it consists of white spots superimposed onto a dachshund’s solid color. However, unlike in dapples, there is no variation in color of the spots like there can be in dapples.
Sable
Sable dachshunds often look black or black and tan from a distance, but in reality, they have red roots with black tips across the whole body, with the exception of the face and feet which are typically red.
Still have questions about the different colors and patterns of the dachshund breed? Then feel free to give Patti’s Dachshund Farm a call at 334-385-2600. We can answer any further questions you may have, and even direct you towards some of our lovable pups that are still looking for their forever home.
