Double Dapple Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

Double Dapple Dachshunds: Beautiful but Controversial

Introduction
Dachshunds are one of the most beloved and recognizable dog breeds in the world. With their short legs, long bodies, and spunky personalities, it‘s no wonder these little "wiener dogs" have stolen the hearts of so many dog lovers. While dachshunds come in many colors and coat types, there is one variety that stands out for both its striking looks and the controversy surrounding it – the double dapple dachshund.

In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at double dapple dachshunds, from their history and genetics to their special needs and the debate over whether they should be bred at all. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ll share my knowledge and insights to help you understand these unique animals.

History and Origin of Dachshunds
The dachshund breed originated in Germany, with the earliest verifiable records dating back to the 16th century. Originally bred to hunt badgers and other den-dwelling animals, dachshunds were prized for their tenacity, keen sense of smell, and ability to pursue prey into underground burrows. In fact, their name literally means "badger dog" in German.

Over time, dachshunds were bred in two sizes – standard and miniature – and three coat types – smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. They transitioned from hunting dogs to beloved family pets, and their popularity spread across Europe and eventually to America. According to the American Kennel Club, they have consistently ranked in the top 15 most popular breeds in the U.S. for the past 50 years.

Dachshund Characteristics and Temperament
Dachshunds are known for being lively, clever, and a bit stubborn. They tend to be very devoted to their owners but can take time to warm up to strangers. As a hound breed, they have a strong prey drive and love to dig, bark, and follow interesting scents. This means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and out of trouble.

While generally good with children, dachshunds may not tolerate rough handling and do best with gentle, respectful kids. They can get along with other dogs but may try to chase smaller pets due to their hunting instincts. Consistent positive reinforcement training, socialization, and clear boundaries are important to channel their smarts and determination in a positive way.

Dapple and Double Dapple Coat Genetics
All of the coat colors and patterns in dachshunds are controlled by genetics. The dapple pattern, which looks like irregular patches or splotches of a second color over the base coat, is caused by the merle gene, represented by the letter M. This is the same gene that creates merle coats in breeds like Australian Shepherds and Great Danes.

A dog needs one copy of the M gene to be a dapple. If two dapple dachshunds are bred together, some of the puppies will inherit the M gene from both parents, making them "double dapples." While this may create a striking coat, the MM genotype is associated with serious health issues, as we‘ll discuss later.

Appearance of Double Dapple Dachshunds
Double dapples tend to have a lot of white in their coats, often with patches of the original color peeking through. They may have blue eyes, and sometimes each eye is a different color. While their pattern may resemble the elusive "piebald" coat seen in some other breeds, the genetics are different – double dapple is caused by the M gene while piebald is a separate gene.

Other than their coloring, double dapple dachshunds look like any other dachshund, with the breed‘s signature elongated body, short stature, floppy ears, and soulful expression. They can occur in any of the size and coat variations. Some double dapples have striking looks with a mostly white coat and just a few specks of color.

Health Problems in Double Dapples
The merle gene doesn‘t just affect a dog‘s coat color – it‘s also linked to several congenital health issues. In double merles of any breed, the most common problems are deafness and vision impairment. This happens because the M gene can disrupt the development of a fetus‘s auditory and optical nerves if inherited from both parents.

Double dapple dachshunds have a high incidence of being born deaf, blind, or both. They may also have malformed eyes or be prone to early-onset cataracts, glaucoma, or progressive retinal atrophy. Lack of pigment around the eyes and ears is correlated with sensory problems. In addition to these issues specific to double dapples, the breed as a whole is prone to back problems like intervertebral disc disease that can cause pain and even paralysis.

Controversy and Ethics of Breeding Double Dapples
Because of the high risk of health problems, deliberately breeding two dapple dachshunds together is very controversial and considered unethical by many animal welfare advocates, including major breed clubs. When two dapples are bred, each puppy has a 25% chance of being born a double dapple with associated defects. Most experts advise never pairing two dapples.

Some breeders argue there is a responsible way to produce dapples by breeding one dapple to a non-dapple mate. However, this still has risks, as the non-dapple may be a "cryptic" merle that doesn‘t show the pattern but still carries the gene. The only way to be sure a dog doesn‘t carry the merle gene is with genetic testing. Many countries have banned the breeding of double dapples altogether.

Ultimately, the desire for unique and eye-catching coat patterns must be balanced with the health and quality of life of the dogs. Most dog lovers and veterinary professionals prioritize the well-being of animals over aesthetics and believe it is not worth breeding dogs that have a high likelihood of suffering.

Special Needs and Care of Double Dapples
While the health problems associated with the double dapple genotype are daunting, affected dogs can still make wonderful pets with the right care and accommodations. Deaf and/or blind dogs rely more heavily on their other senses and can learn to navigate the world with support from their humans.

Consistency is key for these special needs pups. They do best when they have a predictable routine, an environment arranged to be safe for them, and clear communication from their owners using methods like hand signals, lights, or vibrations. Double dapples may startle more easily and should always be approached gently. Patience and positive reinforcement can help them learn and provide enrichment.

In addition to managing any sensory impairments, double dapples need regular vet care to monitor for other issues related to their genetics and body structure. This includes extra attention to their back, joints, and eyes. Providing them with a healthy diet, proper exercise, and preventive care like nail trimming gives them the best chance at a good quality of life.

Popularity of Dachshunds and Double Dapples
Dachshunds have a devoted following of fans who love their big personalities in a compact package. They are frequently featured in pop culture, from the cartoon character Scooby Doo‘s pal Scrappy to the titular pup in the film Wiener Dog. Owners often joke about their dachshund‘s quirks like stubborn streaks and loud barks.

While double dapples make up a small percentage of the breed, some people specifically seek them out for their striking coloration, seeing them as "rare" or special. However, coat pattern trends should always be weighed against health risks and what‘s best for the dogs. Many animal lovers believe that promoting double dapples does the breed a disservice and that they should only exist as occasional accidents, not be bred for on purpose.

In some parts of Europe, breeding double dapples is now illegal due to welfare concerns. The UK Kennel Club will not register any puppies produced from merle to merle matings. However, the double dapple pattern remains grudgingly permissible with major registries in the U.S. like the American Kennel Club. Whether to breed them at all remains an ethical dilemma and subject of debate.

Conclusion
Double dapple dachshunds are undeniably eye-catching with their unique coats, but the health issues associated with the merle gene mean they are steeped in controversy. As a veterinarian, I believe their well-being should be the top priority, and breeding double dapples is a gamble not worth taking.

However, those double dapples that do exist deserve loving homes and owners willing to accommodate their special needs. They still have all the spunk and charm of the dachshund breed. Ultimately, the more dog lovers educate themselves about the nuances of breeding for certain colors and patterns, the better we can look out for the welfare of our short-legged friends as a whole.