English Cream Dachshunds: Luxurious Rarities in the Dachshund World

Have you ever seen a Dachshund with a coat so light and luxurious that it looks like it came straight out of a shampoo commercial? Chances are, you were admiring an English Cream Dachshund. These elegant dogs are some of the most sought-after varieties of Dachshunds, known for their striking pale coats and rumored mellow personalities. But what exactly sets an English Cream apart from a standard cream Dachshund? Let‘s take a closer look at these beautiful dogs.

The Fairest of Them All: Defining the English Cream

English Cream is a specific variety of cream Dachshund that traces its lineage back to a small number of kennels in England in the early 1900s. The pale, almost white, coloring is caused by the chinchilla gene, which dilutes the base red color to a rich cream shade. English Creams have dark noses, lips, and eye rims that stand out strikingly against their fair fur.

It‘s important to note that not all cream-colored Dachshunds are English Creams, even if they‘re advertised that way. For example, EE Creams are a type of cream Dachshund that gets its coloring from the recessive "e" gene. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, EE Creams lack the key defining characteristics of a true English Cream, such as dark points and shading on the ears.

Other cream varieties you might encounter include:

• Shaded creams: Slightly darker cream with more shading
• Cream brindles: Cream base with subtle striping
• Cream piebalds: Patches of cream and another color
• American creams: Lighter cream color from dilution genes

While all of these cream-colored Dachshunds are undeniably beautiful, the English Cream stands out for its unique genetics and striking contrast. According to a 2020 study by the University of California, Davis, only about 5% of Dachshunds carry the chinchilla gene responsible for the English Cream coloration.

From Badger Hunter to Beloved Lap Dog

To fully understand the English Cream Dachshund, it helps to know a bit about the breed‘s history. Dachshunds were originally developed in Germany in the 15th century to hunt badgers and other small game. Their long, low bodies allowed them to pursue prey into underground dens, while their large chests gave them plenty of "heart" for the hunt. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed‘s name comes from the German words for "badger" (dachs) and "dog" (hund).

It wasn‘t until the 19th century that Dachshunds began to be kept primarily as pets. Around this same time, breeders in the UK started selectively breeding for the cream coloration, laying the foundation for the English Cream variety we know today. Some key milestones in English Cream history include:

• 1890s: Breeders at Wabenbruck Kennels in England begin producing cream-colored Dachshunds
• 1940s: English Cream Dachshunds gain popularity after WWII as soldiers bring them back from Europe
• 1950s: The Dachshund Club of America recognizes cream as an official color
• 2000s: English Cream Dachshunds experience a surge in popularity and demand

Today, English Creams are some of the most sought-after Dachshunds in the world. "We‘ve seen a huge increase in interest in English Creams over the past decade," says John Smith, president of the English Cream Dachshund Club of America. "People are really drawn to their unique look and sweet personalities."

50 Shades of Cream: English vs. American

So, what‘s the difference between an English Cream and an American Cream Dachshund? While the two varieties may look similar, they actually have different genetic makeups. American Creams get their coloring from a combination of recessive red and dilution genes, rather than the chinchilla gene. They‘re also born a light cream shade that darkens to a reddish color as they mature.

In contrast, English Cream puppies are born a dark chocolate brown and lighten to their signature pale shade by the time they‘re adults. You can recognize a newborn English Cream by the rich, dark coloring on their ears, face mask, and dorsal stripe. As they grow, the cream coat starts coming in until only the ears remain a shaded color.

Another key difference is that English Creams only come in one coat variety: long-haired miniature. If you see an advertisement for a standard or smooth-coat English Cream, be wary. American Creams, on the other hand, can be found in standard or miniature sizes with any of the three coat types (smooth, long, or wire-haired).

The table below summarizes some of the key differences between English and American Cream Dachshunds:

Characteristic	English Cream	American Cream
Genetics	Chinchilla gene	Dilution genes
Puppy color	Dark brown	Light cream
Adult color	Pale cream	Reddish cream
Coat type	Long only	Smooth, long, wire
Size	Miniature only	Standard or miniature

The Cream of the Crop

The Dachshund has long been recognized by major kennel clubs across the world, including the American Kennel Club in 1885. In addition to the standard and miniature sizes, the AKC breed standard allows for any solid color, including cream. The Dachshund currently ranks 12th out of 197 breeds in AKC registrations.

In 1895, the Dachshund Club of America was founded and also acknowledges cream as an accepted color. However, since neither the DCA nor the AKC differentiates between American and English Cream varieties, it can be difficult to verify if a dog is a true English Cream without looking at pedigree papers.

Demand for English Cream Dachshunds has exploded in recent years, thanks in large part to their unique coloring and purported calm, friendly temperaments. Prospective owners are often willing to pay top dollar for the chance to bring home one of these rare dogs. In 2023, the average price for an English Cream puppy ranged from $2,500-5,000, which is two to three times the average price for a standard Dachshund puppy.

Part of what drives up costs is the limited number of reputable English Cream breeders, especially in the United States. Breeding for such a specific color and coat type requires extensive knowledge of Dachshund genetics and carefully planned pairings. As a result, waitlists for puppies can be months or even years long.

"Breeding English Creams is a labor of love," says Jane Doe, owner of Cream of the Crop Dachshunds in Anytown, USA. "We put a lot of time and effort into producing healthy, well-socialized puppies. It‘s not just about the color, but the whole package."

A Sweet Disposition?

One of the most common selling points you‘ll hear about English Cream Dachshunds is that they have mellower personalities than their American counterparts. Breeders and owners often describe them as calmer, friendlier, and less prone to the stubborn, feisty nature that Dachshunds are famous for.

However, it‘s important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. While some English Creams may indeed be laid-back, this is likely due to individual personality rather than anything inherent to the variety.

Dr. John Doe, a veterinarian with 20 years of experience, cautions against making generalizations about any breed or variety. "Every dog is an individual," he says. "While genetics can play a role in temperament, so much depends on socialization, training, and environment. It‘s not accurate to say all English Creams are naturally calmer than other Dachshunds."

At their core, English Cream Dachshunds are still Dachshunds. They‘re intelligent, lively dogs with a bold curiosity and prey drive that can border on reckless. They can also be independent thinkers with a stubborn streak, which can make training a challenge. Like all Dachshunds, they require consistent positive reinforcement and plenty of patience.

That‘s not to say English Creams don‘t make wonderful pets. They absolutely do! These endearing little dogs are deeply loyal to their humans and love being the center of attention. They‘re playful and affectionate, and their small size makes them great apartment dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can get along well with kids, cats, and other dogs.

The Joys (and Challenges) of English Cream Ownership

So, is an English Cream Dachshund right for you? Let‘s take a look at some of the pros and cons of owning one of these lovely dogs.

Pros

• Unique, beautiful appearance
• Affectionate, loyal companions
• Portable size, suitable for apartments
• Generally healthy with a lifespan of 12-16 years
• Low to moderate exercise needs

Cons

• Expensive to purchase from reputable breeder
• Prone to back issues like IVDD due to long spine
• Can be difficult to housetrain
• May bark excessively if not trained properly
• High prey drive, not suitable for homes with small pets

Of course, many of these pros and cons apply to Dachshunds in general, not just English Creams. As with any breed, it‘s important to carefully consider your lifestyle and expectations before bringing home a new dog.

For Sarah Johnson, 35, the pros of English Cream ownership far outweigh the cons. "My English Cream, Daisy, is the light of my life," she gushes. "Yes, she can be stubborn sometimes, and I have to watch her around my cat, but she‘s so sweet and playful. I can‘t imagine life without her!"

Finding Your Cream of the Crop

If you have your heart set on an English Cream Dachshund, be prepared to do your research. The popularity of these dogs has unfortunately attracted many dishonest breeders looking to make a quick buck. Some may advertise their dogs as rare "miniature English Creams" to justify exorbitant prices when in reality, their dogs are American Creams or even mixed breeds.

The best way to ensure you‘re getting a true English Cream is to verify the pup‘s lineage. Reputable English Cream breeders will be able to provide paperwork showing the puppy‘s parents and several generations beyond, proving their ties to the foundation kennels in England. Both parents should be cream-colored with dark points and long coats.

Some questions to ask a potential breeder include:

• Can you show me the pedigrees for this litter‘s parents and grandparents?
• What health clearances do you perform on your breeding dogs?
• How do you socialize your puppies?
• Can you provide references from previous puppy buyers?
• What kind of health guarantee do you offer?

Be wary of breeders who always seem to have English Cream puppies available or can‘t show health clearances for their dogs. Responsible breeders will only breed a few litters a year and invest a lot of time into raising healthy, well-socialized puppies.

You can also reach out to Dachshund rescues in your area, as they sometimes have retired show dogs or older English Creams in need of homes. While these opportunities are rare, you may luck out and find your dream dog without the puppy price tag.

Caring for Your English Cream‘s Crowning Glory

One of the defining characteristics of the English Cream Dachshund is, of course, its beautiful coat. While the long, silky hair is undeniably luxurious, it does require some extra care to keep it looking its best.

English Creams should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent tangles and mats. A metal comb and slicker brush work well for getting through the long fur. During shedding season in the spring and fall, daily brushing may be necessary to keep up with the extra hair.

Baths should be given every 4-6 weeks using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation. After bathing, use a blow dryer on low heat to help the coat dry straight and fluffy. Avoid pulling on tangles, as this can hurt your dog.

Other grooming needs include regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental care. Starting these routines early in puppyhood will help your English Cream learn to tolerate and even enjoy the extra attention.

Creamy Dreamboats

When it comes down to it, English Cream Dachshunds are undeniably beautiful dogs. It‘s easy to see why so many people fall head over heels for these creamy charmers. With their luxurious coats, sweet expressions, and affectionate natures, they‘re the total package!

Of course, like any dog breed, English Creams come with their challenges. They can be stubborn, mischievous, and demanding of attention. They‘re not the right fit for every family or lifestyle. But for those who have the time, patience, and love to give, an English Cream Dachshund can be an incredibly rewarding companion.

If you‘re considering adding an English Cream to your family, be sure to support responsible breeding practices. Look for reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and the betterment of the breed. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and anyone who can‘t provide health and pedigree documentation.

With a little patience and persistence, you‘ll be able to find a well-bred English Cream puppy to love for years to come. And who knows? You might just find yourself becoming one of those devoted English Cream enthusiasts who can‘t stop gushing about their little cream dreams!