Colors

[dancer6121]

Hi we already have two dachsies but are thinking about getting a third and would like to know all the different colors they come in. We are curious as too just how many different colors dachsies come in and which ones are favored and ones that arnt.
Thanks

[kpm_tex]

The Dachshund Club Of America has a link with infomation and pictures on colors and patterns.

http://www.dachshund-dca.org/Color.Pattern_FAQ.html

The link to the picture is at the bottom of the FAQ page

[Me&DappledDuo]

The colors, patterns, and mixes you want to avoid BUYING (rescuing from a group is always okay, of couse! ;)) are blue and isabella (both are dilute colors that often suffer from color alopecia [baldness] and are favored by backyard breeders and mills), the combination of patterns (dapple/piebald and double dapple are rarely found from a good breeder, and other multiple patterns are frowned upon- so don't go LOOKING for one. Breeding a longhair to a wire is another thing to watch for.

Just be warned that the more "different" a coat you look for, the more crappy breeders you'll find. You can find most coats, colors and patterns with responsible breeders if you're willing to be patient and do the homework. But it's always going to be easier to find a well bred red or black and tan- they just have an easier time at shows.:sarcasti:

One of my favorite write-ups on dachshund colors and patterns is HERE (http://www.12many.com/duchwood/colorpat.html). There aren't pictures included, but she gives very good descriptions and mentions things to look out for.

And congratulations, if you and your family do decide to add to the pack! :)

[babajay]

While we're on the subject, has anyone ever seen a wire haired dapple? Barbara

[kpm_tex]

Chrissie's Geisha is a dapple.. but she is a long and wire mix which really shouldn't be done. I've never seen or heard of a 'real' wire dapple but I imagine it could be possible. Typically you see wild boar, black and tan, red (from wheaton to dark red) and piebald variations. But I know that the DFW Rescue has a Blue and Tan wire in rescue now.. so other colors are certainly possible. Cindi or Becky would probably be better sources.

[babajay]

What happens if a wire and a long hair are mixed? Barbara
P.S. I would never breed a dog so this is just a theoretical question.
P.P.S. Geisha is a BEAUTY! I'd love to find one just like her.

[kpm_tex]

The 2 hair textures do not mix well.. turns into what some 'bad' breeders call a 'soft' wire. Chrissie can give you the low down on that.. but as cute a Geisha is.. her hair has to be a pain to deal with as it grows out.

[kpm_tex]

Another thought on that... Wires were breed intentionally to produce a harsh outer coat that would hold up to the elements and allow the dog to go though brush and brier without getting tangled up... but at the same time having more protection than a smooth hair. When you mix in the long hair you get a much softer coat that can get tangled and attract stickers and such.

It's fairly common to see smoothes in a wires background.. but you should never see a long hair in a quality dog.

[TessieMom]

Other longhair/wire mixes are my foster Harrison and Lori's Zeke (who is also a black and tan dapple wire).

[Me&DappledDuo]

Geisha is a weird case- her breeder bred longs to wires, then the products to longs for several generations before her. Her coat is probably worse than first generation long-wire mixes.

I LOVE my girl- and I don't think anything's cuter than her. But I'd never wish her coat on any dog. It's extremely soft- but textured, so it tangles and mats easily. It doesn't shed- but grows at a super fast rate, so requires a lot of trips to the groomer.

Dachshunds are HOUND dogs- not cutesie little lap pups. She likes the roll in stuff, chase frogs, and wade through puddles. Why anyone would want to breed a doggie-dog like her to have a lhasa apso's coat, I'll never understand. But I'm very lucky to have her. :D