The Merle Dachshund

The Merle Dachshund: 10 Things You Need to Know

The merle dachshund is a dog of the dachshund breed (group 4 according to the French Canine Central) that features a unique pattern of spots on its coat.

Also known as the sausage dog, the merle dachshund comes in 3 sizes (standard dachshund, miniature dachshund, kaninchen dachshund), 3 coat types (smooth-haired, long-haired, wire-haired), and a variety of coat colors including black and tan, black and cream, chocolate, chocolate and tan, etc.

The spot pattern is also known as Dapple.

So, what is it that makes us love spotted animals so much? Perhaps it’s the idea that these creatures are exotic, special, or even unique? 🤗

Either way, one thing is certain: We love them. This may be one of the reasons why spotted dachshunds are gaining popularity so quickly.

Dachshunds alone are spectacularly unique. You recognize a dachshund immediately when you see one, with its short, stubby paws, long body, pointed snout, and long ears!

These endearing little dogs with big personalities have fascinating history and origins, regardless of the color, type, or pattern of their coat, but if you add that the merle dachshund is, in the opinion of many breeders, a rare dog, you get a rare gem 💖.

If you are considering welcoming a merle dachshund into your life, before you do, here are 10 things you should know to choose your little wonder of a pup.

1. The Merle Dachshund is Not a Dachshund Color but Rather a Coat Pattern

There can be some confusion about what exactly a merle dachshund is, and the confusion is even greater when it comes to a dog that exists in so many varieties, colors, and coat types as the dachshund breed.

Also known as the dapple dachshund, this term is used to describe the pattern of spots on the Dachshund’s coat (see the official FCI nomenclature).

This means that merle dachshunds can come in a variety of colors, but the background color is always the dark color BLACK or BROWN.

Small, irregular gray or beige spots are sought after, but large ones are not.

2. Dachshunds in General Originated in Germany and Were Bred to Hunt

Dachshunds are bred to be brave, lively, and tenacious hunters.

Bred in Germany primarily for hunting, the dachshund (or dackel) is known to be a hunting and flushing dog that will track its prey until exhaustion!

One of the dachshund’s most formidable enemies was the fierce and aggressive badger.

In fact, the name Dachshund itself means “badger dog”.

This dog breed was therefore specifically bred from the start to hunt and move easily in and out of burrows due to its shape (long back).

The kaninchen dachshund and the miniature dachshund are formidably gifted at hunting rabbits due to their small size (3kg for the kaninchen and 6kg for the miniature).

Standard dachshunds (from 7 to 14kg) wore the badge of honor (pun intended) for sniffing out badgers and flushing them from their burrows.

Today, these little dogs are still used to hunt game around the world and can also chase wild boars or track deer.

Remember this: even when injured, a dachshund in full pursuit will rarely let go of its prey, which will exhaust itself before the dog does… Their endurance is incredible, capable of running easily for several hours, so don’t hesitate to go out for long walks as often as possible with your athletic pup!

3. The Dachshund Suffers from Chondrodysplasia, a Form of Dwarfism that Explains its Unique Morphology

Indeed, it’s all about genetics!

Dachshunds were specifically designed to dig and catch small animals.

The gene responsible for their short legs and distinctive morphology is the same as the one responsible for dwarfism. This gene is called chondrodysplasia, but it is also referred to as canine dwarfism.

This can lead to serious health problems, back pain, spinal issues, and chronic pain in dogs carrying this gene.

That said, the dachshund is not the only breed to have been bred with this genetic mutation. Other dog breeds carrying the chondrodysplasia gene include:

The Beagle
The Basset
The Welsh Corgi
The Australian Terrier
etc.

4. Spotted Dachshunds Can Be Prone to More Health Issues than Other Colors

The merle gene that makes the dachshund’s coat spotted is also responsible for a higher number of cases of:

• deafness
• blindness (vision impairment)
• sensitivity to sunlight
• higher rate of skin cancer

  A merle dachshund is even more likely to suffer from serious health problems when it is double-dapple, which means both its parents carry the merle gene and passed it on to the puppy.

Also, some dachshunds with large spotted patches can be born deaf, blind, or even without eyes.

Dachshund clothing >

The good news is that, in most cases, merle dachshunds are born with simple (smaller) spots that are much less likely to have serious health problems.

With proper care, nutrition, and exercise, most dachshunds live long and healthy lives.

In fact, it is even said that dachshunds have a beautiful and long life expectancy of 12, 16, and even 19 years!

5. Dapple Dachshunds Have a Big Personality and Will Make You Laugh

These little dogs are true comedians! 🤣

Merle dachshunds and dachshunds in general are known for their extraordinary personality.

In their heads, they are larger than life and are nothing more than little sausage-shaped comedians.

This dog breed is very insistent and stubborn about the things it wants and needs. Not giving your merle dachshund enough attention? It will climb right onto your lap to let you know.

Is dinner time five minutes late? You will know very quickly that your dachshund is hungry. Trust us.

In fact, many dachshund owners will tell you that they didn’t train their dachshund, but that the dachshund trained them 😅

Furthermore, what is perhaps most adorable is that dachshunds continually flip their ears over their little heads like shawls, and you will find yourself putting them back in their original position, over and over again… The struggle is real!

6. Dachshunds Can Be Prone to Problematic Behaviors such as Digging, Barking, and Being Stubborn

In addition to being cute, knowing what they want, and making you envious with their adorable short paws, dachshunds also have a good list of behavioral issues that are not always the easiest to fix.

Dachshund breed lovers agree that these puppies love to use their voice. They are vocal dogs that bark loudly despite their small size.

They can also exhibit aggressive behaviors and be territorial, especially if they are not properly socialized and trained from a young age.

And, because of their long history as hunting dogs, dachshunds tend to have a strong prey drive.

Therefore, you must teach them positively (with behavioral experts) a solid and reliable recall as early as possible and walk them safely with a leash and harness when they go out.

Backyards must be securely fenced with fences that go well underground, because, in addition to barking and running, dachshunds love to dig!

Its long claws are flexible and its front paws are twisted with a wide shape, which makes the dachshund a perfect little digging machine.

This can be a problem for your beautiful lawn, your freshly planted rose bush, or even your freshly made bed. Because indoors and outdoors, whether it’s dirt, sand, or cushions, dachshunds love to burrow.

And while dachshunds are very food-motivated, they cannot be bought. These stubborn dogs will not do anything they don’t want to do, and it is difficult to bribe them.

Nevertheless, if you think like a dachshund and try to make training fun, playful, and interesting, your dachshund should enjoy learning and be a good student.

On the other hand, dachshunds can be sensitive and get injured easily. Experts therefore recommend sticking to positive reinforcement methods such as consistency, treats, and praise.

7. The Merle Dachshund is a Very Intelligent Dog

Like all intelligent working dog breeds, the dachshund will need a little more time and attention from a patient and dedicated owner.

Dachshunds in general need moderate exercise every day.

Quick walks around the neighborhood as well as a fun game of fetch or chase in the yard will help them feel their best, while brain games and puzzle toys will help satisfy their active and intelligent minds.

Also, dachshunds adapt perfectly to active families who enjoy being outdoors and love participating in fun activities.

So, when they are young and in good shape, there are very few things that dachshunds cannot do.

Remember that dachshunds can be particularly prone to obesity, which can lead to a number of health problems, so make sure your dachshund gets enough exercise.

Also, remember that dachshunds can be prone to destructive behaviors that can be exacerbated by boredom. Keeping your dachshund mentally stimulated will help reduce unwanted behaviors.

8. As They Age, Kaninchen, Miniature, or Standard Dachshunds Will Need Help Getting Up and Down Furniture and Stairs

Although we love the dachshund’s short paws and long back, we must keep in mind that this unique build will eventually lead to mobility issues as the dachshund ages.

You can help mitigate your miniature dachshund’s pain or injuries by ensuring they get enough exercise, making sure they follow a healthy diet for their age, weight, and activity level, and installing ramps throughout the house so they can easily access all their favorite spots, like the sofa or the bed.

Providing your Dachshund with an adjustable or simple ramp is a great way to preserve their health, especially as they enter their senior years.

9. Merle Dachshund Puppies Generally Cost More than Other Types of Dachshunds

Many breeders consider merle dachshunds to be rare, and these dogs must be bred with care by responsible breeders to ensure they are healthy and not carriers of the double dose of the merle gene (seen above).

Deliberately breeding a healthy merle dachshund requires an experienced breeder and can take a few generations of breeding to achieve.

So, how much will a merle dachshund cost you?

According to our research, in the 1000-1500 euro range.

Do not try to cut costs by going through online sellers or pet stores to get your hands on a merle dachshund.

Remember that just because the price is lower at the start doesn’t mean you won’t pay more in the end.

A sick puppy can cost you thousands of euros in the long run, as well as emotional distress and obviously time.

The safest way is to go through reputable and responsible breeders when looking for a merle dachshund.

Professional breeders will have had their puppies health-checked and will be able to provide you with health certificates proving that their dogs are free of any serious health issues before entrusting them to you.

Let’s be honest: the dachshund breed as a whole requires a special owner who is equipped to handle their unique needs, which unfortunately means it is not uncommon for dachshunds, merle or not, to end up in shelters and rescue centers and need a good home.

So it might not be as hard as you think to find the merle dachshund of your dreams in a shelter for a fraction of the price of a breeder!

Having a dog means welcoming a new family member 🧡

10. The Dapple Dachshund Can Adapt to Different Living Environments

Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs, provided they are properly trained.

But that doesn’t mean they are excellent apartment dogs 😅

Remember that dachshunds, as a breed, tend to bark, dig, and burrow, which can be damaging to your rental property.

It is an affectionate little dog that has the potential to behave well in an apartment, provided its exercise needs are met, it is properly trained, and you are present often enough to keep it from getting bored or anxious.

And even though dachshunds love to play outside, they are designed to be indoor dogs that don’t want to live outside in the yard in the cold.

Not only could this be dangerous for your dog, but it would also be cruel, as dachshunds are so bonded to their family and love cuddles.

So, do you think the merle dachshund is the right dog for you and your home? Give us your opinion on this adorable companion dog in the comments section below. 🐾

The DoxieLife team – 💚 Last modified on 07/10/26

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