The Reality Behind the Viral Long-Haired Dapple Dachshund Craze
By James H. Sterling
Q1: Are long-haired dapple dachshunds inherently sicker than smooth-coated ones?
A: A single dapple long-haired dachshund from health-tested parents does not carry extra health issues compared to a smooth or wire-haired dog. The risk appears only when two dapples are bred together, causing double dapple deformities, or when breeders neglect structural health clearances.
Q2: How much shedding should an owner expect from the long-haired variety?
A: Long-haired dachshunds shed moderately year-round, with peak shedding during seasonal shifts. Their soft coat tends to trap shed hair within the feathering, meaning regular combing is needed to prevent felted knots from pulling painfully against the skin.
Q3: Can a dapple dachshund have two different colored eyes safely?
A: Yes. Wall eyes or partial heterochromia, where an eye is entirely or partially blue, occur naturally in single dapple dogs when the merle allele suppresses pigment in the iris. It does not indicate blindness if the puppy was bred from a single dapple to non-dapple pairing.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
