Dachshund Colors & Patterns
🎨 Dachshund Colors & Patterns: Understanding Coat Genetics with Loci
By Laurentian Dachshunds
There’s More to Color Than Meets the Eye
Miniature dachshunds are famous not only for their long bodies and bold personalities—but also for their beautiful variety of coat colors and patterns. From deep reds to dappled silvers, each dachshund’s appearance is the result of complex genetic interactions.
At Laurentian Dachshunds, we’re passionate about understanding and preserving the genetics behind these coat variations—not just for looks, but for health and ethical breeding too. Let’s take a closer look at the colors, patterns, and loci (that’s the genetic term for where certain traits live in the DNA) that shape your dachshund’s coat.
🌈 Base Colors in Dachshunds
All dachshund coat colors begin with two main pigment types:
- Eumelanin (black-based pigment)
- Phaeomelanin (red/yellow-based pigment)
These pigments are influenced by different genetic loci (singular: locus). Let’s break down the common base colors and how they happen.
🔳 Black & Tan / Chocolate & Tan
Controlled by the B locus
- B/B or B/b = Black pigment
- b/b = Chocolate (brown) pigment
Both black and chocolate dachshunds typically have tan points on the face, chest, legs, and under the tail.
🧡 Red
Controlled by the E locus
- The E locus controls whether eumelanin shows through at all.
- e/e = Solid red or cream coat, with no visible black or chocolate pigment.
Some red dachshunds may carry black or chocolate genes—but you won’t see them unless other patterns are involved. We ONLY breed reds in short haired!
🤍 Cream
Also influenced by the E locus, but paired with modifiers at other loci (like the C locus for color dilution).
- True English Cream dachshunds are usually long-haired and may be born darker, lightening over time. We ONLY breed creams in long haired!
🌀 Patterns: The Dapple, Brindle & More
Patterns in dachshund coats are separate from color and are determined by other loci that overlay on the base color.
🌟 Dapple (Merle)
Controlled by the M locus
- M/m = Dapple (one copy of the dapple gene)
- M/M = Double dapple (can lead to serious health issues—deafness, blindness, deformities)
Dapples often have swirled or patchy areas of lighter pigment, and sometimes blue eyes.
👉 At Laurentian Dachshunds, we do not breed double dapples, as it is unethical and risks the puppy’s health.
🐯 Brindle
Controlled by the K locus
- K^br is the gene for brindle striping (like a tiger pattern)
- Brindle typically appears in the tan areas of black & tan or red dachshunds.
Fun fact: Brindle is dominant—just one copy is enough to show the pattern.
🎭 Piebald
Controlled by the S locus (spotting)
- S/sp = Carrier
- sp/sp = Piebald (white patches on body)
- Unlike dapple, piebalds do not usually have vision or hearing problems unless improperly bred with dapple.
💠 Dilution (Blue or Isabella)
Controlled by the D locus
- D/D or D/d = Normal pigmentation
- d/d = Diluted pigment
- Black becomes blue
- Chocolate becomes isabella
⚠️ Note: Dilute colors are prone to a skin condition called Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). At Laurentian Dachshunds, we prioritize health and do not breed for dilute colors due to these risks.
🧬 Why This Genetic Knowledge Matters
Understanding coat color genetics isn’t just for fun—it’s essential for ethical breeding. Some combinations, like double dapple or dapple + piebald, can increase the risk of health issues, especially congenital deafness and eye defects.
At Laurentian Dachshunds, we:
- Perform DNA testing on all breeding dogs
- Avoid dangerous combinations
- Breed for structure, temperament, and health first—and beautiful coats are the bonus!
🐾 Final Thoughts from Laurentian Dachshunds
Whether your dachshund is a classic black and tan, a striking dapple, or a fiery red, their coat is a reflection of generations of careful genetics. We love celebrating the variety in this amazing breed—but we love doing it responsibly even more.