Piebald Dachshund: A Patchy Munchkin

What Is a Piebald Dachshund: An In-Depth Look Into the Most Posh-Looking Wiener Dog

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Dachshunds are possibly the most memorable dog breed ever. Their adorable sausage-shaped bodies are famous around the world, and their endearingly quirky personality has built a reputation of its own. Their fame did not go unnoticed even by Picasso.

No one can deny that Doxies are among the best dog breeds to adopt, as they are a perfect fit for many family types. Even the American Kennel Club ranks them the 11th most popular breed in the world! They come in several colors, shapes, and sizes, but a variety that particularly stands out today is the enchanting Piebald Dachshund!

Dachshund Piebalds are elegant, desirable, and as sweet as pie! TheDogDigest has all the information you need to get to know these posh fellows to the bone!

Three Reasons Not to Get the Piebald Dachshund

The Piebald Dachshund puppy will give you the same headaches that any other Wiener would. If you find these traits too hard to live with, you should opt for a different pooch.

1. They bark a lot. It is their innate need, so it is unlikely that you will be able to break their woofing habit.
2. They need to be monitored around children. They have little tolerance for nagging toddlers and may snap at them if they feel bothered.
3. They are super hard to train. This is a particularly stubborn breed, and training them may prove too challenging for first-time owners. Make sure you avoid the top five mistakes in dog training.

Three Reasons to Adopt the Dachshund Piebald

In case the Doxie characteristics you saw above weren’t enough to shake your resolve to get a Pied Dachshund puppy, we have some good news for you. Here is what you will love about your new furry little friend:

1. They are so jolly that they will lift your spirits in an instant! One look at their smiling face and their waggy tail is more than enough to put you in a great mood.
2. They don’t have any special maintenance needs. Occasional brushing, teeth cleaning, and bathing is all it takes to keep these pooches tidy.
3. They will trim your figure. These pups are so energetic that they will get you on your feet every day of the week, and you’ll look your best in no time!

What Is a Piebald Dachshund? And What Does Piebald Really Mean?

The first thing we need to get out of the way is that piebald is not a coat color variation, but rather a pattern. While some pups come in one (solid) coat color, others sport two or more hues that are distributed in a specific way.

A piebald pattern is characterized by a base coat color interspersed with clearly defined, large patches of unpigmented white color (like that of a cow, for instance). In purebred Piebald Dachshunds, the colored patch must be solid, without any shading. Ticking on the white fur is allowed — anything from a couple of specks on the muzzle to a large number of dots all over the body is perfectly fine.

Pied Dachshunds used to be rare, but they have recently become more widespread. Apart from piebald, Doxies can sport other patterns, such as:

• Dapple (called Merle in other breeds) — distinguished by small, irregular patches in a lighter shade of the base coat color
• Double Dapple — similar to Dapple but with larger areas of the body covered with white hair
• Brindle — characterized by a brown base color dispersed with black or dark brown stripes, reminiscent of a tiger
• Sable — identified by hair with red roots and black tips, found only among Long-Haired Dachshunds

Piebald is a pattern that was most commonly associated with horses or cattle, but today, many canines flaunt such coats, and their popularity is on the rise. Apart from Doxies, numerous other breeds come with piebald fur, including but not limited to:

• German Shepherds
• Beagles
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Basset Hounds
• Newfoundlands
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Bulldogs
• Border Collies
• Chihuahuas
• Cocker Spaniels (American and English)
• German Pointers
• French Bulldogs

What Does a Piebald Dachshund Look Like?

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The most noticeable physical difference between the Piebald Dachshund and other Doxie varieties is the pattern itself. These piebald pooches can be standard- and miniature-sized and can flaunt either smooth, wiry, or long-haired fur, just like all their differently patterned cousins.

Some characteristics are unique to this Doxie variety. Pied Dachshunds can have only dark-colored eyes, whereas blue ones are not allowed in purebred piebald pups. The coat cannot be predominantly white — patches of the base color have to appear on both the body and the head. Cream and tan can sometimes take the place of white, resulting in combinations like chocolate and tan or black and cream. The nose color can either be dark or self-colored, and the tail must have a white tip.

The remaining physical traits of Dachshund Piebalds are shared among all other Wiener varieties — a long, muscular body that is low to the ground, short legs with prominent paddle feet, a straight and erect tail, and a broad, strong chest. Their ears shouldn’t be pointed or folded but nicely rounded and floppy. Read our thorough Dachshund breed guide to get the full picture.

Dapple vs. Piebald Dachshund — What Is the Difference?

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The Physical Traits

The American Kennel Club’s Official Standard of the Dachshund clearly states the differences between Piebald and Dapple Dachshund puppies. Here are the key distinctions:

1. True Piebald Doxies can’t have blue peepers, while those are actually quite common among Dapples.
2. In terms of the coat color, a Dapple Wiener may flaunt various shades of any accepted hue sprinkled all over their body, and neither shade has to dominate the other. Pied Dachshunds must have solid-colored patches.

Piebald Doxie puppies need to have pigmented spots on their body and also an uninterrupted patch around their eyes and over their entire ears. A white blaze between their eyes is allowed, and their tails must show white tips without exception, which is known as “Irish spotting.” Moderate or heavy ticking over the white coat can appear on some puppies in the litter.

If a pooch doesn’t have any spots on their white body apart from those on the head, they aren’t a purebred Piebald Dachshund. Those pups are popularly dubbed Extreme Piebald Dachshunds, but they are not a recognized breed.

The Genetics

Apart from the physical appearance, the key difference between piebald and dapple patterns lies in genetics.

One of the parent dogs has to be a Dapple Doxie for some of their offspring to become dapple as well. That is because dapple is not a carried gene, but a dominant one.

Piebald is a recessive gene, which means that both parents need to have it in their genetic makeup, but they don’t necessarily have to be Pied Dachshunds themselves. Their litter usually turns out to be entirely piebald.

Is the Piebald Dachshund Rare?

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Piebald Doxies were first reported back in the 1800s, but they were scarce at the time. As people were growing increasingly mesmerized by their stunning coat, breeders started producing more Pied Dachshunds to meet the demands of the market. 

You can rest assured that Piebald Doxies are anything but rare. Some of the most popular ones today are:

• Brown and white Piebald Dachshunds
• Black and tan Piebald Dachshunds
• Chocolate and tan Piebald Dachshunds
• Red and white Piebald Dachshunds

Now that you know how to tell a Piebald Wiener from one with a different pattern, you will start noticing them all around you. You will see them frolicking the streets of your town or competing in your local dog shows.

Where to Find Dachshund Piebalds?

If you are looking to get a Pied Dachshund, avoid purchasing one as it only nourishes the cruel backyard breeding farms! We recommend you to go to your local animal shelter and rescue a pup in need of a home. There are many Dachs that are abandoned due to their skin issues. Adopting is a noble cause that, in the end, feels even more rewarding than buying!

Does the Pied Dachshund Have Special Grooming Needs?

No, they have the same needs as other Wieners. If your pooch has long or wiry hair, comb them once a week to prevent tangles and keep them looking neat. In case you have a pup with a smooth coat, brush them once or twice a month to get rid of dead hairs and ensure they are nice and tidy. Make sure you follow the best dog grooming tips.

Small breeds like Dachshunds are prone to tooth decay, so make sure you give their munchers a thorough cleaning several times a week. It is also useful to get one of the top 10 best dog dental chews — they have excellent teeth strengthening properties.

You should bathe your doggo only when they get dirty. That will usually happen after you let them out of your sight, and they get their paws busy digging up your precious flower beds! Use that opportunity to clip your buddy’s nails, too.

What Are the Most Common Piebald Dachshund Health Problems?

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Although your pooch may seem perfectly healthy, make a habit of taking them to the vet regularly. Many diseases have a way of sneaking up on your dog without any apparent symptoms, and the puppy doctor will surely notice the early onset of your Dachshund’s health issues and start immediate treatment. Here is what you should know about the most common Piebald Dachshund ailments.

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the most frequent cause of the back problems in Dachshunds. Their short legs can’t provide enough support for their long and heavy torso, so their spine is prone to early degeneration. If your pooch suffers from IVDD, you must moderate their activity and prevent them from hopping down the stairs and off furniture.
2. Obesity. Obesity is prevalent in most small dog breeds. It can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, back problems, and a shorter lifespan of your Dachshund. You have to control your pup’s portions and take them for walks every day.
3. Bloat. A dog suffering from bloat must receive immediate medical attention. If you notice that your buddy’s tummy is swollen, but they seem unable to pass the air, take them to the vet. If you neglect these symptoms, bloat can be fatal for your pup.
4. Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis Nigricans is unique to Doxies. You will recognize it as the darkening of the skin and hair loss in the groin, armpit, and the upper chest area. It is not dangerous and can be treated with topical ointments and proper medication.
5. Eye problems. All Doxies are prone to cataracts, glaucoma, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Piebald Dachshunds have an increased risk of blindness that is linked to the prevalence of the white pigment in their coats.
6. Teeth issues. Most small breeds develop teeth problems, from plaque buildup to tooth loss.
7. Coat and skin issues. It’s not easy to spot coat and skin problems if you own long-haired Doxie, which is why regular dog grooming and day-to-day Dachshund care are vital. Change in their diet might be needed in case of a coat ailment. If your dog has dry skin, consult your vet on changing their diet.
8. Seizures. If you notice that your Doxie suddenly starts spasming or paddling, they might be having a seizure episode. You need to react immediately.

What Is the Temperament of Dachshund Piebalds?

Doxies have an impressive reputation of being among the jolliest breeds — they will bring joy to any household and engage your guests in cheerful play in no time! Socialize them early to make them open to visitors and teach them to let their innate guard down when meeting a stranger.

Dachshunds are hound dogs that were bred to hunt badgers, so don’t expect to eradicate their curious streak and their inherent need to chase small animals. You may even grow to love it when they dig up your yard! If you live in an apartment, get used to seeing them “digging” between your blankets and clothes piles instead!

What you will not love as much is their barking! These doggies are so loud that you can expect your neighbors to be vocal about your dog’s presence too. Try to keep your pup busy at all times and take them out regularly to discourage them from yapping so much.

Is the Piebald Dachshund Puppy Easy to Train?

These pooches are not all fun and games, particularly when it comes to training. Dachshunds were bred to be independent hunters that caught the scent of their prey on their own and only alerted their owners after they made their catch.

They may have left their hunting roots behind, but they remain independent thinkers to this day. That makes them exceptionally hard to train. Although they are clever, they will resist every attempt at controlling their behavior. Dachshund potty training can be extremely challenging, but it’s important to begin with the process from an early age.

Your best shot is to nudge their determination with tasty snacks, Dachshund gifts, and endless showers of praise. Go for natural and healthy treats or try some of the best dog treat brands we’ve heard of. Whatever you do, we believe that you shouldn’t even give these worst dog treat brands a thought. If you need more help, go through our guide on the best ways to train your puppy.

Are Piebald Dachshunds Suitable for Families?

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Love is a four-legged word, according to a novel by Kandy Shepherd. And we couldn’t agree more! Doxies are puppies that will make almost any family home warmer with their presence. Their loveable nature even inspired some of the best Dachshund memes!

Dachshund Piebalds fit in with most families — singles, couples, and active seniors alike. The more family members there are, the happier these attention-seekers will be — unless, of course, they have the undivided attention of their sole owner!

We should mention that Doxies are rather snappy — as social as they are, they also cherish their independence. Catch them on their bad day, and they may growl in disapproval or even become aggressive. That is undoubtedly something to mull over if you have small kids that may step on the Dachshund’s toes.

What Do Piebald Dachshund Puppies Eat?

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The Piebald Dachshund’s food regime doesn’t differ from that of other varieties of this breed. They require nutritious portions that are particularly rich in protein and fiber. Be careful not to exaggerate, sometimes too much protein causes health problems.

These pooches have a high demand for proteins as they are naturally lively, and if their diet cannot meet that demand, they will become dull and sluggish. We advise you to avoid these worst dry dog food brands if you wish to give only the best kibble to your dog. You should try the best dry dog food for small dogs instead.

You may find that your dog is a picky eater, so you will need to have more ideas on what to offer them. Why not go for the best dry dog food brands for pugs? The two breeds are close in size and may have similar palates as well. You could also consider wet meals, so take a look at our picks for the best canned dog food.

Once your fellow reaches a certain age, you should adjust their diet to their changing metabolism. We recommend you go for one of the best senior dry dog food brands on the market.

Do Piebald Dachshunds Need a Lot of Physical Activity?

When thinking about your pups exercise routine, there are some Dachshund facts that you have to know:

1. They have boundless energy.
2. They live to nibble.
3. They are prone to back problems.

Keeping those details in mind, you need to ensure your dog gets enough exercise every day to remain healthy and well-behaved.

Whether you and your pooch engage in active play around the house or you go for a stroll to the park, do it for an hour every day. It will keep your doggo’s muscles exercised and strong enough to support their spine, and it will also prevent them from getting fat.

Not to mention that an active pup is a happy pup! If you wear them out, they won’t have to shake off excess energy by being mischievous with, say, your curtains or table legs.

Take a Look at These Adorable Doxie Crossbreeds!

If Piebald Dachshunds have captured your heart as they have ours, we have excellent news for you! Doxies are so popular that breeders have mixed them with numerous other pooches to get the best of both worlds. TheDogDigest has all the deets on Dachshund mixes, so feel free to take a look and pick your favorite!

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piebald
3. Seymour, Alex. Dachshunds: the Owners Guide from Puppy to Old Age: Choosing, Caring for, Grooming, Health, Training, and Understanding Your Standard or Miniature Dachshund Dog. CWP Publishing, 2016.
4. Jensen, V. F., and K. A. Christensen. “Inheritance of Disc Calcification in the Dachshund.” Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, vol. 47, no. 6, 2000, pp. 331–340., doi:10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00297.x.