The blue dachshund is considered to be one of the most beautiful and rarest color types of dachshunds.
Ok, so they might not be a bright aqua blue, but their grayish, black, blueish coats do look extremely nice.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the beautiful silvery-blue dachshund, from genetics, health, lifespan, puppy cost, and much more.
Contents
What Is A Blue Dachshund?
Most normal dachshunds are either black, brown, or reddish in color, but what about the blues?
Ok, so when people talk about a blue dachshund, they are actually referring to a specific genetic mutation that may occur in dachshund breeds.
There is a special gene that some dachshunds have in their lineages, which is known as D Locus, also known as a color dilution gene, which results in something we know as color dilution alopecia or CDA for short (the more extreme form of simple color dilution).
This is a recessive gene that causes the black spots or areas on dachshunds to be more gray than black.
On an interesting side note, dachshunds with this gene are not capable of producing pure black pigmentation.
Now, gray is of course not the same as blue, and no, blue dachshunds are in fact not really blue, although those diluted gray spots may have a bluish tinge to them, especially in the right light.
These spots often appear to be a mix of black, metallic gray, and blue. Due to this recessive gene, the blue doxie is considered to be quite rate.
That said, in terms of the appearance, this recessive gene can occur in more or less all coat types, or in other words, you can find blue doxies of the long haired variety and of the smooth haired variety, with this blue coloration also appearing in wire haired wieners, although quite rarely, and usually always in double fur layer types.
Other than that, blue doxies are the same as all others, specifically in terms of size and shape.
What Is A Double Dapple Blue Dachshund?
Ok, so a blue dachshund is one that has that recessive gene that results in the blacks looking more gray or blue than black.
Dapple Dachshund
Next, a dapple dachshund is one that has a dapple pattern on its coat, and for those of you who don’t know, a dapple pattern is like uneven spotting.
These are very distinct and unusual markings, which makes the dapple dachshund quite popular.
Dapple puppies are made by breeding a dachshund with a solid coat with one that has a dapple coat.
Double Dapple Dachshund
Next, we have the double dapple dachshund, which is achieved when two dapple dachshunds are bred together.
The result here is a double dapple dachshund, with the difference between single and double dapple being that double dapple dachshunds usually have very large and asymmetrical white spots on their coats, lots of white, and moreover, they often have blue eyes or one black and one blue eye.
Double Dapple Blue Dachshund
So, based on all of that, you can assume that a double dapple blue dachshund is one that features this double dapple pattern, as well as one where either one or both of the parents had that recessive gene, thus resulting in the black looking for gray or blue that black.
Blue Dachshund Appearance & Genetics
Technically speaking, we have really already covered all of this, so it won’t take long.
Now, what needs to be said is that the recessive gene which causes this blue or gray coloration, the D Locus gene, must be present in either one or both of the parents in order for it to be passed onto the puppies.
That said, as long as one or both of the parents carry the gene, whether or not the parents are actually blue dachshunds is irrelevant. Sometimes the gene shows itself in the coat and sometimes not.
For this reason, because you really never know if you will get a normal or a blue dachshund, they are considered very rare.
Once again, that D Locus gene causes dachshunds to not be able to produce black pigment, thus resulting in sections that should be black appearing metallic gray and blueish in color.
Other than that, in terms of body size, body shape, and coat patterns, they look the same as all other dachshunds.
Blue Dachshund Lifespan
The lifespan of the blue dachshund is exactly the same as all others. This genetic mutation or recessive gene does not at all affect the expected lifespan.
Just like other dachshunds, a blue doxie on average and if healthy will live for between 12 and 16 years.
Do Blue Dachshunds Have Health Problems?
The unfortunate reality here is that due to that recessive gene that affects pigmentation, the blue dachshund is highly susceptible to a variety of skin conditions.
These cute little guys often have fur and skin related conditions.
We aren’t geneticists, so we aren’t going to dive into the science behind it all, but we do want to provide you with a quick list of the most common skin conditions that blue dachshunds suffer from, as well as other common health issues.
| Condition | Info |
| Alopecia | One of the most common skin issues that blue dachshunds suffer from is known as alopecia, which refers to fur loss, usually general fur loss or localized to specific areas. It is not the same as regular shedding. This occurs much more frequently than regular shedding, and more fur falls out as well, thus often resulting in bald patches. This has the potential to then lead to other skin issues. |
| Contact Dermatitis | Dachshunds in general are quite susceptible to contact dermatitis, but especially in blue doxies, particularly on their bald patches. This is an allergic reaction that results in redness, itchiness, and flaky skin, and is often a result of contact with various fabrics, pests, chemicals, and may even be caused by excessive and prolonged wetness. |
| Sunburn | Blue dachshunds tend to have fairly thin fur, and when combined with the fact that they may also suffer from excessive fur loss, can lead them to develop sunburns quite easily. Therefore, most recommend putting a protective layer on your blue doxie before venturing out into the sun. |
| Skin Infections | In general, blue doxies just have fairly sensitive skin, and this can lead to a variety of skin infections caused by bacteria, parasites, and pests. |
| Skin Cancer | Dachshunds in general are somewhat susceptible to cancer, but due to the sensitive and compromised skin of the blue dachshund, they are quite susceptible to developing skin cancers like mast cell tumors and melanomas, which may happen randomly or due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. |
Other;
Ok, so the main health concerns that blue dachshunds are faced with are skin conditions, but that said, they’re still susceptible to all of the other health risks that other dachshunds are. Let’s take a look.
- Due to the very long back of the dachshund, combined with short and stubby legs that are spaced far apart, they offer suffer from a multitude of back and spine issues. There is just too much weight pressing down on the center of the spine and not enough bottom-up support.
- Closely related to the above point, due to the short and stubby legs these dogs have, they often suffer from hip and elbow issues, specifically hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Wiener dogs are also extremely susceptible to obesity. In other words, with a lack of exercise and moderate feeding, there is a good chance that your dachshund will get fat. Doxies love to eat a lot, like serious amounts of food, which when combined with possible hormonal or mobility related issues, can quickly lead to a chubby wiener dog.
- Dachshunds are susceptible to having hyperthyroidism, a type of hormonal imbalance that causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough hormones, which can lead to intolerance of cold temperatures, a slow metabolism and obesity, and thin hair.
How Much Is A Blue Dachshund??
What is interesting to note is that although blue dachshunds are fairly rare, they don’t cost any more or less than one that does not have this recessive gene.
On the low end of the spectrum, you might get lucky and find one for as little as $400, with the average cost being anywhere from $800 to $1,500 (usually more towards the higher end of that spectrum), with show dogs and ones coming from reputable breeders potentially costing $3,000 or more.
Are Blue Dapple Dachshunds More Expensive?
Blue dapple dachshunds are somewhat rare, plus they usually have blue eyes, so they generally do cost a bit more. Expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,500 for a blue dapple dachshund.
How Much Exercise Do Blue Dachshunds Need?
Blue dachshunds require no more or less exercise than other dachshunds. A standard or full size dachshund should get at least one hour of exercise per day, with closer to two hours being the ideal.
A Miniature or teacup blue dachshund needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, with closer to one full hour being the ideal.
How Rare Is A Blue Dachshund?
Blue dachshunds are fairly rare, but not the rarest of all. In fact, solid black dachshunds are the rarest of all. Blue dachshunds are becoming more common due to selective breeding.
Conclusion
Now that you know more or less everything that there is to know about blue dachshunds, you can make an informed choice on whether or not you would like to get one.
There are several color patterns and variations, all of which are beautiful (in our opinion), but just make sure you do your own research and ask the breeders plenty of questions!
