The Dachshund, an iconic small hound, was bred for small game hunting. The short legs, long snout, and long body make it adept at digging small vermin out of holes.
Affectionately nicknamed the doxie, wiener dog, or sausage dog, these names do little justice to the regal bearing of this sporty little hound.
What is a Brindle Dachshund?
A Brindle Dachshund has a black coat overlayed with dark to medium brown stripes. The stripes may be more or less visible and usually continue over the face. This brindle marking makes the Dachshund look very different from its more traditional black and tan or red family members.
Genetically speaking, one parent can be brindle and produce brindle puppies, but to be sure, breeders seek to mate two Brindle Dachshunds to enhance the brindle coat pattern.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 19 different coat colors as acceptable breed standards for show-quality dogs. Brindle is not one of the accepted colors. However, brindle is considered to be an acceptable marking on a Dachshund.
The genetic variations that produce coat colors on Dachshunds don’t typically produce reliable results, so Brindle Dachshunds are unique from each other. This makes them hard to pin down as a specific breed standard. However, brindle markings on an accepted color are permissible.
For more on brindle coat coloring, check out our guide to the Best Brindle Dog Breeds. Learn which breeds display the most striking brindle markings, temperament, care, and more!
Types of Brindle Dachshunds
Due to the genetic difficulty of producing a breed-standard color of brindle, the colors of Brindle Dachshund can range from a striped red, black, or brown to a striped silvery gray, or blue.
The key to remember with Brindle Dachshunds is that the stripes are a pattern overlaid on the coat color that’s underneath. So, a Brindle Dachshund can be any color or have an almost calico appearance when the brindle stripes manifest on a dappled Dachshund coat.
Are Brindle Dachshunds Purebred?
Brindle Dachshunds can be produced so long as one parent is brindle, though this doesn’t guarantee that any of the pups will be brindle. Mixed-breed brindles could be produced with the brindle coat manifesting on the mixed-breed dog.
When it comes to buying a purebred Dachshund, one or both Doxie parents can have the genes to produce a brindle-coated pup. The most marked and reliable brindle patterning comes from double brindle parentage.
To ensure that you’re buying a purebred pup, check for breeder registration with the AKC. A reputable breeder will have AKC registered bloodlines going back at least 5 generations to prove the puppy’s pedigree.
When adopting a Brindle Dachshund, or to ensure breed purity, consider getting DNA testing. A simple saliva swab from the dog’s mouth can affirm breed characteristics with a high level of confidence.
Brindle Dachshund Colors and Coat Types
The Brindle Dachshund patterning can manifest on top of other coat colors, but the most typical is over a brown coat. The brindle pattern can be very long “tiger stripes” or more broken stripes. Some Brindle Dachshunds have a calico pattern that’s very becoming.
Brindle Dachshunds are memorable little dogs. The brindle pattern is unexpected and lovely in every coat that sports this fun print.
- Smooth-coated Dachshunds have very short, shiny fur. They don’t need bathing more than a couple of times a year or when they get very dirty. A grooming glove is a Dachshund’s favorite grooming tool to keep him looking his best.
- Long-haired Dachshunds need more grooming to keep the fur looking slick and tangle-free.
- Wire-haired Dachshunds need a quarterly hand-stripping at the groomer’s to keep the coat in top shape.
All Brindle Dachshund coat types need to be brushed one or more times a week to catch loose hair and keep shedding at a minimum. Long-haired Dachshunds need the most coat care, but it’s not overwhelming.
Brindle Dachshund Cost
The price of a Brindle Dachshund can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the following factors:
- Coat color
- Patterning
- Gender
- How well it conforms to breed standards
Very unusual coloring may demand a higher price.
Dogs that conform to AKC breed standards and can be used for breeding cost much more than “pet quality” puppies that are spayed or neutered and kept simply as family pets.
A brindle-colored Dachshund will likely cost a little more than the traditional red or black and brown because the coat pattern is harder to come by, and breeding for a brindle pattern isn’t always reliable.
Consider purchasing from an AKC registered breeder to make sure that you’re getting the best puppy for your money. Get to know the breeder, ask for references if possible, and be willing to wait for the right dog to come along.
How Long Do Brindle Dachshunds Live?
Dachshunds are relatively long-lived small breed dogs. Life expectancy for a Dachshund averages 12 to 16 years, depending on lifestyle and genetic disposition to diseases.
You can get the most out of your brindle dachshund with good care.
Make sure your dog gets appropriate amounts of exercise, eats nutritious food, maintains a healthy weight, and has regular vet checkups to catch any health complications early on.
Common Brindle Dachshund Health Problems
The main health problems for a Doxie stem from its adorable elongated body and short legs. The Doxie is prone to bone and joint malformation and damage during growth and exercise.
It’s important to have a vet check the health of bones and joints regularly so that misalignments can be fixed early. It’s helpful to not allow the Dachshund to freely jump to and from heights. Even jumping to and from a couch, bed, or chair may be enough to cause damage.
Lift a Doxie up and down from heights to be kind to its charming little body.
Spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, are also common for Doxies. Again, this is a side-effect of the exaggerated spinal structure in comparison to the small legs. The spinal length isn’t supported by a well-toned leg structure for a Doxie, leaving it susceptible to spinal damage.
Aside from not making a Doxie jump, the best way to prevent these injuries is to keep the Dachshund at a healthy weight. This is harder as the dog becomes older and more sedentary, but it’s vital for preventing painful injury or even paralysis.
Dachshund Ear Problems
As with all flop-eared dogs, dachshunds are prone to ear infections because the ear is closed, trapping moisture, and potentially dirt, bacteria, mites, and microbes.
As part of the grooming routine, get your dog used to having their ears touched and inspected. For dogs who don’t like having their ears touched, start by gently rubbing the ears during cuddle time. Once the dog is comfortable, begin lifting the ears and gently touching the inside to get them used to the sensation.
The best way to prevent infections is to keep the ear clean and dry. This is best done by making a habit of drying the inside of the ear with a cotton ball or soft, dry cloth during grooming. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Simply brush away moisture and dirt from the visible ear.
Cleaning Dachshund’s Ears
If a deeper cleaning is needed, consult a vet before cleaning. The vet can rule out infection, ear mites, and other complications before cleaning. Use the recommended solution, drip a few drops into the ear canal, and massage the canal from the outside for 20 to 30 seconds.
Allow the dog to shake its head to get the solution out, then dry the inside of the ear with clean cotton balls or a clean, dry cloth. Regular ear grooming goes a long way toward preventing Doxie ear complications.
Do Brindle Dachshunds Shed?
Brindle Dachshunds will shed somewhat all year round, but not very heavily. They don’t have two seasonal molts as some dogs do. Instead, they lose coat hairs and regrow more or less seasonally rather than having a full coat change.
The best way to deal with Dachshund shedding is to groom them a few times a week. Short-haired Dachshunds may only need an enjoyable petting session with a grooming glove to catch loose fur.
Longer-haired Doxies need a gentle brushing. The cuddly nature of Doxies makes this an enjoyable chore and keeps the lovely coat looking as charming as can be. Dachshunds have little to no “doggy smell”, making them very easy to keep clean and groomed.
Temperament
Dachshunds are happy, bold, spunky, and curious. This little hound is happy to play, go for walks, and cuddle; and they’re happiest when around family members and friends. They’re bursting with energy that must be channeled to play and exercise to avoid destructive behavior.
This dog was bred for hunting vermin. As such, the focus on chasing a squirrel or rabbit in the yard, recovering a favorite ball, or digging a hole under the fence may be more important to the Doxie than obeying commands.
This focused temperament makes them frustrating for owners at times. The persistent pursuit of the quarry can make them quite stubborn. They benefit greatly from early dominance and obedience training, but some of this instinct will always grace the Doxie.
The Doxie is famously curious and bold. They’re not likely to back down from a fight, which can get them into trouble. Their boldness trends toward paranoia, and they can become irritatingly barky if not trained to alert and then cease. Socialization from puppyhood also helps to ease this particular Doxie trait.
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds need exercise to stay at a healthy weight. These little dogs tend to become sedentary and overweight, putting the spine, joints, and bones at risk of injury. This is compounded when they’re made to jump to and from furniture, or at play.
The Doxie isn’t an avid sports dog, nor a good swimmer, but they love to play, hunt, walk, and socialize. They’re a great little community dog when socialized from puppyhood. If they haven’t been socialized, they may be aggressive toward other dogs and people when out and about.
Playing fetch and other social games are fun for Doxies. The best exercise for them is walking and can take short walks multiple times a day. Be vigilant for signs of limping or pain when walking. They need exercise to prevent injury, but too much can actually lead to injury.
Do Dachshunds Make Good Pets for First-Time Dog Owners?
Dachshunds are sweet and make excellent pets for first-time owners. Their needs are relatively few, and health problems are fewer than many other breeds. With regular vet care, the Doxie is a fun, loyal, and loving companion for all ages.
Doxies need comfort, socialization, love, and short spurts of gentle exercise. This makes them wonderful family companion pets. When they feel comfortable, protected, and valued, they’re less likely to be hyper-alert and paranoid, demonstrating barking and destructive chewing.
Are Dachshunds Good with Children?
As with any dog, the Dachshund has its limit with the amount of pinching, poking, and pushing that it will tolerate before nipping. Children must be taught to respect the dog’s needs, space, and possessions.
On the other hand, the Doxie must be trained to share toys so that children can play with the dog. Dachshunds are notorious for jealousy and toy guarding. Early dominance and obedience training can greatly help with this.
Overall, Dachshunds are incredibly loving, cuddly, and confident. Behavior problems manifest when the dog is neglected or unsure of its place in the family structure. The well-socialized Doxie is a fantastic pet for kids who love to play gently and have a cuddle companion.
If you’re looking to become a first-time dog owner, check out our guide to the 20 Best Dogs for First-Time Owners! You’ll discover the easiest, most friendly breeds to make your experience fun and fulfilling.
How to Find a Brindle Dachshund
Brindle Dachshunds are becoming easier to find as breeders produce more of this coat pattern. However, the search may require a significant amount of travel to obtain a puppy. It’s vital to not put a deposit on the first available puppy. Purchase only from responsible breeders.
The best place to find a puppy with a good pedigree is to find a puppy from a breeder that’s registered with the AKC. This is still not a surefire guarantee that the breeder is ethical, but the odds are much higher with registered breeders. Always interview the breeder and check references if possible before committing to a puppy from the litter.
Adoption is a fantastic way to get a Brindle Dachshund. Organizations take in dogs and work diligently to find them a new home with a family that’s willing to rescue a dog in need. Brindle Dachshunds may not come up for adoption as frequently as other coat colors, but they’re worth the wait.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Brindle Dachshund
The pros of owning a Brindle Dachshund are many. This is a sweet, cuddly little dog that’s loaded with zest and personality. They love to play, especially during youth and adulthood, though they tend to become sedentary as they grow old.
Dachshunds don’t have numerous health risks outside of the skeletal injuries that can occur during strenuous play. Their exercise needs are just right for those with limited time or ability to exercise. Owners and Dachshunds can keep each other active for good health.
The cons of owning a Dachshund are few but well-known. Doxies that aren’t well socialized can be jealous, possessive, and aggressive to other dogs and humans. A good training program can take care of this tendency and result in delightful dog companionship.
Doxies are notorious for excessive barking. This usually happens because they’re left alone at home for long periods of time. Few dogs can handle seclusion without becoming anxious and even paranoid, sparking a habit of nervous barking even after owners return for the evening. This is especially true with Doxies.
How Fast Does a Brindle Dachshund Grow?
Dachshunds grow quickly in the first year of life. By 25 weeks old, a Dachshund will average about 19 pounds, then add a couple more pounds over the next 10 weeks or so. Most Doxies reach full size by about 1 year.
A Doxie that’s given table scraps and treats will have trouble with weight gain long after maximum growth is achieved. This causes health problems and shortens the lifespan of the dog. Owners should note that after 1 year, the weight should remain stable for the rest of the dog’s life through exercise and a healthy diet.
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches tall |
| Suitable For | Singles, couples, families, children |
| Grooming Requirements | Weekly brushing |
| Health Concerns | Bone, joint, and spinal injuries |
| Temperament | Loyal, protective, playful, loving, possessive |
The Brindle Dachshund is an adorable and playful family member for those who can train, love, and keep the dog as a companion all day. This dog doesn’t do well alone indoors or outdoors. Most of Doxies’ behavior problems can be solved by making them feel loved and secure.
They’re more stubborn than other breeds of dogs, but their spunk and charm more than makeup for it. A well-behaved Dachshund is a family treasure.
