Merle Dachshund Guide (Blue Merle, Tri Merle & Red Merle)

Merle Dachshunds (AKA Dapple Dachshunds) have beautiful mottled patterned coats that can come in many colors including blue merle, tri merle and red merle. In addition to their distinct coats, Merle Dachshunds often have striking green or blue eyes. It’s not surprising at all that these dogs are highly sought after because of their aesthetics! Nevertheless prospective owners need to be aware of the health dangers of the merle gene, especially ‘merle-to-merle’ breeding and Double Merle Dachshunds.

If you are interested in Merle Dachshunds keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about the different coat colors!

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What Is A Merle Dachshund?

Merle Dachshunds have a rare coat pattern that features mottled patches of various colors depending on whether they are a blue merle, tri merle or red merle. The merle gene dilutes random sections of the coat to a lighter color whilst leaving patches of their original coat color remaining. It may also affect eye color and skin pigmentation on the nose and paws. Merle coats occurs when a Dachshund carries the “M” Merle allele and a negative “m” copy of the Merle allele. Merle Dachshunds are the same as Dapple Dachshunds.

Despite the captivating look of a Merle Dachshund, prospective Merle Dachshund owners should be aware that they are often a result of poor breeding practices and because of this may suffer from ocular and auditory defects. That is not to say that all Merle Dachshunds are the result of poor breeding practices or that they will have these health issues but there is a higher risk than an ordinary Dachshund.

Are Merle Dachshunds Rare?

Merle Dachshunds are rare in comparison to other coat colors like red, black & tan, chocolate & tan and cream. Unlike other dogs who have merle coats, the dapple (merle) coat is AKC recognized for Dachshunds.

Another reason why Merle Dachshunds are rare is because breeders often choose not to breed them. This is because it is much more complex breeding Merle Dachshunds as breeders have to carefully track lineage to ensure healthy litters. Breeders cannot breed two Merle Dachshunds together otherwise they will be Double Merles and may suffer from severe ocular defeats and auditory issues. Double Merles also are likely to have no coloring in their fur and appear completely white.

Blue Merle Dachshund

What Is A Blue Merle Dachshund?

Blue Merle Dachshunds feature blue, grey, white and tan coats in a distinct mottled pattern. Usually most of their coat is grey and blue with white and tan patches throughout it. Blue Merle Dachshunds have jet black noses and dark brown or blue eyes.

Blue Merle Dachshunds are usually created by breeding a Merle Dachshund with a Dachshund that features black in their coat. This is most likely going to be a black and tan Dachshund as solid black Dachshunds are very rare. Remember two Merle Dachshunds should never be bred together otherwise their litter will have some Double Merle puppies.

Tri Merle Dachshund

What Is A Tri Merle Dachshund?

Tri Merle Dachshund is just another phrase for “Merle Dachshund” or “Dapple Dachshund”. All merle Dachshunds have three main colors in their coat whether they are a Blue Merle or Red Merle Dachshund. That is why they are sometimes called “Tri Merle Dachshunds”.

What Is The Difference Between Tri Merle and Dapple Dachshund?

There is no difference between Tri Merle and Dapple Dachshunds. “Tri Merle” and “Dapple” are interchangeable words that describe the distinctive mottled coat pattern of Dachshunds.

Red Merle Dachshund

What Is A Red Merle Dachshund?

Red Merle Dachshunds feature a chocolate, copper, beige and white coat in a mottled pattern. Most of their coat is a beige-grey and they feature red, white and copper patches throughout it. Red Merle Dachshundss usually have light or dark brown noses. In most cases they have light brown eyes however they may also have blue eyes.

Red Merle Dachshunds are usually created by breeding a Merle Dachshund with a Chocolate & Tan Dachshund. Again, two Merle Dachshunds should never be bred together otherwise there will be Double Merles in the litter.

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Double Merle Dachshund

What Is A Double Merle Dachshund?

A Double Merle (M/M) Dachshund carries two copies of the dominant “M” allele. They are a result of bad breeding practices where breeders have bred two merle Dachshunds together which results in a dog that has a very high chance of suffering from ocular defects and deafness. These dogs are also called ‘lethal whites’ as they have little to no colour in their coat.

Double merle Dachshunds have created a lot of controversy in the dog world with many official bodies refusing to register dogs that are a product of merle-to-merle breeding. Two Merle Dachshunds should never be bred together.

Long Haired Merle Dachshund

Long Haired Merle Dachshunds have silky, long hair that features the merle coat pattern. Their hair is longest on their ears, tail, neck, behind their legs and on their belly. Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are not as common as Smooth Haired Merle Dachshunds. They require more attention in terms of grooming as they require weekly brushing to keep their coat in a good condition.

Wire Haired Merle Dachshund

Wire Haired Merle Dachshunds have a medium length coarse and slightly wavy coat with the merle coat pattern. The combination of wavy but coarse hair gives their coats a rough texture. Their hair is usually a bit longer under their chin and around their muzzle, giving the appearance of a beard.

Wire Haired Merle Dachshunds are the least common Merle Dachshund. They are not as popular as smooth haired or long haired Merle Dachshunds so hardly any breeders breed them.

Smooth Haired Merle Dachshund

Smooth Merle Dachshunds have short, shiny and dense coats that feature the merle pattern. It is the most common hair type for the merle coat. Smooth Merle Dachshunds are very popular as their coat doesn’t require as much attention as Wire-haired or Long Haired Dachshund. Smooth Merle Dachshunds are one of the most common type of Merle Dachshund.