I’ve always thought Dachshunds are like the little fashion icons of the dog world. They’ve got this confident walk, expressive eyes, and coats that come in more colors and patterns than most people expect.
What surprised me the most is how much variety there is in Dachshund coat color, and how those colors connect with their genetics, breed lines, and even health. Some colors are super common, while others are rare and talked about in breeding circles.
I’ll walk you through popular colors, rare shades, what different patterns mean, and how dachshund color chart with pictures can help if you’re trying to understand what’s behind that adorable coat.
Table of Contents
Dachshund Color Chart
| Color/Pattern | Description | Coat Type Appearance |
| Red | Solid reddish-brown, can range from light rust to deep mahogany | Common in smooth and longhaired |
| Black and Tan | Black body with tan markings on face, chest, and legs | Seen in all coat types |
| Chocolate and Tan | Rich brown coat with tan markings | Smooth or longhaired |
| Cream | Pale gold or off-white coat, often in longhaired varieties | Most common in longhaired |
| Blue and Tan | Diluted black (steel gray) with tan points | Rare; smooth or wirehaired |
| Isabella (Fawn) and Tan | Diluted chocolate coat with tan points | Rare and usually smooth-coated |
| Wild Boar | A grizzled mix of black, brown, and gray—resembles a wild boar’s coat | Exclusive to wirehaired |
| Wheaten | Pale yellow or golden coat, resembles wheat | Exclusive to wirehaired |
| Black and Cream | Black coat with cream points instead of tan | Less common |
| Chocolate and Cream | Chocolate coat with lighter cream points | Rare and elegant |
| Dapple (Merle) | Mottled pattern with lighter spots over base color | Can occur in any base color |
| Double Dapple | Two dapples bred together; has large patches of white and increased health risks | Not recommended for breeding |
| Brindle | Dark stripes on a lighter background, like a tiger stripe | Mostly in red base coats |
| Piebald | White base coat with patches of color (any solid color) | Must have clearly defined spots |
Best Color for a Dachshund
There’s no “one best” color for a Dachshund, it really depends on what you love. That said, some colors are more traditional, like red, black and tan, or chocolate, which are very popular and often seen in show rings. These shades are easy to find and usually follow clear breed standards.
According to a Dachshund color chart, these classic colors often have the strongest, most consistent pigment. They also tend to be the easiest to recognize, especially for smooth and short-haired Dachshunds.
But best? That depends on your taste. Some people fall in love with the look of a lighter cream Dachshund, while others prefer the bold, shiny coat of a black and tan. Each color brings its own charm.
Rarest Dachshund Colors
When it comes to Dachshund breeding color, some shades are so rare that even seasoned breeders don’t see them often. These include:
- Isabella (fawn): A diluted chocolate color, often with matching eyes and nose.
- Blue: A diluted black, giving the coat a smoky grey look.
- Wild boar: Mostly found in wire-haired Dachshunds—this coat looks like it has a mix of black, brown, and grey hairs.
- Piebald or dapple patterns mixed with rare base colors can also create unusual, one-of-a-kind looks.
These colors are often harder to breed responsibly, and in some cases, they’re tied to specific health risks. That’s why understanding dachshund breeding color genetics is so important, especially for future pet parents.
Long Haired Dachshund Color Chart
Long haired Dachshunds have coats that bring their colors to life in a totally different way.
| Color/Pattern | Description | Rarity |
| Red | Solid reddish coat; shades can vary from light auburn to deep chestnut | Very Common |
| Cream | Pale, golden, or ivory-like coat; often with a shiny or silky texture | Common |
| Black and Tan | Deep black coat with distinct tan points (face, legs, chest, tail) | Common |
| Chocolate and Tan | Rich brown coat with lighter tan points | Common |
| Black and Cream | Similar to black and tan but with cream points instead of tan | Uncommon |
| Chocolate and Cream | Warm chocolate coat with cream highlights at points | Uncommon |
| Blue and Tan | Steel gray (diluted black) with tan points; soft and silky appearance | Rare |
| Isabella and Tan (Fawn) | Diluted chocolate with tan points; a cool, silvery-beige coat | Rare |
| Dapple (Merle) | Mottled pattern with patches of lighter or darker shades on a base color | Relatively Common |
| Double Dapple | Dapple from two dapple parents; may have white markings and health risks | Rare (Not Advised) |
| Brindle | Dark stripes over a lighter base color (commonly red) | Less Common |
| Piebald | White base with clearly defined patches of any solid color | Uncommon |
The long, flowing fur makes every shade appear richer and more dramatic. The texture of the coat also shows off patterns like brindle, dapple, or piebald in a softer, more blended way than in smooth coats. If you’re someone who loves a dog that looks like it walked out of a fairytale, long-haired Dachshunds in rare shades like cream or blue are hard to resist.
Also read: Dachshund Size Guide
Dachshund Coat Patterns Explained
Besides solid colors, Dachshunds come in unique patterns that really set them apart. Some of the most well-known patterns include dapple that is irregular patches with a darker base color. Brindle which are tiger-like stripes, usually seen on reds or creams.
We also see piebald, large patches of color on a white base, often seen on the belly or legs. There is another called sable which is a coat with black-tipped hairs that give it a darker look overall. These patterns can appear across all coat types, and many of them are shown on a dachshund color chart with pictures used by breeders or dog clubs.
Dachshund Coat Types
There are usually 3 types
- Smooth-coated Dachshunds often have a glossy, shiny look, making colors like black and tan or red appear bold and sleek.
- Long-haired Dachshunds can make colors appear softer or richer because of the feathered, flowing coat, think creamy golds or deep chocolates.
- Wire-haired Dachshunds, with their rougher, denser fur, tend to mute colors slightly, giving patterns like brindle or wild boar a more rugged appearance.
Are Dachshund Coat Colors Linked to Temperament?
While some people claim certain colors reflect personality traits, there’s no strong evidence that dachshund coat color affects temperament. A cream Dachshund isn’t automatically more gentle than a black and tan one. Personality is shaped by training, environment, and genetics, not just color.
However, long-haired Dachshunds, which often come in cream or chocolate, tend to have a slightly calmer demeanor than smooth or wire-haired ones. But again, this has more to do with coat type and breeding than the specific color.
What Is the Most Popular Dachshund Color Today?
Dachshunds come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, but some shades tend to win more hearts than others. In recent years, red has remained a fan favorite due to its rich, classic look and easy availability.
Another very popular choice is black and tan, which gives the Dachshund a sleek and bold appearance. These colors are not just common, they’re also strongly associated with the breed’s original look. While trends may come and go, these timeless shades continue to be the top picks for many new and seasoned Dachshund owners.
Also read: Dog Breeds Chart
FAQs
Are rare Dachshund colors more expensive?
Yes, usually. Rare dachshund breeding colors like Isabella, blue, or English cream can cost more because of how difficult they are to breed and their unique appearance. But always make sure the breeder is ethical, as some rare colors are linked to health problems.
Tell the main difference between dapple and piebald?
Dapple Dachshunds have a splashed, almost marble-like mix of light and dark areas in their coat. Piebalds have solid patches of color. Both are striking, but the patterns look very different on a Dachshund color chart.
Can coat color affect a Dachshund’s health?
Sometimes, yes. Double dapple and some diluted colors (like blue or Isabella) have been linked to hearing or skin problems. This is why responsible breeding is so important when it comes to rare dachshund coat color types.
Do Dachshund puppies change color as they grow?
They can. Some dachshund puppies are born lighter and darken with age, especially reds and creams.