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You are probably all too familiar with the adorable Dachshund breed. These dogs are among the most popular, heavily selected dog breeds on the AKC popularity list. These spunky, adventurous little dogs have award-winning personalities and incredibly unique appearances.
Breed Overview
Height:
14 – 19 inches (standard); 12-15 inches (miniature)
Weight:
16 – 32 pounds (standard); under 11 pounds (miniature)
Lifespan:
12 – 16 years
Colors:
Solid red, black, and tan, red and tan, merle
Suitable for:
Families with older children
Temperament:
Devoted, playful, curious
So, is a white Dachshund a thing? The answer is absolutely. A white Dachshund is a color selection that can be in the gene pool, but it’s not officially recognized. Let’s delve deeply.
Dachshund Characteristics
The Earliest Records of White Dachshunds in History
It is tough to know specifically when the white Dachshund showed up in the breed. The AKC does not recognize white as a primary or formal color for Dachshunds.
But white has been genetically possible for almost as long as the breed has been around. All it takes is just the right genetic combination to make a white Dachshund puppy.
How White Dachshunds Gained Popularity
Because the white Dachshund is a severely scarce coat color, it makes them even more special. People enjoy what is different, so seeking a coat color that you don’t see every day is a big attraction for some people.
Formal Recognition of the White Dachshund
Despite white being genetically possible in the Dachshund breed, it is not a common occurrence. Because it is so uncommon, you can expect prices to be higher with these particular dogs. However, white is not a color that the AKC recognizes.
So, you cannot have a registered white Dachshund. However, there is a cream variation. The cream is very close to white, giving a soft, beautiful creamy hue. They are available in both standard and miniature as well as long, short, or wire-haired.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Dachshunds
Dachshunds have not maintained their popularity all of these years for nothing. These incredible little dogs are adventurous, enthusiastic, and so much fun to have in the home. On top of their fun, elongated appearance, they have brave personalities that are alluring to potential owners.
So, whether you’re looking for a white Dachshund or any other color, here are some astonishing facts about the breed.
1. White Dachshunds are not always albino
White Dachshunds can be that color on their own accord. It takes two parents with the right genetics to create that coat color. Just because the AKC doesn’t recognize them does not mean that they do not exist currently. In fact, some of them can cost even more than their AKC-recognized pals due to their rarity.
Albino outcomes are genetic mutations found in the system. Most albino Dachshunds are completely pale from head to toe, including their skin. White Dachshunds can have some color variation on the skin and nose.
2. The Dachshund inspired the hotdog
You might look at a hot dog and automatically associate it with a Dachshund, and you would be right. Even though the Dachshund resembles a hot dog, so we make funny puns about it, they were actually the innovators of this body style.
So even though the chicken or the egg debate is still going on, the Dachshund versus hot dog debate is not. Mystery solved.
3. Dachshunds are a German breed
You might already know this, but a Dachshund is a German breed. They were almost completely wiped out during World War II, but the breed is resilient and has flourished ever since.
4. The Dachshund was the first Olympic mascot
In the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, a colorful Dachshund named Waldi was the very first mascot.
5. Britain cloned a Dachshund first
Cloning is quite a controversial topic these days. There are companies in the United States, United Kingdom, and worldwide that will clone existing pets. All you need is a DNA sample.
The very first cloned dog in Great Britain was, in fact, a Dachshund. This successful clone was named Winnie; the new mini Winnie might have looked exactly like her old self but with a brand new personality.
So essentially, you’re paying scientists roughly $60,000 to recreate the exact genetic makeup of your dog, but not the same personality. So only you can decide if that would ever be worth it for you.
White vs. Albino Dachshunds: How to Tell the Difference?
There can be both white and albino Dachshunds. The albino mutation is a genetic mutation in the womb that gives a particular dog a lack of pigment. The key difference between a white Dachshund and an albino Dachshund is that white Dachshunds tend to have color in their nose and eyes.
Does a White Dachshund Make a Good Pet?
The white Dachshund can make an incredibly wonderful addition to any family. They have wonderful personalities, are very eager to please owners, and are always down for an adventure. Dachshunds work very well in a variety of situations.
You can be certain they would be outstanding for a senior owner as well as a huge family with multiple kids. They tend to get along very well with other dogs and cats alike. However, because they are quite spunky, brave, and energetic, they can be challenging to authority sometimes.
So even though most people will do fine with this breed as a first introduction to the canine world, they might do a little better with an advanced dog owner. These dogs can make an amazing addition to your home with proper discipline and direction.
Along with their unique white color, they are sure to turn heads and get lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” from your awesome neighbors, family members, and friends. However, don’t go into it demanding a white Dachshund.
First of all, they’re rare. Secondly, there are tons of different coat types for this breed. Don’t be afraid to explore the variations!
Conclusion
The white Dachshund is a rare but beautiful coat variation. Even though the AKC does not recognize it, you can still have luck finding a white Dachshund, possibly close to you!
Even though you can obtain a white Dachshund in your lifetime, whether through happenstance, travel, or luck, there are also tons of other different coat types and colors.
Don’t be afraid to explore the breed’s vastness to pick the particular Dachshund you want to call your own.
See also:
- What It Means When Your Dog Walks Around Holding a Toy: 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
- How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Home Renovations: 10 Vet-Reviewed Tips
Featured Image: Ekaterina Kuchina, Shutterstock