Discover the unique beauty and personality of Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds. Learn about their distinctive coat, genetic characteristics, and potential health issues. Discover how to recognize and care for your Long Haired Merle Dachshund and the price range for purchasing one.
How to Recognize a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund
If you know what to look for, it’s easy to identify a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund. These puppies have an appearance that distinguishes them from other Dachshunds.
The first item to check is the individual’s coat. The coat of a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund is often a combination of black, blue, and white. The ears, chest, legs, and tail typically have longer fur than the body.
The second characteristic to look for is the merle pattern on their coat. This pattern consists of irregular color patches and is induced by the presence of a particular gene. The merle gene dilutes the color of the fur, resulting in a marbled or mottled look.
Another characteristic to consider is their body type. The Long-Haired Merle Dachshund has a long torso, tiny legs, and a long muzzle. They have trim, compact physiques and weigh between 6 and 11 pounds.
In addition, it is crucial to note that Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can come in two primary colors: blue and chocolate. The Blue Merle has a predominantly blue and black coat, whereas the Chocolate Merle has primarily chocolate and tan skin.
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Types of Long-Haired Merle Dachshund
There are two main types of Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds: the Blue Merle and the Chocolate Merle.
The Blue Merle Long-Haired Dachshund has a coat that is primarily blue and black, with white markings. The cause of the blue color in the Merle gene diluting the black color. The fur may have a marbled or mottled pattern with blue, black, and white patches. The eyes may also be blue or blue green.
The Chocolate Merle Long-Haired Dachshund has a chocolate-tan coat with white spots. Merle gene diluting red causes chocolate color. Chocolate, brown, and white fur may speckle the pelt. The eyes may also be brown.
Both types of Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds have a long, silky coat and a distinctive Merle pattern on their coat, which includes uneven patches of color. They are small, with long bodies, short legs, and elongated snouts.
How is the color Merle in a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund produced?
The presence of a specific gene produced the color Merle in a Long Haired Merle Dachshund. This gene, known as the Merle gene, is responsible for reducing the coat’s color, resulting in the marbled or mottled appearance characteristic of the Long-Haired Merle Dachshund.
The Merle gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one copy to produce the Merle coloring. When a dog receives a single copy of the Merle gene, its coat will have the Merle pattern. If a dog gets two copies of the Merle gene, the Merle pattern on its fur will be significantly more pronounced.
It is important to remember the Merle gene is considered a genetic anomaly, and breeding two Merle dogs might cause serious health risks. Since the Merle gene can influence the pigmentation of the eyes, ears, and skin, as well as raise the chance of hearing and blindness, this is the case.
Characteristics of a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund
Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are known for their unique and striking appearance and loving and loyal personalities.
Physical Characteristics:
- Long, silky coat: One of the most distinctive characteristics of a Long Haired Merle Dachshund is its long, smooth coat. This coat is typically a blend of black, blue, and white and is usually longer on the ears, chest, legs, and tail than on the body.
- Distinctive Merle pattern: Another defining characteristic of a Long Haired Merle Dachshund is the Merle pattern on its coat. Irregular patches of color characterize this pattern, and the presence of a specific gene causes it.
- Small and compact body: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds have a small and compact body, weighing between 6-11lbs. They have long bodies, short legs, and elongated snouts.
Personality Characteristics:
- Loyal and loving nature: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are known for their reliable and caring nature. They make great companion dogs and love to be around their owners. They are also playful and energetic and enjoy playing and being active.
- Stubborn: Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds can sometimes be determined and may require patience and consistency in training.
- Alert and curious: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are observant and curious, have a good sense of smell, and always look around to explore their surroundings.
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Most common health problems of the Long Haired Merle Dachshund
Like all breeds, Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can be prone to specific health issues. Here are some of the most common health problems that may affect Long Haired Merle Dachshunds:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a genetic problem that affects the spinal discs which can cause pain and paralysis.
- Eye problems: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can be prone to specific eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
- Ear problems: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can be prone to specific ear problems such as otitis externa, an infection of the ear canal, and otitis media, an infection of the middle ear.
- Skin problems: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can be prone to specific skin problems such as allergies, yeast infections, and mange.
- Because of the Merle gene, Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are also at risk of deafness and blindness.
It’s important to note that while these health problems can affect Long Haired Merle Dachshunds, they may not necessarily develop them. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help to prevent or manage these health issues.
The behavior of Long-Haired Merle Dachshund
The behavior of Long Haired Merle Dachshunds is characterized by their loving and loyal nature and playful and energetic personalities.
- Loyal and loving: Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds are known for their reliable and caring nature. They make great companion dogs and love to be around their owners. They are also affectionate and enjoy getting attention and cuddles from their owners.
- Playful and energetic: Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds are lively and energetic and enjoy playing and being active. They are good at amusing themselves and want interactive and stimulating toys.
- Alert and curious: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds are observant and curious, have a good sense of smell, and always look around to explore their surroundings.
- Can be stubborn: Long-Haired Merle Dachshunds can sometimes be stubborn and may require patience and consistency in training. They can be quick learners but may need positive reinforcement and persistence to learn new commands.
- Can be vocal: Long Haired Merle Dachshunds can be verbal, they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or potential dangers, or they may bark to get attention or express their emotions.
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Price of a Long-Haired Merle Dachshund
The price of a Long Haired Merle Dachshund can vary depending on many factors, such as the breeder, location, and the dog’s pedigree and bloodline.
- On average, a Long Haired Merle Dachshund puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $800-$2000.
- Some breeders may charge more for a Long Haired Merle Dachshund with a superior pedigree, bloodline or a dog trained or shown in competitions.
- Some breeders may charge more for a Long Haired Merle Dachshund with a rare color variation.
- Another factor that can affect the price of a Long Haired Merle Dachshund is location. Prices may be higher in urban areas or regions with a high demand for the breed.
It’s important to note that while the price of a Long Haired Merle Dachshund may seem high, it is good to remember that you are not only paying for the dog itself but also for the cost of breeding, raising and caring for the puppy until it is ready to go to a new home. A reputable breeder will have invested time and money in providing the best care and environment for the puppies and ensuring they are healthy and well-socialized before they go to their new homes.