You've probably seen them on Instagram. Those tiny, sausage-shaped dogs with flowing coats that look like they’ve been splattered with a paintbrush. People call them spotted long haired dachshunds, but if you walk into a kennel club or a high-end show ring, you won’t find "spotted" on any official paperwork.
The terminology is a mess. Honestly, it’s confusing for new owners. What most people call "spotted" is actually a genetic pattern known as dapple. Or, in rarer cases, it's a piebald pattern.
These dogs are stunning. No doubt about it. But there is a massive difference between a dog that looks cool and a dog that is bred ethically. If you're looking for one of these long-haired beauties, you’re stepping into a world of complex genetics where a single mistake by a breeder can lead to a lifetime of vet bills. Let's get into what these dogs actually are and why that "spotted" look is such a lightning rod for controversy in the Doxie community.
The "Spotted" Secret: Dapple vs. Piebald
Let’s get the semantics out of the way first because it matters for your wallet and the dog’s health.
A spotted long haired dachshund is usually a Dapple. This is caused by the merle gene. It creates patches of lighter color on a darker base. If the dog is a "Silver Dapple," it looks like black and tan but with greyish-blue splashes.
Then there’s the Piebald. This is a different beast entirely.
Piebalds have a white base coat with solid "spots" or patches of color. Think of a Holstein cow. That’s the piebald look. Unlike dapples, piebalds don’t have that blurred, marbled effect. They have distinct borders.
The long hair adds a layer of elegance that smooth dachshunds just don’t have. It’s silky. It waves in the wind. It also traps every single burr, leaf, and twig within a five-mile radius. You’ve been warned.
Why the Dapple gene is risky
Here is the thing. You cannot breed two dapple dachshunds together. Just don't do it. When a puppy inherits two copies of the dapple gene—what breeders call a Double Dapple—things go south.
These dogs often come out mostly white. They look "ultra-spotted." They’re also frequently born deaf, blind, or with microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes). Some are born without eyes at all. Unscrupulous breeders sometimes try to market these "rare white dachshunds" to unsuspecting buyers. It’s predatory. It's cruel. Always ask to see the parents. If both parents are dapples, walk away. Immediately.
💡 You might also like: Finding Obituaries in Kalamazoo MI: Where to Look When the News Moves Online
Living with the Flowing Coat
Long-haired dachshunds are widely considered the "hippies" of the breed.
While the wire-haired ones are spunky and the smooth ones are often one-person dogs with a bit of a mean streak, the long-haired variety is generally more mellow. This isn't just hearsay; it's a common observation among breed experts like those at the Dachshund Club of America.
Why? Some think it’s because Spaniel blood was likely introduced centuries ago to get that long, silky fur. That Spaniel influence tempered the fierce badger-hunting intensity.
But don't be fooled.
They are still hounds. They will find a scent. They will dig. They will bark at a leaf that hits the grass with too much attitude.
The grooming isn't a suggestion; it's a lifestyle. If you skip brushing for a week, the hair behind their ears and in their "armpits" will turn into felt. These mats are painful. They pull on the skin. You’ll end up having to shave your beautiful spotted dog, and they will look like a very embarrassed pink rat for three months.
The back issue nobody can ignore
Every spotted long haired dachshund owner lives in the shadow of IVDD—Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Their spines are long. Their ribs are short. It's a structural nightmare. Roughly one in four dachshunds will deal with some form of back paralysis or disc issue in their life.
It's expensive. Surgery can easily top $8,000.
📖 Related: Finding MAC Cool Toned Lipsticks That Don’t Turn Orange on You
You have to change how you live. No jumping off the couch. No stairs. You’ll find yourself buying ramps for every piece of furniture in your house. It feels ridiculous at first, watching a dog use a ramp to get into bed, but it beats the alternative of a wheelchair and "expressed" bladders.
Finding a Healthy Spotted Puppy
If you're hunting for a spotted long haired dachshund, stop looking on Craigslist. Seriously.
Good breeders don't need to advertise there. They have waiting lists that are a year long. They perform health screenings, specifically looking at things like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and patellar luxation.
Look for breeders who are members of regional dachshund clubs.
Ask about the "COI"—Coefficient of Inbreeding. A high COI means the dog is more likely to inherit genetic defects. A low COI means the breeder is actually trying to improve the breed, not just churning out "rare" colors for a quick paycheck.
Price vs. Quality
You’ll see these dogs listed for anywhere from $800 to $4,000.
High price doesn't always mean high quality. Sometimes it just means the breeder knows "spotted" is a trending keyword. A legitimate breeder focuses on temperament and structure first. The spots are just a bonus.
Look at the dog’s "fringe" (the long hair on the ears and tail). In a healthy, well-bred long-hair, this should be abundant but not cottony. If the coat feels like wool, it’s going to be a nightmare to maintain and might indicate a hormonal issue or poor breeding.
Training the Stubborn Sausage
Training a spotted long haired dachshund is an exercise in patience. They are smart, but they are also "selective listeners."
👉 See also: Finding Another Word for Calamity: Why Precision Matters When Everything Goes Wrong
They know what "sit" means. They just want to know what’s in it for them before they commit to the movement.
Potty training is the legendary hurdle. Because they are low to the ground, they hate getting their bellies wet. If it’s raining, a long-haired dachshund will look at you like you’re insane if you suggest they go outside. Many owners eventually give up and use indoor grass pads or "potty porches."
It's not that they aren't smart. It's that they were bred to think for themselves deep in a tunnel while facing a badger. They don't need your input, or so they think.
Socialization is non-negotiable
Because they can be prone to "small dog syndrome," you have to get them around people and other dogs early. A poorly socialized dachshund is a nippy dachshund. They are protective of their "people." This can turn into aggression if you aren't careful.
Take them to the hardware store. Take them to the park. Let them hear the vacuum cleaner. The more they see, the less they’ll feel the need to bark at when they’re adults.
The Reality of the "Spotted" Life
Owning a spotted long haired dachshund is basically like living with a very beautiful, very stubborn toddler who happens to be shaped like a loaf of bread.
They will steal your socks. They will burrow under every blanket you own. You will never sit on a sofa again without checking for a lump under the throw pillow first.
They are incredibly affectionate. They want to be on you. Not near you. On you.
If you can handle the grooming, the potential back issues, and the barking, they are arguably the most charming dogs on the planet. Just make sure you’re buying the dog, not just the spots.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Verify the Pattern: Ask the breeder if the dog is a Dapple or a Piebald. If they use the word "spotted" exclusively and don't know the genetic difference, they aren't an expert.
- Request Health Clearances: Specifically ask for the results of the parents' eye exams (OFA/ECR) and knee checks.
- Invest in Ramps: Do not wait for a back injury to happen. Install ramps for the sofa and bed the day the puppy comes home.
- Grooming Kit: Buy a high-quality slicker brush and a metal "greyhound" comb. Use them at least three times a week to prevent the long hair from matting.
- Check for Double Dapple: If the puppy has large amounts of white on its head or ears, or has "starburst" pupils, have a vet check for hearing and vision impairment immediately.
- Weight Management: Keep your dachshund lean. Even two pounds of extra weight puts massive strain on their long spine. You should always be able to feel their ribs easily.