What Is a Piebald Dachshund?

Piebalds are one coloration of dachshunds.

The dachshund, German for badger hound, is bred in three coat varieties: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. The hair colors are vast, from black and tan to red to spotted. The piebald wiener dog's coat has a white background with various shades of brown, black or gray.

Features

The piebald dachshund has a white coat with variations of gray, brown or black shading throughout. It is not considered a predominant coat-color combination.

Misconceptions

People often confuse the piebald pattern with dapple, another multicolored dachshund coat. The piebald pattern dates to the origin of the breed, although the Dachshund Club of America does not list the specific coloration in its breed standard.

Health Warnings

Piebald dachshunds, like all of the breed, are prone to health problems. Their short legs and elongated bodies can lead to spinal issues, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Competition

Contrary to popular belief and the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard listing the piebald as unacceptable, piebalds have won in show.

Controversy

Grass-roots efforts are in place to get the AKC to include piebalds in their breed standard. Dachshund lovers can sign a petition at http://savethepiebalds.org.

References

• Dachshund Club of America
• Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
• American Veterinary Medical Association