The cute and amiable Dachshund is ranked 13th among the 194 most famous dog breeds in America, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Nonetheless, being a multi-colored canine, does a white Dachshund exist? Additionally, what are the essential details you must know regarding the demeanor, health, and physical traits of this exclusively shaded breed? Read on to learn more!
What is a White Dachshund?
The Dachshund breed comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. It even comes in two different sizes and three different coat types! So, what is a white Dachshund? A white Dachshund is a Dachshund that is completely white from nose to tail. But is there really such a thing? The internet can be misleading, with many image searches pulling up pictures of adorable white Dachshunds and a number of breeders selling this ‘rare’ colored breed for thousands of dollars. However, we should note that while a white Dachshund is possible under the right circumstances, it is not a recognized color as far as the American Kennel Club is concerned.
What is the appearance of a white Dachshund? Initially, a white Dachshund will display a completely white fur. Comparable to other kinds of Dachshunds, this sort can be found in two sizes.
- 8-9 inches (Standard)
- 5-6 (Miniature)
There are three different coat types in which the dog can also come, which are
- Smooth
- Long-haired
- Wirehaired
Dachshunds are renowned for their elongated bodies, short legs, long tails, lengthy ears, and sharp facial features, with round brown or amber-colored eyes being common among most breeds. However, some lighter-colored varieties, such as piebald, merle, or dapple, may possess blue eyes. Despite white not being a recognized standard color, the AKC acknowledges and allows for a variety of other colors to be presented in shows.
- Black
- Tan
- Black and Tan
- Chocolate and Cream
- Chocolate and Tan
- Red
- Blue and Tan
- Cream
Given that white is not a standard color for Dachshunds, it begs the question of how a breeder may obtain a white Dachshund puppy. To delve deeper into the genetics of the white Dachshund and uncover the origins of its snow-white fur, let’s further explore the topic.
White Dachshund Genetics
Are you aware that a dog’s coat color is determined by only two base colors – red and black? This applies to all breeds, with the parent breeds’ genetics also playing a role. Producing a lighter coat requires a recessive gene, which both parent breeds must possess for a white Dachshund to be produced. However, does the color of a Dachshund’s coat in any way affect its temperament or health?
White Dachshund Temperament
When it comes to a dog’s coat color, there is much speculation about whether it affects their temperament or personality. While some believe black dogs are more aggressive and are therefore adopted less frequently, there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim. Experts agree that a dog’s temperament depends on factors such as breeding practices, socialization, health, and training. This applies to Dachshunds as well, regardless of their coat color. On average, Dachshunds are intelligent, independent, and loving dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs and their humans. They have big personalities and are often seen as amusing. However, due to their hunting background, it is important to train and socialize them at an early age. Dachshunds are known for their bravery and tenacity when it comes to pursuing prey such as badgers, which means they can be bold and hardheaded.
How to Train Your White Dachshund
Although intelligent, Dachshunds can present a challenge when it comes to training and require a patient approach. It is important for their owner to understand that positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed. Note that Dachshunds have a tendency to dig and should be closely monitored to prevent damage to gardens and escape attempts. Despite their small size and generally calm demeanor, they can display aggression if not properly socialized and trained. A 2008 study found that Dachshunds show a higher incidence of aggression towards humans. Therefore, families with older children and those willing to invest time in training and socializing their new furry family member may find the white Dachshund to be the best fit.
White Dachshund Grooming
To maintain the well-being of your Dachshund, it is essential to follow proper grooming practices. Regular and careful grooming plays a significant role in the overall health and happiness of your dog. When dog owners fail to groom their pets appropriately, it can lead to skin ailments, fur matting, rashes, and infections. This can make your dog feel uncomfortable and can even result in behavioral issues. In particular, white dogs are more susceptible to eye stains and dirty coats. To ensure your white Dachshund’s skin and fur remain healthy, it is advisable to use scent-free baby wipes or grooming wipes to clean them after walks or playtime. Additionally, you can purchase high-quality dog shampoo and tear-stain remover from local pet stores or online.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If the world were perfect, dog food would be identical in quality. However, there are countless options available to dog owners, each asserting its superiority. This process of sifting through all the options to find a reasonably-priced, delicious, and healthy brand for your pet is quite vexing. We have gathered professional guidance to aid you in this process of elimination.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Dry kibble and canned wet food are the most common types of dog food that people provide for their pets. Despite their unappetizing appearance to us, these processed options are nutrient-packed and critical to maintaining a healthy diet for dogs. Rigorous testing by veterinary experts ensures that commercial dog foods are held to a high standard of quality and regulation. What components make up these essential dog foods?
In contrast to cats, dogs are not solely meat-eaters and can obtain nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables in addition to meat, which generally makes up the larger portion of their diet. These non-meat foods should not be considered as mere fillers, as they can offer vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A quality dog food should incorporate both meat and non-meat ingredients like veggies, grains, and fruits, preferably in high-quality forms that are well-suited for your dog’s digestive system.
Dog Food Nutrition
To ensure that your furry friend is adequately nourished, it’s crucial to find a dog food brand that caters to his specific nutritional needs. Although many commercial dog food brands meet the basic nutritional requirements for canines, it’s worth noting that every dog’s nutritional needs may differ.
Throughout their lives, dogs need various nutrients in varying amounts. It’s important to give puppies a special formula or “all life stages” food as their nutritional requirements are distinct from adult dogs. When uncertain about the dissimilar nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides a list of recommended nutrients categorized by weight and age. Nutritional needs differ between large breed and small breed puppies and dogs.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
Numerous misconceptions and false information surround dog nutrition online. To sift through the mass of information, one must adhere to a single guideline: verify your sources. Several people may assert their views on dog nutrition but lack reliable scientific evidence. Therefore, when conducting research, it is vital to examine the source of the data, such as a veterinary professional, canine nutritionist, or scientific research. Being doubtful is advisable as well. Any assertion that appears too promising is likely tantamount to falsehood.
There are many inquiries about different types of dog food, including those that contain or exclude grains, peas, or animal byproducts. If your dog is allergic to grains, your veterinarian may suggest a grain-free diet. However, grains can be a valuable source of nutrients for most dogs, and quality animal byproducts, such as organ meats and entrails, contain essential nutrients. It is important to note that regulated byproducts do not include unwanted materials like hooves, hair, or manure. If you have any concerns about your dog’s food, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Decoding whether a dog food is suitable or not can be achieved by examining the label. However, this may not be effortless due to the challenge of reading minuscule print and managing hefty bags of dog food while at the store. Nevertheless, the labels can be deceptive, as highlighted in the Merck Veterinary Manual. Eight essential details must be included on dog food labels as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in addition to state-specific labeling requirements.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
The name of the product provides significant information regarding the contents of the can or bag. When the product is labeled as “beef”, it must contain a minimum of 70 percent beef. However, when the product is identified as “beef dinner”, “beef entrée”, or “beef platter”, the proportion of beef in the product only needs to be a minimum of 10 percent. In the case of “with beef”, the beef content should be at least 3 percent, and for “beef flavor”, the beef amount is enough to impart flavor to the product, which is less than 3 percent. The same principle applies to other named ingredients such as “chicken”.
Ingredients
The quality and source of ingredients in dog food cannot be determined solely by reading the ingredient list on its label. Additionally, some manufacturers distribute ingredients in a way that may not reflect their actual quantity in the food, such as listing different types of corn separately to lower its position on the list. When it comes to meat, whole meats have a higher water content, which results in a lower percentage of meat after processing. Conversely, meat meal contains a higher percentage of meat despite its less appealing name.
Although the quality of the ingredients may not be evident in the ingredient list, it does disclose the contents of the food. This is particularly crucial for dogs with dietary restrictions or sensitivities and is also beneficial for owners who want to provide their dogs with particular types of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
It is your responsibility as a dog owner to determine the most suitable food for your pet. You are the one who has constant interaction with your dog. If your dog exhibits regular bowel movements, robust activity and fitness, and a healthy appetite, then the dog food you are providing is most likely appropriate.
During this process, your veterinary practitioner can prove to be an invaluable asset. They possess knowledge on pet nutrition that surpasses that of a regular pet owner and also have access to additional research and resources. Your vet can assist you in streamlining your options and should be delighted to address any queries you may have regarding your dog’s diet.
