What is an Albino Dachshund? The Rarest Breed of Dapple Dachshunds!
The American Kennel Club (AKA) recognizes over 15 breed colors and 5 markings of a Dapple Dachshund. The breed colors are generally a result of the pigmentation in the genes when different breeds are interbred.
But, under special circumstances, the pigmentation gene is absent giving the dachshund a whitish and snowy look. This rare condition may occur due to poor breeding, but it’s completely normal, as it’s a biological condition.
These are called Albino Dachshunds or some people may call them White Dachshunds (which might not be true). They are not officially registered, but they still exist. Let’s talk about everything about them.
Albinism: Can Dachshunds Be Albino?
You can’t create a White dachshund, as it’s not a natural breed color. Nature has a special way of producing Albino Dachshunds. How? Let’s involve some science here.
Biologically, an Albino is a name given to an organism, which lacks the genes responsible for pigmentation or its skin color.
The organism is extraordinarily white which gives a distinctive appearance to its skin. This gene mutation occurs in dachshunds as well. The result is an Albino Dachshund!
To define it in a sentence:
“An Albino Dachshund is not an official White-colored Dachshund. It’s a breed of Dapple Dachshunds which came into existence due to the absence of the color gene and believed to come from the Pink Doberamen.”
While it may look white, it’s still an Albino. It has special characteristics, can have special needs, and grooming techniques.
History: Who was the First Albino Dachshund?
I conducted independent research by posting on Reddit to see if anyone knows about the first White or Albino Dachshund, but there’s no documentation of it till today. {Checkout my Reddit Post}
My best bet would be that they exist as long as Dachshunds have been around, which is over 300 years. It’s because the Biological mutations have been there forever, so the first Albino Dachshund must have been around the 1800s when the Germans decided to breed them.
Also Check: How to pronounce Dachshund in German?
The Characteristics of an Albino Dachshund – How are they Different from White Dachshunds?
So, we have established that an Albino Dachshund is a rare breed which results in the missing gene responsible for one of the 15 colors in dapple puppies.
One thing to note here which I will discuss in the next section is that these are not White Dachshunds, which have their special distinction.
Now, how to spot an Albino dachshund when you see one? Here’s how you can know if a dapple puppy is Albino or White:
“Albino Dachshunds have a white color with pink spots on eye rims, nose, and paw pads, while the White Dachunds have spotted nose, eyes, and paw pads.”
Albino vs. Double Dachshunds – What’s the Difference?
A double dachshund is a similar breed which is often confused with an Albino Dachshund. But, there’s a huge difference between them.
A double is a result of poor breeding, which puts the dachshund at higher risks of hearing and vision loss. The Double Dachshunds require more care than an Albino which are generally healthy and have lesser health issues.
How to Groom your Albino Dachshund?
Taking care of an Albino Dachshund is fairly simple. You need to protect it from the direct sun exposure. Here are some tips on how you can do this:
- Always take a hat for your albino dapple puppy to protect him from direct sun.
- Regularly brush to keep their coat healthy, especially if they have a longer coat type.
- Get a vet’s recommended UV Protection sunscreen.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to avoid irritating their delicate skin.
- Don’t stay in Directly exposed areas for longer periods.
- Use vet-approved skin products such as hypoallergenic shampoo and moisturizers.
- Regularly clean their ears, trim their nail, and check their teeth for any gums.
- Last, but not the least, take your Albino Dachshund for a regular skin checkup.
Following these tips can help take things off your plate while you can enjoy more time with your Albino Dachshund without worrying!
How to Train your Albino Dachshund?
Training your Albino Dachshund takes time, as with any other dog. But, some Albino Dachshunds are more intelligent and spunky than most fellow Albinos.
Consistent early socialization is a good starting point which is crucial for shaping good behavior. Use treats and praise to reward your dog when they follow commands, and avoid any harsh methods that could create anxiety or fear.
Since some Albino Dachshunds may experience vision or hearing impairments, it’s important to adjust your training techniques.
Consider using hand signals or vibrational cues if they have hearing challenges. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to hold their attention.
All of these combined can bring very positive changes and help your dog learn a lot of things in a short time.
What are some Albino White Dachshund Health Issues?
Even if your Albino Dachshund is healthy, which is a good thing, you still need to actively take care of it due to its sensitive skin. The lack of pigmentation does not form any Melanin, (A compound formed in the skin cells responsible for darkening) which protects the skin from UV rays. That’s why, sunscreen is recommended for it.
Some Albino Dachshunds can suffer from hearing or vision loss. In that case, more humane behavior and patience are required from the owner. Other health concerns include potential skin infections, eye abnormalities, and a weaker immune system.
Are Albino Dachshunds Good Pets?
Albino Dachshunds can make wonderful pets, but they require special care and attention due to their unique health and physical needs.
They possess the same playful, loyal, and affectionate nature as other Dachshunds, making them great companions for the right family.
However, due to their sensitive skin and potential hearing or vision impairments, Albino Dachshund puppies need an owner who is prepared to provide extra care, such as protecting them from sunlight and adapting training techniques.
How Much Is A White Dachshund Worth?
The cost of an Albino Dachshund can vary significantly depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, location, and the dog’s health.
On average, an Albino Dachshund for sale can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. This White Dachshund price is often higher due to the rarity of the albino gene and the specialized care they may require.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you register an Albino Dachshund?
Yes, you can register an Albino Dachshund with organizations like the AKC, but they don’t meet breed standards for show purposes due to their color.
Are White Dachshunds Rare?
Yes, white Dachshunds, particularly albinos, are rare due to the specific genetic mutations required to produce their coloring.
Are White Dachshunds Deaf?
White or albino Dachshunds may have a higher risk of congenital deafness, but not all are deaf; it depends on the extent of their genetic makeup.
What is another name for the Albino Dachshund dog?
People call Albino Dachshund by different names, one of the names is Albino Wiener dog.
Conclusion: Albino Dachshund
Albino Dachshunds are a rare and unique variation of the beloved breed, distinguished by their lack of pigmentation and striking white appearance.
While they share the same playful and loyal temperament as other Dachshunds, they require extra care due to their sensitive skin and potential for vision or hearing impairments.
Owning an Albino Dachshund can be a rewarding experience for those willing to accommodate their special needs, including protecting them from the sun and adapting training techniques.
With the right attention and love, Albino Dachshunds can make wonderful, affectionate companions for any dedicated owner.