The English Cream Dachshund is a highly sought-after variety of the breed, known for its luxurious pale gold to cream coat, gentle temperament, and strong lineage. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in breeders introducing color patterns and mutations—such as chocolate, piebald, and dapple—into these lines. While these coat variations may be visually striking, they are neither original to the true English Cream lineage nor beneficial to the breed’s overall health and standard.
- The English Cream Lineage and Its Purity
True English Cream Dachshunds trace their roots back to carefully maintained bloodlines in the United Kingdom. These dogs are almost exclusively long-haired and have been selectively bred for their signature cream-colored coat, which is a result of the recessive chinchilla dilution gene (Ch) acting on a red base color.
Unlike standard American cream Dachshunds (which may be diluted reds), English Creams have a distinct genetic makeup that does not naturally include the chocolate, piebald, or dapple genes. Introducing these genes into English Cream bloodlines means the dog is no longer a pure English Cream and likely has ancestry that includes other coat variations, straying from the traditional standard.
- Chocolate, Piebald, and Dapple Are Not Part of the English Cream Standard
Each of these coat variations stems from separate genetic mutations that are not naturally found in English Cream lines:
• Chocolate Gene (b) – This recessive mutation dilutes black pigment into brown, often affecting the nose, eyes, and paw pads. English Creams are known for their rich black pigment, which adds to their striking appearance. Introducing chocolate genes compromises this defining characteristic.
• Piebald Gene (S) – A recessive white spotting gene that causes unpigmented patches on the coat. This gene is not part of the original English Cream gene pool and is often associated with increased risks of deafness when excessive white is present.
• Dapple Gene (M) – A dominant merle gene that creates a mottled pattern in the coat. Double dapples (MM) are especially concerning, as they have a high risk of birth defects, including blindness and deafness. English Creams were never intended to carry this gene, and its presence can introduce significant health concerns.
- Health Concerns Linked to These Mutations
Breeding for chocolate, piebald, or dapple in English Cream Dachshunds comes with a number of health risks, many of which are avoidable by preserving traditional bloodlines:
• Loss of Pigment and Associated Health Issues – The introduction of chocolate dilutes the strong black pigmentation in English Creams, which may lead to weaker eye and nose pigmentation, increasing susceptibility to sunburn and other health concerns.
• Hearing Deficiencies – Excessive white in piebald and double dapple dogs is linked to congenital deafness, a condition caused by lack of pigment in the inner ear.
• Increased Risk of Genetic Disorders – Dapple breeding, especially when two dapples are bred together, can lead to severe deformities such as missing eyes, microphthalmia (small eyes), and internal organ defects.
- Dilution of English Cream’s Traditional Appearance
Beyond health risks, introducing these color mutations into English Cream bloodlines distorts the breed’s historical and aesthetic standard. True English Creams should have a solid cream coat with no excessive white markings or dapple patterns. The introduction of outside genes diminishes the distinct soft and even coloring that makes them so desirable.
- Ethical and Responsible Breeding Practices
Reputable breeders dedicated to preserving the integrity of the English Cream line avoid incorporating these mutations. Ethical breeding focuses on maintaining health, temperament, and breed standards rather than chasing rare or flashy coat colors that deviate from the breed’s origins.
Conclusion: Preserve the Purity of English Cream Dachshunds
While chocolate, piebald, and dapple patterns may be visually appealing to some, they are not part of the original English Cream Dachshund lineage and can introduce unnecessary health risks. Responsible breeders and enthusiasts should prioritize maintaining the breed’s purity, health, and historical integrity by avoiding the introduction of these mutations. If you are looking for a true English Cream Dachshund, always research pedigrees and choose breeders who uphold ethical breeding standards.
By preserving the traditional English Cream lineage, we ensure that future generations of these beautiful and beloved dogs remain true to their heritage—healthy, elegant, and unmistakably classic.
