So, you’re thinking about getting a black and tan dachshund. They’re basically the quintessential image of the breed, right? When most people close their eyes and picture a "wiener dog," this is exactly what they see—that sleek, obsidian coat punctuated by those sharp, copper-colored "eyebrows" and little tan boots. But there’s a lot more to these low-riders than just a striking color palette and a propensity for tripping you in the hallway. Honestly, after decades of these dogs being pop-culture icons, we’ve collectively forgotten that they weren’t bred to be living hot dogs or Instagram models. They were built for war. Or, well, a very specific kind of subterranean badger warfare.
The Genetic Blueprint of the Black and Tan Dachshund
It’s not just a coat. It’s a legacy.
Genetically speaking, the black and tan pattern is one of the most stable and "original" looks in the Dachshund world. In the world of canine genetics, this is caused by the recessive 'at' allele at the Agouti locus. Essentially, both parents have to carry the gene for these specific tan points to show up. If you look at the early breed standards from the Deutscher Teckelklub (founded back in 1888), this colorway was always the gold standard.
Why does that matter to you? Because "dilute" colors like blue or Isabella (which are basically just faded versions of black and tan) often come with health baggage like Color Dilution Alopecia. The classic black and tan? It’s hardy. You aren’t fighting the genes just to keep their hair from falling out.
Those Tan Points Aren’t Just for Show
Have you ever wondered why the tan is always in the same spot? Above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, inside the ears, on the chest, and the paws. This isn't random. Hunters actually valued these markings because they provided a bit of visual contrast in the dark undergrowth or inside a dim burrow. It helped a hunter distinguish between a dog’s face and a badger’s rear end in a split second.
The "Big Dog" Personality Trap
Let's get one thing straight: a black and tan dachshund does not know it is twelve inches tall.
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They are notoriously brave. Some might say delusional. This stems from their history of being sent into holes to face off against badgers, which are essentially 30-pound tanks with claws. If you bring a dachshund into your home, you aren't getting a lap dog—at least not at first. You’re getting a tiny, four-legged security guard with a bark that sounds like it belongs to a Doberman.
They’re incredibly smart, but they use that intelligence for evil. Or, more accurately, for their own benefit. A dachshund will learn exactly which cabinet holds the treats and will spend three hours calculating how to use a fallen pillow as a ramp to reach it. They’re independent thinkers. In the field, a dog that waits for its owner's permission to bite a badger is a dead dog. That translates to a modern pet that might look you dead in the eye when you say "come" and decide that, actually, sniffing this specific blade of grass is a much better use of their time.
Back Health: The $5,000 Conversation
We have to talk about the spine. It’s the elephant in the room. Or the badger in the burrow.
Because of their elongated ribcage and short legs (a condition called chondrodysplasia), black and tan dachshunds are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). According to the Dachshund Health UK database, roughly one in four dachshunds will experience some form of disc issue in their life.
It’s scary. It’s also expensive.
I’ve seen owners spend upwards of $7,000 on emergency spinal surgery because their dog jumped off a couch the wrong way. It’s not about being "fragile"—these dogs are muscular and tough—but their physics are fundamentally skewed. Imagine a bridge that’s too long with no support beams in the middle. That’s your dog’s back.
How to Not Break Your Dog
- Ramps are non-negotiable. If you let them jump off the bed, you’re playing Russian Roulette with their vertebrae.
- The "Football Carry." Always support the rear end. Never lift them by the armpits like a human baby.
- Weight management. A fat dachshund is a ticking time bomb. Even one extra pound puts immense pressure on those spinal discs.
Training a Hound That Thinks It’s the Boss
Good luck.
Just kidding. But seriously, training a black and tan dachshund requires more patience than training a Golden Retriever. Hounds are "scent-driven." This means that if they catch a whiff of a squirrel or a stray Cheeto, their brain effectively disconnects from their ears.
Positive reinforcement is the only way to go. If you try to be a "tough" alpha with a dachshund, they will simply stop liking you. They’re sensitive, despite their bravado. Use high-value treats—think freeze-dried liver or small bits of plain chicken—to keep their focus. And keep sessions short. Ten minutes is plenty. Any longer and they’ll start looking for the nearest sunspot to take a nap in.
Grooming and Maintenance
The black and tan comes in three coat varieties:
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- Smooth: The classic. Low maintenance, but they shed more than you’d think. Those little black hairs will weave themselves into your white sofa like tiny needles.
- Longhaired: Elegant, but a magnet for burrs and mud. You’ll need to brush them at least three times a week to avoid matting behind the ears.
- Wirehaired: The "wild child" look. They have a beard and eyebrows. They need "stripping" (plucking dead hair) a couple of times a year to keep the coat texture correct.
Actually, regardless of the coat, you need to watch their ears. Because they’re long and floppy, they don't get much airflow. This makes them a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. A quick wipe-out once a week with a vet-approved cleaner will save you a lot of money in ear infection treatments.
The Exercise Paradox
People think because they have short legs, they don’t need to walk. Wrong.
A bored dachshund is a destructive dachshund. They are prone to digging—it's literally in their name (dachs means badger, hund means dog). If you don't give them a controlled outlet for that energy, they will "dig" a hole through your expensive rug or your flower beds.
They need about 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise a day. This keeps their muscles strong, which—surprise, surprise—actually helps support their spine. Just avoid high-impact stuff. No frisbee, no jumping hurdles, and no "standing up" on their hind legs to beg for food. It looks cute, but it’s terrible for their back.
Common Misconceptions About the Breed
People often think dachshunds are mean. They have a reputation for being "nippy."
Is it true? Sorta.
A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science actually ranked dachshunds as one of the breeds most likely to show aggression toward both strangers and other dogs. But context is everything. Most of this "aggression" is actually fear or territoriality. They are fiercely loyal to their "person." If a stranger reaches down to pet them without warning, a dachshund might react because they feel vulnerable being so low to the ground. Socialization is huge. You have to introduce them to everything—trucks, kids, umbrellas, cats—before they’re 16 weeks old.
Another myth: "They’re impossible to housebreak."
Okay, this one is actually kind of true. They’re notoriously stubborn about potty training, especially if it’s raining outside. Dachshunds hate getting their bellies wet. If it’s drizzling, your black and tan friend might decide that the corner of the dining room is a much better bathroom than the wet grass. Consistency is the only cure. And maybe a very small doggy raincoat.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Don’t buy a puppy from a pet store or a random Craigslist ad. Just don’t.
Because of their popularity, dachshunds are a primary target for puppy mills. When you buy a "budget" puppy, you’re often buying a lifetime of health issues. Look for breeders who perform health screenings, specifically for IVDD (though there is no definitive DNA test for it yet, they can screen for calcifications) and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which causes blindness.
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A good breeder will ask you more questions than you ask them. They’ll want to know if you have stairs in your house and if you understand the commitment. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 for a well-bred black and tan dachshund. It sounds like a lot, but it’s cheaper than the vet bills for a poorly bred one.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Honestly, the black and tan dachshund is a lifestyle choice.
You’re committing to a dog that will talk back to you, steal your spot on the couch the second you stand up, and probably bark at the mailman for the next fifteen years. They are intensely affectionate, often insisting on sleeping under the covers right against your legs. They’re "velcro dogs" in the truest sense.
If you want a dog that obeys every command and lives to please you, get a Lab. But if you want a dog with a massive personality, a sharp mind, and a look that never goes out of style, the black and tan is hard to beat.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
- Invest in Pet Insurance: Do this the day you bring them home. You want a policy that covers hereditary conditions and specifically mentions IVDD.
- The "Two-Hand" Rule: Teach everyone in your house that this dog must always be picked up with two hands—one under the chest, one under the rump.
- Floor-Level Living: Buy a few "snuffle mats." Since these dogs are scent-obsessed, letting them "hunt" for their kibble in a mat is a great way to burn mental energy without stressing their joints.
- Join a Community: Look for local "Doxie meetups." Dachshunds actually seem to recognize their own kind and often play better with other low-riders than they do with big dogs.
- Watch the Weight: If you can't easily feel your dog's ribs, they're too heavy. Cut back on the treats immediately. Their life literally depends on it.