Long Haired Piebald Dachshund Puppies for Sale
Everything you need to know before buying a long haired piebald Dachshund puppy — from understanding the piebald pattern and health risks to choosing a responsible breeder and preparing for life with this charming, stubborn, and loving breed.
Searching for long haired piebald Dachshund puppies for sale puts you in a unique position. You already know what you want — a small dog with a big personality, a silky coat, and a striking patterned appearance that turns heads. What you likely need now is the information that separates a happy, healthy puppy purchase from a heartbreaking one.
The piebald pattern is beautiful, but it also carries specific genetic considerations. The long coat requires dedicated grooming. And the Dachshund breed itself, regardless of color or coat, demands a committed owner who understands spinal health and stubborn charm. This guide covers all of it, so you can buy with confidence.
What Is a Long Haired Piebald Dachshund?
A piebald Dachshund has large, clearly defined patches of white on its coat, usually alongside a solid base color such as red, black and tan, or chocolate. The piebald pattern is recognized by the AKC as an acceptable Dachshund pattern [citation:11]. It is different from dapple (the Dachshund equivalent of merle), which creates mottled, irregular spots rather than large white patches [citation:7].
The long haired variety is one of three coat types in the breed, alongside smooth and wirehaired. Long haired Dachshunds are known for their soft, slightly wavy coats and are sometimes described as calmer than their smooth-coated counterparts, though individual temperament varies widely [citation:16].
Piebald vs. Dapple: Know the Difference
Piebald produces large areas of white, often with a solid-colored head or patches. Dapple (merle) creates lighter mottled spots throughout the coat and can affect eye color. The two patterns are genetically distinct. Some puppies are both piebald and dapple, which is called piebald dapple. If you see a puppy advertised as "piebald dapple," ask the breeder to clarify the parents' patterns and whether any double-merle breeding occurred.
If you are comparing coat varieties, our guide to long haired wiener dog puppies covers the broader long coat category. For a deeper look at piebald specifically, see the long haired speckled Dachshund overview.
Appearance & Temperament
Size & Build
Dachshunds come in two sizes. Standard Dachshunds weigh 16–32 pounds. Miniatures are 11 pounds and under at maturity [citation:2][citation:11]. Both sizes share the breed's signature long body, short legs, and robust muscular development.
The Piebald Pattern
A well-marked piebald puppy has a solid-colored head and a body with large, clearly defined white areas. The base color can be red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, or cream. As the puppy matures, the pattern may shift slightly, and some white areas can develop small ticking (freckling), which is normal [citation:10].
Temperament
Dachshunds are clever, lively, and courageous. They are affectionate with their families but can be stubborn and independent — a legacy of their hunting heritage [citation:2][citation:11]. They often bond closely with one person and can be territorial. Early socialization and positive training are essential to prevent excessive barking and reactivity.
Is a Long Haired Piebald Right for You?
This is not a low-maintenance dog. Consider carefully:
- Grooming: The long coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats.
- Spine care: Dachshunds must avoid repeated jumping and stair climbing to reduce IVDD risk.
- Training: Their stubborn streak means training requires patience and consistency, not harsh corrections.
- Companionship: They are not suited to being left alone all day and may develop separation anxiety.
- Space: They adapt well to apartments but still need daily walks and mental stimulation.
If you are still exploring small breeds, see our list of low-maintenance small dogs for first-time owners — though be aware that Dachshunds do not typically rank as low-maintenance.
Health Risks You Must Know
Every Dachshund carries breed-specific health risks, but the piebald pattern adds considerations that responsible buyers should understand before committing.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD is the most significant health concern for Dachshunds by a wide margin. As many as 25% of Dachshunds develop IVDD in their lifetime [citation:2]. The condition occurs when spinal discs bulge or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. Signs range from back pain and reluctance to move to paralysis. Keeping your Dachshund lean is the single most impactful preventive measure, because excess weight directly increases spinal stress [citation:2].
Piebald-Specific Concerns
Piebald Dachshunds with extensive white coloring may face elevated risks. Some experts note that piebalds with large white patches are more prone to certain health conditions, including congenital deafness and eye issues [citation:17]. This risk is heightened when piebald dogs are bred to each other or when double-merle (double-dapple) breeding occurs. A responsible breeder will never pair two piebald dogs or two dapple dogs, and should be transparent about the patterns in the puppy's pedigree.
Ask About BAER Testing
BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing screens for congenital deafness. If the puppy's parents carry piebald or dapple patterns, ask whether BAER testing has been performed on the parents or the litter. A breeder who is knowledgeable about piebald genetics will have an answer ready.
Other Breed Health Considerations
- Obesity: Dachshunds gain weight easily, and even a few extra pounds strain the spine and joints [citation:2].
- Luxating patella: Kneecap dislocation is common in small breeds and can cause lameness [citation:2].
- Dental disease: Small mouths mean crowded teeth and higher risk of periodontal disease. Daily brushing is essential [citation:2].
- Epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy appears in the breed, typically between ages one and five [citation:2].
- Eye conditions: Cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy can affect Dachshunds as they age [citation:2].
For general breed health resources, see our guide to the healthiest dog breeds and learn about genetic testing for dog breeds.
Choosing a Responsible Breeder
This is the most important decision you will make. The difference between a well-bred puppy and a poorly bred one can mean years of veterinary bills, behavioral struggles, and heartbreak.
What a Good Breeder Does
- Health-tests breeding dogs for IVDD history, patella evaluation, eye exams, and relevant genetic conditions [citation:18].
- Raises puppies in the home, not in a kennel or outbuilding, and socializes them with household sounds and gentle handling [citation:18].
- Allows you to meet the mother (and preferably the father) and see where the puppies were born and raised [citation:8].
- Asks you detailed questions about your home, lifestyle, experience with dogs, and plans for the puppy's care [citation:4].
- Provides a written contract with a health guarantee, vaccination records, deworming history, and feeding guidance [citation:18].
- Is a member of a breed club or registry and follows a code of ethics [citation:8].
- Offers lifetime support and wants to stay in contact about the puppy's progress.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- Breeder refuses to let you visit the premises or meet the mother.
- Puppies are available in multiple breeds or always available year-round.
- No health testing documentation, or vague answers about genetic history.
- Pressure to pay a deposit before meeting the puppy.
- Breeder agrees to ship the puppy sight unseen or meet in a parking lot.
- Puppy appears lethargic, has runny eyes or nose, or lives in unsanitary conditions [citation:13].
Learn more about identifying red flags of a bad dog breeder and the difference between a puppy mill and a reputable breeder. Our puppy visit checklist will help you evaluate a litter in person, and the breeder contract guide explains what your paperwork should include.
If you are open to adoption, consider looking for a rescue dog — Dachshund rescues exist in many regions and sometimes have puppies or young adults available.
Grooming the Long Coat
The long haired Dachshund's coat is soft and silky, but it tangles easily, especially behind the ears, under the front legs, and on the belly. Compared to smooth and wirehaired varieties, long haired Dachshunds require more frequent grooming [citation:1].
- Brushing: Several times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb. Pay special attention to areas where friction causes mats.
- Bathing: Every few weeks or as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Over-bathing can dry the skin.
- Nails: Trim every 2–4 weeks. Long nails affect gait and add stress to the spine.
- Ears: Check weekly and clean gently with a vet-approved cleaner. Floppy ears trap moisture and debris.
- Dental care: Brush teeth daily if possible. Dental disease is common in small breeds and affects overall health [citation:2].
For products to help with coat care, browse our recommendations for dog brushes and dog shampoo. A dog dryer can be useful for long-coated breeds after bathing.
Puppy Care & Training
Bringing Your Puppy Home
Before your puppy arrives, prepare a safe space with a crate, bed, food and water bowls, and puppy-proofing. Our puppy supplies checklist covers everything you need. The first nights can be challenging — see our guide on surviving the first night with a puppy and stopping puppy crying in the crate.
Training Foundations
Dachshunds are intelligent but independent. Positive reinforcement works far better than harsh corrections, which can damage trust with this sensitive breed [citation:2]. Start with crate training, potty training, and basic commands like sit and come. Recall training is especially important — a Dachshund on a scent trail may ignore you entirely [citation:2].
Keep training sessions short and reward generously. For step-by-step guidance, see our resources on teaching sit, teaching come, and puppy basic commands.
Protecting the Spine
Dachshund puppies should not jump on and off furniture or navigate stairs excessively while growing. Use ramps or steps where possible, and discourage jumping. Adult Dachshunds benefit from controlled exercise that builds muscle without stressing the back. Swimming is excellent if your dog enjoys water. Our guide to dog steps can help make your home safer for a long-backed breed.
Feeding & Weight Management
Feed a high-quality puppy food appropriate for small breeds, and transition to adult food as recommended by your vet. Measure portions carefully — Dachshunds are prone to obesity, and even slight overweight significantly increases IVDD risk [citation:2]. Avoid free-feeding and limit treats. For food options, see our recommendations for puppy food and dog food guide.
Vaccinations & Vet Care
Follow your veterinarian's vaccination schedule. Puppies need a series of vaccines starting around 6–8 weeks, with boosters until 16–20 weeks. Schedule a wellness exam within 72 hours of bringing your puppy home, as recommended by the AKC [citation:11]. Learn more in our puppy vaccination schedule.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Bring this list to every breeder conversation. A good breeder will welcome these questions and answer them thoroughly.
- What health tests have the parents had? Look for IVDD history, patella evaluation, eye exams, and genetic testing. Ask to see documentation.
- Can I meet the mother? The mother's temperament tells you a lot about the puppy's likely disposition.
- Where were the puppies raised? Puppies should be raised in a home environment with normal household sounds and handling.
- What are the parents' coat patterns? If both parents are piebald or dapple, ask about the risks of double-merle breeding. Responsible breeders avoid this pairing.
- What vaccinations and deworming has the puppy had? Get specific dates and product names.
- What does your health guarantee cover? Understand what is covered, for how long, and what happens if a genetic condition appears.
- What food is the puppy eating? Get a few days' supply to transition smoothly.
- Will you take the puppy back if I can no longer care for it? A responsible breeder will always want their dogs back rather than see them end up in a shelter.
Our guide on questions to ask a dog breeder expands on these points, and the how to choose a puppy from a breeder article helps you evaluate individual puppies within a litter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Puppy?
A long haired piebald Dachshund is a beautiful, characterful companion — but the purchase decision matters more than the pattern. Prioritize health testing, meet the parents, visit the breeder's home, and walk away from anything that feels rushed or secretive. The right breeder will be as interested in you as you are in their puppy. When you find that match, you are not just buying a dog; you are starting a 12–16 year relationship with a loyal, stubborn, and deeply affectionate family member.
If you are also considering other long-haired small breeds, our guides on miniature long haired Chihuahua puppies and long haired teacup Chihuahua puppies may help with your research.