Dachshunds are among the most endearing dog breeds with coat colors, patterns, and markings as unique as their personalities. If you’ve ever asked around for a Dachshie with one of the most distinctive coats, you’ve probably bumped into the term Isabella Dachshund. That brings us to today’s question, “What is an Isabella Dachshund?”
An Isabella Dachshund is a regular Dachshie with a unique fawn-colored coat. The coat color occurs when puppies inherit a recessive gene from both parents that dilutes the chocolate hue on their fur. Isabella Dachshies often have fawn coats with some exhibit of cream, yellowish, or tan points.
Keep reading to learn more about Isabella Dachshunds. We will discuss what causes their fawn coat color and outline some of the health concerns prone to these dogs.
What Does Isabella Mean in a Dachshund?
An Isabella in a Dachshund is the fawn (also known as Isabella) coat coloration. Breeders achieve puppies with this unique color by selectively breeding Dachsies with the Isabella gene. Affected puppies start out as brown, and their coat colors fade to light brown as they mature.
Isabella Dachshunds, known as lilac dogs in breeds like the Australian shepherd and French bulldog, are fawn-colored dogs. They have the same endearing traits as regular Dachshies, only that they have a unique light-brown coat caused by inheriting the recessive Isabella gene from both parents.
The Isabella gene can be present in a Dachshund irrespective of its coat type.
You can find smooth, longhaired, or even wirehaired Isabella Dachshies.
Breeders can even pair an Isabella Dachshund with a dapple or Merle Dachshund to create puppies whose coat aesthetics are a complete marvel.
Isabella Dachshunds are fashionable and rare. Whether they make ideal pets depends on whether you’re willing to compromise health for aesthetics.
Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to more health issues than regular Doxies.
The American Kennel Club recognizes Isabella as a Dachshund breed. However, other organizations, including the UK Kennel Club, frown upon the dogs and even consider them “highly undesirable” because of the health concerns typically allied with the unique coat color.
Find Out: What Is a Dapple Dachshund? The Ultimate Guide
How Does An Isabella Dachshund Look Like?
Isabella Dachshunds have the same physical attributes and temperaments as regular Dachshunds. They have short legs and long, low-slung bodies and are best known for being alert, affectionate, and intelligent. Their light brown or fawn coat color is the only trait that sets them apart.
Purebred Dachshunds are some of the most colorful breeds available in 12 coat colors and color combinations.
The American Kennel Club recognizes three alternate colors, one of which is fawn, also known as Isabella.
At a glance, Isabella Dachshunds look just like their regular counterparts. However, their coats set them apart because of the unique fawn color achieved by breeding two Dachshies that carry the coat dilution gene. Additionally, these dogs have points on their bodies with cream, tan, or yellowish fur.
It’s worth mentioning that Isabella Dachshunds are a marvel to gaze at. They have unique eye colors ranging from dilute hazel to a dilute grayish green. Their nails and noses look “washed out” and often appear light brown, pinkish chocolate, or gray.
How Are Isabella Dachshunds Bred?
Isabella Dachshunds are bred by mating Dachshies with the dilution gene (Isabella gene). This gene is dominant and can be passed down to the puppies even if the parents don’t show it. Chocolate-furred puppies that inherit two copies of the dilution gene turn fawn within the first few weeks of life.
Coat coloration in Dachshunds is controlled by different genes, some of which exist in more than one version. Breeders who understand how these genes interact and work together have the power to manipulate and predict the coat colors, patterns, and markings of their puppies.
Experts selectively breed chocolate-colored Dachshunds with the dilution gene to get Isabella puppies.
The recessive dilution gene doesn’t have to show on the coat colors of the parent dogs. However, breeders can unveil its presence through genetic tests.
Both parent dogs must have at least one copy of the recessive dilution gene for a breeder to achieve a litter of Isabella puppies. The resulting puppies may be genetically chocolate, but the dilution gene overrides the base color and dilutes it to a light brown or fawn color with cream, tan, or yellow points.
Find Out: What Were Dachshunds Originally Bred For? 3 Important Features
Common Isabella Dachshund Health Problems
Recently, Dachshund lovers have been going nuts, spending crazy amounts on “rare” dogs. Unfortunately, some folks snapping up the “rare Dachshunds on sale” have no idea what they’re spending top-dollar on.
They only discover their dog’s health issues once they spend fortunes on vet fees.
It’s worth noting that reputable breeders consider the health and welfare of the dogs they breed. Unlike puppy mills, they dedicate much time and effort to breeding “quality” dogs and rarely have Isabella Dachshunds in stock.
Ethically bred Isabella Dachshunds, just like their regular counterparts, are relatively healthy and enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 16 years with proper care.
That said, the following are the common Isabella Dachshund health problems:
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)
Ironically, one of the common health issues prone to Isabella Dachshunds is directly related to its appealing coat.
The Isabella gene causes color dilution and increases the risk of color dilution alopecia (CDA), also known as color mutant alopecia.
Like blue Dachshunds, the Isabella Doxie is selectively bred mainly for aesthetics. Although gorgeous, inheriting two copies of the dilute gene often has harmful side effects and leaves dogs in immense pain, especially later in life.
Therefore, if you want an Isabella Dachshund, you must brace for the possibility of your dog having some skin problems.
Color dilution alopecia has no cure. The symptoms of the concern typically begin during late puppyhood or young adulthood.
Unfortunately, Isabella Dachshies are far more likely to suffer from CDA than their regular counterparts.
Here are the signs of color dilution alopecia in Isabella Dachshunds:
- Rough coat
- Brittle, broken, thin, or weak hair follicles
- Hair loss and bald spots
- Thinning of the skin
- Extremely dry skin prone to sunburns
CDA causes immense pain, skin sensitivity, and folliculitis. Unfortunately, the Isabella gene weakens a dog’s base color while thinning its skin and hair shafts. This increases the risk of the following skin issues:
- Dermatitis
- Recurring secondary skin infections
- Skin cancer
Management of Color Dilution Alopecia in Isabella Dachshunds
Experts suggest that the degree of color dilution in Isabella Dachshunds directly influences the severity of their CDA. The ideal course of managing the concern depends on the symptoms presented.
CDA is progressive and incurable. However, you can take some palliative measures early on in the course of the disease.
A qualified vet can devise a management plan to help stimulate new hair growth and keep secondary infections at bay.
Here are some ways to manage color dilution alopecia in Isabella Dachshunds:
- Shampoos and topical ointments to provide relief from itchy and dry skin
- Moisturizing rinses to prevent scaly skin
- Antibiotics to treat any present bacterial infections
- Topical or oral synthetic retinoids to ease severe scaling
- Systematic antimicrobial therapy to treat folliculitis
- Dietary supplements rich in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids
Color dilution alopecia is expensive to treat. Most importantly, it causes immeasurable pain while increasing the odds of your dog nursing other skin-related issues.
Although some Isabella Dachshunds enjoy gorgeous coats throughout their lives, the risk of developing CDA is real and one you must embrace before adopting these pups.
Furthermore, owning an Isabella Dachshund increases the need to invest in a comprehensive pet insurance plan. Shop around for a policy that covers the cost of genetic-based ailments to help cushion you from unexpected vet bills in case your pet develops coat issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Breed Two Isabella Dachshunds?
Breeding two Isabella Dachshunds results in puppies with severe color dilution alopecia. Although you will achieve an extra “fancy” coat color, it won’t be long before the nasty effects of unethical breeding start to show.
CDA is incurable, and managing it can attract costly vet bills. Unfortunately, the affected dogs have to nurse coat problems for a lifetime.
Therefore, breeding two Isabella Dachshunds is an irresponsible practice upheld only by breeders who don’t have the best interests of their puppies or clients in mind.
Do All Isabella Dachshunds Have Color Dilution Alopecia?
Not all Isabella Dachshunds have color dilution alopecia. However, this concern is caused by the color dilution gene present in Isabella dogs. These dogs are likelier to develop CDA or related skin issues than regular Dachshies.
It is worth noting that most dogs don’t show the signs of CDA during early puppyhood. The concern often strikes at 9 to 12 months of age, and some dogs take as long as three years to show any signs.
Do Isabella Dachshunds Make Good Family Pets?
Isabella Dachshunds make good family pets. Like their regular counterparts, they are curious, charming, brave, loyal, protective, and lively. They are also quick to adapt to different settings and don’t mind apartment living, provided you offer them a sufficient dose of daily physical and mental stimulation.
Do you want maximum chances of adopting an Isabella Dachshund that will not break your heart and bank with endless health issues? It’s as simple as ensuring you purchase a puppy from an ethical breeder. Moreover, ask for the health clearances of the parent dogs before taking your pup home.
So, What Is an Isabella Dachshund?
The question, “What is an Isabella dachshund?” is common among curious canine parents for a good reason. These Dachsies have unique and captivating hues on their coats, sure to capture anyone’s attention.
Although their unique genetics and striking appearance make them one-of-a-kind companions, they’re prone to color dilution alopecia. Therefore, before adopting an Isabella Dachshund, ensure you have enough budget for constant vet visits and medications.
