The Dachshund is one of the most diverse dog breeds when it comes to coat color. There are 15 Dachshund colors listed by the American Kennel Club—12 of which are standard colors. One of these colors is cream, though this color in itself is also pretty diverse.
Cream Dachshunds can be either completely cream (English Cream or American Cream) or cream combined with another color like black, blue, chocolate, or fawn. You can also get creams in various shades and markings, including shaded cream and clear cream.
Breed Overview
Height:
14 to 19 inches (standard); 12 to 15 inches (miniature)
Weight:
16 to 32 pounds (standard); under 11 pounds (miniature)
Lifespan:
12 to 16 years
Colors:
Solid red, black, and tan, red and tan, merle
Suitable for:
Families with older children
Temperament:
Devoted, playful, curious
English Cream Dachshunds—longhaired cream-colored Dachshunds with very soft coats—which were bred in only a few select kennel clubs in the UK are considered a very exclusive type of Dachshund. Only select breeders produce true English Cream Dachshunds. Another kind of cream Dachshund is the American Cream Dachshund, which is light red in color.
In this post, we’ll explore the Dachshund’s rich and intriguing history and share some unique facts about Cream Dachshunds.
Dachshund Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Long-Haired Cream Dachshunds in History
The sweet “sausage dogs” we know today descended from German burrowing dogs that were around in the Middle Ages. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Dachshunds were being developed into badger-hunting dogs that would become constant companions to foresters and hunters.
Though small in size, the Dachshund proved to be an almighty foe against this large animal that doesn’t hesitate to fight tooth and nail for life when cornered. Their “sausage-like” bodies made it easy for them to get down burrows and a long ribcage helped protect their vital organs.
Dachshunds also have strong underjaws and teeth larger than you’d expect, which helped these brave little dogs survive in the battle for badgers. Miniature Dachshunds were developed to hunt rabbits.
How Long-Haired Cream Dachshunds Gained Popularity
Though it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly when and how cream Dachshunds specifically became popular, we know that Dachshunds were already popular companion dogs in Germany and elsewhere prior to World War I. In the 19th century, high-profile figures, including Queen Victoria, were becoming Dachshund aficionados, which helped bring them into the public eye.
However, when the war broke out, Dachshunds greatly decreased in popularity in the US particularly as they came to be viewed as a symbol of the enemy. Some poor Dachshunds were even killed by angry mobs and their owners were verbally and physically attacked.
In spite of this, Dachshunds served in the US military in WWII as mine-detection dogs. As the animosity towards Dachshunds post-war died down, their popularity increased again. In addition to Queen Victoria, famous Dachshund owners have included Andy Warhol, David Bowie, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and John F. Kennedy.
Formal Recognition of the Long-Haired Cream Dachshund
The American Kennel Club formally recognized Dachshunds in 1885. The breed standard accepts 12 coat colors including cream and various combinations of cream and other colors. Accepted Dachshund coat types are smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired.
According to the AKC’s breed standard, long-haired Dachshunds must have “sleek” and “glistening” coats and the hair should be longer under the neck and on the underside, ears, and behind the legs, and also on the front of the chest.
The American Kennel Club recognizes two kinds of Dachshund—miniature and standard. However, there is a third type of Dachshund—the Kaninchen (rabbit) Dachshund—though the AKC does not recognize this type. The FCI does, however, include Rabbit Dachshunds in its standard.
Top 4 Unique Facts About Long-Haired Cream Dachshunds
1. True English Cream Dachshunds Are Rare
Though there are true English Cream breeders, they’re quite few and far between. Only a few breeders can produce dogs with real British heritage. English Cream breeders tend to charge a hefty fee for the privilege of taking home such an exclusive type of dog—around $4,500 to be more precise.
2. English Cream Dachshunds Can Be Shaded or Clear
You can get English Cream Dachshunds with dark shading on the tips of their tails and ears. There are also clear English Creams, which do not have shading.
3. American Creams Are Sometimes Mistaken for English Creams
The difference between American Creams and English Creams is that American Creams have a reddish tone to their coats that English Creams do not have. The older American Creams get, the redder their coats will become—when born, their coats are very light, which is why it can be hard to tell the difference. However, if you notice a distinctive red undertone as your puppy grows up, they’re an American Cream.
4. Shaded Cream Dachshunds Are Dark at Birth
Shaded English Cream Dachshunds have cream-colored coats that can range from white cream to golden cream in tone. However, shaded creams are very dark at birth, appearing almost black.
Does a Long-Haired Cream Dachshund Make a Good Pet?
According to reputable breeders, English Cream Dachshunds are generally calmer and more chilled-out than Dachshunds of other colors. They’re also said to be less stubborn—a trait commonly associated with Dachshunds—and, in all, make wonderful companion dogs and steady pack leaders.
That said, Dachshunds in all colors and sizes are excellent companion dogs due to their spirited, friendly, and loving natures. They’re known for being rather vocal dogs, so be sure to bear this in mind when deciding whether to get a Dachshund. This isn’t to say that every Dachshund will vocalize a lot, but it appears to be a common breed trait due to their history as hunting dogs.
Conclusion
Dachshund coat colors are so diverse that even a single color can come in various shades and have a wide number of possible color combinations or markings, and cream Dachshunds are no different! This diversity is part of what makes Dachshunds so special and fascinating. If you’re considering welcoming a Dachshund into your home, it’s always worth considering adopting one from a rescue organization.
Featured Image Credit: Valeria Head, Shutterstock
