You guys seem very knowledgeable about doxies. Can anybody tell me about pie balds and dapples. Their origins, and also I have heard that they often are very unhealthy. I think they are very unique but..............
Anyone care to enlighten me?
I have a good friend in Missouri that is in Dachshund Rescue of North America and I'm sure she'd beable to help you. Her name is Sue Shumard and her e-mail is buttercup64836@yahoo.com.I know for a fact she will help you in anyway she can.
Porky is a Piebald dachshund so I might be a little help. I'm sure you know the coloring of a Piebald, so I won't bore you with that. As far as the major health problems, like hearing problems, back problems, blindness, cataracts, etc..., Porky has none. He has always been very healthy and vibrant. He hears very well and his sight and smell are excellent as well. He is young so we have yet to encounter any back problems, but neither his parents or grandparents had any back problems so we are thinking he'll be okay as long as we are careful. :xfinger: At least we hope. He does have allergies (neither of his parents or grandparents did) and frequent ear infections. He usually has two major allergy issues a year, (this year has been bas however!) and they are usually food related. His ear infections are usually minor and go away without anti-biotic treatment.
So far our experience with owning a Piebald has shown us that he has no uncommon health problems that other dachshunds don't experience. In fact, Porky has been much healthier than other dachshunds we know. As long as they are bred correctly and knowledgably there should be no problem with the Piebalds.
As I said, Porky is my first Piebald, so I'm not the most knowledgable on the subject. I'm sure there are others who are far more knowledgable than me. I hope this helps you out a little bit. Feel free to ask me questions and I'll try to answer them if I can. Sue Shumard is VERY smart and would definately be able to give you tons of info about the breed so you might email her too.
Hi,
Our Dottie is a piebald and our first with that coat. She was an AKC breeder dog and had 7 litters of puppies in her first 8 years (she'll be 9 at Christmas). Her back is strong and she has no knowm medical issues at this time. Judy is a dapple; but, is young and healthy. Who knows what the future will bring...
Many of the problems you mentioned are found in dachshunds, beagles and other "hounds". Backyard breeders have increased the probability of genetic probelms by inbreeding for popular characteristics like color or size.
Our Cocoa had thyroid problems and seizures most of her 16 years. She was a chocolate smoothie. Ladybug survived a mini-stroke and lived to 14 years. She was a long-haired black and tan. Bambam was a mini red and Patches is a mini brindle. Both old smooth guys went deaf at about 12 years old.
The only thing I can suggest is a reputable breeder with a long history of strong and healthy broodstock. And, that's not a guarantee! We've had great luck with our "rescues" and who know where they came from!
Good luck!
Dianne
I agree with Dianne.... if you are going to get a puppy be sure and find a very reputable (sorry spelling is not my strong point!) breeder. I had a sad experience with a mill breeder once. The girls I have now came from a TERRIFIC breeder I found through the Greater Washington DC Dachshund Club and she does not even advertise! I was really lucky! Over the years My Mom and I have really learned to reaserch and learn! She with Scotties and I with Weenies! Sometimes too it is just the luck of genetics too. Who knows :confused: I haved loved all 25 years spent with long dogs and counting and it is still a learning time! and it's late & I ramble! :chairfall:
http://www.12many.com/duchwood/colorpat.html
Maybe this will help
In my expirence my first double dapple was Tofu and he has no vision or hearing problems but he has terrilbe teeth and has had a couple of light seizures and a concussion. Of course that was from running into Siggy's hard head.
My other two double dapple foster Sully was mostly blind but could hear and Radar was almost completely blind and deaf.
My first piebald foster was Rusty Pumpkin, he came here at four months and has been sickly since arriving hence the reason he's still here.
He first had a cough that would go away that delayed neutering. The he sprang one of his legs at two different times. He's also suffered two concussions.
You can see pictures of all the pups below.
http://www.picturetrail.com/shumard4
Hope this helps