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Do you love the short and sturdy appearance of a Dachshund but would prefer one with a light cream coat instead of the standard black and tan? If so, the English cream Dachshund may be the dog for you.
These dogs have all of the wonderful characteristics of a regular Dachshund, but with a beautiful light cream fur coat.
This post will cover everything you need to know about the English cream Dachshund – from its physical traits and genetic makeup to its temperament and health concerns.
We will also discuss how much these dogs cost and where to find them.
So without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is An English Cream Dachshund?
An English cream Dachshund is simply a unique coat type of the Doxie breed we all know and love. However, the English cream coat type is much rarer and more expensive than other coat types because of their lineage.
There are two different types of English cream dachshund, clear cream and shaded cream.
As their name suggests, they were developed in the UK and have the chinchilla gene, which gives them this beautiful color.
However, as time goes on and true English cream Dachshunds are bred with other Dachshunds, pure English cream Doxies are becoming more rare.
This further makes a true English cream Dachshund even more of a prized companion and come with a higher price.
The 2 Different Types Of English Cream Dachshund
The two different types of English cream Dachshund have a very close genetic makeup, but they couldn’t look more different when they’re born.
This is because shaded English cream Dachshunds are born with an almost 100% black coat that lightens as they get older. And clear English cream Dachshunds are an extremely light cream that slightly darkens as they age.
Let’s take a look at their major and minor differences.
Clear Cream
When they’re born, clear cream English cream Dachshunds have an almost white, extremely light coat. And as they age, this coat will slightly darken to a beautiful light cream color.
They won’t have any other colors mixed into their coat. The darker portions of their fur are clearly different shades of cream, which is why they are called “clear” cream.
Shaded Cream
When they’re born, shaded English cream Dachshunds have an almost entirely black/dark brown coat. However, as they age, the black portions of their fur will slowly lighten to a beautiful cream color.
Their ears and tails are the only areas that remain a mix of faded black and cream.
Because of this, they are often misunderstood as sable Dachshunds. But the difference between a sable and a shaded cream is that sables have black tipping in each hair follicle.
Whereas shaded creams only have black coloring on their ears and tail.
English Cream Dachshund Coat Genetics: How Do You Make An English Cream Dachshund?
Now that we know the two different types of English cream Dachshund let’s look at how they are made.
All Dachshunds have the same base coat color genes. But what makes an English cream Dachshund is the chinchilla gene.
This is a rare gene that is only found in a small percentage of dogs. And it’s what gives the English cream Dachshund its beautiful light cream coat.
Interestingly, the difference (on a genetic level) between clear cream and shaded cream Dachshunds is whether or not they have a dominant or recessive red gene.
When two chinchilla genes are present in a puppy, they can overwrite the dog’s dominant red gene. When this happens, they’ll be born with an almost completely dark brown/black coat that eventually turns into a shaded cream.
But when clear English cream Dachshunds are born, their chinchilla genes alter a recessive red gene (not a dominant one). Which gives them their extremely light coat at birth that eventually darkens to their lovely cream color.
What Is a True English Cream Dachshund?
The only way to identify a true English cream Dachshund is by their pedigree.
While they have unique physical features that can give clues to whether they are a true English cream Dachshund, deciding based on appearance is simply an educated guess.
With that being said, here are a few features only a true English cream Dachshund would have:
- They will have no red undertones. They maintain a very light cream color with only a yellow undertone. Some compare it to an eggshell color.
- They can only be born with long hair. Short and wire-haired Dachshunds are not able to be true English creams.
- No matter their age, they keep their distinct cream color.
- They have black nails, a black nose, and brown eyes.
Again, this isn’t the most accurate way of determining whether a Dachshund is a true English cream. Even the most trained eye can make a mistake. Also, an unethical breeder can mislead/lie in order to command a higher price for their puppy.
This is why getting a DNA test kit is the best way to determine whether a Doxie is a true English cream or not.
They are becoming increasingly more affordable and allow you to determine if a Dachshund has pure English lineage. Any other forms of attempting to identify if a Dachshund is a true English cream are merely educated guesses.
English Cream Dachshund Vs. American Cream Dachshund
The biggest and most obvious difference between English cream and American cream Dachshunds is their coat color.
While they are both called “cream” Dachshunds, American cream Doxies have much more pronounced red in their coat as they age.
When they are newly born puppies, shaded cream and American cream Dachshunds are easily distinguishable. As mentioned earlier, shaded creams will be almost black, whereas American cream Doxies will be very light when born.
However, so are clear English cream Dachshunds. This means the only two ways to tell them apart are to get a DNA test or wait several weeks to see how their coat color matures.
American cream Dachshunds will develop a more red undertone to their coat, while English creams will stay a light blonde/eggshell color.
English Cream Dachshund Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
Because true English cream Dachshunds only come in miniature size, they will typically only weigh between 11 pounds, max.
And they will usually stand no taller than 5-6 inches at the shoulder. But keep in mind that these are generalizations. Some may weigh less, while others may be on the larger side (but still within the miniature height limits).
Shedding & Grooming
Despite their long, luscious coats, English cream Dachshunds are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Their coat is dense but not too thick, which means tangles and mats aren’t a common occurrence. A good brushing once or twice a week should suffice in keeping their coat healthy and free of knots.
As for shedding, they will lose hair like any other dog. But because their coat is so light, it isn’t as noticeable as it would be with a darker colored dog.
When it comes to the other areas of grooming, they need a similar amount of attention as other dogs.
They should have a bath every 8-12 weeks (or as needed), have their nails trimmed and ears cleaned roughly once a month, and their teeth brushed a few times per week.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
No, English cream Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic.
This is because they still shed hair and produce dander (dead skin cells), both of which can trigger allergies in people with sensitivities.
However, they do tend to lose less hair than other dogs.
Ears & Tail
Like all Dachshunds, English creams have long, floppy ears that are low set on their head.
They also have a long, slender tail that tapers to a point.
Both their ears and tail are covered in the same long, silky hair as the rest of their bodies.
Eye Color
They typically have deep, dark brown eyes that almost appear black. But you may also find some with lighter brown or amber colored eyes.
Their eyes are usually a beautiful contrast to their creamy colored coat.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of an English cream Dachshund is between 12-16 years.
This is on par with the average lifespan of other miniature Dachshunds and slightly longer than that of the standard size.
Common Health Issues
Like all dogs, English cream Dachshunds are susceptible to certain health problems.
The most common include:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – Unfortunately, their unique body type makes dachshunds susceptible to a condition called IVDD. IVDD is a degenerative disorder of the spine in which the discs between the vertebrae begin to break down. This can cause the discs to herniate, putting pressure on the spinal cord and leading to pain, weakness, and even paralysis.
- Cushing’s disease – Cushing’s disease is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased appetite, urinating more often, and weight gain.
- Diabetes – Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage. Unfortunately, diabetes is a relatively common condition in dachshunds. The exact cause is unknown, but the condition is thought to be linked to diet, genetics, and obesity.
- Epilepsy – Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, head trauma, and brain tumors.
While these are the more common health problems faced by English cream Dachshunds, they are not guaranteed to have them.
As with any dog, it’s important to keep up with their routine vet check-ups and screenings to help catch any potential health problems early.
Trainability & Intelligence
English cream Dachshunds are relatively intelligent dogs. However, their independent nature can make them stubborn and challenging to train for first-time dog owners.
The key to training a dachshund is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Like all dogs, they respond best to rewards-based training methods that use treats or praise as motivation.
They can be challenging to potty train, so crate training is often recommended.
This method involves confining your dog to a small space (their crate) when you can’t watch them closely. This will help prevent accidents and make it easier to house train them.
Dachshunds, in general, are also notorious for their chewing habits. They love to chew on anything and everything they can get their teeth on, from shoes and furniture to pillows.
To help prevent destructive chewing, it’s important to provide them with plenty of chew toys and bones to keep their mouths occupied. While also training them on what’s okay and what’s not okay to chew.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
English cream Dachshunds are somewhat active dogs. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
A good daily walk or two and play session will usually suffice, but some dachshunds may need more depending on their energy level.
English cream Dachshunds are sometimes known as couch potatoes, so it’s crucial to ensure they get enough exercise to avoid obesity.
While they don’t need a ton of exercise, they do need some form of it every day. Without it, they can become bored and destructive.
Something simple you can do to prevent them from becoming bored and acting out is to provide them with mental stimulation.
This can be in the form of puzzle toys, training sessions, or even just playing fetch.
Temperament & Behavior
The English cream Dachshund is a friendly, loving, and loyal dog. They are great with children and get along well with other pets.
However, they can be a bit stubborn and independent. They are also known for being protective of their family and home.
They are generally easy to get along with and make great companions. While they are usually not aggressive, their hunting instincts can sometimes kick in.
This can make them territorial and protective, especially around small animals.
Do English Cream Dachshunds Bark A Lot?
Engish cream Dachshunds are unfortunately known for being relatively yappy dogs. They tend to bark at anything and everything that catches their attention.
While this can be annoying, it’s important to remember that they are just doing what they feel is their job, which is being a watchdog.
You can do a few things to help reduce their barking, such as providing them with plenty of chew toys and bones to keep their mouth occupied.
You can also work on training them to bark only when necessary, such as when someone is at the door. And lastly, you can try to desensitize them to the things that trigger their barking.
This can be done by gradually exposing them to the things that make them bark in a controlled environment.
Do English Cream Dachshunds Like To Cuddle?
English cream Dachshunds are generally loving and affectionate dogs. They enjoy spending time with their family and love to cuddle.
They are also known for being lap dogs, which means they love to sit on your lap and be petted.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Good With Kids?
Yes, English cream Dachshunds are generally good with kids. They are patient, loving, and loyal dogs that make great companions.
However, because of their small size, they can sometimes be easily injured. So it’s important to supervise young children around them and teach them how to properly handle and play with a small dog.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Good With Other Dogs?
English cream Dachshunds can be good with other dogs. However, their background makes them very attached to their owner, and they don’t typically like competing for attention/affection.
This can, of course, be avoided with proper socialization when they are young. But, if they’ve grown up getting all their owner’s attention, as soon as another dog is introduced, they can become overprotective/clingy.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Good With Strangers?
Yes, English cream Dachshunds are generally good with strangers. They are friendly and loving dogs that enjoy being around people and getting attention.
But, similar to how they are with other dogs, they need plenty of opportunities to meet new people when young. If they are isolated and aren’t put in situations with unfamiliar people, they will likely be anxious around strangers as they get older.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, English cream Dachshunds can be good apartment dogs. They are small in size and don’t need a lot of space.
However, some tend to bark a lot, which can quickly become a problem in an apartment setting.
But this can easily be avoided with adequate mental and physical stimulation. So as long as they are kept busy, they can be wonderful apartment dogs.
What Is The Price Of An English Cream Dachshund?
The price of an English cream Dachshund can vary depending on a few factors, such as the breeder, the dog’s parent’s health, and whether or not the dog has any championship bloodlines.
But generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500-$4,500 for an English cream Dachshund puppy.
And as always, make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder.
Where Can You Find An English Cream Dachshund For Sale?
One of the best places to start your search for an English cream Dachshund is by using AKC’s Marketplace. They only list breeders that produce AKC Registered litters, so you can have more confidence that anyone you contact is reputable.
There are also several independent breeders you can look into contacting for an English cream Dachshund.
A few of those are:
- Cream Doxie Luv (https://www.creamdoxieluv.com/) – Located in Tooele, UT
- Crème of the Crop Dachshunds (https://cremeofthecropdachshunds.com/) – Located in Franklin, Texas
- Belle Amore Dachshunds (https://www.belleamoredachshunds.com/) – Located in Upstate South Carolina
- Danville Cream Dachshunds (https://www.danvillecreamdachs.com/) – Located in Fallbrook, CA
It’s important to note that we have not worked with these breeders. We chose them because they have been working with Dachshunds for many years and have positive reviews.
You should still ask them all the necessary questions to ensure they are continuing to practice reputable breeding methods.
Other FAQs
Are Cream Dachshunds Born Black?
Surprisingly, yes, some cream Dachshunds are born basically 100% black or dark brown. These are called “shaded” cream Dachshunds.
After several weeks their coat will lighten to a lovely cream color while keeping some of the dark colorings on their ears and tail.
Are English Cream Dachshunds Rare?
Yes, English cream Dachshunds are considered rare. But because of their growing popularity, they are becoming less and less rare.
They are not the rarest Dachshund coat color, but new litters are often bought up quickly because of how beautiful these dogs are. Making them sometimes challenging to find and contributing to their rarity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a small, affectionate, and loyal companion, then the English cream Dachshund might be the perfect dog for you.
Just remember that they need daily exercise and stimulation to avoid behavioral problems. Other than that, these dogs make wonderful family pets.
Do your research when looking for an English cream Dachshund for sale, and always ensure you are dealing with a reputable breeder. With the right care, an English cream Dachshund could be a cherished member of your family for many years to come.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Isabella Dachshund: Everything You Need To Know
Stop Dachshund Biting For Good (Why It Happens & 6 Solutions)