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The Isabella Dachshund is one of this breed’s most popular coat colors. They are often mistaken for being a different breed because of the unique color, but they are purebred Dachshunds nonetheless!
This post will cover everything you need to know about the Isabella Dachshund.
I will cover its traits, physical appearance, size, coat variations, temperament, how it differs from other coat types similar to the Isabella coat, and many other frequently asked questions about this beautiful coat color for Dachshunds.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is An Isabella Dachshund?
An Isabella Dachshund is a purebred Dachshund that has a unique coat color. This coat color is caused by a recessive gene, meaning that both parents must carry the gene in order for their puppies to be born with this coat.
The Isabella coat color is a dilution of the liver/chocolate coat color. This gives their coat a beautiful (very light) milk chocolate color, and they often have blue or green eyes.
Is An Isabella Dachshund The Same As a Fawn Dachshund?
Yes and no. An Isabella Dachshund is technically a fawn Dachshund, but their coat color is caused by a different gene.
Fawn Dachshunds can come in many different shades, from light cream to rich red. However, all Fawn Dachshunds will have black tipping on their hair, which you will not find on an Isabella Dachshund.
This is because the black tipping is caused by the presence of eumelanin, and Isabella Dachshunds do not have this pigment in their coat.
Also, the Isabella coat color comes from a chocolate coat dilution, so their coat will be a very light brown color.
How Is An Isabella Dachshund Different From Blue & Cream Dachshunds?
The Blue & Cream Dachshunds are two of the most similar coat colors to the Isabella.
But while they’re very similar in appearance, they’re genetically different. As previously mentioned, the Isabella coat color is caused by a chocolate coat dilution.
The Blue coat color is actually not blue at all, but rather a grayish color caused by a dilution of the black coat color. And the Cream Dachshund’s coat is, well, cream colored. Caused by diluting red and tan coat colors.
So while they may look similar, how they came to be couldn’t be more different!
Are Isabella Dachshunds Rare?
Yes, Isabella Dachshunds are considered to be rare. This is because the coat color is caused by a recessive gene, so both parents must carry the gene in order for their puppies to be born with this coat color.
This means that not many breeders will have dogs that can produce this coat color, and even fewer will actually breed for it. So if you’re looking for an Isabella Dachshund, be prepared to do some searching!
Isabella Dachshund Coat Types
An Isabella Dachshund can have three types of coats: smooth, long-haired, and wire.
The smooth coat is the most common type of coat for this breed, and it’s what most people think of when they picture a Dachshund. It’s short, dense, and very easy to care for.
The long-haired coat is less common, but it’s just as beautiful. It’s silky, soft, and can range in length from medium to long. This coat does require a bit more care than the smooth coat, but it’s still relatively easy to take care of.
The wire coat is the least common of the three and is the higher-maintenance coat type. This coat is very coarse and can be quite tricky to care for if you’re not prepared for it.
But no matter which type of coat your Isabella Dachshund has, they will always have that unique washed-out chocolate color!
Isabella Dachshund Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The average weight for an Isabella Dachshund is between 11 and 32 pounds. And the average height is between 7 and 9 inches (at the shoulder).
However, keep in mind that this breed can come in two different size varieties – standard and miniature. So their size will vary depending on which size variation you have.
Coat Types & Texture
As mentioned before, an Isabella Dachshund can have three types of coats: smooth, long-haired, and wire.
The most typical coat for this breed is the smooth one, and it’s what most people think of when they think of a Dachshund. It’s short, dense, and simple to maintain.
Long-haired coat, which is less popular but just as lovely. It’s silky, soft, and can be relatively long or medium in length. This fur requires a bit more attention than the smooth variety, but it’s still relatively simple to maintain.
The wire coat is the least popular of the three and is also the most high-maintenance. It’s pretty coarse and can be challenging to manage compared to the other two coat types.
Shedding & Grooming
No matter what type of coat your Isabella Dachshund has, they will require some amount of grooming.
This breed is a moderate shedder, so you can expect to find some hair around your home. But if you brush them regularly, you can help cut down on the shedding.
As for grooming, you’ll need to brush their teeth, trim their nails, and clean their ears on a regular basis. And if they have a long-haired coat, you’ll need to brush them daily to avoid mats and tangles.
They should also be bathed every 8-12 weeks, depending on how quickly they get dirty/smelly.
But overall, the grooming requirements for Isabella Dachshunds are relatively low.
Sidenote: An increasing number of dog owners are getting themselves a robot vacuum to help keep their home from becoming a fur ball. While Isabella Dachshunds aren’t the heaviest of shedders, this nifty gadget can be quite helpful.
Is An Isabella Dachshund Hypoallergenic?
No, Isabella Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.
This means that they are not a good choice for people with allergies, as they will shed and produce dander (dead skin cells).
So if you’re allergic to dogs, an Isabella Dachshund is probably not right for you.
Ears & Tail
One of the most distinctive features of the Isabella Dachshund is their ears. They are long, floppy, and set relatively low on their head.
And their tail is just as unique. It’s long, thin, and tapering – and it’s usually carried low when they’re relaxed.
But when they’re excited or happy, their tail will curl up over their back.
Eye Color
One of the most striking things about Isabella Dachshunds is their eyes. They have beautiful, large eyes that are typically a shade of amber, brown, or green.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for an Isabella Dachshund is between 12 and 15 years.
However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as their diet, exercise habits, health conditions, etc.
Common Health Issues
Unfortunately, like all breeds, Isabella Dachshunds are prone to certain health conditions.
Some of the most common health issues that affect this breed include intervertebral disc disease, skin conditions due to their diluted coat, patellar luxation, diabetes, and epilepsy.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) occurs when the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine begin to degenerate, causing the vertebrae to rub against each other and compress the spinal cord.
This can lead to a host of symptoms, including pain, paralysis, and even death. While IVDD can occur in any dog, certain breeds are predisposed to it due to their anatomy.
Dachshunds and other short-legged breeds are particularly susceptible to IVDD because of their long spine and short stature. Treatment for IVDD typically involves surgery to remove the discs that are causing the problem.
Skin conditions are also common in Isabella Dachshunds due to their light-colored coat. They are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer, so it’s important to use sunscreen (formulated for dogs) and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the knees, and it’s relatively common in small breeds like Dachshunds. It occurs when the knee joint is dislocated and can be quite painful. Surgery is often required to correct the problem.
Diabetes is another condition that affects Isabella Dachshunds more frequently than other breeds. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the body doesn’t properly use the insulin that is produced.
Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, urination, and appetite. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like kidney disease, blindness, and even death.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and can cause seizures. It’s relatively common in dogs, and Dachshunds are no exception.
While there is no cure for epilepsy, it can be managed with medication.
Of course, this is not a complete list – and not all Isabella Dachshunds will experience these health issues. But it’s important to be aware of them.
Trainability & Intelligence
When it comes to training an Isabella Dachshund, you’ll find that they are pretty intelligent.
However, they can also be stubborn and independent, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training.
Like all dogs, Isabella Dachshunds need plenty of socialization – exposure to different people, places, and experiences – starting at a young age.
This will help them to become well-rounded adults who are less likely to be fearful or anxious in new situations.
Which is quite common in smaller dogs. If they don’t socialize enough, they can become overly jealous and yappy. But if they are properly socialized, they can be very well-behaved.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Isabella Dachshunds are relatively active for their size, and they need a moderate amount of exercise. A daily walk or play session is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
However, because of their small size, they are susceptible to injury – so it’s important not to overdo it. It’s also important to discourage them from jumping up on people or furniture.
Because of how their body is structured, jumping can bring on early IVDD, so it’s best to train them to keep all four paws on the floor.
Also, as with all dogs, they should never be left unsupervised around swimming pools or other bodies of water.
While they may not need a ton of exercise, Isabella Dachshunds do need some mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.
So, in addition to daily walks and playtime, make sure to give them some toys and puzzles to keep their minds active.
This is especially important if you work long hours or are gone for extended periods of time – as they can become destructive when bored.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Isabella Dachshunds Bark A Lot?
This is a common question about Dachshunds in general – and the answer is yes, they can bark quite a bit.
However, this behavior can be managed with proper training and socialization.
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, so barking comes naturally to them. But with a little patience and consistency, you can train them to curb their barking habits.
Do Isabella Dachshunds Like To Cuddle?
This is another common question about Isabella Dachshunds. And the answer is yes – they love to cuddle!
In fact, they are one of the most affectionate breeds around. They bond closely with their family and love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch or in bed.
But, as mentioned earlier, it’s best to avoid having them jump, so if you do want to cuddle with them, be sure to pick them up and place them back on the floor instead of letting them jump up on your couch or bed.
Are Isabella Dachshunds Good With Kids?
Yes, Isabella Dachshunds are generally good with kids. However, because of their small size, they can be easily injured – so it’s important to supervise them around young children.
It’s also important to teach kids how to handle and play with dogs properly, so they know not to pull on their ears or tail or to be too rough with them in general.
It’s important to introduce them early on and socialize them properly. And, as with all dogs, supervision is always recommended – especially with small children.
Are Isabella Dachshunds Good With Other Dogs?
Yes, Isabella Dachshunds are generally good with other dogs. Although, as mentioned earlier, they can be a little jealous and territorial if they don’t get enough socialization.
So, it’s important to introduce them to other dogs early on and take them to puppy classes or dog parks so they can socialize and play.
The most important thing is to have them interact with well-behaved dogs. This is because they help teach your dog how to behave around other dogs.
So while socialization is important, socialization with well-behaved dogs to create a positive experience is even more important.
Are Isabella Dachshunds Good With Strangers?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it can depend on the individual dog’s personality. For example, some Isabella Dachshunds may be shy or reserved around strangers, while others may be more outgoing.
However, in general, they are pretty good with strangers. They are not typically aggressive – although, as mentioned earlier, they may bark if they feel threatened.
So, it’s important to socialize them properly and introduce them to as many different people as possible – especially if you plan on having visitors in your home often.
Are Isabella Dachshunds Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Isabella Dachshunds can make good apartment dogs – although, as mentioned earlier, they do need some daily exercise.
While they don’t take up too much space, they can become destructive or overly vocal if they don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation.
So, if you live in an apartment, it’s important to take them on daily walks – and to give them plenty of toys and bones to chew on.
Food & Diet
The best diet for an Isabella Dachshund is a high-quality, dry kibble. This should be tailored to their specific age, size, and activity level.
It’s important to avoid foods that are high in fillers or calories, as this can cause weight gain. And, as with all dogs, it’s important to avoid foods that are high in salt or sugar.
Dr. Littlejohn, and our head veterinary consultant recommends these four high-quality dog food brands:
What Is The Price Of An Isabella Dachshund?
Because Isabella Dachshunds are quite rare, they typically come with a higher price tag. The average price of an Isabella Dachshund is $1500.
However, there are some breeders who charge upwards of $4000 for an Isabella Dachshund puppy.
The price will also depend on the breeder, the dog’s parents, and whether or not the dog has any championship bloodlines.
If you are looking to purchase an Isabella Dachshund, be prepared to pay a higher price than you would for other coat colors.
It’s also important to note that you should be very careful when you see an Isabella Dachshund going for an unusually low price.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Where Can You Find An Isabella Dachshund For Sale?
If you are looking for an Isabella Dachshund for sale, the best place to start your search is online.
There are many different websites that list Isabella Dachshunds for sale – and you can also find Isabella Dachshund breeders on these websites.
Some of the most popular websites to find Isabella Dachshunds for sale are:
- Lancaster Puppies
- Watson’s Dachshunds (https://watsonsdachshunds.com/)
- Greenfield Puppies
Always ensure you are dealing with a reputable breeder when searching for an Isabella Dachshund for sale online.
As mentioned earlier, there are many unethical breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
So, be sure to do your research before you purchase a puppy from any breeder.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, then an Isabella Dachshund is the perfect dog for you. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and have a great sense of humor.
They are also relatively easy to train and make great family pets.
Because Isabella Dachshunds are quite rare, you’ll likely have to spend a little more for one than you would with another coat type.
And, as always, make sure you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who can provide healthy and well-socialized puppies.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Ultimate Dachshund Walking Guide: 18 Things To Know