The English Cream Dachshund’s striking coat is a novelty for many dog enthusiasts because of its rarity. Aficionados of this pooch need to be careful in choosing a breeder as some will try to offer a similar-coloured but unauthentic English Cream Doxie.
Learning the unique traits and genetics of the English Cream Dachshund will help you avoid malicious breeders and scammers.
What Is an English Cream Dachshund?
The English Cream Dachshund is a type of cream-coloured Doxie. Dogs with this coat sport a light cream colour, which looks nearly white.
Their distinctive fur colouration is attributed to the rare recessive chinchilla dilution gene, also known as the blonde gene.
The English Cream Dachshund’s name is a nod to his homeland and ancestry. His coat colour was originally developed in the United Kingdom by using British Cream Dachshunds.
In modern times, many generations of Cream Dachshunds do not come from such lineage nor do they possess the chinchilla gene. Hence, their name does not carry the word “English,” which sets them apart from their English cream counterparts.
Both the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK recognise the English Cream as an official colour of the Dachshund breed.
What Are the Different Variations of English Cream Dachshunds?
Genetics allows Dachshunds to produce two types of English Cream coats namely:
1. Shaded Cream
Shaded English Cream Dachshunds are born with dominant red genes, which were overwritten by two chinchilla dilution genes. When they are born, they will have an almost-black coat.
However, their coat colour will gradually turn into cream after the first 6 to 8 weeks. As Shaded English Cream Dachshund puppies grow older, the lighter their base coat colour will be.
The chinchilla dilution gene does not affect black and chocolate pigments. Hence, it is common for these dogs to have dark shading on the fur tips, particularly seen on their backs and the tips of their tail and ears.
2. Clear Cream
Clear English Cream Dachshunds possess two recessive red alleles as well as two chinchilla dilution alleles. Their genes prevent them from expressing any black pigments.
Thus, unlike Shaded English Cream Dachshunds, these dogs are born with light coats devoid of black overlay. As they continue to age, their cream coats become lighter.
What Is the Difference Between American Cream and English Cream Dachshunds?
A close look-alike of the English Cream Doxie is the American Cream Dachshund. Knowing their distinctive features is important to avoid getting duped by shady breeders.
Apart from having different countries of origin, the genetics influencing the coat colours of these dogs are not the same. English Cream Dachshunds acquire their cream colour through the chinchilla dilution gene.
In comparison, American Cream Doxies get their colour variation from a combination of three genetic factors, namely, the dominant red gene, the recessive red gene, and the blue dilution gene.
American Cream Dachshunds can either have dominant or recessive red alleles and two blue dilution alleles. It causes them to be born in a very light cream colour. But their fur starts to turn into a darker shade of red at the age of 6 to 8 weeks and up until they reach 12 months old.
Keep in mind that English Cream Dachshunds should not have red undertones on their coats due to the dilution gene.
Moreover, English Cream colour variations only appear in long-hair Miniature Dachshunds. On the other hand, American Cream colour may appear in long-haired Dachshunds as well as smooth and short-coated varieties.
How to Know If Your Dog Is a True English Cream Dachshund?
Reputable breeders work hard to maintain the pure bloodline of their brood. Thus, make sure to acquire your canine companion from them to ensure that he is a purebred and true English Cream Dachshund. For additional assurance, double-check if your pet is KC-registered.
Since the English Cream Dachshund is a rare coloured dog, it could be difficult to find a dedicated breeder depending on where you live.
A good plan B to avoid getting scammed is to invest in a DNA testing kit. It helps in definitively confirming that your English Cream Dachshund puppy has two copies of the chinchilla dilution genes.
Are the English Cream Dachshunds Good Family Pets?
There have been anecdotal reports that English Cream Dachshunds are mellow-tempered compared to different-coloured Doxies. However, there is no substantial proof to back up this claim.
Hence, it is safe to assume that they are no different from other standard Dachshunds as family pets. English Cream Doxies are lively and sociable dogs that enjoy getting into mischief from time to time.
Their alertness and loyal nature make them great watchdogs as long as they are properly trained and socialised at an early age.
Originating in Germany, the Dachshund dog breed was initially bred as a hunting dog for small animals. So whilst English Cream Doxies can get along well with other canines, their high prey drive makes them unsuitable furry pals for smaller pets.
Is the English Cream Dachshund Easy to Train?
English Cream Dachshunds are of hound and terrier descent. Their ancestors are known for having a one-track mind, making them stubborn and difficult to train.
The English Cream Dachshund does not tolerate abusive training methods and will become reactive to harsh physical and verbal punishments. Positive reinforcement should be used to improve your dog’s behaviour towards training.
Most Dachshunds are extremely food-motivated. So prepare lots of treats to use as training rewards for your English Cream Doxie. However, be sure to make adjustments to his dog food proportions to prevent excessive calorie intake, which can cause obesity.
You may also like: Dachshund Training Tips: Correcting Bad Behaviours
How Much Exercise Does the English Cream Dachshund Need?
The English Cream Dachshund is a small dog with high energy levels. He needs 45 to 60 minutes of physical and mental exercise per day.
The long body and short legs of the English Cream Doxie predispose him to a spinal disorder called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Prolonged and excessively intense activities should be avoided to prevent this health issue from manifesting.
Also, use non-slip flooring in areas of your home where your pooch exercises to keep him safe from accidentally sliding and slipping, which can lead to injuries.
FAQs About the English Cream Dachshund
1. Are English Cream Dachshunds Rare?
English Cream Dachshunds are rare dogs since their coats are a result of an uncommon recessive gene known as the Chinchilla dilution gene.
Finding trustworthy and dedicated breeders can be a difficult task. Be sure to watch out for scammers who will attempt to sway you into acquiring a fake English Cream Dachshund puppy.
2. What Are the Genetics of Clear Cream Dachshunds?
The genetics of Clear Cream Dachshunds are composed of two recessive red alleles and two chinchilla dilution alleles. This combination renders them incapable of expressing black pigments on their coats.
For this reason, the fur of Clear Cream Dachshunds does not possess any black shading, unlike the shaded ones.
3. Do English Cream Dachshunds Shed?
The unique colouration of the English Cream Dachshund does not affect his ability to shed hair.
Much like most Doxies, he is a moderate shedder. So if you are in search of a hypoallergenic pet, the English Cream Dachshund is not the best choice.
You may also like: How To Manage Dog Shedding
4. Do English Cream Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
Their hunting dog lineage makes English Cream Dachshunds bark a lot. Although this trait cannot be completely removed, it can be minimised through continuous and consistent training.
You may also like: How to Stop a Dog from Barking
Conclusion
To an untrained eye, the English Cream Dachshund can be difficult to distinguish from other cream-coloured Doxies. Knowing his distinctive traits and the genes responsible for these features keeps dog enthusiasts from falling victim to puppy scams.
Asking the right questions will also help you determine whether or not a breeder is worth trusting.
