Blue Merle Dachshund – Rare, Beautiful, and Misunderstood

The first time I met a blue merle dachshund, I wasn’t entirely sure he was real. His name was Astro, and he had a cool, marble-swirled coat—steel grey mixing with cream patches, pale blue eyes that sparkled, and a confident little strut that said, yes, I know I look like a unicorn. We were outside at XS Espresso in Parramatta, one of Western Sydney’s favorite brunch spots, and people kept stopping mid-sip just to ask, “What breed is that?”

If you’ve seen a dog like Astro and wondered what this unique dachshund color variation is all about, or you’re considering bringing one home, this guide is for you. From their genetic background to grooming tips and common health concerns, we’ll explore what makes the blue merle dachshund one of the most stunning—and sometimes misunderstood—members of the doxie family.

When I first met Astro, the blue merle dachshund with a coat like a marbled painting, I remember pausing mid-coffee and whispering to Maple, “Is he real?” His coat was a mix of stormy gray, creamy patches, and speckles of soft charcoal—like someone had swirled fog and ink together. And his eyes? One was almost white-blue, the other a faded amber.

A blue merle dachshund (also referred to as a blue dapple) is a dachshund whose base coat is diluted black—known as blue—and layered with a swirling pattern from the merle gene. This results in that unforgettable mottled appearance: no two look alike, and some even appear to shimmer in sunlight.

Whether smooth, long, or wire-haired, the merle pattern transforms the coat into a living canvas.

Absolutely. While merle is a relatively common pattern in breeds like Australian Shepherds or Border Collies, it’s far less prevalent in dachshunds. And within dachshunds, blue merle (dapple layered on diluted black) is especially uncommon.

But rarity alone isn’t a reason to fall in love with a dog—especially one whose coat can come with genetic risks. Breeding merles requires knowledge, restraint, and a deep commitment to the health of both parent dogs and puppies. Sadly, demand for this unique look has led to a rise in unethical breeding, with some breeders skipping essential health testing just to cash in on the “rare” label.

Curious how they compare to other blue-coated dachshunds? Take a peek at our Blue Dachshund Guide for more insight.

Let’s clear this up, once and for all.

“Blue merle” and “blue dapple” are the same thing.

• “Merle” is used more broadly across dog breeds.
• “Dapple” is the official term used in dachshund breed standards.

So if someone says their doxie is a blue merle, and someone else says theirs is a blue dapple, they’re likely describing the exact same coat pattern: a blue base with mottled patches in lighter gray, silver, or cream.

It’s easy to confuse them with blue dachshunds, who are solid-colored with no dappling. If you’re trying to spot the difference at the dog park, look for that marbled overlay.

Blue merles appear in all three dachshund coat types—and each brings its own magic.

• Smooth-Coated Blue Merle
  These doxies have sleek, reflective fur. The merle pattern shows up vividly, with high contrast between light and dark patches. They almost look airbrushed.
• Long-Haired Blue Merle
  Their coats diffuse the marbling, creating a softer, dreamier look. You might notice silver feathering at the ears and a gradient effect along the back.
• Wire-Haired Blue Merle
  This coat type is the rarest combo. The coarser texture brings out a scruffier, more rugged version of the merle pattern—almost like granite.

Blue merles often also have:

• One or two blue eyes, or heterochromia (each eye a different color)
• Mottled or pink paw pads and noses
• Light fur on the chest, legs, or muzzle

The merle gene is dominant, which means only one parent needs to carry it to produce dappled pups. But here’s where it gets serious: two merle genes = danger.

Breeding two merles (called “double dapples”) can result in:

• Deafness or partial hearing loss
• Vision issues (microphthalmia, colobomas, or blindness)
• Misshapen eyes or missing eyes
• Neurological impairments

Reputable breeders never pair two dapple parents. It’s simply not worth the risk to the puppy’s wellbeing.

Merle may be beautiful—but it’s not something to play genetic roulette with.

Personality isn’t determined by color, but the blue merle look does seem to come with main character energy. Most I’ve met are:

• Boldly affectionate with their family, but picky about strangers
• Sharp and observant, often noticing things before you do
• Independent thinkers, which sometimes reads as stubborn
• Playful, but not necessarily hyper
• Protective, especially in new spaces

Maple once met a blue merle named Luna who strutted into the vet like she owned it—tail high, ears bouncing. Five minutes later, she was in her owner’s lap like a toddler in need of a nap. That’s a merle for you: confident, then clingy, then confident again.

Your grooming routine will depend on your merle’s coat type—but a few things apply across the board.

Because the blue base coat is a dilution, these dachshunds can be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). This means you’ll want to use the gentlest possible products.

Here’s what I recommend:

Smooth Coats:

• Weekly brushing with a rubber mitt
• Wipe down after walks (to reduce buildup)
• Occasional baths with a soothing, unscented shampoo

Long-Haired Coats:

• Daily brushing to prevent mats
• Trim around paws, ears, and legs monthly
• Use leave-in conditioner for detangling and shine

Wire-Haired Coats:

• Brush 2–3 times a week
• Hand-stripping (or professional grooming) every 6–12 months
• Clean beard and brow area weekly

Ellie’s Tip: Invest in a soft brush and don’t over-bathe. Over-cleaning can strip natural oils and trigger dry skin flare-ups.

In addition to regular dachshund conditions like IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), dental crowding, and patellar luxation, merle dachshunds need extra care in two areas:

1. Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA):
   Not all merles have it, but those with diluted blue coats may develop:
2. • Bald patches
   • Flaky or itchy skin
   • Secondary infections from bacteria entering irritated areas
2. Congenital Merle Issues:
   These are more common in improperly bred dogs (i.e., double dapples). Look out for:
3. • Cloudy eyes or pupils
   • Startle responses or delayed hearing
   • Balance issues

Signs to monitor:

• Sudden scratching or biting at skin
• Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
• Light sensitivity or excessive blinking
• Unresponsiveness to noise

With their rare coloring and eye-catching look, blue merles attract buyers—and unfortunately, greedy breeders. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 Avoid breeders who:

• Emphasize coat color over health or temperament
• Claim merle is “new” or “exclusive”
• Offer no DNA testing
• Refuse to disclose the parents’ genetics or let you visit

 Look for breeders who:

• Provide health records and DNA test results
• Only breed one merle parent
• Offer post-purchase support
• Welcome questions and vet checks
• Are happy to talk about CDA and congenital risks

Good breeders aren’t flashy—they’re transparent. If you feel rushed or pressured, walk away.

• Blue Dachshund 
• Blue Dapple Dachshund