English Cream Dachshund: A Complete Guide To A Rare Doxie Color

With their luxurious cream coat and playful spirit, English Cream Dachshunds offer a charming twist on the beloved dachshund breed. These dogs are a variation of the miniature and standard dachshund breed, known for its long, low-slung body and playful personality.

English Cream Dachshunds have become increasingly popular in recent years among Doxie fans, thanks in part to their charming appearance and friendly demeanor. Their scarcity and color can mean taking a few extra steps in their care, such as using doggy eye wipes to prevent tear stains on their gorgeous cream coat.

However, for those able to bring one of these dogs into their home, the rewards are plenty. From their playful spirit to their unwavering loyalty, English Cream Dachshunds are a wonderful addition to any family. We have consulted Vanessa Richie’s Complete Guide to Dachshunds to come up with the ultimate English Cream Doxie manual. 

You can also get a miniature English Cream Dachshunds.

This coloration results from selective breeding, which has been used to produce dogs with a lighter coat than the standard dachshund. 

English Cream Dachshunds are not a separate breed but a variation of the standard dachshund breed, much like the long-haired varieties. They are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a standard dachshund color.

The cream color of the English Cream Dachshund’s coat is caused by a recessive gene that affects pigment production. This gene is more common in European dachshunds, which is why they are sometimes called “European Cream Dachshunds.” We get deeper into these genetics later in the article.

English Cream Dachshunds mostly have long, silky soft coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. They come in longhaired and wire-haired varieties and can have either a short smooth or a rough, wiry coat.

Overall, English Cream Dachshunds are known for their sweet and affectionate personalities. They make great family pets and are especially good with children. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them popular for obedience and agility competitions.

American Cream Dachshund vs. English Cream Dachshund

Note: American Cream Dachshunds and English Cream Dachshunds may look the same but they are different. American Cream Dachshunds are a very light cream color when born but become a darker, golden color as they age. True English Creams are pale and do not have red undertones like the American Cream Doxies.

English Cream Dachshund Physical Characteristics

What Does an English Cream Dachshund Look Like?

The English Cream Dachshund is a small to medium but well-bodied dog with a muscular build. They have the Dachshund signature look with their long bodies and short legs, giving them a low-set appearance. 

Their chest is deep, broad, and well-developed, even if they are tiny. The head is elongated with a slightly arched skull and a long muzzle. The breed has large, expressive eyes that are usually brown or hazel in color, able to sway you with their puppy eyes whenever they want something.

They have long and floppy ears that are set near the top of the head. The ears hang down and frame the face. These Dachshunds have a moderately long tail carried in line with the back or slightly upward.

Overall, the English Cream Dachshund is a unique and charming breed with a distinctive appearance. You would expect nothing less regarding a striking appearance from any dog with Doxie genes, even in Dachshund mixes like Chiweenies.

Check out this tiny Long-haired cream Doxie:

Coat and Color

The English Cream Dachshund is a variety of the Dachshund family known for its unique appearance. It comes in three different coat types: long-haired, wire-haired, and smooth coat. Most of these cream pups are typically long-haired, adding even more to their appeal.

The term “English cream” refers to coat color, which is a white cream or light fawn shade, which is also the rarest color in Golden Retrievers. The cream is usually seen on the dog’s underbelly, chest, and legs, while the back and ears can sometimes be darker. 

The cream color is a recessive gene that dilutes red or brown pigment to its lightest shade, which is nearly white or clear cream. This color is not common in Doxies. 

The name “English Cream” also relates to multiple varieties of cream coloring and patterns in Doxies, such as cream brindle, shaded cream (which has darker shades around the points like the ears), and EE cream (black tips on a solid cream).

How Big Does The English Cream Dachshund Get? (Standard and Miniature)

The English Cream Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. The standard size can weigh 16 to 32 pounds (7 to 14 kg) and grow up to 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm). The miniature English cream can weigh up to 11 pounds and grow up to 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) in height.

Genetics of the Cream: How Do English Cream Doxies Come to Be?

The genetics of coat color in dogs can be quite complex, and English Cream Dachshunds are no exception. All unusual colors like Merle seen in Pitbulls, Cardigan Corgis, and even Frenchies all come down to genetics. 

Research on cream coloring in dogs shows that the gene responsible for the cream color in Dachshunds is called the e/e allele. This gene is responsible for producing the pigment called pheomelanin which is responsible for producing red and brown colors in dogs.

In English Cream Dachshunds, the “e” gene is in a recessive form, meaning that the dog must inherit two copies of the “e” gene to have a cream coat. This is why English Cream Dachshunds are relatively rare, as both parents must carry the recessive gene to produce a cream-colored puppy.

The “e” allele in dogs (note the small “e”) means that the dog has a red pigment. If dogs have a “E” allele (capital E) then they carry the gene for black pigment, which can be diluted to “blue” or “gray.” Dilution genes can also get complicated at this point, with some studies pointing to an “I” gene, which dilutes the red pigment to cream, apricot, or lemon coloring. In this case, “I” stands for “intensity.”

However, some sources put the dilution down to a different gene called Chinchilla Dilution (“C”) gene that affects this base color red and dilutes it to cream. 

However, any pup with black or chocolate tan points maintains these colors, explaining why some English Cream Dachshunds have some black on their ears and back. This means that a True English Dachshund is essentially just a diluted red. 

What Is The History Of An English Cream Dachshund

English Cream Dachshunds are a rare variety of the standard Dachshund breed. They are known for their distinctive creamy white coat and are highly sought after by dog lovers around the world.

The history of the English Cream Dachshund can be traced back to the UK in the early 19th century. It is believed that breeders in the UK began selectively breeding Dachshunds with cream-colored coats, which eventually led to the development of the English Cream variety.

Some even go as far as saying that if an English Cream Doxie cannot be traced to an ancestor with UK registration within about five generations, then they’re not a TRUE English cream.

English Cream Dachshunds were first introduced to the United States in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity among dog enthusiasts. Today, they are recognized as a color variation of the standard Dachshund by the American Kennel Club. 

Despite their popularity, English Cream Dachshunds remain a rare breed, with only a few hundred puppies born each year. This is because breeders must select breeding dogs with the right recessive genes while still ensuring the breed’s health.

Personality and Temperament & Trainability

How Does an English Cream Dachshund Behave?

English Cream Dachshunds are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are playful, energetic, highly affectionate, social, and intelligent. These pups love nothing more than spending time with their owners, with frequent bouts of zoomy energy.

Some owners may describe their Doxies as courageous to the point of rashness, taking up animals several times their size. These pups can easily develop separation anxiety, while others may be a bit more independent.

Training an English Cream Doxie

English Cream Dachshunds are intelligent, making training mostly a breeze. However, they can also be stubborn and independent sometimes, which can make training challenging. It is important to be patient and consistent when training an English Cream Dachshund, as they can be easily distracted and may lose interest quickly.

One of the most important aspects of training an English Cream Dachshund is socialization. They need to be exposed to various people and situations from a young age to prevent them from becoming too shy or aggressive.

In addition to socialization, crate training can also be very helpful for potty training and preventing destructive behavior. Due to their small size, miniatures can struggle with potty training, but they can be successfully trained with patience and consistency.

Health and Lifespan

What are the Common Health Issues in English Cream Dachshunds?

English Cream Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues that English Cream Dachshunds may experience include:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a common condition in Dachshunds, which can cause pain, paralysis, and even death. According to research, Dachshunds are about 10 to 12 times more likely to develop IVDD, with 19 to 24 % experiencing the condition. 
• Joint Issues due to their Low-slung physiques
• Canine Diabetes
• Orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia (hip and thigh don’t connect) and luxating patellar (kneecap slips out of place)
• Cushing’s Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.
• Heart Disease: Dachshunds can be susceptible to various heart conditions, including mitral valve disease and congestive heart failure.
• Eye problems: English Cream Dachshunds may be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, where the retina slowly degenerates 
• Neurological issues like epilepsy and narcolepsy (falling asleep unexpectedly)
• Common issues like allergies, skin and ear issues, dental issues like decay and bad breath, and obesity

What is the Life Expectancy of an English Cream Dachshund?

English Cream Dachshunds have a lifespan of around 12-16 years. However, several factors can affect their lifespan, including health, nutrition, exercise, and medical care.

Care and Maintenance

What Should a Dachshund Eat?

English Cream Dachshunds require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their overall health. It is recommended to feed them high-quality dog food that contains protein (25 to 30%), vitamins, carbs, fiber, and minerals. 

It is also important to monitor their food intake and adjust it according to their age, weight, and activity level. Remember that Doxies are susceptible to back and joint issues, so consider giving them joint supplements with your vet’s greenlight.

Exercise Requirements

English Cream Dachshunds have moderate exercise requirements and should have 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise depending on size and health. Owners should ensure that they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom.

 It is important to note that Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so activities that involve jumping or twisting should be avoided. Regular exercise can also help prevent behavioral issues such as barking and destructive chewing.

Grooming an English Cream Dachshund 

1. Brush them at least 2 to 3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles in their long coats.
2. Bath them monthly with a gentle canine shampoo.
3. Trim their nails with a guillotine nail cutter and clean their ears with a dog solution at least monthly or bi-weekly.
4. Brush their teeth twice a week and use a dog rinse for oral health

Where to Get an English Cream Dachshund

Adoption

Adopting an English Cream Dachshund is a great option for those who want to provide a loving home for a dog in need. However, remember that English Cream Dachshunds are pretty rare, but you can get lucky.

Some animal shelters and rescue organizations specialize in Dachshunds, which may include the English Cream variety. These organizations take in dogs abandoned, surrendered, or rescued from abusive situations.

Breeders

For those who prefer to purchase an English Cream Dachshund from a breeder, it is important to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. A good breeder will provide documentation of health screenings and genetic testing and offer a health guarantee for their puppies.

It’s challenging to find a breeder for this rare variety since many will falsely market their Cream Dachs as English Cream. You can ask for genetic tests to confirm the Chinchilla genes if you’re feeling extra nerdy. 

When searching for an English Cream Dachshund breeder, potential buyers can use resources such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) marketplace or breed-specific organizations like the Dachshund Club of America. It is also recommended to visit the breeder in person and meet the puppies and their parents before making a decision.

Ideal Home for an English Cream Dachshund

1. People living in an apartment; 
2. Non-allergic households since they’re less hypoallergenic;
3. Adult supervision where there are young kids;
4. People with a somewhat sedentary lifestyle; and 
5. Owners who prefer a lap dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

English Cream Dachshunds are a unique and charming dog breed that makes great pets for families and individuals alike. They are known for their loyal and affectionate personalities, as well as their striking cream-colored coats. While they may require a bit of extra grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, English Cream Dachshunds are generally low-maintenance dogs that are easy to care for and love.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.