Dachshund: Breed Overview
The Dachshund is classified under FCI Group 4, Number 148 — Dachshunds. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, Dachshunds come in two sizes — standard and miniature — and three coat types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Bold, curious and devoted to their families, they are one of the most recognisable breeds in the world. Their typical lifespan is twelve to sixteen years, but that longevity depends significantly on how well their unique physical vulnerabilities are managed throughout their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease: The Primary Concern
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the single most important health concern for Dachshund owners to understand. Dachshunds are a chondrodystrophic breed — meaning they carry a genetic mutation that causes abnormal cartilage development — which affects not only the length of their legs but also the structure of the discs between their vertebrae. These discs calcify and harden earlier than in non-chondrodystrophic breeds, making them prone to rupture.
Type I IVDD, the form seen in chondrodystrophic breeds, occurs when a disc ruptures suddenly and forcefully, compressing the spinal cord. This can happen with no warning, often during ordinary activities such as jumping off a sofa or running down stairs. Depending on the severity of compression, the dog may show mild back pain, reluctance to move, hind limb weakness, or in the most severe cases, complete paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Recognising the Signs of Spinal Problems
Early recognition of IVDD symptoms is critical, because prompt veterinary treatment — within hours in serious cases — significantly improves the prognosis. Signs to watch for include:
- Crying out or yelping when touched along the back
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or move normally
- A hunched posture or tucked abdomen
- Wobbling, dragging or crossing of the hind legs
- Inability to bear weight on the back legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
If you observe any of these signs, treat it as a potential emergency and contact your vet immediately. Do not wait to see if the dog improves on its own.
Weight Management: Non-Negotiable
Excess body weight places direct and disproportionate mechanical stress on the Dachshund's spine. Even a small amount of extra weight — just half a kilogram in a miniature — can significantly worsen the risk and severity of IVDD episodes. Keeping your Dachshund lean throughout its life is one of the most impactful preventive measures available.
You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily without pressing hard, and there should be a visible waist when viewed from above. If you are unsure whether your Dachshund is at the right weight, ask your vet at each annual check-up. Avoid feeding scraps from the table and measure food portions carefully rather than estimating.
Environmental Modifications: Ramps, Not Stairs
Jumping is one of the highest-risk activities for a Dachshund's spine. Repeated jumping up onto and down from furniture, beds and car boots places sudden compressive and rotational forces on the lumbar vertebrae. Providing low, gradual ramps to reach favourite spots — the sofa, the car, the bed — dramatically reduces this risk. Dog stairs can also work for shorter climbs. Household stairs should be minimised where possible, and puppies especially should not be allowed to navigate full flights of stairs unsupervised.
Zooplus stocks a range of dog ramps and supportive harnesses designed specifically for Dachshunds and other long-backed breeds. A harness that supports the chest and abdomen is preferable to a collar for this breed, as it distributes any pulling force more safely along the body rather than the neck and cervical spine.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA cord1
Progressive retinal atrophy cord1 (PRA cord1) is a hereditary eye condition found in Dachshunds, particularly smooth and long-haired varieties. It causes the gradual degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina, leading first to night blindness and eventually to complete vision loss. The condition is caused by a mutation in the RPGRIP1L gene, and dogs can be identified as clear, carrier or affected through a DNA test available from both Laboklin and Antagene.
Carriers of one copy of the mutation do not develop the disease themselves but can pass it to their offspring. Breeders should ensure that at least one parent in every pairing is DNA-clear for cord1 to prevent affected puppies being born.
Lafora Disease in Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Lafora disease is a progressive neurological condition causing a form of epilepsy that is particularly associated with the miniature wire-haired Dachshund. Affected dogs typically begin showing signs from around five years of age, including myoclonic jerks — sudden, brief muscle twitches — particularly triggered by flickering light, sudden movement or loud noise. As the disease advances, seizures become more frequent and severe.
A DNA test for Lafora disease is available through Laboklin. The condition follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning two copies of the mutant allele are required to produce an affected dog. Breeders of miniature wire-haired Dachshunds should DNA-test all breeding animals and share certificates with prospective puppy buyers.
DNA Testing Summary
For Dachshund breeders and prospective owners, the key DNA tests to consider are:
- PRA cord1 — available through Laboklin and Antagene (all coat types)
- Lafora disease — available through Laboklin (miniature wire-haired variety)
It is worth noting that the chondrodystrophy mutation underlying IVDD risk is universal in the breed and does not have a test that would allow breeders to select away from it without fundamentally altering breed conformation. Management and environment therefore remain the primary tools for IVDD prevention.
Parasite Prevention: ESCCAP Guidance
Dachshunds, particularly those used for earthdog activities or rural walks, can be exposed to ticks in grassland and woodland. ESCCAP recommends year-round flea prevention and regular intestinal worm treatment tailored to each dog's individual lifestyle. Dogs in higher-risk environments — those hunting, swimming or in contact with wildlife — should be assessed for appropriate treatment frequency by their vet. Lungworm prevention is also relevant for dogs with access to gardens where slugs and snails may be present.
Routine Health Care and Lifespan
With a lifespan of twelve to sixteen years, the Dachshund is a long-lived breed that benefits greatly from attentive, consistent care. Annual veterinary check-ups should include weight assessment, spinal palpation for early signs of discomfort and dental review. Dental disease is particularly common in small breeds, so tooth brushing from puppyhood and regular professional dental cleans are worthwhile investments in your dog's long-term comfort and health.