Domain 1: Genetic Diversity
 

Maintaining genetic diversity is essential for the long-term sustainability of the Dachshund, protecting against "inbreeding depression" which leads to reduced fertility and longevity. The RKC’s 2025 breed population analyses, show the effect of increased levels of inbreeding on (reduced) litter sizes.
 

1. Population Size and Subpopulations

Dachshunds (in the UK) are subdivided into six varieties (Smooth, Long, Wire in Standard and Miniature sizes). These subpopulations can become genetically isolated, in the UK, internationally and from working populations. RKC data shows the number of imported dogs has significantly increased over time, with a concurrent increase in the percentage of litters produced from imported parents over time.
 

• Checklist Question: Am I considering the genetic health of my specific variety, and have I explored the value of including dogs from subpopulations (where permitted) to support wider diversity?

2. Popular Sire Syndrome

In all 6 Dachshund varieties, a few influential "top dogs" can quickly saturate the gene pool, making it harder for future generations to find unrelated males. A popular sire can spread hidden health problems rapidly if his progeny are used too extensively. The RKC’s analysis showed that the percentage of males used in breeding was very low, which poses a risk to genetic diversity. It also shows sires with stud book numbers and imported sires had significantly higher numbers of litters than other (“pet”) sires.

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• Checklist Question: Does the sire I have chosen already have a disproportionate number of litters in the breed, and am I inadvertently contributing to "popular sire syndrome"?

 

3. Shallow Pedigrees and Imports

Many Dachshund breeders use imported dogs to introduce new blood, but these often come with only a three-generation pedigree which can hide high levels of ancestral inbreeding. This can lead to inaccurately low Coefficient of Inbreeding (CoI) results (which the RKC acknowledges in its report).

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• Checklist Question: For imported lines, have I researched beyond the three-generation pedigree to ensure I am not accidentally doubling up on remote common ancestors or introducing unwanted conformational or behavioural traits, or health issues?

 

Domain 2: Conformation

In Dachshunds, body shape is directly linked to health. Innate health means a dog must be able to move and behave naturally without pain or effort. Every dog should have a body shape that allows it to lead a normal life and display normal canine behaviour.

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4. Visible Conformation: The "Nose-to-Tail" Assessment

The RKC is developing a Nose-to-Tail (N2T) Visual Assessment; a standardised check-up that can be performed by veterinary surgeons. This will provide a clinical, impartial record of innate health, moving beyond simple aesthetics.

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• Checklist Question: Does my breeding pair have sufficient ground clearance and body proportions that reflect the Breed Standard effectively for a "biologically normal" life?

 

5. Distinctive Breed Features

For Dachshunds, the breed’s most distinctive feature is also associated with its highest health risk. The genetics associated with the Dachshund’s characteristic short legs also predispose them to an increased risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Scheme. The risk of IVDD is also known to be highly heritable (“IVDD is more common in some pedigrees”).

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• Checklist Question: Am I utilising available screening, such as the IVDD x-ray scheme, and knowledge of pedigrees, to mitigate the risk of disc herniation in my puppies?

 

6. Preventing Conformational "Creep"

"Conformational Creep" occurs when visual norms change slowly over generations, making increasingly long backs or shorter legs look "normal" when they are actually becoming extreme. The RKC’s Breed Watch programme identifies visible “Points of Concern” that judges, breeders and exhibitors should be aware of. Current Breed Watch points of concern related to conformational creep are “Lack of ground clearance” and “Incorrect hind conformation and/or poor rear movement”.

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• Checklist Question: Am I actively selecting for moderate traits to reverse any gradual shift toward physical exaggerations that have occurred over recent decades and that that could lead to clinical disease?

 

Domain 3: Breed-Related Disease and Wellbeing

This domain ensures we use all available tools, from clinical screens to temperament checks, to produce puppies that are healthy, happy and long-lived.

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7. Testable Conditions (DNA and Clinical)

The RKC Health Standard prioritises tests like the IVDD X-ray Scheme (for all 6 varieties) and Lafora Disease (for Mini Wires) screening as "Good Practice" which all breeders should be adopting. The addition of clinical eye screening (for all 6 varieties) and Cord1 PRA DNA testing (for the Miniature varieties) are additional recommendations for “Best Practice”. This evidence-based advice ensures breeders focus on the most critical threats to the breed.

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• Checklist Question: Have both parents completed the prioritised health tests (at least to Good Practice recommendations) identified in the RKC Health Standard?

 

8. Untestable and Emerging Conditions

Conditions without a currently recommended DNA test or clinical screening, such as heart disease, certain cancers or Colour Dilution Alopecia, must still be managed through diligent family history research. Responsible breeding requires looking beyond the lab results of available tests to the wider family history to remind everyone of the importance of these conditions

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• Checklist Question: Have I thoroughly reviewed the health and longevity of the sire and dam’s wider family for untestable conditions not yet covered by the Health Standard?

 

9. Temperament and Mental Wellbeing

Dachshunds must be socially fit for modern life. Behavioural issues are a leading cause of rehoming and even euthanasia in young dogs. Mental wellbeing is now a formal part of the Breeding for Health Framework to give this topic the attention it deserves. The Breed Standard describes Dachshunds as “Faithful, versatile and good tempered”. Given that the “function” of most Dachshunds today is to be family pets, temperament has to be one of the most important considerations of any breeder.

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• Checklist Question: Do the parents have stable, "typical" temperaments that ensure their puppies will be suitable as family companions or as working dogs?

 

Why It Matters: The Future of the Breed

Traceability and transparency are no longer optional. As the RKC report highlights, we are moving into a world where the public and regulators expect evidence of ethical breeding. By following this framework, Dachshund breeders can prove that they are not just preserving a look but are prioritising the quality and quantity of life for their dogs. Breeders are also providing a quality alternative to the illegal puppy trade, puppy farms, and low-welfare imports.

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The RKC has said that they are committed to supporting this journey. In 2026, priority work will focus on supporting genetic diversity, rolling out the N2T assessment, and refining testable condition standards. For Dachshund breeders, this is an opportunity to lead the way in showing how a historic breed can adapt and flourish in the 21st century.

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Conclusion: Leadership through Collaboration

Success requires breeders, judges, and vets to work together. By adopting these checklist questions, we move beyond the "black art" of the past and become a partner in a transparent, health-first future for the Dachshund. Let’s ensure every puppy has the best foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life.