Breeding for the Future: How Dachshund breeders can lead the innate health revolution

The world of pedigree dog breeding is changing, and Dachshund breeders can be at at the forefront. Gone are the days of relying solely on intuition at one end of the breeding expertise spectrum, or spreadsheets of DNA results or COI calculations at the other end. The Royal Kennel Club’s new “Breeding for Health” Framework is setting a new standard, one that’s all about evidence, transparency, and collaboration. This blog post is a short overview of our Dachshund-specific information on the Breeding for Health Framework which you can read here.

Why Genetic Diversity Matters

Dachshunds come in six varieties, and keeping their gene pool healthy is crucial. The new RKC framework encourages breeders to look beyond popular sires and shallow pedigrees, asking: Are you supporting diversity, or accidentally narrowing it? Responsible breeders now consider the bigger genetic picture, including the value of imports and the risks of “popular sire syndrome.”

Conformation: More Than Just Looks

A Dachshund’s iconic shape is part of its charm, but it’s also linked to health risks like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). The new “Nose-to-Tail” assessment, being developed by the RKC, will help breeders and vets ensure every dog used for breeding is innately healthy. The message is clear: breed for moderate, healthy traits, not extremes.

Health and Wellbeing: The Full Picture

It’s not just about looks or genetics. The framework highlights the importance of health testing (like the IVDD x-ray scheme and DNA screening), but also urges breeders to consider family history for conditions that can’t yet be tested. And with temperament now a formal part of the framework, breeders are reminded that a good Dachshund is not just healthy, but also happy and well-adjusted.

Leading by Example

By following this framework, Dachshund breeders can prove they’re prioritising both the quality and quantity of life for their dogs, offering a responsible alternative to low-welfare breeding and the illegal puppy trade and puppy farming.

The future preservation of our breed depends on breeders, judges, and vets working together. By embracing the evidence and working collaboratively, the Dachshund community can show how an historic breed can thrive in the 21st century.

Read our full explanation of the Breeding for Health Framework here.