Dachshund Health: A Breed Under Scrutiny - Feature in Our Dogs 21/5/25
- Ian Seath
- 28 minutes ago
- 6 min read
For enthusiasts of pedigree dogs, the Dachshund holds a special place. With its distinctive body, short legs, and spirited personality, this breed has captured hearts worldwide. In the UK, the Dachshund comes in six varieties—two sizes (Standard and Miniature) and three coat types (Smooth, Long, and Wire)—each with its own charm. However, beneath their endearing exterior lies a breed facing some significant challenges related to their health and genetic diversity, compounded by rising popularity and shifting ownership trends. This article delves into the state of Dachshund health in the UK, spotlighting breed health improvement projects, the role of health surveys, the significance of the Kennel Club’s recently published Health and Welfare Standards, and the pressures stemming from the surge in demand for Miniature Smooths, Standard Wires, and non-breed-standard colours.
A Legacy of Resilience and Vulnerability
Originating in Germany as the "Teckel" or badger dog, the Dachshund was bred for tenacity and agility, traits that enabled it to pursue quarry underground. This hunting heritage shaped its unique conformation—moderately long and low to ground (height at the withers, not depth of chest or lack of ground clearance), with a robust, muscular frame. Today, while many Dachshunds serve as loyal companions rather than working dogs, their anatomy remains a double-edged sword. The very features that define the breed, such as its short legs, also predispose it to health issues, most notably Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition affecting up to one in four UK Dachshunds during their lifetime.
The Dachshund Breed Council, a coalition of UK breed clubs, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges since its inception in 2008. Working alongside organisations like Dachshund Health UK, a registered charity, the Council has prioritised health improvement through research, education, and advocacy. Their efforts have made Dachshunds a benchmark for breed health strategies, earning praise for their comprehensive approach. The reduction in risk of Lafora Disease is a great example of what has been achieved.
Health Improvement Projects: A Multi-Pronged Approach
The Dachshund Breed Council’s Health and Welfare Sub-committee, chaired by a veterinary surgeon and including pet owner representatives, has driven a robust health improvement strategy. Key initiatives include funding research into prevalent conditions like IVDD, Lafora Disease (a form of epilepsy in Miniature Wires), and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Miniatures. For instance, collaboration with Cambridge University Vet School and the Canine Genetics Centre at Cambridge aims to identify DNA mutations associated with IVDD risk, with the potential to develop a test that could revolutionise breeding practices by identifying dogs less likely to pass on this debilitating condition.
Another cornerstone is the Breed Health and Conservation Plan (BHCP), developed with the Kennel Club and finalised in 2019. This evidence-based framework identifies priority health concerns - IVDD, eye conditions, and skin diseases - and outlines actionable steps for breeders and owners. Ongoing efforts include encouraging participation in IVDD testing, with potential subsidies to make screening accessible, and promoting the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme to detect hereditary eye diseases early.
Dachshund Health UK complements these efforts by commissioning studies and creating educational resources. Their online IVDD Support Group offers practical advice for owners navigating this common ailment, while webinars and guides empower breeders to make informed decisions. Together, these projects reflect a proactive stance, aiming not just to treat health issues but to prevent them at the genetic level.
Health Surveys: Data-Driven Insights
Health surveys are the backbone of these initiatives, providing critical data on the breed’s wellbeing. The DachsLife surveys, conducted in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021, have collected responses from thousands of owners, painting a detailed picture of Dachshund health, temperament, and lifestyle. The 2018 survey, with over 2,000 responses, reported a median lifespan of 11 years. Across all the surveys, Smooths and Mini Smooths showed the highest IVDD prevalence, while Longs and Wires were less affected.
These surveys also highlight lifestyle factors. For example, the data shows that Dachshunds neutered under 12 months have an increased risk of IVDD, leading to advice to delay neutering until a dog is fully mature. This finding has also been reported by other researchers. Other lifestyle factors such as a dog’s activity level has also been shown to be associated with IVDD risk; more active dogs have a lower risk. The Kennel Club’s 2004 and 2014 health surveys provide historical benchmarks, the 2004 report showing a median lifespan of 12.7 years for Dachshunds. Mortality data from 2014 shows the breed to be generally long-lived; the oldest Standard being 16 and the oldest Miniature being 19. The exception is when dogs suffer from IVDD and this results in them being euthanised, typically in the age 4-6 range. Continuous data collection via online platforms like the UK Dachshund Health Report ensures real-time insights, allowing the breed community to adapt strategies as new trends emerge.
The Kennel Club Health and Welfare Standards: New Benchmarks
In 2025, the Kennel Club published updated Health and Welfare Standards, a landmark for pedigree breeds. These standards codify best practices for breeding and husbandry, emphasising “fit for function, fit for life” - a mantra echoing the Dachshund’s working roots.
The Kennel Club’s Health Standard consolidates all relevant health tests for the breed in one place, providing clear guidance on which tests to undertake before breeding. The 'Good Practice' category highlights the most critical tests as a starting point, while all breeders are encouraged to aim for the 'Best Practice' level by completing all recommended tests. For Dachshunds, IVDD Screening and Clinical Eye Screening are in the Good and Best Practice categories, respectively. For the Miniature varieties, DNA testing for cord1 PRA is a Best Practice. For Mini Wires, DNA testing for Lafora Disease is a Good Practice.
The Kennel Club's Welfare Standard aims to provide a framework for breeders to follow, ensuring that they adhere to legal and ethical breeding practices. By using the Kennel Club's registration services, breeders agree to comply with this standard, which is based on the five freedoms outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Welfare Standard sets a clear expectation for dog breeders, emphasising the importance of legal and ethical breeding practices. By adhering to this standard, breeders can ensure that their dogs and puppies are raised in environments that prioritise their health, well-being, and happiness. Both these standards empower breeders, exhibitors, and owners to prioritise health and soundness over aesthetics.
The Popularity Surge: Mini Smooths and Standard Wires
The Dachshund’s appeal has soared in recent years, particularly for Miniature Smooths and Standard Wires. Dachshunds comprised 9% of total KC registrations in 2024 and 72% of the Hound Group. A total of 17,401 Dachshunds were registered in 2024, down 14% from 2023 but still 5,000 up from 2019 (pre-pandemic). Mini Smooths continue to lead the registrations but have clearly peaked and are back down to 2020 levels. Wires continue to be the most popular Standard variety and 2024 registrations were double the level 10 years ago.
This surge, while a testament to the breed’s charm, brings significant challenges.
Mini Smooths’ compact size and easily managed coat make them a favourite among urban dwellers, but their popularity has attracted unscrupulous breeders. In a 2022 snapshot analysis, only 4% of Mini Smooth puppies registered were bred by exhibitors, suggesting a proliferation of commercial breeders who may be prioritising profit over health. This has led to an influx of poorly bred dogs, increasing rescue workloads as unprepared owners struggle with the breed’s needs. Standard Wires, prized for their rugged look and outgoing temperament, face similar pressures, though their numbers remain lower.
The influx of novice owners, drawn by social media and celebrity endorsements, often overlooks the breed’s exercise and mental stimulation requirements. A Dachshund’s hunting instincts demand activity, yet many end up overweight or understimulated - exacerbating IVDD risk. Educating this new wave of owners is a daunting task, with the Breed Clubs relying on events like Discover Dogs and online resources to bridge the gap.
Non-Breed-Standard Colours: Fashion vs. Function
A troubling trend accompanies this popularity: the craze for non-breed-standard colours like blue, isabella, pied, and tricolour. The 2022 revision to the Kennel Club Breed Standard clarified acceptable colours—red, black/tan, chocolate/tan, and dapple in all varieties, with cream permitted in Mini Smooths and Mini Longs, while deeming dilute colours (blue and isabella) “highly undesirable” due to health risks. Double dapples, linked to vision and hearing impairments, are outright unacceptable.
Despite this, demand for “rare” colours persists, fueled by misinformation and aesthetic appeal. The 2021 Breed Health Survey found dilute colours associated with higher skin disease rates, yet some breeders exploit this fashion, mis-registering puppies or bypassing health testing. Dachshund Health UK advises against breeding or buying these colours, but the allure of uniqueness often trumps caution. This trend undermines decades of health-focused breeding, threatening genetic diversity and welfare.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As Mini Smooths and Standard Wires dominate registrations, and non-standard colours tempt buyers, the stakes are high. The Dachshund’s future hinges on collective responsibility. Breeders must adhere to the Kennel Club Standards, prioritising health-tested stock and resisting fads. Buyers should seek reputable sources, consulting breed clubs and using the Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder to verify a puppy’s lineage. The community’s robust framework - surveys, research, and education - offers hope, but its success depends on reaching beyond the show ring to the wider public.
By embracing science, standards, and stewardship, we can ensure our breed thrives - not just as a fashion statement, but as a healthy, happy companion for generations to come.
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