Genetic Diversity Reports for UK Dachshunds

What every breeder and owner needs to know about genetic diversity in the UK population of Dachshunds.

A new set of UK population analyses published by the Royal Kennel Club shines a spotlight on the genetic health of all six Dachshund varieties. You can read our full report here and also download the report for each Dachshund variety.

Why genetic diversity matters

Genetic diversity is the foundation of a healthy breed. When diversity shrinks, the risk of inherited disease rises and fertility can fall. The reports use key measures such as Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI), Effective Population Size (Ne), and Average Genetic Relationship (AGR) to show how closely related our dogs really are—and how safely each variety is positioned for the future.

Six varieties, six different challenges

Some results are more reassuring. Miniature Smooth Dachshunds, for example, have a large and sustainable effective population size. Others are more worrying. Standard Smooth Dachshunds, despite increasing in registrations, have an Ne of just 43, placing them in the critical risk zone for inbreeding depression. Standard Wire Dachshunds have grown in popularity but show evidence of the Popular Sire Effect. Mini Long Dachshunds have also grown in popularity but show evidence of reduced fertility associated with increased inbreeding. Meanwhile, varieties such as the Standard Long and Miniature Wire Haired are heavily influenced by imports with shallow pedigrees. While imports can be valuable, they can also mask hidden relatedness, making it harder to accurately assess true genetic diversity.

The hidden cost of the “popular sire”

One of the strongest warnings across the report is the continued impact of the popular sire effect. When a small number of males are used repeatedly, often those with stud book numbers, the gene pool narrows quickly. Even in numerically strong varieties, this practice can quietly undermine long‑term health.

Inbreeding and litter size: the evidence is in

Data in these reports show a direct link between higher inbreeding and smaller litter sizes in most Dachshund varieties. In practical terms, a 10% rise in COI can mean half a puppy fewer per litter in some lines. This is inbreeding depression in action and it affects both breeders’ plans and the future size of the population itself.

What can breeders and owners do?

The good news is that there are solutions. Choosing less‑related mates, avoiding repeat use of the same sires, and paying attention to AGR, not just COI, can all help protect rare genes. Owners, too, play a role by supporting responsible breeders who prioritise genetic diversity over short‑term success.

Every mating matters. By making informed, evidence‑driven choices today, we can ensure that Dachshunds of every size and coat type remain healthy and viable for the future.