Dachshund Dog BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects 1 in 4 Dachshunds due to their chondrodystrophic dwarfism gene causing early disc degeneration. Calcified discs rupture into the spinal cord, causing paralysis. Grade 1-2 may recover with strict crate rest (6-8 weeks). Grade 3-5 requires emergency surgery ($5,000-10,000) within 24-48 hours for any chance of walking again. 50% of surgical cases never regain full function. Prevention: maintain ideal weight, use ramps, no jumping, harnesses only. IVDD screening via X-ray or MRI before breeding essential. Dogs with calcified discs at young age should NOT be bred. Pet insurance critical - most Dachshunds will need back surgery.

Lafora Disease is a fatal progressive myoclonic epilepsy affecting 10% of Wirehaired Dachshunds. It's autosomal recessive - DNA testing MANDATORY before breeding ANY wirehaired. Symptoms start at 5-7 years: jerking movements, seizures, blindness, dementia. No cure exists - dogs decline over 2-4 years requiring euthanasia. Test costs $65. NEVER breed carrier to carrier (25% affected). Even carrier to clear produces 50% carriers. The disease is horrific to witness - violent seizures, loss of recognition of owners, constant terror. Many countries require mandatory testing. Smooth and Longhaired varieties don't carry this mutation.

Standards (16-32 lbs) and Miniatures (under 11 lbs) have different health profiles. Miniatures have higher IVDD rates (30% vs 20%), more patellar luxation, dental crowding, and hypoglycemia risk. Standards have more elbow dysplasia and bloat risk. NEVER breed 'tweenies' (12-15 lbs) - they don't meet either standard. Breeding Mini to Standard creates size unpredictability and whelping complications. Miniatures often need C-sections due to puppy size. Both need IVDD screening, but Minis need additional patella testing. Puppy mortality higher in Miniatures. Size is polygenic - two Minis can produce Standards and vice versa.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) affects all varieties - cord1 and crd4 mutations cause blindness by age 3-6. DNA testing MANDATORY. Never breed affected or carrier to carrier. Cataracts affect 20% by age 5. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia causes blindness from birth. Persistent Pupillary Membranes common. Double dapples have 25% chance of being born blind/deaf - NEVER breed dapple to dapple. Annual CERF/OFA eye exams required. Corneal dystrophy causes painful ulcers. Distichiasis (extra eyelashes) causes chronic irritation. Many eye conditions hereditary - check three generations before breeding.

Dachshund color genetics directly impact health. Double dapple breeding (merle to merle) produces 25% blind/deaf puppies - UNETHICAL and illegal in many countries. Dilute colors (blue, Isabella) develop Color Dilution Alopecia causing hair loss and skin infections. Piebald linked to deafness. English Cream controversy - often poorly bred imports with health issues. Sable can hide dapple, creating accidental double dapples. Wild boar exclusive to Wirehaired. Chocolate/tan most common, lowest health risks. DNA color testing prevents deadly combinations. Breed clubs prohibit certain color crosses. Always prioritize health over color trends.

Patellar luxation affects 15-20% of Miniature Dachshunds (only 5% in Standards). Their short, curved legs predispose to kneecap dislocation. Graded 1-4 severity. OFA patella testing REQUIRED for all Miniatures. Never breed Grade 2+ dogs. Surgery costs $1,500-3,000 per knee with 6-8 week recovery. Untreated luxation causes severe arthritis and ACL tears. Both parents normal still produce 10% affected. Symptoms: skipping, carrying leg, crying when jumping. Obesity worsens condition. Check multiple generations - highly hereditary. Standards rarely affected but still test if breeding to Miniatures.

Dachshunds have 20% C-section rate due to large puppy heads, long narrow pelvis, and uterine inertia. Single puppy syndrome common - oversized puppies require surgical delivery. Average litter 4-6 puppies. Miniatures higher risk - 30% need C-sections. Warning signs: no progress after 2 hours pushing, green discharge before first puppy, puppy stuck in canal over 30 minutes. C-sections cost $2,000-4,000. Long backs make natural delivery positioning difficult. Free-whelping lines exist - research maternal history. Have emergency vet ready. Breeding Miniature females to Standard males often fatal - NEVER do this.

Cushing's Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) affects 10% of Dachshunds over age 6 - one of highest breed rates. Caused by pituitary tumor (85%) or adrenal tumor (15%). Symptoms: excessive drinking/urination, pot belly, hair loss, panting. Diagnosis requires multiple tests ($500-1,000). Treatment: daily medication ($50-200/month) with regular monitoring. Untreated dogs develop diabetes, pancreatitis, blood clots. Hereditary component suspected. Don't breed affected dogs or those with affected parents/siblings. Life expectancy 2-3 years after diagnosis with treatment. Often confused with normal aging - test symptomatic dogs.

Pattern baldness (follicular dysplasia) affects 40% of Dachshunds, especially females and dilute colors. Hair loss starts at 6-12 months on ears, chest, belly, back of thighs. No cure exists - cosmetic issue but indicates poor coat genetics. Linked to color dilution gene. Secondary skin infections common from sun exposure. Don't breed severely affected dogs. More common in blue, Isabella, and chocolate dilutes. Thyroid testing rules out hypothyroidism. Supplements don't help. Educate buyers it's cosmetic only but requires sun protection. Select for full coats when breeding. Check parents and siblings for early signs.

Dachshunds have severe periodontal disease rates - 80% by age 3. Their narrow jaws cause tooth crowding and retained baby teeth. Miniatures worse due to smaller mouths. Untreated dental disease causes heart, kidney, liver damage. Annual cleanings under anesthesia required ($300-800). Many need extractions by age 5. Daily brushing essential but difficult with their long snouts. Poor dentition hereditary - check parents' mouths before breeding. Dental disease shortens lifespan by 2-3 years. Costs average $500-1,500 yearly for senior dogs. Educate all buyers about dental care requirements from puppyhood.