Health and Welfare

Health and welfare should be the priority for all Dachshund breeders and owners. The average age of Dachshunds is around 12 years, but many can live for several years longer, the key to longevity being a healthy balanced diet with plenty of exercise to keep your dachshund fit and in good shape.


Dachshunds generally are a healthy breed, but there are a few health issues which may affect certain varieties and which are being monitored by the Breed Council (PRA Cord1, Laforas and IVDD).

  • A DNA test is available for PRA Cord 1 which has been found in mini longs, mini smooths and mini wires. All breeders are advised to test their breeding stock and ensure selective matings will not produce affected puppies. Many breeders have successfully used this test to breed this problem out of their lines and are now producing hereditary clear puppies.
  • More recently a DNA test has been developed for Lafora which can affect the mini wires and again, all breeders are advised to test their breeding stock and ensure selective matings will not produce affected puppies.
  • Along with professional assistance, IVDD is currently being monitored and researched by the Breed Council. The main advice to owners at the moment is to ensure your dachshund maintains a healthy weight, is not allowed to become obese and is given plenty of exercise.

Click the link below for the latest information on the launch of the new Dachshund IVDD screening programme https://dachshundbreedcouncil.wordpress.com/2016/1...


Further information on health issues can be found by clicking on the undernoted link.

BREED COUNCIL HEALTH WEBSITE