Subsidised eye screening - just £13 ..read more

The Kennel Club has published the most up-to-date versions of the Dachshund Breed Health and Conservation Plans ..read more

In the UK, we are in the early stages of a research project to look for genetic mutations that may be associated with IVDD ..read more

The much-awaited paper from the conservative trial of IVDD has been released. Here's a lay-person's summary ..read more

On behalf of the Wirehaired Dachshund Club, and in my capacity as chairman, I have been monitoring the breed record supplement, with regards to unsafe Lafora litters in mini wires. At the beginning of testing, the incidence of potentially affected puppies began to decline as breeders tested their stock and made choices that would benefit the breed. However, in the last two quarters we are seeing a very worrying trend where numbers of unsafe litters are increasing, and indeed in the latest quarter 25 out of the 185 puppies produced from 5 litters out of the total of 43 bred have ..read more

Investigating the genetics of disc calcification in Dachshunds   Background Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal injury in dogs and presenting clinical signs range from pain to complete and irreversible paralysis of the limbs. IVDD can affect all breeds but chondrodystrophic (short-legged) breeds are at highest risk and Dachshunds are more likely to be affected by IVDD than other breeds   In 2017 a genetic risk factor for IVDD was identified that segregates in multiple, short-legged breeds, including the Dachshund. This risk factor is known as th ..read more

The Kennel Club has launched a new online health survey which aims to improve understanding of prevalence and types of spinal (neck, back or tail) problems affecting different pedigree dog breeds. The survey has been developed to gain insights and identify any breed-specific nuances that may influence the development of spinal problems. The results will inform and direct future research to areas that require further attention. Open to all dog owners regardless of breed, the survey welcomes participation from current owners and those who have had a dog/s that have sadly passed away. Pleas ..read more

Dachshund breeders should take note of an important new study on the genetics behind progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogs. PRA is an inherited eye disease that causes degeneration of the retina's photoreceptor cells, eventually leading to blindness. The study, published in the journal Animal Genetics, examined the frequencies of two genetic variants - RPGRIP1ins44 and MAP9del - across 132 dog breeds. These variants act as genetic modifiers that influence the development and progression of a form of PRA caused by the RPGRIP1 gene, called RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy (RPGRIP1-CRD). Here a ..read more

Image by Ilona Ilyés from Pixabay   Accommodating all needs and personalities in a multi-pet household requires a proactive approach, especially when one of the pets is a Dachshund. Bred originally for hunting, Dachshunds possess a strong instinct to chase and dig, which can influence their interactions with other pets.   In addition, their determination and boldness, while admirable, can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. The ultimate goal is to create a harmonious environment where Dachshunds and their fellow pets can thrive together.   Consequently, this article will e ..read more

We have become aware of a litter of hairless Dachshund puppies that have been shown on social media. The hairless gene does not exist naturally in the genetics of the Dachshund breed. Hairless puppies must be the result of a planned outcross, for example to a Chinese Crested. Some Dachshunds already have a risk of developing skin conditions such as allergies. This was the 2nd most common condition reported in our 2018 breed survey. We investigated skin conditions in our 2021 survey and found an elevated risk of Colour Dilution Alopecia in dilute-coloured Dachshunds (Blue and Isabella). The ..read more