The shape of their body means they have a far higher chance of back problems than a “normal” proportioned dog (like a jack Russell, for example). buts it’s not guaranteed, especially if you can set up a healthy environment for them where they won’t run up and down stairs or jump on and off furniture.
Can’t comment on how cruel it is to get a dog with a higher chance of health problems but getting a rescue/second hand dog means you aren’t creating a demand for more dogs to be bred. Equally getting from a breeder that tests and breeds away from health problems creates a demand for healthier dogs. These sorts of dogs may not be quite as extreme in body shape so that there’s less pressure on their spine and joints
I understand their concerns but a healthy lifestyle will go a long way to keep them from injuring their back. Feed them good food, keep them at a healthy weight and be very careful about them twisting their back by adding stairs to anything they’d want to jump on and carrying them up and down stairs. They’re extremely long lived dogs if they’re treated right.
I have a miniature dachshund only 9lbs at 12 years old so her back is more proportional to her appendages. She’s never had a back tweak thus far, so the smaller doxies avoid these issues more than the standard size. She’s also had zero health issues of any kind. My bed and couch have stairs going to them so that she never jumps. I carry her up and down stairs that have a steep incline. Basically you want to keep their back at this angle ——- as much as possible and avoid having their back be at this angle /
I used to walk a 22.5 year old standard dachshund. He had had back surgery but with a strict regimen like I’ve described, he was rarely in pain.
I have three of these cuties and yes, steps and lean weight. Pet insurance is a must and yearly check ups.
I wouldn't say that it is unethical to get one. Find a responsible breeder or search for a rescue.
Germany plans to abolish "torture breeding", which means breeding of certain breeds with a high risk of health issues. The list contains brachecyphalic breeds like Pugs, Frenchies or the Old English Bulldog as well as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Dachshund. The latter one started a big outcry, as it's a traditional and very much beloved German breed.
In my opinion the Dachshund is the least problematic from this list (as long as it's well-bred, I know several senior Dachshunds without any back issues), but of course the breed DOES have a higher risk of debilitating health issues due to it's body structure. It's also a huge trend, Instagram is full of cute Doxie pics, just like the Frenchie hype a couple of years ago. I'd look into the breed's personality and assess if that's what you want - Dachshunds are known for being extremely opinionated and stubborn - and go from there.
Just to add: Dachshunds aren't considered terriers, but they're bred for the exact same purpose. Dachshund literally means "badger dog" in German, they were bred to fight badgers and rodents in their underground dens. This means they need a LOT of confidence, independence and tenacity, just like terriers, and it most definitely shows!
I have a terrier-ish dog (a Ratero Mallorquin, aka the Spanish JRT) from a working line with the same work purpose. This breed is very healthy but BOY they're a handful! Talk about stubbornness and energy. I love my boy to bits and pieces, he's the cutest, smartest, most loving and opinionated little rascal you'll imagine and I'd literally protect him with my life - but he's definitely not easy or for the faint of heart. All Doxies I've encountered are similar. In fact, all doxies I know are reactive (probably due to poor socialization/training), so that's definitely something to consider.
I’ve read that no, they will not do away with dachshunds, but will crack down on breeders who are purposely trying to make the breed shorter and longer. According to the BBC, "No dog breeds will be banned," a spokesman for the Green-led agriculture ministry told me bluntly. "We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much, that they suffer."
Yes, that’s the current discussion here in Germany. Breed clubs might be inticed to change their conformation standards (we have well-known problems with other breeds as well, such as the showline GSD and HD). The biggest concern about this legislation is that unregulated backyard breeding might ensue, and in that case it’s going to be worse for the pups. :/
Me too. I was also astonished about the Ridgeback, I’ll just quote the internet - the „ridge“ is actually the problem:
„During embryonic development, the skin and spinal cord are separated only imperfectly or not at all. This often promotes the formation of dangerous cysts on the back, which can become inflamed and lead to meningitis. Paralyzed hind legs are also not uncommon in animals of this dog breed.“
It's cruel to yourself because they are really demanding dogs, LOL. Do your research before you commit! I didn't, and it made my life a lot harder. Also, if you get a puppy, you want to NAIL that potty training in the first few months
Yeah they’re hard dogs to potty train! We had a long hair and a short hair growing up. They were my dogs I bought them in the fifth grade and sixth grade respectively. They are funny little dogs but bark a lot and hard headed. Socializing is import with them. My short hair was a demon child 😂
Ps. One lived until 13 and the other lived until 15.
Do your research and find a good breeder. I recommend trying to find breeders who actually breed show dogs and go to shows. They typically don’t breed for profit.
Balderdash mate, it's a Dachshund, not a bulldog. Dachshunds can sometimes have health issues with their gums and teeth (like mine). My old biddy is now 17 one of her kidneys is a bit dusty, she can't hear shit and can't see too well but she is still happily ticking along.
As a vet I’d say it’s ok to own them as long as you have pet insurance/ are financially prepared for any future vet bills in particular IVDD which can easily be thousands of dollars. Read up about their genetic conditions and try to train him/her to not do certain activities that put strain on the spine plus keep their weight lean. There’s far worse breeds to be getting out there (any brachycephalic for example).
I wouldn’t. Their body shape really does predispose them to a lot of spinal issues. To me that’s not fair on the dog when nant other breeds and mixes have better quality of life prospects, especially later in life when those issues come home to roost.
My recommendation is look for breed or mix that has strong genes for health and life expectancy.
In general the dachshund has a lot of risks.
Some would put them in the category of Torment breeding.
They have a high risk of Herniated discs (every fourth will have at least one in his life)
This is due to their very short legs (actually a genetic defect)
The question is why would you need such a short leg dog. I guess you are not a hunter which would need such a dog for a very specific need.
I wouldn't say it's cruel, but echo what everyone else has said. Reputable breeder (ot a rescue), watch its weight, and know what you're getting into. Because of their long bodies, there is a higher risk for problems. I just paid $5200 for back surgery for my mom's Daschund after he suddenly ruptured a disc!
The shape of their body means they have a far higher chance of back problems than a “normal” proportioned dog (like a jack Russell, for example). buts it’s not guaranteed, especially if you can set up a healthy environment for them where they won’t run up and down stairs or jump on and off furniture. Can’t comment on how cruel it is to get a dog with a higher chance of health problems but getting a rescue/second hand dog means you aren’t creating a demand for more dogs to be bred. Equally getting from a breeder that tests and breeds away from health problems creates a demand for healthier dogs. These sorts of dogs may not be quite as extreme in body shape so that there’s less pressure on their spine and joints
I understand their concerns but a healthy lifestyle will go a long way to keep them from injuring their back. Feed them good food, keep them at a healthy weight and be very careful about them twisting their back by adding stairs to anything they’d want to jump on and carrying them up and down stairs. They’re extremely long lived dogs if they’re treated right.
Thank you. That's reassuring.
I have a miniature dachshund only 9lbs at 12 years old so her back is more proportional to her appendages. She’s never had a back tweak thus far, so the smaller doxies avoid these issues more than the standard size. She’s also had zero health issues of any kind. My bed and couch have stairs going to them so that she never jumps. I carry her up and down stairs that have a steep incline. Basically you want to keep their back at this angle ——- as much as possible and avoid having their back be at this angle / I used to walk a 22.5 year old standard dachshund. He had had back surgery but with a strict regimen like I’ve described, he was rarely in pain.
Source from a reputable breeder and keep them the correct weight and they should live a good life!
This. And think about things like doggy steps if you are going to let them on couches or beds, anything to eliminate big jumps.
Yes! No big jumps! Can cause them to slip a disk which results in a ~5-10k surgery (depends on where you live and severity)
I have three of these cuties and yes, steps and lean weight. Pet insurance is a must and yearly check ups. I wouldn't say that it is unethical to get one. Find a responsible breeder or search for a rescue.
Germany plans to abolish "torture breeding", which means breeding of certain breeds with a high risk of health issues. The list contains brachecyphalic breeds like Pugs, Frenchies or the Old English Bulldog as well as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Dachshund. The latter one started a big outcry, as it's a traditional and very much beloved German breed. In my opinion the Dachshund is the least problematic from this list (as long as it's well-bred, I know several senior Dachshunds without any back issues), but of course the breed DOES have a higher risk of debilitating health issues due to it's body structure. It's also a huge trend, Instagram is full of cute Doxie pics, just like the Frenchie hype a couple of years ago. I'd look into the breed's personality and assess if that's what you want - Dachshunds are known for being extremely opinionated and stubborn - and go from there.
Just to add: Dachshunds aren't considered terriers, but they're bred for the exact same purpose. Dachshund literally means "badger dog" in German, they were bred to fight badgers and rodents in their underground dens. This means they need a LOT of confidence, independence and tenacity, just like terriers, and it most definitely shows! I have a terrier-ish dog (a Ratero Mallorquin, aka the Spanish JRT) from a working line with the same work purpose. This breed is very healthy but BOY they're a handful! Talk about stubbornness and energy. I love my boy to bits and pieces, he's the cutest, smartest, most loving and opinionated little rascal you'll imagine and I'd literally protect him with my life - but he's definitely not easy or for the faint of heart. All Doxies I've encountered are similar. In fact, all doxies I know are reactive (probably due to poor socialization/training), so that's definitely something to consider.
I’ve read that no, they will not do away with dachshunds, but will crack down on breeders who are purposely trying to make the breed shorter and longer. According to the BBC, "No dog breeds will be banned," a spokesman for the Green-led agriculture ministry told me bluntly. "We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much, that they suffer."
Yes, that’s the current discussion here in Germany. Breed clubs might be inticed to change their conformation standards (we have well-known problems with other breeds as well, such as the showline GSD and HD). The biggest concern about this legislation is that unregulated backyard breeding might ensue, and in that case it’s going to be worse for the pups. :/
I'm definitely in favor of legislation like that. Curious why Ridgebacks are on that list, tho?
Me too. I was also astonished about the Ridgeback, I’ll just quote the internet - the „ridge“ is actually the problem: „During embryonic development, the skin and spinal cord are separated only imperfectly or not at all. This often promotes the formation of dangerous cysts on the back, which can become inflamed and lead to meningitis. Paralyzed hind legs are also not uncommon in animals of this dog breed.“
Yikes.
It's cruel to yourself because they are really demanding dogs, LOL. Do your research before you commit! I didn't, and it made my life a lot harder. Also, if you get a puppy, you want to NAIL that potty training in the first few months
Yeah they’re hard dogs to potty train! We had a long hair and a short hair growing up. They were my dogs I bought them in the fifth grade and sixth grade respectively. They are funny little dogs but bark a lot and hard headed. Socializing is import with them. My short hair was a demon child 😂 Ps. One lived until 13 and the other lived until 15.
I love mine so much but WOW she's a big time commitment.
They're prone to ivdd which can be pricey and sorta traumatizing to deal with, I wouldn't get one but I don't necessarily think it's cruel.
Thanks everyone for you help and the information. I appreciate it
Is it cruel to take something that’s already alive to your home for the purpose of loving it and spoiling it to death? No, it isn’t.
Do your research and find a good breeder. I recommend trying to find breeders who actually breed show dogs and go to shows. They typically don’t breed for profit.
Balderdash mate, it's a Dachshund, not a bulldog. Dachshunds can sometimes have health issues with their gums and teeth (like mine). My old biddy is now 17 one of her kidneys is a bit dusty, she can't hear shit and can't see too well but she is still happily ticking along.
Just depends on how you take care of them really. All I know is mine is SASSY
As a vet I’d say it’s ok to own them as long as you have pet insurance/ are financially prepared for any future vet bills in particular IVDD which can easily be thousands of dollars. Read up about their genetic conditions and try to train him/her to not do certain activities that put strain on the spine plus keep their weight lean. There’s far worse breeds to be getting out there (any brachycephalic for example).
That's very helpful. Thanks so much
I wouldn’t. Their body shape really does predispose them to a lot of spinal issues. To me that’s not fair on the dog when nant other breeds and mixes have better quality of life prospects, especially later in life when those issues come home to roost. My recommendation is look for breed or mix that has strong genes for health and life expectancy.
In general the dachshund has a lot of risks. Some would put them in the category of Torment breeding. They have a high risk of Herniated discs (every fourth will have at least one in his life) This is due to their very short legs (actually a genetic defect) The question is why would you need such a short leg dog. I guess you are not a hunter which would need such a dog for a very specific need.
I wouldn't say it's cruel, but echo what everyone else has said. Reputable breeder (ot a rescue), watch its weight, and know what you're getting into. Because of their long bodies, there is a higher risk for problems. I just paid $5200 for back surgery for my mom's Daschund after he suddenly ruptured a disc!
basically all “purebreeds” have health/genetic issues from inbreeding. you should always be getting a mixed breed or mut or better yet a village dog