Dachshund Dog BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Comprehensive Dachshund Breeding Information

Dachshund Breed Varieties

The Dachshund breed encompasses six distinct varieties through the combination of three coat types and two sizes. Standard Dachshunds weigh 16-32 pounds, while Miniatures weigh under 11 pounds at 12 months. The three coat varieties - smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired - each carry different genetic traits and health predispositions. Smooth-coated Dachshunds, the most common variety, require minimal grooming but are prone to pattern baldness. Longhaired Dachshunds, believed to have spaniel ancestry, possess silky coats requiring regular maintenance. Wirehaired Dachshunds, developed through terrier crosses, have harsh double coats and uniquely carry the gene for Lafora Disease, a fatal form of epilepsy affecting 10% of the variety.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - The Primary Health Concern

IVDD affects 25% of all Dachshunds, making it the breed's most significant health challenge. This condition results from the chondrodystrophic dwarfism gene that gives Dachshunds their characteristic long, low body but causes premature disc degeneration. Calcified discs can rupture into the spinal cord, causing paralysis ranging from Grade 1 (pain only) to Grade 5 (complete paralysis with loss of deep pain perception). Emergency surgery within 24-48 hours costs $5,000-10,000, with only 50% of severe cases regaining full function. Prevention strategies include maintaining ideal weight, using ramps instead of stairs, avoiding jumping, and using harnesses rather than collars. Breeding programs must include IVDD screening through radiographs or MRI, with dogs showing early disc calcification excluded from breeding.

Back Injury Prevention During Breeding

Pregnant Dachshunds require special management to prevent spinal injuries during their 63-day gestation. Weight gain should not exceed 25-30% of pre-pregnancy weight to avoid excessive spinal stress. Whelping boxes must have low entrances (under 2 inches) to prevent jumping. During breeding, natural mating positions can stress the female's back - artificial insemination may be safer for dogs with previous back issues. Post-whelping, mothers should be prevented from jumping in and out of whelping boxes. Ramps should be installed throughout the breeding facility, and all surfaces should provide good traction to prevent slipping injuries that can herniate discs.

Dapple Gene Dangers in Breeding

The dapple (merle) pattern in Dachshunds creates beautiful mottled coats but carries serious genetic risks. Breeding two dapple Dachshunds together produces 25% double dapple puppies, which frequently suffer from congenital deafness, blindness, missing eyes, and neurological disorders. This breeding practice is considered unethical and illegal in many countries. Single dapples are healthy but must only be bred to solid-colored dogs. Hidden dapples can occur in red dogs where the pattern is barely visible, making genetic testing essential. Sable coloring can also mask dapple patterns, creating risk for accidental double dapple breeding. All dapple breeding programs require DNA testing for the merle gene to prevent these devastating outcomes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dachshunds

PRA affects all Dachshund varieties through two mutations: cord1 and crd4. This hereditary condition causes progressive vision loss leading to complete blindness by age 3-6 years. DNA testing for both mutations is mandatory in responsible breeding programs. The disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern - two carriers bred together produce 25% affected puppies. Even carrier-to-carrier breedings should be avoided as they perpetuate the defective genes. Annual CERF/OFA eye examinations complement DNA testing by identifying other ocular conditions including cataracts (affecting 20% by age 5), optic nerve hypoplasia, and persistent pupillary membranes.

Epilepsy in Dachshunds

Dachshunds experience higher rates of epilepsy than many breeds, with two distinct forms. Idiopathic epilepsy, affecting 2-3% of the breed, typically manifests between 6 months and 5 years. Lafora Disease, exclusive to Wirehaired Dachshunds, is a fatal progressive myoclonic epilepsy affecting 10% of the variety. Lafora symptoms begin at 5-7 years with myoclonic jerks progressing to violent seizures, blindness, and dementia, requiring euthanasia within 2-4 years. DNA testing for Lafora is mandatory for all Wirehaired breeding stock. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or family history of seizures should never be bred. Seizure disorders significantly impact quality of life and require lifelong medication costing $100-300 monthly.

Dachshund Color Genetics

German Hunting Heritage

Dachshunds were developed in Germany over 300 years ago specifically for badger hunting, with "Dachshund" literally meaning "badger dog." Their elongated bodies and short legs allowed them to pursue badgers into underground burrows, while their loud bark enabled hunters to track them underground. The three coat varieties were developed for different terrains: smooth for general hunting, longhaired for water work and cold climates, and wirehaired for thorny underbrush. This hunting heritage created a brave, independent, and sometimes stubborn temperament that persists today. Modern breeding should preserve these working traits while selecting for stable companion temperaments.

Size Breeding Considerations

Breeding between Standard and Miniature Dachshunds requires careful consideration. Standards (16-32 pounds) and Miniatures (under 11 pounds) have different health profiles and breeding challenges. Miniatures experience 30% IVDD rates compared to 20% in Standards, higher patellar luxation incidence, and increased C-section rates (30% versus 20%). "Tweenies" weighing 12-15 pounds don't meet either breed standard and shouldn't be intentionally produced. Breeding Miniature females to Standard males can be fatal due to puppy size. Size inheritance is polygenic - two Miniatures can produce Standard-sized offspring and vice versa. Responsible breeders maintain size consistency within their breeding programs to ensure predictable outcomes.

Breeding Management Specifics

• Breeding Age: Females should be at least 2 years old with completed health testing. Males can breed from 12 months with testing.
• Litter Size: Typically 3-4 puppies, though ranges from 1-8. Single puppy syndrome common, requiring C-section.
• Whelping Challenges: 20% C-section rate due to large puppy heads and narrow pelvis. Miniatures have 30% C-section rate.
• Coat Variety Crosses: Longhaired is recessive to smooth, wirehaired is dominant. Mixed coat litters possible.
• Health Testing Requirements: IVDD screening, PRA DNA test, OFA patellas (Miniatures), CERF eye exam, Lafora test (Wirehaired).
• Cost Expectations: Health testing $800-1,500, potential C-section $2,000-4,000, back surgery if needed $5,000-10,000.