
Dachshunds are under threat as Germany proposes a ban on breeding due to health concerns. The breed's long, narrow body can lead to spinal problems, with up to 25% of dachshunds experiencing intervertebral disc disease.
The German government has been reviewing the health of the breed and is considering a ban to prevent further suffering. This move has sparked debate among dachshund owners and breeders.
In Germany, dachshunds are a beloved breed, with over 100,000 registered each year. However, the breed's popularity has also led to concerns about over-breeding and the welfare of the dogs.
Discover more: Dachshunds in Germany
Germany Proposes Ban
This includes breeds prone to particular problems, such as the frequent spinal issues seen in dogs with short legs and a long back. Other national favorites like the German shepherd and schnauzer, and even Snoopy himself, the beagle, could also be affected.
The draft bill was introduced as part of the Animal Protection Act, which seeks to strengthen existing laws on so-called “torture breeding.” The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs,” arguing the reform would leave too much room for interpretation in determining what constitutes a genetic defect.
On Dachshund Breeding
The draft bill, part of the Animal Protection Act, aims to strengthen laws on "torture breeding" and could ban reproduction of breeds prone to particular problems, such as spinal issues seen in dogs with short legs and a long back.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) believes the new draft law is exaggerated and is aimed against breeding as a whole.
The VDH has launched a petition to save "our favorite dogs", which has attracted over 15,000 signatures.
The petition argues that the reform would leave too much room for interpretation in determining what constitutes a genetic defect.
Many dog breeders, including Kerstin Schwartz, a dachshund breeder and owner of 27 dogs, are concerned about the potential impact of the proposed reform.
The German agriculture ministry denies that the new draft bill would amount to a ban on particular breeds, including the dachshund.
However, the ministry's statement that the reform aims to prohibit breeding practices that inflict long-term suffering on animals has raised concerns among breeders who argue that they adhere to strict breeding standards.
Suggestion: Dapple Dachshund Breeders
The draft bill's focus on regulating the online trade in animals and taking action against illegal puppy trade is seen as reasonable by the VDH, but the requirements for animal protection are considered too strict.
As of now, the details of how the new regulations would work are still under discussion.
Animal Breeding in General
Animal breeding is a complex process that involves selecting and mating animals to produce offspring with desirable traits.
In Germany, animal breeding is a significant industry, with many farms and breeding programs operating across the country.
The goal of animal breeding is to improve the quality and productivity of animals, often for meat, dairy, or other agricultural purposes.
Some popular breeds in Germany include the German Shepherd, a highly intelligent and loyal dog breed, and the Holstein Friesian, a dairy cow breed known for its high milk production.
Animal breeding can also involve cross-breeding different species to create new and unique breeds, such as the mule, a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse.
Breeding Ban Details
The proposed breeding ban in Germany is a complex issue, and it's essential to understand the details.
The draft law aims to prohibit the breeding of dogs with "skeletal anomalies", which could affect breeds like the dachshund, German shepherd, and schnauzer.
The law would ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular problems, such as the frequent spinal issues seen in dogs with short legs and a long back.
The proposed law lists a number of "symptoms" that should not be reproduced, including hairlessness, reduced life expectancy, abnormalities of the skeletal system, and teeth malformations.
Germany's Kennel Club (VDH) has warned that this could cause confusion for law enforcement, vets, breeders, and dog owners.
The VDH argues that a list of banned characteristics needs to be created after discussion with experts and "based on scientific facts".
The draft bill was introduced as part of the Animal Protection Act, which seeks to strengthen existing laws on so-called "torture breeding".

The new regulation seeks to prohibit breeding practices that inflict long-term suffering on the animals.
Germany's agriculture ministry has denied that the reform would amount to a ban on certain breeds, such as dachshunds.
The ministry says the reform is specifically about strengthening the law that already exists around "torture breeding".
The VDH has started a petition calling for an adaptation of the law to avoid "incorrect or exaggerated interpretations" and save sausage dogs.
The petition has got more than 14,000 signatures since it was started on 21 March.
Impact on Dachshund Population
The proposed ban on Dachshunds in Germany has sparked concerns about the impact on the breed's population. Over 300,000 Dachshunds are currently kept as pets in Germany.
Many Dachshund owners are worried about what will happen to their beloved pets if the ban is implemented. The German government has not provided clear guidance on rehoming or euthanizing the existing Dachshund population.
Dachshunds have been a popular breed in Germany for centuries, and their population has been steadily increasing over the years. The breed's popularity can be attributed to its loyal and affectionate nature.
The proposed ban is expected to have a significant impact on the Dachshund population, with many owners facing the difficult decision of rehoming or giving up their pets. The ban is not expected to come into effect immediately, but owners are already starting to worry about their pets' future.
Dachshunds in Germany
Dachshunds in Germany are facing a potential breeding ban due to their short legs, which could be classified as a skeletal anomaly.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) has launched a petition to save the sausage dog, citing concerns that the new draft law could leave too much room for interpretation in determining what constitutes a genetic defect.
As of Wednesday, the petition had attracted more than 15,000 signatures, with many dachshund breeders and owners concerned about the impact on their beloved pets.

The VDH argues that the proposed law could cause confusion for law enforcement, vets, breeders, and dog owners, as it seems to suggest that any breed that visually "differs from the original wolf type" should not be permitted to breed.
Dachshunds can live for more than 12 years if kept healthy, despite their potential for slipped discus due to their physique.
The German agriculture ministry has denied that the reform would amount to a ban on certain breeds, such as dachshunds, stating that the reform is specifically about strengthening the law around "torture breeding".
Kerstin Schwartz, a dachshund breeder and owner of 27 dogs, has expressed her outrage at the proposed reform, arguing that her kennel club has adhered to the same breeding standards since 1888.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dachshunds high risk?
Yes, dachshunds are considered a high-risk breed for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), with a significantly higher risk than other breeds. This means dachshund owners and potential owners should be aware of the potential risks and take preventative measures to protect their dog's health.
Sources
- https://ca.news.yahoo.com/dachshunds-under-threat-germany-proposes-181858101.html
- https://uk.news.yahoo.com/dachshunds-under-threat-germany-proposes-181858101.html
- https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-016-0039-8
- https://www.datalounge.com/thread/34174367-dachshunds-under-threat-as-germany-proposes-ban-on-breeding
- https://news.sky.com/story/dachshunds-could-face-breeding-ban-in-germany-heres-why-13102742
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