Group 4 · Dachshunds
Standard Dachshund – wire-haired
The Dachshund is a short-legged German hunting dog with a big personality, in three sizes (standard, miniature and rabbit) and three coat types. It is brave, clever and affectionate, but also stubborn. The breeding programme requires the parent dogs to be examined for, among other things, chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This breed profile covers the Standard Dachshund – wire-haired.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Dashond - Dwergteckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar Dashond - kaninchen teckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar Dashond - standaard teckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
X-ray Once from 2 years
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: lateral (C1 to Cd1 must be assessable)
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy, NECAP-related (PRA NECAP)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NECAP1: c.544G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- GDNF: g.70875561C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SERPINH1: c.977T>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Dashond - Dwergteckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar Dashond - kaninchen teckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar Dashond - standaard teckel – korthaar, ruwhaar, langhaar, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Merle colour test (PMEL), Progressive retinal atrophy, NECAP-related (PRA NECAP) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Dachshund needs varied walks every day, with time to sniff. Grooming depends on the coat: the smooth coat is easy, the wire coat is hand-stripped a few times a year and the long coat needs regular brushing.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Dachshund is an independent hunter that likes to go its own way. It can bark loudly, dig and set off after prey. Patient, consistent, reward-based training works best. With this breed, colour is also a matter for the breeding programme: note the merle rule above.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
