Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds

IVDD is one of the most serious health conditions affecting dachshunds.

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If you are considering the breed, you need to understand that IVDD is a real risk regardless of how responsibly a dog is bred. Terms like “IVDD screened” can sound reassuring, but they still does not guarantee a dog will never go on to develop IVDD.​​​

 

Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The condition is complex, and no ethical breeder can honestly promise otherwise.

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What is IVDD?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition affecting the discs between the vertebrae of the spine.

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In dachshunds, these discs can degenerate prematurely, calcify, rupture, or herniate, placing pressure on the spinal cord.

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This can result in:

• Pain

• Weakness

• Loss of mobility

• Paralysis

• Incontinence

• In severe cases, emergency surgery

 

Some dogs recover fully. Others may live with lifelong complications.

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It is emotionally devastating for owners and can be financially catastrophic, with surgery often costing many thousands of pounds.

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There is currently no definitive test for IVDD

This is one of the most important things buyers need to understand.

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Despite what social media sometimes suggests, there is currently no single DNA test that can reliably guarantee a dachshund will never develop IVDD.

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No ethical breeder can promise an “IVDD-proof” dog.

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That does not exist.

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Back scoring can provide useful information about calcified discs at the time the X-rays are taken, and may help breeders make more informed decisions as part of a wider breeding programme. However, it is not a definitive or fully reliable way of predicting whether an individual dog will or will not go on to develop IVDD.

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A low back score does not guarantee a dog will never suffer from IVDD.

A higher back score does not automatically mean a dog definitely will.

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IVDD is considered a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by:

• Genetics

• Overall structure

• Disc degeneration

• Environmental factors

• Body condition

• Muscle tone

• Lifestyle

• Chance

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Some dogs with excellent breeding may still develop IVDD. Some poorly bred dogs may never show symptoms. That uncertainty is part of what makes the condition so difficult.

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The most important thing a breeder can do is know their lines

Because there is no definitive prevention, responsible breeding relies heavily on honesty, experience, and long-term knowledge of bloodlines.

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A responsible breeder should:

• Track health patterns within their lines

• Be transparent about issues that arise

• Pay attention to repeated spinal problems in related dogs

• Breed away from concerning trends where possible

• Prioritise sound structure and movement

• Avoid breeding purely for colour or trends

• Understand the strengths and weaknesses within their pedigrees

 

Ethical breeders do not pretend risk does not exist. They make informed decisions using the information available to them.

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Structure matters

Dachshunds are intentionally a dwarf breed with elongated spines. Their shape is part of what makes them unique, but it also creates vulnerability.

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Exaggeration makes that vulnerability worse - Poor structure, weak fronts, excessive length, poor muscle tone, obesity, and unstable movement can all place additional strain on the spine.

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This is why preservation breeders care so deeply about correct structure and movement. It is not elitism or “show dog obsession.” - It is functional.

 

A well-constructed dachshund should still be capable of moving efficiently and supporting its body correctly.

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Lifestyle and management also matter

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While IVDD cannot be fully prevented, sensible management may help reduce unnecessary strain on the spine.

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This includes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Building good muscle tone

• Avoiding obesity

• Sensible exercise

• Avoiding repetitive high-impact jumping

• Using ramps where appropriate

• Keeping dogs fit rather than sedentary

 

That said, it is also important not to become paranoid.

 

Some owners become so fearful of IVDD that their dachshund ends up overweight, under-muscled, and under-exercised, which can create its own problems.

Dachshunds are still dogs. They need movement, enrichment, and quality of life.

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Our approach to IVDD at Deliciaedax

At Deliciaedax, we take IVDD seriously and believe conversations around it should be approached with honesty rather than fear-based marketing or false guarantees.

 

IVDD is a complex condition and currently there is no definitive way to completely eliminate the risk within the breed. No ethical breeder can promise a dog will never develop IVDD, and we believe it is important to be transparent about that reality.

 

Our approach focuses on:

• Knowing our lines deeply

• Being honest about concerns that arise

• Making thoughtful pairing decisions

• Prioritising sound structure and movement

• Avoiding exaggerated trends

• Continuing to learn as research and breed knowledge evolve

 

We believe responsible breeding is not about pretending perfection exists. It is about making informed, ethical decisions with the welfare of the dogs always placed first.