German dog lovers were in an uproar this week when it was announced that the country was considering banning the breeding of dachshunds.
The proposal, unveiled in a draft of Germany’s Animal Protection Act, addresses the problems their short legs and elongated spine make them more vulnerable to back problems.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) – the main organization representing the interests of dog owners in the country – launched a petition to save ‘our favorite dogs’.
But according to the German Ministry of Agriculture, the ban on breeding dachshunds – also known as sausage dogs – will not come into effect.
“No dog breeds will be banned,” a spokesperson told the channel BBC.
Dachshunds are prone to health problems such as intervertebral disc damage and back problems, ear infections and PRA – an inherited eye condition
The ministry spokesman added that there will “always be sausage dogs” in Germany, where the modern version of the breed emerged in the 17th century.
“We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so badly that they suffer,” she added.
MailOnline has contacted VDH and the German Ministry of Agriculture for further comment.
The story goes back to earlier this week, when an article was published in the German newspaper Hochrhein-Zeitung.
The article, written by a VDH spokesperson, raised concerns about a new draft of the country’s Animal Protection Act.
The law, the spokesperson said, proposes a ban on the “cruel” breeding of dogs that have “skeletal abnormalities” because they suffer pain.
Short-legged dogs such as Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers and Shelties may also be excluded from breeding under the law.
VDH also launched one petition calling for changes to the wording of the law before it comes into effect.
‘The draft (Animal Protection Act) lists various disease characteristics that lead to a ban on dog breeding,’ reads the VDH petition.
‘Unfortunately, many of the characteristics mentioned are vague and ambiguous.
‘This leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which carries the risk of incorrect or exaggerated interpretations and will lead to significant legal uncertainty for law enforcement authorities, veterinarians, breeders and dog owners.’
Dr. Eniko Kubinyi, a Hungarian biologist who studies dog behavior at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, said dachshunds are “deeply rooted in German culture.”
‘Rather than imposing a ban, it would be better to introduce stricter rules on breeding practices, including mandatory health examinations, to ensure the health of the dogs,’ she told MailOnline.
‘It is equally important to educate potential dog owners about the potential health problems of dachshunds to ensure they are prepared for responsible ownership.’
For hundreds of years, dachshunds – also called sausage dogs – have been bred to accentuate harmful characteristics, such as a long, sausage-like torso, to make them look “cute.”
DAN: This image shows a dachshund from about 100 years ago. Dachshunds’ bodies have grown longer over time and have more stubby, curved legs
NOW: Dachshunds have been bred to accentuate harmful features – such as a long, sausage-like torso – to make them appear ‘cute’
Unfortunately, they suffer from severe back problems due to their long spines and bent, stubby legs, which may prevent them from walking.
Dachshunds are also prone to problems with their legs, joint problems and achondroplastic pathologies, PRA – an inherited eye disease.
‘Dachshunds (also called sausage dogs) are a breed characterized by disproportionately long backs compared to their short legs,’ says Paul Manktelow, chief veterinarian at Blue Cross.
‘Although they often have a beautiful personality and cute appearance, their body shape can cause them health problems.
‘Their long backs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (herniated discs), which can lead to back pain, spinal cord damage, walking problems and paralysis.
‘While there are often treatments or surgeries to help, a dog may need to be put to sleep due to the severity of its illness.’
But Dr Dan O’Neill, professor of animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, says health problems are not unique to the dachshund.
Sausage dogs could soon be banned in Germany under a new law banning breeds with ‘skeletal abnormalities’
In fact, many dog breeds suffer from ‘extreme conformation’, where an exaggerated body shape, structure or appearance can negatively impact their health and wellbeing.
Other examples include the pug, the English bulldog, the French bulldog, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the Basset hound
“We would love to own these dogs with extreme conformation, but those dogs may not like living in a body where they have much higher health and welfare issues,” Dr. O’Neill to MailOnline.
“Most dogs today are produced as a product to sell, rather than bred to meet a specific breed standard.”
