10/09/2026
🐾 IVDD & DACHSHUNDS: WHAT EVERY DACHSHUND OWNER SHOULD KNOW 🐾
If you love Dachshunds, you’ve probably heard the words IVDD — Intervertebral Disc Disease. Because of their long backs and short legs, Dachshunds are one of the breeds most predisposed to Type I IVDD.
🩻 THE STATISTICS
Research in Danish Dachshunds found that approximately 18% experienced disc herniation — roughly 1 in 5 dogs. The study found similar rates across smooth, longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds. (PubMed Central (PMC))
Genetics play an important role. A genetic variant involving the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12 (CFA12) is strongly associated with the short-legged body structure and increased susceptibility to Type I IVDD. (PubMed Central (PMC))
🧬 BUT HERE’S WHERE DNA TESTING GETS INTERESTING…
Embark’s current Dachshund data shows:
• 5.3% tested clear for the CDDY/IVDD variant
• 32.4% had one copy
• 62.2% had two copies
That means more than 94% of the Dachshunds in this particular Embark research dataset carried at least one copy. (Embark Vet)
⚠️ Does having the gene mean a Dachshund WILL get IVDD?
NO.
An “at-risk” DNA result is not a diagnosis and does not mean a dog will definitely develop IVDD. Embark specifically notes that many Dachshunds carrying the variant never develop clinical IVDD. (Embark Vet Help)
And this is incredibly important for breeders:
Because the variant is so common in Dachshunds, simply removing every dog with one or two copies from a breeding program could drastically shrink the gene pool. Embark recommends considering the whole dog, family history and other health information, rather than making breeding decisions from this one test alone. (Embark Vet Help)
🧬 DNA TESTING IS A TOOL — NOT A CRYSTAL BALL.
A responsible breeding program looks at much more than one genetic result:
✔️ DNA health testing
✔️ Family history
✔️ Overall structure and conformation
✔️ Weight and body condition
✔️ Previous health history
✔️ Veterinary care
✔️ Responsible breeding choices
✔️ Genetic diversity
Interestingly, research has also found that disc calcification seen on radiographs can be a valuable indicator of future disc herniation, meaning IVDD risk cannot be reduced to a single DNA result. (PubMed Central (PMC))
❤️ For Dachshund families, prevention matters too.
Keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight, avoiding unnecessary jumping and falls, providing good traction, and paying attention to early signs of back pain can all be important parts of caring for this special breed.
And remember:
A DNA result tells us about GENETIC RISK.
It does not tell us an individual dog’s DESTINY. 🐾
