Could dachshunds become extinct?

[bluemingidiot]

Dachshunds, the German dog breed known for their distinctive long bodies and short legs, face an uncertain future if proposed changes to an animal protection law are approved. aims to combat “torture breeding,” or breeding to produce animals with characteristics that will cause them to suffer, and to regulate the online trade of animals.

Dog varieties teach the world that you can be odd, awkward, funny, even ugly and yet still bring joy and encouragement into the lives of others.  Yes, some can develop serious problems, but are we better served by compensating and overcoming their problems and our prejudices, than deciding what, or who, may reproduce?

[Maura]

I think there is a difference from a dog being awkward or ugly and purposely breeding animals that can't naturally deliver their young English Bulldog), or can't breathe, or can't live a life without pain. There is no reason for a doxie to have legs so short that he can't go up a low step, or vertebrae that are elongated to give a longer body. European doxies do not have the problem American dachshunds have because they have not been bred for extremes. I think it is a problem with the breed clubs that allow and encourage their breeds to be bred strictly for the show ring and not for purpose. If the AKC made demands that each breed must be healthy there would be no reason for the government to step in.

[bluemingidiot]

"Abnormal intervertebral discs are a feature of Dachshunds which is linked to selection in the breed for the characteristic feature of short legs. These abnormal discs press into the spinal cord causing pain and spinal cord damage in around 25% of Dachshunds at some stage of their lives."

"It has been recommended that dogs with more than 4 calcified discs at 2 years of age should not be used for breeding (Jensen et al 2008). Selective breeding programs based on this recommendation have been initiated in Norway, Denmark and Finland (Rohdin et al 2010). Though it is too early for evidence to have emerged to confirm that this will decrease the incidence of the disease, this seems a sensible way forward."  Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

[bluemingidiot]

The average lifespan of dogs in general is 10 to 13 years. The average life span of dachshunds is 12 to 16 years.

What bothers me is breeding Great Danes, who only live 6 to 8 years.  Bloat, which can lead to gastric dilatation volvulus, is the number one cause of death in Great Danes.  If humans could come up with a way to prevent this disease it would end a traumatic death.  The five breeds at greatest risk of bloat are Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Gordon Setters, and Irish Setters.

[Woodpecker]

Seems to me most big dogs simply don't live as long as little dogs. We had a mix, mother was a golden retriever, they didn't know who the father was. Cooper was all black, sleek hair, and big 90 lbs. He was a great dog, smart and obedient, loving but protective. He died at 6 years old, we don't know why.

Then my daughter got Elmer her Jack Russel terror, he lived until he was 15 years old. When Elmer was 4 we got a Boxer which was my sons dog, Jadie, she was a beautiful true Boxer. Her personality was so very sweet, She passed one summer on the deck at 6 years old. I've always heard big dogs don't live as long as little ones. That was true with ours. Miss them.

[Maura]

I had two dogs die of bloat. An Irish Setter who died at age ten, and a Standard Poodle who died at age 7. After doing much research I came to the conclusion that I needed to feed either canned food or raw. I went with predator raw. That dog, a Border Collie, lived to age 16.5 when I had him put to sleep. My vet said the oldest Border Collies she had ever seen lived to 14. I also feed predator raw to my rescue/foster dogs. If they are too fat, they loose weight. If they are too thin, they gain weight. Their coats come in shiny and robust. They get healthier, but they never get worse. So, there is your cure for bloat.

[vickilynn]

Cavaliers are a breed in big trouble. More health problems and insurance claims filed than any other breed. Norway has banned breeding them. They are the most happy, lovable little dogs. Perhaps limit breeding to folks who have the best interests of the breed, although MVD and syringomyelia are big problems and I’m not sure careful breeding would help. I’ve been fortunate that Jenny is 10yo and the heart murmur just started this year.

[stickinthemud]

Our Border Collie 'Frisky' died at 16. His dam was grandad's BC 'Lady' that he bred to "a working dog" somewhere around Wheeling WV in 1960. Always thought Frisky was straight BC but as he was tri-color I now wonder if his sire was English Shepherd. Everyone who might have known is gone.

[Maura]

Tri color, if you mean black and white with some brown marking, that is tricky-color, like my border collie.

[stickinthemud]

Thanks, Maura. He could have been 100% Border Collie. He was a great dog.