What are the main health problems in Dachshunds?

Dachshunds are, in many respects, a fairly hardy and long-lived breed (often living around 12 to 16 years), but they have one health issue that towers above all others in importance, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a back problem to which the breed is exceptionally prone because of its long-backed, short-legged build, and which is the defining health consideration of the breed (covered below and in depth in our back-care guide). Beyond IVDD, the conditions worth being aware of in Dachshunds include: obesity (very important in this breed, both because Dachshunds are prone to weight gain and because excess weight significantly increases the strain on the vulnerable back and the risk of IVDD, so weight management is doubly critical); dental disease (as a small breed, Dachshunds are prone to dental problems and need good dental care); eye conditions (including progressive retinal atrophy and, in some, other eye issues); patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps, a small-breed issue); and some others such as certain heart conditions, epilepsy, and, in specific coat colours (the "double dapple" pattern), a higher risk of deafness and eye problems. Most individual Dachshunds will not develop most of these lesser conditions, and the breed is generally hardy and long-lived, but IVDD is common enough and serious enough that it dominates the health picture and must be the central focus of a Dachshund owner's health awareness and prevention efforts. The single most important thing an owner can do for a Dachshund's health, by a wide margin, is to protect the back, through weight management, careful handling, and managing jumping and stairs (all covered in our back-care guide). For an adopted Dachshund, ask the rescue about any known back history, keep the dog lean, take dental care seriously, and make back protection your central health priority.

What is IVDD, and why are Dachshunds so prone to it?

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a spinal condition affecting the discs that cushion the vertebrae of the spine, and it is by far the most important health issue in Dachshunds, the breed is exceptionally prone to it, more so than almost any other breed, because of its distinctive long-backed, short-legged body. In IVDD, the intervertebral discs (which act as cushions between the bones of the spine) degenerate and can bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord, and this can cause pain, nerve damage, weakness, difficulty walking, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to a form of premature disc degeneration, and their long spine puts extra mechanical stress on the discs, which together make them highly susceptible; a significant proportion of Dachshunds will experience some degree of IVDD in their lifetimes, often in their middle years. IVDD can range from mild (back pain and reluctance to move, sometimes managed with rest and medication) to severe (loss of the ability to walk, which may require emergency surgery), and it is a genuinely serious, potentially devastating and expensive condition. The signs of IVDD to watch for include: back or neck pain (a hunched posture, reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs, crying out when moved or touched, a tense abdomen), weakness or wobbliness in the legs (especially the hind legs), dragging the back legs, difficulty walking or standing, and, in severe cases, an inability to walk or move the legs, these signs, particularly any sudden weakness or paralysis in the legs, are a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention, as prompt treatment (which may include emergency surgery) can make a major difference to the outcome. Because IVDD is so common and serious in Dachshunds, prevention and back protection are central to owning the breed, and this is covered in depth in our back-care and IVDD-prevention guide. Knowing the signs and acting immediately if they appear is genuinely important for a Dachshund owner.

Why is obesity so dangerous for a Dachshund?

Obesity is a particularly serious issue for Dachshunds, more so than for many breeds, because on top of the general health harms of obesity, excess weight directly increases the strain on the Dachshund's already-vulnerable back and raises the risk of IVDD, the breed's most important health problem. In other words, for a Dachshund, keeping the dog lean is not just about general health, it is a central part of protecting the back and preventing back disease, which makes weight management doubly critical for this breed. A Dachshund's long spine bears more mechanical stress than a normally-proportioned dog's, and every extra pound of body weight adds to that stress on the discs and back, increasing the likelihood and severity of IVDD, as well as worsening any joint issues and causing the general health harms of obesity (increased risk of diabetes, heart problems, reduced mobility and quality of life, and shortened lifespan). Dachshunds are also prone to weight gain and can be food-motivated, so it takes active management to keep one lean. The good news is that this is very much within an owner's control: keep the dog at a healthy, lean body weight through disciplined feeding (measuring food, feeding appropriate portions, limiting treats, and not overfeeding), provide appropriate exercise, and monitor the dog's body condition (you should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a waist), being firm about a Dachshund's diet and keeping it slim is one of the single most important things you can do to protect its back and overall health. Given the direct link between weight and the breed's most serious health issue, weight management deserves particular emphasis and discipline for a Dachshund, a lean Dachshund is a Dachshund whose back is far better protected.

What dental, eye, and other conditions affect Dachshunds?

Beyond IVDD (the dominant concern) and obesity (which is closely tied to back health), Dachshunds can be affected by several other conditions worth knowing about. Dental disease: as a small breed, Dachshunds are prone to dental problems (crowded teeth in a small mouth, leading to tartar, gum disease, and tooth loss), so regular dental care, tooth brushing and professional cleanings as needed, is genuinely important for the breed's health and comfort. Eye conditions: Dachshunds can be prone to some eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, causing gradual vision loss) and others, so routine eye monitoring is worthwhile and any eye concerns should be assessed. Patellar luxation: slipping kneecaps, a common small-breed issue, can occur, causing an intermittent skip in the gait. Other conditions: Dachshunds can be affected by certain heart conditions, epilepsy, and some others, and there is a specific and important consideration around coat colour, dogs of the "double dapple" pattern (produced by breeding two dapple/merle Dachshunds) are at significantly higher risk of serious congenital problems including deafness, blindness, and eye defects, which is why responsible breeders avoid double-dapple breeding, and it is worth being aware of. Most individual Dachshunds will not develop most of these conditions, and the breed is generally hardy and long-lived; the practical takeaways for a Dachshund owner are that IVDD and its prevention (through weight and back management) is the central health priority, dental care is important as for other small breeds, and routine veterinary care with attention to the eyes and prompt assessment of any concerning signs covers the rest. For an adopted Dachshund, good routine care, diligent dental care, weight management, and, above all, back protection are the keys to keeping the dog healthy.

How long do Dachshunds live and is pet insurance worth it in Montreal?

Dachshunds are a long-lived breed, typically living around 12 to 16 years, one of the longer-lived breeds, and many stay healthy and active well into their senior years with good care and, crucially, a well-protected back. Keeping a Dachshund healthy centers overwhelmingly on protecting the back: keep the dog lean (the single most important thing, both for general health and to reduce strain on the back and the risk of IVDD); manage jumping and stairs and handle the dog carefully to protect the spine (covered in our back-care guide); take dental care seriously (regular brushing and professional cleanings, as for other small breeds); provide appropriate, back-friendly exercise; stay on top of routine veterinary care with attention to the eyes and any signs of back problems; and know the signs of IVDD and act immediately if they appear. On pet insurance: it is particularly worth considering for a Dachshund, arguably more so than for many breeds, because of the breed's high risk of IVDD, which is not only common but potentially very expensive to treat, IVDD surgery, if needed, can cost thousands of dollars, and the condition may require ongoing management, so the potential for significant back-related veterinary costs is a real and breed-specific reason to have insurance or a substantial dedicated fund. Montreal veterinary care, especially specialist and surgical care, is not cheap, and an IVDD event is exactly the kind of expensive, unexpected situation insurance is designed for. As always, take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition (especially any back issue) is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing, which matters a great deal for this breed. Compare providers, understand coverage (including whether IVDD and back conditions are well covered, as this is the key issue for the breed) and any limits, and read the fine print. If you self-insure instead, keep a substantial vet fund in mind specifically for the possibility of IVDD treatment. Note that for an adopted adult or senior Dachshund, some conditions (including any back issues) may already be present, so understand what a policy will and will not cover.

Dachshund Health Issues: A Montreal Owner's Guide

The short answer

Dachshunds are fairly hardy and long-lived (~12 to 16 years), but one issue dominates: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a back problem the long-backed breed is exceptionally prone to, ranging from back pain to paralysis, potentially devastating and expensive. Closely tied is obesity (excess weight directly strains the vulnerable back and raises IVDD risk, so keeping the dog lean is doubly critical). Also: dental disease (a small-breed issue), eye conditions (PRA), and patellar luxation, plus a serious double-dapple colour risk (deafness/eye defects). The overriding priority: protect the back, keep the dog lean, manage jumping and stairs, handle carefully, and know the IVDD signs. Pet insurance is particularly worth it, insure while young.

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A Dachshund being examined at a Montreal veterinary clinic — Protecting the back, above all through weight control and careful handling, is the Dachshund owner's single most important health habit.

The Dachshund is a genuinely long-lived, hardy little dog, with one enormous asterisk: its back. Intervertebral disc disease dominates the breed's health picture so completely that nearly everything else, weight, handling, exercise, is best understood through the lens of protecting the spine. Here is the medical picture, condition by condition, with the back front and centre.

IVDD: the defining concern

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is by far the most important issue, the breed is exceptionally prone to it because of its long-backed build. The discs cushioning the spine degenerate and can bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord, causing pain, nerve damage, weakness, difficulty walking, and, in severe cases, paralysis. A significant proportion of Dachshunds experience some IVDD in their lifetimes, often in middle age. It ranges from mild (managed with rest and medication) to severe (which may need emergency surgery).

Know the signs: back or neck pain (hunched posture, reluctance to move or jump, crying out when moved, a tense abdomen), weakness or wobbliness (especially hind legs), dragging the back legs, and, in severe cases, an inability to walk, any sudden weakness or paralysis is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention, as prompt treatment can make a major difference. Because IVDD is so common and serious, prevention and back protection are central to owning the breed, see our back-care and IVDD-prevention guide.

Obesity: doubly dangerous

Obesity is particularly serious for a Dachshund: on top of the general harms, excess weight directly increases the strain on the vulnerable back and raises the risk of IVDD. So keeping a Dachshund lean isn't just general health, it's a central part of protecting the back, making weight management doubly critical. The long spine bears extra mechanical stress, and every extra pound adds to it.

Dachshunds are prone to weight gain and can be food-motivated, so it takes active management. It's within your control: keep the dog at a lean weight through disciplined feeding (measure food, appropriate portions, limit treats), provide appropriate exercise, and monitor body condition (easily feel the ribs, see a waist). Being firm about a Dachshund's diet and keeping it slim is one of the single most important things you can do to protect its back. The VCA guide to canine obesity is worth reading.

Dental, eye, and other conditions

Dental disease: as a small breed, Dachshunds are prone to it (crowded teeth), so regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings matter. Eyes: PRA (gradual vision loss) and others, monitor and assess concerns. Patellar luxation: slipping kneecaps, a small-breed issue. Double-dapple colour risk: dogs from breeding two dapple/merle Dachshunds are at significantly higher risk of serious congenital problems (deafness, blindness, eye defects), which is why responsible breeders avoid it.

Dachshunds can also occasionally be affected by certain heart conditions and epilepsy. Most individual Dachshunds won't develop most of these, and the breed is generally hardy and long-lived. The practical takeaways: IVDD and its prevention (through weight and back management) is the central priority, dental care is important as for other small breeds, and routine vet care with attention to the eyes and prompt assessment of concerning signs covers the rest.

Lifespan and the insurance case

Dachshunds are long-lived, typically ~12 to 16 years. Keeping one healthy centers overwhelmingly on protecting the back: keep the dog lean (the single most important thing), manage jumping and stairs and handle carefully, take dental care seriously, provide back-friendly exercise, stay on routine vet care, and know the IVDD signs. On insurance: particularly worth considering, more than for many breeds, because of the high IVDD risk, IVDD surgery can cost thousands and the condition may need ongoing management. Montreal specialist and surgical care isn't cheap, and an IVDD event is exactly the expensive, unexpected situation insurance is for.

Take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any back issue is diagnosed and excluded, which matters a great deal for this breed. Compare providers, and specifically check whether IVDD and back conditions are well covered (the key issue for the breed). If you self-insure, keep a substantial vet fund specifically for the possibility of IVDD treatment. For an adopted adult or senior, some conditions (including back issues) may already be present, so understand what a policy covers. See our adoption guide for the cost picture.

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A good rescue shares a dog's known health history, including any back issues. Refreshed regularly across Montreal-area organizations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health problems?

One dominates: IVDD (back disease), which the long-backed breed is exceptionally prone to. Closely tied is obesity (which strains the back). Also dental disease, eye conditions (PRA), and patellar luxation, plus a serious double-dapple colour risk. Generally hardy and long-lived, but IVDD dominates the picture.

What is IVDD and why are they so prone?

Intervertebral disc disease, the spinal discs degenerate and can rupture, pressing on the cord and causing pain, weakness, and even paralysis. The long-backed build makes Dachshunds exceptionally prone. Know the signs (back pain, hunched posture, hind-leg weakness, dragging legs), any sudden weakness or paralysis is a medical emergency.

Why is obesity so dangerous for them?

Because excess weight directly strains the vulnerable back and raises IVDD risk, on top of the general harms. Keeping a Dachshund lean isn't just general health, it's central to protecting the back, making weight management doubly critical. Measure food, limit treats, exercise appropriately, and monitor body condition.

What dental, eye, and other conditions affect them?

Dental disease (a small-breed issue, so brush and get cleanings), eye conditions (PRA), and patellar luxation, plus occasional heart conditions and epilepsy. Importantly, double-dapple dogs (from breeding two dapples) are at high risk of deafness, blindness, and eye defects, which responsible breeders avoid.

How long do they live?

A long-lived breed, typically 12 to 16 years. Keeping one healthy centers on protecting the back: keep the dog lean, manage jumping and stairs, handle carefully, take dental care seriously, provide back-friendly exercise, and know the IVDD signs. Many stay active into their senior years with a well-protected back.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Particularly worth considering, more than for many breeds, because of the high IVDD risk. IVDD surgery can cost thousands and the condition may need ongoing management. Take insurance out while the dog is young, before any back issue is excluded, and check that IVDD is well covered. For an adopted adult, understand what a policy covers.

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Dachshund Health Issues