Our health testing levels for the Dachshund
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 15 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Ectropion / Entropion
Augen
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Passing: CLEAR
Optic nerve hypoplasia and micropapilla(ONH)
Augen
This condition involves the congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve, known as optic nerve hypoplasia, or an abnormally small optic disc, called micropapilla. These structures are crucial parts of the eye's visual pathway, and their underdevelopment impairs the transmission of visual signals from the eye to the brain. It is a congenital defect of the visual system that is present from birth.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Augen
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
Passing: CLEAR
Retinal Dysplasia(RD)
Augen
Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition affecting the eyes, where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) does not develop properly during growth in the womb. This abnormal development leads to structural defects like folds or gaps in the retinal layers. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, these imperfections can impair normal vision.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Congenital blindness
Augen und Sehvermögen
Congenital blindness is a severe or complete loss of vision present from birth, affecting the eyes and the neural pathways connected to the brain. It is caused by developmental abnormalities in key structures like the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, or the optic nerve. These structural defects prevent visual signals from being properly formed or transmitted.
Physisch · Passing: CLEAR
Corneal dystrophy(CD)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal, opaque materials like fats or calcium build up in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation typically affects both eyes and is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not cause immediate swelling or redness. Over time, these deposits can disrupt the smooth surface of the eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Distichiasis
Augen und Sehvermögen
Distichiasis is an eye condition where extra eyelashes grow from the meibomian glands, which are the oil glands along the edge of the eyelid. These abnormal hairs point inward and rub directly against the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. This constant friction causes mechanical irritation and can damage the sensitive ocular surface.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Lens luxation(PLL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Lens luxation is an inherited eye disorder where the lens slips out of its normal position because the supporting fibers holding it in place weaken or break. When the lens shifts, it can block the natural drainage of fluid within the eye. This blockage causes a rapid, painful buildup of pressure called glaucoma, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)(PPM)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) occur when tiny blood vessels that nourish the eye's lens before birth fail to break down and disappear as they normally should. This leaves behind delicate strands of tissue that stretch across the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the pupil. In some cases, these strands can attach to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, or the lens.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)(PHTVL/PHPL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
This is a congenital eye disorder where the temporary blood vessel network that nourishes the lens before birth fails to shrink and disappear as it normally should. Instead, this embryonic tissue remains and grows abnormally behind and around the lens. This can cause cloudiness in the lens, known as cataracts, and other structural changes inside the eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physisch · Passing: Normal
Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Nervensystem
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
Physisch · Passing: BILATERAL_HEARING
Epilepsy(IE)
Nervensystem
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system where abnormal electrical activity causes sudden, temporary disruptions in normal brain function. These disruptions lead to repeated seizures, which are involuntary changes in body movement, sensation, or behavior. Because the underlying cause is often complex, the brain's electrical signaling remains permanently prone to these sudden misfires.
Physisch · Passing: no epilepsy
Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI)
Osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, is an inherited genetic disorder that affects the skeletal system and connective tissues. It is caused by a defect in collagen production, which is the primary structural protein needed to build strong bones and teeth. Without proper collagen, the bones become extremely fragile and prone to breaking under normal, everyday activities.
Passing: CARRIER
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.