German dog lovers were in an uproar this week when it was revealed that the country was considering banning the breeding of dachshunds.
The proposal, revealed in a draft of Germany’s Animal Protection Law, addresses concerns that 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 Germany’s Ministry of Agriculture, the ban on breeding dachshunds, also known as dachshunds, will not apply.
“No dog breeds will be banned,” a spokesperson told the bbc.
Dachshunds are prone to health problems such as damaged discs and back problems, ear infections, and PRA, an inherited eye condition.
The ministry spokesman added that “there will always be dachshunds” in Germany, where the modern version of the breed originated in the 17th century.
“We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much that they suffer,” they added.
MailOnline has contacted VDH and the German Ministry of Agriculture for further comment.
The saga dates back to earlier this week, when an article was published in a German newspaper. Hochrhein-Zeitung.
The article, written by a VDH spokesperson, expressed concern about a new draft of the country’s Animal Protection Law.
The law, the spokesperson said, proposes a ban on the “cruel” breeding of dogs that have “skeletal abnormalities” because they live in pain.
The law could also prohibit short-legged dogs such as Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers and Shelties from breeding, he said.
VDH also launched a petition calling for changes to the wording of the law before it comes into force.
“The draft (of the Animal Protection Act) lists various characteristics of diseases that lead to the prohibition of dog breeding,” reads the VDH petition.
‘Unfortunately, many of the features mentioned are vague and ambiguous.
“This leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which carries the risk of incorrect or exaggerated interpretations and will create great legal uncertainty among law enforcement authorities, veterinarians, breeders and dog owners.”
Dr. Eniko Kubinyi, a Hungarian biologist who studies canine behavior at Budapest’s Eotvos Lorand University, said dachshunds are “deeply embedded in German culture.”
“Rather than imposing a ban, it would be better to implement stricter regulations on breeding practices, including mandatory medical examinations, to ensure the health of the dogs,” he 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 known as dachshunds, have been bred to accentuate harmful characteristics, such as a long sausage-shaped torso, to make them appear “cute.”
THEN: This image shows a dachshund from about 100 years ago. Dachshunds’ bodies have lengthened over time and have stubbier, more arched legs.
NOW: Dachshunds have been bred to accentuate harmful characteristics, such as a long sausage-shaped torso, to make them appear “cute.”
Unfortunately, they suffer from severe back problems due to their long spine and stumpy, bowed legs, potentially preventing them from walking.
Dachshunds are also prone to leg problems, joint problems, and pathologies related to achondroplasia, PRA, an inherited eye condition.
“Dachshunds (also known as dachshunds) are a breed characterized by having a disproportionately long back compared to their short legs,” said Paul Manktelow, chief veterinarian at Blue Cross.
“Although they usually have charming personalities and cute appearances, they can suffer from health problems due to their body shape.
‘Their long backs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (herniated discs), which can lead to back pain, spinal cord damage, problems walking 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.
Dachshunds could soon be banned in Germany thanks to a new law banning breeds with “skeletal abnormalities”
In fact, many dog breeds suffer from “extreme conformation,” where exaggerated body shape, structure, or appearance can negatively impact their health and well-being.
Other examples include the pug, English bulldog, French bulldog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and Basset hound.
“We may like to have these dogs with extreme conformation, but those dogs may not like living in that body where they have much greater health and welfare problems,” Dr O’Neill told MailOnline.
“Today, most dogs are produced as a product to sell, rather than being bred with the goal of meeting some breed standard.”