I was thinking of getting an older rescue dachshund  which I posted about before. Now I'm thinking maybe I should get a puppy. What health checks should I be asking about? I've done a brief search on the internet but not come up with anything. I'm phoning a breeder later & I'd like to sound as though I know a little about the breed. I did grow up with dachsies but that was nearly 40 years ago so I don't remember a lot of the finer points.

Certainly Dachshund (Miniature Long-Haired) now have a  DNA test for  GPRA. 

Eye conditions Under investigation are Dachshund (Miniature Long-Haired)  ONH, Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired)  GPRA, and Dachshund (Miniature Wire-Haired)  PPM.  so these breeds shoudl have annual eye tests.

This US site mentions th following:http://www.ddrtx.org/about_breed.htm
Most all breeds have certain health issues that are inherent in the breed.  Dachshunds are prone to three main health concerns.  The main one is back problems with degenerative disks, and are highly prone to paralysis from injury and from bad breeding.

The second thing they are prone to is seizures.  The seizures range from mild to severe and some require medication to help control.

The third thing that they are prone to is mammary tumours - both males and females can get this.

Now this is American data and different populations worldwide may have different levels of problems.

Hi

PRA is the main area of concern. There is a DNA test available for Miniature Longs, so if the dog tests clear or carrier there is no need at all for annual eye tests any more.

There may be cases of PRA in Min Smooths and Min Wires, but only very very few have been heard of.  DNA tesing is being worked on, the main problem being that they cannot find an affected dog to see what that DNA looks like. I know of NO breeder of these varieties that has annual eye tests, it is not recommended by the Clubs, so if you are looking for a breeder that does so it may be a struggle.

Dachshunds being prone to seizures is news to me, of course there may be some cases but not of any sognificance that I know of.

Backs can be a problem, best advice is to keep them active and not let them get fat.

Thanks for your replies. You have reminded that one of my mini long hairs did have very mild seizures when he got stressed. I'm hoping to go & see some mini smooths on Saturday. Wish me luck for not only getting one but also coping with a puppy!