I'm just curious as I like these little dogs and the ones I've met I would of loved to take home. I'm thinking that when I'm to old to walk the hundreds of miles across rough countryside that I presently do with our Whippet and Dobe, 2 or 3 of these little fellas and a nice gentle stroll in the park would be the way to go. They're also a great size for transportation in our motorhome and trips abroad?
But....I've been told by several owners that they do suffer back problems which can cause them terrible pain and a need for invasive back surgery. I can see the possibility of this regarding their body shape and wonder if there should be a certain type that should be avoided should I seriously start looking?

im not an expert but i do work in a large referral veterinary practice that have a neurology department and who carry out a lot of spinal surgeries including hemilaminectomys and ventral slots and i have to say that dacshunds and basset hounds make up a majority.

As you can guess I have dachsies.  To be honest they do have problems but I don't hear of lots of cases amongst the serious owners and reputable breeders - so I guess that reinforces advice anyone would give to go to a good breeder - and also to try and keep any excess weight off.  And I suspect that perhaps the minatures have even less problems as they don't have such a large body.  Even though I have been in the breed for a while, I don't know much about the problems, just that it can occur.  I would be interested to hear the experience of other dachsie owners.

Louise

I have a pack of miniature sausages.  They are the breed I love, show and breed.

I have had many over the years but have yet (touch wood) not had one with a back problem.
I have spoken to a lot of people about this and the stardards are more affected than the minis.  But most only happen as the result of a accident such as falling off the sofa or down the steps.  And only a few from them being overweight.

So simple advice would be get a mini (I would say that), don't let them gain to much weight.  Dont let them jump on the furniture and never come down steps without you being in front of them.  If you wanted a stardard go for one that the parents have a good strong looking shape and a history of them living to a ripe old age without back problems.

They are great dogs, i highly recommend them

Emma

Thanks for that Emma, you have reinforced my thoughts about minis suffering less - just seemed common sense.  We do have a very overweight girl - she baffles us and the vets who she has seen - and I do worry for her back.

And yes, what great dogs they are.  I have wires and they are just so funny.

Louise

Smooths for me less hair.  I know what you mean about the weight, one of our fellas just would not stop gaining (He had serious love handles).  Found the only food that works to get the weight back off is purina pro plan light plus the pieces aren't to big.  I would recommend it, we went through all sorts of light and diet foods and even pescription foods.  He was a seriously stubborn dieter. :)

Emma

Dogs with long backs appear to be more prone to spine and disc problems.

My granny's friend has a mini long hair dax who needed surgery - that was 6 years ago and she is doing very well. She was overweight but had had no injuries. A breeder that I know said she had had no problems in hers (same breed) and attributed it to the play and exercise keeping the muscle toned up to support the back, and the weight down.

Emma

Thanks for that food recommendation.  Just had a 7.5k bag of AG light delivered for both dachsies but will try the Purina lgiht next time.

Louise