Embark for Breeders dog DNA test offers nine breed-specific genetic health tests for the Dachshund among the 250+ genetic health conditions for which Embark tests. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.
Genetic health testing is an integral part of a responsible dog breeding program. When using genetic health testing, it is important for breeders to educate themselves about concepts such as modes of inheritance, penetrance, prevalence, and phenotype for a specific variant (mutation) in your breed in order to apply test results. Breeders also need to know which variants are causing health concerns in their breed and which health conditions currently have no genetic test available. This handy search function by breed or by health condition can show breeders which DNA tests Embark provides.
Embark DNA tests for the Dachshund include the following conditions. The health condition percentages based on clear, carrier, and at-risk status presented on common, rare, and very rare genetic risk factors are based on a subset of dogs within the Embark database and do not necessarily represent all dogs of this breed. While we are not able to provide specific population numbers at this time, we believe the data provided here to be sufficient to inform on current trends within the North American population of Dachshunds.
Common genetic health risk factors <95% clear rate
These are the most common genetic conditions based on Embark data, ranked from most to least prevalent, in the Dachshund with less than 95% of dogs testing clear.
Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease, CDDY/IVDD, Type I IVDD (FGF4 Retrogene – CFA 12)
Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a back/spine issue that is a health condition affecting the discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. With Type I IVDD, affected dogs can have a disc event that ruptures or herniates towards the spinal cord. This pressure on the spinal cord causes neurologic signs ranging from a wobbly gait to impairment of movement.
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) refers to the relative proportion between a dog’s legs and body, wherein the legs are shorter and the body longer. Multiple different variants can cause a markedly chondrodystrophic appearance, as observed in Dachshunds and Corgis. However, this particular variant is the only one known to also increase the risk for IVDD. The mode of inheritance is dominant. This is a linkage test.*
* WHAT IS A LINKAGE TEST?
DNA sequences that are close together on a chromosome tend to be inherited together. Because of this, we can use genetic variation surrounding a specific variant (i.e. “linked” to it) to infer the presence or absence of a variant linked to a health condition or trait. Linkage tests are not as predictive of your dog’s true genotype as direct assays, which we use on most other genetic conditions we test for.
- Based on Embark-tested Dachshunds that have opted into research, here’s a snapshot of the breed today: 5.3% of dogs tested clear, 62.2% tested at-risk, homozygote, dominant, and 32.4% at risk, heterozygote, dominant for Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease, CDDY/IVDD, Type I IVDD
Citations: Brown et al 2017 Batcher et al 2019
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1 (RPGRIP1)
PRA-CRD4/cord1 is a retinal disease that causes progressive, non-painful vision loss over a 1-2 year period. The retina contains cells, called photoreceptors, that collect information about light and send signals to the brain. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods, for night vision and movement, and cones, for day vision and color. This type of PRA leads to early loss of cone cells, causing day blindness before night blindness. The gene is RPGRIP1 (Exon 2) and the mode of inheritance is recessive. Research into this variant’s affect on this breed is ongoing, as some breeds seem to be clinically unaffected. Frenchie owners are encouraged to fill out Embark’s Annual Health Survey to characterize the variant in Frenchies.
- Based on Embark-tested Dachshunds that have opted into research, here’s a snapshot of the breed today: 59.1% of dogs tested clear, 34.4% tested carriers, and 6.3% tested at-risk for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1 (RPGRIP1).
Citations: Mellersh et al 2006
Rare genetic health risk factors 95-99% clear rate
These are the rare genetic conditions in the Dachshund, from most to least prevalent, with 95% to 99% of dogs testing clear.
Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A)
The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. The gene is SOD1A*, and the mode of inheritance is recessive.
* SOD1A vs SOD1B
Please note: While we test for the SOD1A variant, we do not test for the SOD1B (Bernese Mountain Dog type) variant at this time. Degenerative Myelopathy genotype results apply only to SOD1A.
- Based on Embark-tested Dachshunds that have opted into research, here’s a snapshot of the breed today: 98.6% of dogs tested clear, 1.3% tested carriers, and <0.1% tested at-risk for Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A)
Citations: Awano et al 2009, Shelton et al 2012, Capuccio et al 2014
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Brittle Bone Disease (SERPINH1, Dachshund Variant)
Bones are equal parts rigid and flexible, making them capable of withstanding high impact as well as constant tension from attached muscle tendons and ligaments. Dogs affected with OI have lost the flexible part of the bone, which is primarily made of Type I collagen. This leads to extremely brittle bones and teeth. Type I collagen is also important in joints. Affected dogs can also present with hyperflexible joints and joint pain. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
- Based on Embark-tested Dachshunds that have opted into research, here’s a snapshot of the breed today: 98.9% of dogs tested clear, and 1.0% tested carriers for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Brittle Bone Disease (SERPINH1, Dachshund Variant)
Citations: Drogemuller et al 2009
Very rare genetic health risk factors >99% clear rate
The following genetic conditions have a greater than 99% clear rate and are considered very rare genetic diseases in the Dachshund.
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2D (SGCA Exon 3, Miniature Dachshund Variant)
Muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disorder characterized by progressive muscular dysfunction. This variant in the SGCA gene causes Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2D (LGMD 2D) in young adult dogs. Clinical signs can vary in severity and include muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and difficulty swallowing. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Mickelson et al 2021, Cox et al 2017
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA, Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A, MPS IIIA (SGSH Exon 6, Dachshund Variant)
A lysosome is a structure within the cell that digests and removes waste. When the lysosome cannot recycle waste properly, the waste accumulates and causes the cell to die. Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are defined by abnormal buildup of glycosaminoglycans, large sugar-protein molecules that are important for skeletal and joint function. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Aronovich et al 2000
Narcolepsy (HCRTR2 Exon 1, Dachshund Variant)
A neurologic condition characterized by daytime sleepiness and fragmented sleep cycles, affected dogs also exhibit episodes of cataplexy, a sudden complete loss of muscle tone in response to strong positive emotions. All known genetic mutations for canine narcolepsy lie in the Hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2) gene. Hypocretin is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of appetite, arousal, and wakefulness. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Hungs et al 2001
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 1, NCL 1 (PPT1 Exon 8, Dachshund Variant 1)
A lysosome is a structure within the cell that digests and removes waste. When the lysosome cannot recycle waste properly, the waste accumulates and causes the cell to die. This form of lysosomal storage disease causes juvenile onset neurologic signs.
Citations: Sanders et al 2010
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 2, NCL 2 (TPP1 Exon 4, Dachshund Variant 2)
A lysosome is a structure within the cell that digests and removes waste. When the lysosome cannot recycle waste properly, the waste accumulates and causes the cell to die. This form of lysosomal storage disease causes juvenile onset neurologic signs.
Citations: Awano et al 2006
With nine known conditions in the Dachshund, this is evidence that genetic disorders are of concern within the breed and other conditions are likely to be identified in the future. By DNA testing your Dachshund with Embark, you can help accelerate more novel discoveries to help your breed and all dogs.
Canine Health and Breed Resources
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
OFA-CHIC Health Testing Requirements for the Dachshund
Mandatory
Eye Examination
Patellar Luxation
Optional but recommended
Cardiac Evaluation
Remember, genetic health testing is not a diagnosis of a disease. Please consult your veterinarian for any health issues with your dog. To start your DNA testing journey, explore Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Kits.
