Dachshund Health UK is a registered charity (1177400) working to improve the health and welfare of the breed. DHUK was set up to extend the work of the Dachshund Breed Council and build on successes such as the development of a DNA test for Lafora Disease. This led to a screening programme which has reduced the risk of breeding Lafora-affected puppies from 55% of litters 7 years ago to under 5% today.

Our current focus is on reducing the prevalence and impact of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVVD - back disease) which affects around 1 in 4 Dachshunds and can be life-changing for the dogs (and their owners). We are currently fundraising to support 2 projects. The first is a screening programme for breeders and owners and we launched a joint initiative with the Kennel Club in 2021. The second is a 3-year PhD project at Cambridge Vet School investigating how non-surgical treatment options could be applied to dogs with severe paralysis. This project has the potential to benefit other dog breeds, not just Dachshunds. We have already committed to find £15k to support this project.