The German dog breed Dachshunds, known for their long bodies and short legs, could face an uncertain future if proposed changes to an animal protection law are approved, according to Germany’s kennel club. The draft bill aims to combat “torture breeding” by regulating the breeding of animals with characteristics that may cause them to suffer. However, the bill includes requirements that could potentially end the breeding of certain dogs, such as Dachshunds, due to characteristics like anomalies of the skeletal system that would be outlawed. This could also affect the breeding of other popular breeds like beagles, Jack Russell terriers, and dogs with short noses like bulldogs and pugs.
The V.D.H., Germany’s kennel club, expressed concerns about the vague and undefined disease characteristics listed in the draft law. They fear that if the Animal Welfare Act is implemented as is, many healthy and popular dog breeds could be banned from breeding. The V.D.H. is calling for a clear and scientific catalog of disease characteristics to provide legal certainty and effectively combat torture breeding. A spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food clarified that the draft is still in an early stage and is likely to be modified by the German parliament. He emphasized that the bill aims to prevent breeding for deformity and the overall welfare of animals, rather than targeting specific breeds.
The proposed changes have sparked a debate around Germany’s beloved dachshund, a national symbol with a long history dating back several hundred years as a hunting dog. Dachshunds are known for their sausage-like shapes, cleverness, and tough attitudes. Breeders like Sandra Karthäuser, who has been breeding rough-haired dachshunds for 13 years, find it incomprehensible that officials are starting to regulate the breed, as there is no evidence that the dog is ill due to its exterior. While certain breed lines may be predisposed to conditions like herniated discs, Karthäuser believes banning the entire breed is unjust, likening it to banning labradors for hip dysplasia and other breeds with potential health issues.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food stated that the bill aims to complement existing regulations governing breeding for deformity by adding an incomplete list of potential symptoms indicative of breeding for deformity, such as blindness, deafness, and dental abnormalities. The focus remains on preventing breeding that could cause animal suffering. Despite concerns from the V.D.H. and breeders, the spokesman clarified that the bill does not target specific breeds. The ministry expects further modifications to the bill through parliamentary discussions. The potential impact of the proposed changes on popular and healthy dog breeds like Dachshunds, beagles, and bulldogs continue to raise questions and concerns within the dog breeding community in Germany.
The discussion around the draft bill highlights the importance of balancing animal welfare with breeding practices, particularly in the case of beloved dog breeds like the Dachshund. While the intention of the bill is to prevent breeding for deformity and suffering, concerns over the potential impact on healthy and popular breeds illustrate the complexities of regulating dog breeding practices. With the bill still in the early stages, further clarification and modification may be necessary to address the concerns raised by the V.D.H. and breeders, ensuring that the welfare of animals remains a priority while also preserving the diversity of dog breeds in Germany.
