The Dachshund Project
Working with a small selection of compassionate breeders that are genuinely dedicated to breeding quality dachshunds and out-crosses, addressing and correcting common faults within the breed and improving overall breed quality.
Focusing on health, temperament, conformation and soundness.
Ensuring each puppy is a well-balanced, healthy and happy companion.
We're passionate about our dogs, and dedicated to their well-being. We're striving for excellence in every litter and we're excited to share our journey with you!
Contact us to find out about upcoming litters and how you can welcome one of our exceptional pups into your home.
Working towards a Better Future
Pure Meadows Penny
More of This
Historical Dachshund 1900's
Less of This
Modern Show Dachshund
Modern Dachshund
Most dog breeds have been altered over the passage of time, in some cases virtually beyond all recognition of what they were originally.
Good examples of the modern dachshund is longer in the back, has a more level topline, is deeper through the chest, lower to the ground, closer set in front, with a more refined head. However we see far more poor examples of modern dachshunds, riddled with faults.
These characteristics may be more appealing to modern society's vision of the breed as a show dog — nevertheless, these are all characteristics that impinge on their health and their ability to function, especially as good earth dogs and their original true purpose as tenacious little hunting dogs.
Common Health Issues
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Dachshunds are highly susceptible to IVDD due to their long backs and short legs. This condition affects their spinal cords, leading to pain, paralysis, and mobility issues.
Patellar Luxation:
The kneecap (patella) can dislocate from its normal position, causing lameness and pain. This is more common in Dachshunds due to their leg structure.
Hip Dysplasia:
While more common in larger breeds, some Dachshunds are born with or develop hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn't form correctly, causing lameness.
Eye problems:
Dachshunds can also suffer from inherited eye conditions like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.
Common Conformational Faults
Long Backs:
Dachshunds have naturally long backs, but excessive length in relation to their height can put significant stress on their spine, increasing the risk of IVDD, a condition where the discs between the vertebrae degenerate and potentially rupture.
Incorrect topline:
The topline is the line of the back from the neck to the tail. An incorrect topline can affect the dog's gait and balance.
Weak chests & overly short rib cages:
These structural issues can hinder proper lung and heart function and contribute to breathing difficulties.
Weak pasterns:
Weak pasterns, the area between the foot and the leg, can cause instability and affect the dog's ability to move comfortably.
Improper angulation:
The angles of the joints, particularly in the limbs, need to be correct for efficient and pain-free movement. Poor angulation can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased stress on joints.
