Dachshunds may be banned in Germany after a bill has been drafted to prohibit the breeding of dogs with specific characteristics, according to the country’s Kennel Club.
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The latest draft of the Animal Protection Law aims to curb the breeding of dogs with characteristics that cause “pain, suffering, or damage.”
The proposal lists a number of “symptoms” that should not be reproduced, including hairlessness, reduced life expectancy, skeletal anomalies, and dental malformations.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) warned that this could affect a number of breeds, including the Dachshund, due to their short legs being classified as an “abnormality.”
They have launched a petition calling for an adaptation of the law to avoid “incorrect or exaggerated interpretations” and to save the sausage dogs. The petition has already garnered more than 14,000 signatures since it began on March 21.
According to the VDH, the proposed law could cause confusion for authorities, veterinarians, breeders, and dog owners as it seems to suggest that any breed that visually “differs from the original wolf type” should not be allowed.
Additionally, they emphasized that it is not only the Dachshund that may be threatened. The VDH explained that if the bill becomes law, English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Toy Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels could also be banned.
Larger dogs, including German Shepherds, could also be at risk due to their shorter life expectancy compared to smaller dogs. The VDH argues that a list of “fact-based characteristics” needs to be created after discussion with experts.
“Many of the proposed changes, such as regulating online animal trade or taking measures against illegal puppy trade, make sense,” the VDH said in a statement.
“However, it contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany. The health and quality of life of the animals should be the priority.”
