Sausage dogs are here to stay! Germany denies it's planning to ban dachshunds trends now
German dog lovers were in uproar this week, as it was revealed the country was considering banning the breeding of dachshunds.
The proposal, revealed in a draft of Germany's Animal Protection Act, addresses concerns their short legs and elongated spines make them more vulnerable to back issues.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) – the primary organisation representing the interests of dog owners in the country – launched a petition to save 'our favourite dogs'.
But according to Germany's agriculture ministry, the ban on breeding dachshunds - also known as sausage dogs - won't happen.
'No dog breeds will be banned,' a spokesperson told the BBC.
Dachshunds are prone to health issues such as disc damage and back problems, ear infections and PRA - an inherited eye condition
The ministry's spokesperson added that there 'will always be sausage dogs' in Germany, where the modern version of the breed originated in the 17th century.
'We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much that they suffer,' they added.
MailOnline has contacted VDH and Germany's agriculture ministry for further comment.
The saga goes back to earlier this week, when an article was published by Germany newspaper Hochrhein–Zeitung.
The article, written by a spokesperson for the VDH, raised concerns with a new draft of the country's Animal Protection Act.
The Act, the spokesperson said, proposes a ban on 'cruel' breeding of dogs that have 'skeletal anomalies' because they live in pain.
Short-legged dogs such as Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and Shelties could also be banned from breeding under the law, it said.
VDH also launched a petition calling for changes to the wording of the Act before it's enforced.
'The [Animal Protection Act] draft lists various disease characteristics that lead to a ban on breeding dogs,' VDH's petition reads.
'Unfortunately, many of the characteristics mentioned are vague and ambiguous.
'This leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which carries the risk of incorrect or exaggerated interpretations and will lead to great legal uncertainty among law enforcement authorities, veterinarians, breeders and dog owners.'
Dr Eniko Kubinyi, a Hungarian biologist studying dog behaviour at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, said dachshunds are 'deeply ingrained in German culture'.
'Rather than imposing a ban, it would be better to implement stricter regulations on breeding practices, including compulsory health screenings, to ensure the health of the dogs,' she told MailOnline.
'It is equally important to educate prospective
