History of X-ray Screening: Denmark, Finland, and Norway have had X-ray screening programs since the early 21st century, while Sweden launched its official program in 2021.
Current Status (as of October 2025):
Denmark (DGK): Spinal X-ray imaging is mandatory for breeding, with restrictions on the use of dogs with 5 or more calcifications (K5+).
Finland (FTK): X-ray screening became mandatory for all dachshunds before breeding from January 1, 2025. The highest permissible result for the puppy and stud dog lists is K7.
Norway (NDF): X-ray screening is a recommendation. It is advised that both parents have a known spinal status.
Sweden (SvTk): X-ray screening is voluntary. The club is focusing on education and raising awareness.
IVDD and Calcification: Approximately 15-20% of the dachshund population develops IVDD. The efforts to decrease IVDD frequency are based on a strong correlation between the number of calcified intervertebral discs (IDC or K-number) and the incidence of IVDD.
Genetic Testing: The latest action line is genetic testing for the FGF4-12 gene variant.
Finland and Norway introduced genetic testing in 2023.
In Norway, 17% of tested dachshunds carry the normal/wild-type gene (N-gene).
In all Nordic countries, genetic testing is being implemented in various ways from 2025.
The goal is to gradually decrease the frequency of the underlying risk factor (FGF4-12) by prioritizing the use of dogs with at least one copy of the normal gene variant in breeding.
Future Plans: Future strategies involve:
Minimising risk among dogs carrying FGF4-12 by X-raying and breeding those with few calcifications.
Gradually decreasing the frequency of FGF4-12 through DNA testing.
Norway and Finland have specific breeding recommendations to increase the prevalence of the normal gene.
Transparency: All four Nordic countries’ national kennel clubs publish results from X-ray screening and genetic testing on their publicly accessible websites.
