Heritability

Research has shown that IVDD is highly heritable in Dachshunds. It "runs in families" and the risk of puppies suffering from back problems is much higher if either or both parents come from a pedigree line where IVDD occurs.

If you are buying a Dachshund puppy it is well worth asking about any history of back disease in the puppy's parents or their siblings. 

However, it is important to note that most cases of IVDD are diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 7, which is older than the age that most Dachshund bitches are bred from and Dachshund dogs used at stud, so it is often not possible to know if a puppy's mother or father will be affected by IVDD.

Since IVDD is highly heritable, it is strongly recommended that dogs or bitches who have suffered from back problems are not bred from.