What Breeds Are Prone to IVDD?

Published on: 10 March 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your dog shows signs of pain, weakness, difficulty walking, or sudden changes in mobility, consult a qualified veterinarian promptly. In the UK, contact your local veterinary practice right away, or ask for a referral to a specialist such as a neurologist or orthopaedic surgeon. Early action is crucial for conditions like IVDD.

Introduction

Some dog breeds are naturally more likely to develop Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) than others. This happens mainly because of their body structure and spinal anatomy, which place more pressure on the discs in the spine over time.

When people ask what breeds are prone to IVDD, they are usually referring to dogs with a specific body type: a long back combined with relatively short legs. In these dogs, the spinal discs tend to age and degenerate earlier than in other breeds. Because of this, certain dog breeds prone to IVDD appear much more frequently in veterinary cases involving spinal disc problems.

These dogs are often known as chondrodystrophic breeds. In simple terms, this means their bones grow in a way that creates shorter limbs and a longer spine. While this body shape is part of what makes many breeds distinctive and charming, it can also make the spine more vulnerable to disc disease.

Understanding which IVDD dog breeds are most at risk helps owners recognise potential problems earlier and make informed decisions about their dog’s health and lifestyle. In the next section, we will look at the breeds prone to IVDD that veterinarians see most often.

What Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to IVDD?

Some dog breeds prone to IVDD appear far more often in veterinary cases involving spinal disc disease. In most situations, these dogs share a similar body structure - a relatively long spine combined with shorter legs. Many of them belong to a group known as chondrodystrophic breeds, meaning their bone growth pattern naturally leads to shorter limbs and earlier disc degeneration.

The dogs most likely to get IVDD commonly include:

Dachshund
French Bulldog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Beagle
Pekingese
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso
Basset Hound
Miniature Poodle
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Among these IVDD risk breeds, Dachshunds are often considered the most well-known example because their long back places extra strain on the spinal discs. However, many other small and medium-sized breeds with similar body proportions can also be affected.

It is important to understand that being one of the breeds prone to IVDD does not mean a dog will definitely develop the condition. It simply means the genetic structure of the spine makes disc problems more likely compared with other breeds.

Why Are Some Dog Breeds Prone to IVDD?

To understand why some dogs get IVDD, it helps to look at how their bodies are built. In many cases, the answer lies in genetics and the way certain breeds develop their bones and spine.

Many IVDD dogs belong to a group known as chondrodystrophic breeds. This term refers to dogs whose genes cause their legs to be shorter while the spine remains relatively long. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and French Bulldogs developed this body shape through selective breeding. While it gives them their recognisable appearance, it also changes how their spinal discs develop.

In chondrodystrophic breeds, the discs between the vertebrae often begin to degenerate earlier in life than in other dogs. These discs normally act as cushions that absorb movement and protect the spine. When degeneration starts early, the discs can become harder, weaker, and more likely to bulge or rupture.

Dog spine anatomy and IVDD risk are closely connected. A long spine means the discs carry more mechanical stress during everyday movements such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs. Over time, this repeated pressure can increase the chance of disc problems.

This combination of genetic risk for IVDD in dogs and specific body proportions is the main reason certain breeds appear far more frequently in cases of spinal disc disease.

Are Dachshunds the Most at Risk of IVDD?

Yes, Dachshunds are widely considered the breed most strongly associated with IVDD. In fact, veterinary studies often show that dachshund IVDD risk is significantly higher than in most other breeds. Some estimates suggest that up to one in four Dachshunds may develop dachshund disc disease during their lifetime. Because the breed is so strongly associated with spinal disc problems, many owners also try to understand what symptoms of IVDD in dachshunds usually look like and which early warning signs owners should watch for in this breed.

The main reason why Dachshunds get IVDD lies in their body structure. Dachshunds were originally bred to have a very long back and short legs, which helped them move through narrow underground tunnels while hunting. However, this same body shape places more mechanical stress on the spine.

Because the spine is long relative to the dog’s size, the intervertebral discs must absorb more pressure during everyday movement. Jumping from furniture, running, or even normal twisting of the body can gradually strain these discs. Over time, this increases the likelihood of dachshund spinal disease, including disc degeneration and disc rupture.

For this reason, Dachshunds have become one of the best-known examples when people discuss dog breeds prone to IVDD, although other breeds with similar body proportions can also be affected.

Are French Bulldogs and Corgis Prone to IVDD Too?

Yes, French Bulldogs and Corgis are also considered breeds with an increased risk of IVDD. While Dachshunds are the breed most often associated with the condition, many other chondrodystrophic dogs share similar anatomical traits that make spinal disc problems more likely.

The French Bulldog IVDD risk is linked to the breed’s compact body and genetic tendency toward spinal abnormalities. French Bulldogs often have a short, muscular body combined with a relatively rigid spine. This structure can place additional stress on the discs between the vertebrae, which may increase the chance of degeneration over time.

The Corgi IVDD risk is related to a different but equally important feature: body proportions. Corgis have a long back and short legs, a body shape that is common among dogs with short legs prone to IVDD. This structure means the spine must support more mechanical load during movement, especially when the dog jumps, twists, or climbs.

Because of these shared traits, French Bulldogs, Corgis, and several similar breeds are often grouped together as chondrodystrophic dogs. Their genetics influence how their bones and spinal discs develop, which is why veterinarians frequently see these breeds among dogs diagnosed with IVDD.

Can Large Dog Breeds Develop IVDD?

Yes, large dogs can get IVDD, although it tends to happen less often than in the smaller breeds commonly known for the condition. When people ask can large dogs get IVDD, the answer is clearly yes - spinal disc problems are not limited to short-legged breeds.

Several IVDD large dog breeds are seen in veterinary practice, including German Shepherds, Dobermans, Labradors, and Rottweilers. In these dogs, dog spinal disc disease in large dogs often develops in a slightly different way. Instead of early disc degeneration caused by genetics, the problem may appear later in life due to age-related wear, heavy body weight, or repeated strain on the spine.

Body structure still plays an important role. Large dogs with long backs or very active lifestyles may place more stress on the spinal discs during running, jumping, or sudden twisting movements. Over time, this pressure can cause the discs to weaken or bulge, leading to IVDD.

So while IVDD is strongly associated with certain small breeds, it is important to remember that dogs of many sizes can develop spinal disc disease.

How Do I Know If My Dog’s Breed Is at Risk?

Many owners wonder “is my dog at risk of IVDD?” The first place to look is the dog’s breed and body shape. Certain physical traits make spinal disc problems more likely.

Dogs with a long back and relatively short legs are often at higher risk. This body structure places more pressure on the spinal discs during normal movement. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and some small companion breeds fall into this category, which is why they appear frequently among dog breeds at risk of spinal disease.

Genetics also plays a role. Some breeds carry genes linked to earlier disc degeneration, which means the cushioning discs in the spine can weaken sooner than in other dogs. These genetic traits are among the most important IVDD risk factors in dogs.

However, breed is not the only factor. Body weight, activity level, and overall spinal health can also influence risk. Understanding whether your dog belongs to a breed known for spinal issues is simply a useful starting point when thinking about IVDD risk in dogs.

Should Owners of High-Risk Breeds Worry?

If your dog belongs to one of the IVDD risk breeds, it does not mean the condition will definitely happen. Many dogs from these breeds live their entire lives without developing spinal disc disease. Being part of a higher-risk group simply means the chance is greater compared with other breeds, not that IVDD is unavoidable.

Understanding the risk is still useful. Owners who are living with IVDD risk breeds often become more aware of how everyday activities affect the spine. Things like repeated jumping from furniture, excessive weight, or sudden twisting movements can place additional pressure on the discs over time.

Because of this, awareness can help with preventing IVDD in high risk dogs. Simple habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing unnecessary jumping, and supporting safe movement can help with protecting the dog’s spine.

In other words, having a breed that is predisposed to IVDD is not a reason to panic. It is simply a reason to understand the anatomy of the breed and take sensible steps that support long-term spinal health.

Key Takeaway for Owners of IVDD-Prone Breeds

Some IVDD prone breeds have a higher chance of developing spinal disc problems simply because of their genetics and body structure. Dogs with long backs, short legs, or certain inherited bone traits tend to place more pressure on the discs in the spine over time. This is why veterinarians often see specific dog breeds at risk of IVDD more frequently than others.

However, belonging to a higher-risk breed does not mean a dog will inevitably develop the condition. Many dogs from these breeds live healthy, active lives without serious spinal problems. The important thing is understanding the risk and recognising how anatomy can influence spinal health.

For owners, awareness is the most valuable tool. Knowing that your dog belongs to one of the IVDD prone breeds helps you make better decisions about daily activity, body weight, and overall spinal care. These small steps can play an important role in protecting your dog’s mobility over the long term.

We focus on helping owners support dogs with mobility and comfort issues.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary care.