Sausage dogs are set to be banned in Germany.
Germans could be forbidden from owning sausage dogs
A new animal protection law could forbid people from owning the pooches as a result of the spinal issues linked with their short legs and long backs.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) has set up a petition in a bid to save "our favourite dogs" and argues that the law leaves too much room for interpretation in determining what defines a genetic defect.
The petition - which has been signed by 12,500 supporters - reads: "A draft for the new animal protection law was published in February.
"Many of the proposed changes, such as regulating the online trade in animals or taking action against the illegal puppy trade, make sense.
"However, the new animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany.
"The draft lists various disease characteristics that can lead to a ban on breeding healthy dogs. Unfortunately, many of the characteristics mentioned are vague and ambiguous."