More than a thousand dachshunds, and their equally enthusiastic owners, gathered this weekend for the world’s largest dachshund event.
The annual gathering in the coastal town of Southwold, Suffolk, included a one-mile walk from the harbor to Southwold Pier, with some dogs venturing out into the sea.
The event, which started seven years ago and was organized by Laura Baggott, 33, has become an important date in the dachshund community’s calendar.
In 2022 it set a world record with 2,238 dogs in attendance.
The holiday is intended in part to raise awareness and funds to combat intervertebral disc disease, which is common in dachshunds due to their long bodies.
More than a thousand dachshunds, and their equally enthusiastic owners, gathered this weekend for the world’s largest dachshund event.
The annual gathering in the coastal town of Southwold, Suffolk, included a mile-long walk from the harbor to Southwold Pier, with some dogs venturing out into the sea.
The event, which started seven years ago and was organized by Laura Baggott, 33, has become an important date in the dachshund community’s calendar. In 2022, set a world record with 2,238 dogs in attendance
The holiday is intended, in part, to raise awareness and funds to combat intervertebral disc disease, which is common in dachshunds due to their long bodies.
This year’s event was nearly canceled due to health and safety concerns. But permission was granted by East Suffolk Council just days earlier to the delight of dachshund lovers who came from as far away as Florida to enjoy the ride.
This year’s event was nearly canceled due to health and safety concerns.
But permission was granted by East Suffolk Council a few days earlier. much to the delight of dachshund lovers who came from as far away as Florida to enjoy the ride.
Baggott said: “There was a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork to get through but we got it done and the council were brilliant.”
Heather Forbes, 52, from Wymondham, Norfolk, who was with her dogs Patsy, Saffy, Bubbles and Dolly, said: “They are an absolutely fabulous breed.”
‘You have a dachshund that you can’t stop. They are affectionate, snuggly, playful and loyal, despite being a bit goofy.’
Veterinary assistant Amy Walker, who was with her pets Lilly, eight, and Pickle, 13, added: “I love their wild personalities.
‘We’ve been coming to the walk for three years. It’s a lovely event and we really enjoyed it. Everyone is very friendly.
“It’s true they are noisy little dogs, but no one is bothered by that in Southwold these days.”
Sausage Dog Walk organizer Laura Abbott at the event. Baggott said: “There was a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork to get through but we got it done and the advice was brilliant.”
The rally successfully raised thousands of pounds for Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD, a charity that supports disabled dachshunds.
Karen Hodgkins, 61, from Bowers Gifford, Essex, who was in Southwold with her husband Brian, 72, and their rescue dachshunds Toby, Minie, Sasha and Harley, said: “It’s lovely to see all the dogs together .They have such beautiful characters and are very friendly.
Sarah Waddoups (pictured), who traveled from Alfreton, Derbyshire, with her 11-year-old dachshund, Lord William, said: “This is a great day.” It’s fantastic to walk along the beach and meet so many lovely people and their dogs.
Some adventurous pups even took to the sea, frolicking in the spray kicked up by strong winds.
Krystal Alright from Caister-on-Sea, who was with her dogs Shelby, five, and Rollie, three, dressed in Halloween costumes, said: “Dachshunds are an acquired taste.” I love their personalities and their stubbornness.
The air was filled with excited barking on Sunday as the charming canines took over the seaside town of Southwold, Suffolk.
Sarah Waddoups, who traveled from Alfreton, Derbyshire, with her 11-year-old dachshund, Lord William, said: “This is a great day.”
“It’s great to walk on the beach and meet so many lovely people and their dogs.”
Karen Hodgkins, 61, from Bowers Gifford, Essex, who was in Southwold with her husband Brian, 72, and their rescue dachshunds Toby, Minie, Sasha and Harley, said: “It’s lovely to see all the dogs together .
‘They have such beautiful characters and are so friendly. We adopted a mother and a daughter, and then we had a brother and a sister.
Krystal Alright from Caister-on-Sea, who was with her dogs Shelby, five, and Rollie, three, dressed in Halloween costumes, said: “Dachshunds are an acquired taste.” I love their personalities and their stubbornness.’
The rally successfully raised thousands of pounds for Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD, a charity that supports disabled dachshunds.
