More than a thousand dachshunds — and their equally enthusiastic owners — gathered for the world’s largest sausage dog event this weekend.
The annual gathering in the seaside town of Southwold, Suffolk featured a mile-long walk from the harbour to Southwold Pier, with some dogs venturing into the sea.
The event, which began seven years ago and organised by 33-year-old Laura Baggott, has become a major date on the dachshund community calendar.
In 2022 it set a world record with 2,238 dogs attending.
The festivity is partly aimed at raising awareness and funds to combat intervertebral disc disease, which is common in sausage dogs due to their long bodies.
This year’s event nearly faced cancellation due to health and safety concerns.
But permission was granted by East Suffolk Council just days before to the delight of sausage dog lovers who came from as far away as Florida to enjoy the walk.
Baggott said: ‘There was a lot of red tape and paperwork to get through, but we managed it, and the council were brilliant.’
Heather Forbes, 52, of Wymondham, Norfolk, who was with her dogs Patsy, Saffy, Bubbles and Dolly, said: ‘They are just an absolutely fabulous breed.
‘One you have one dachshund you can’t stop. They are cuddly, snuggly, playful and loyal, despite being a bit gobby.’
Veterinary assistant Amy Walker, who was with her pets, eight-year-old Lilly and 13-year-old Pickle, added: ‘I love their wild personalities.
‘We have been coming to the walk for three years. It is a lovely event and we really enjoy it. Everyone is so friendly.
‘It’s true that they are noisy little dogs, but nobody is bothered about that in Southwold today.’
Sarah Waddoups who travelled down from Alfreton, Derbyshire, with her 11-year-old sausage dog Lord William, said: ‘This is a great day out.
‘It is fantastic to walk along the beach and meet so many lovely people and their dogs.’
Karen Hodgkins, 61, of Bowers Gifford, Essex, who was in Southwold with husband Brian, 72, and their rescue dachshunds Toby, Minie, Sasha and Harley, said: ‘It is so lovely to see all the dogs together.
‘They have got such beautiful characters, and they are so friendly. We adopted a mother and daughter, and then we got a brother and sister.’
Krystal Alright of Caister-on-Sea who was with her dogs Shelby, five, and Rollie, three, dressed in Halloween costumes, said: ‘Sausage dogs are an acquired taste. I just love their personalities and their stubbornness.’
The gathering successfully raised thousands of pounds for Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD, a charity supporting disabled dachshunds.
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