Sausage dogs in their hundreds take to beach for one of world's biggest walks
As many as 2,000 dachshunds took to the sands at Southwold beach for the annual mile-long walk - thought to be one of the UK's largest gathering of a single dog breed
One of the world's biggest sausage dog strolls saw as many as 2,000 yappy pups take to the beach.
Hundreds of dachshunds and their owners walked for a mile from the harbour to the pier in the Edwardian resort of Southwold in Suffolk. The annual event began in 2017 and has now become one of the UK's largest meet-ups for dogs, with people commuting from all over the globe to take part. It is thought to be the world’s largest gathering of a single dog breed.
Decked out in fancy dress, one couple wore matching tomato sauce and mustard outfits while their dachshunds wore hot dog-style coats. Others brought their pets from as far away as the United States to take part in this year’s walk on Sunday, which was described as a Sausage Stroll.
The dogs were led off on their walk by an organiser in an 7ft tall dachshund outfit. Many owners of beach huts on the town’s promenade put out water bowls so the thirsty hounds could have a drink during their exertions.
The paw-some event was first organised in 2017 by Laura Baggott, 34, when it attracted just 150 dogs – but it has grown bigger every year. The world record for the largest number of same-breed dogs in one place was set at the event in 2022 when 2,238 dogs attended.
Laura said she had lost count of the number of dachshunds on the walk this year, once she had counted more than 1,500 of them. The event had a serious side with all walkers being asked to make donations to the charity Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD.
"It was the biggest event we have ever had. We lost count of the number of people. There were thousands and thousands and we had more than 1,500 dogs, but it is really difficult to count that many," Laura told the EDP.
The organisation helps provide strollers and mobility equipment to sausage dogs which develop Intervertebral Disc Disease due to their long backs. Last year's event walk nearly faced cancellation due to health and safety requirements imposed by East Suffolk Council.
Organisers feared they did not have resources or the time to deal with council requests for stewards and toilets, and also to obtain permits, insurance and risk assessments. But permission was granted by East Suffolk Council just days before the scheduled date last year to the delight of the sausage dog community.