Additional Coverage:
- Move over, doodles. There’s a new ‘It’ dog in town. (businessinsider.com)
Local Parks and Pavement Pups: Dachshunds Are Having Their Moment
If you’ve noticed an adorable increase in long, low-slung canines strutting around our local parks and sidewalks, you’re not alone. The dachshund, affectionately known as the “weenie dog” or “doxie,” is undeniably having a major moment, captivating hearts from bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods.
Lisa Huft-Dupler, a self-described “professional stalker of urban weens,” knows this trend firsthand. A decade ago, she launched her Instagram account, @DachshundsOfNYC, to document the rare sightings of these distinctive pups.
What began as a fun hobby has transformed into a daily deluge. “You didn’t see them like you do now,” Huft-Dupler recounts.
“I used to give [my daughters] $5 if they saw a dachshund before me. Now, I would probably run out of cash.”
Indeed, these “hot dogs” are seemingly everywhere. Whether they’re perched on laps at outdoor cafes, shuffling their short legs along with their humans, or playfully wagging tails in a pet store window, doxies have officially become the latest “It” breed. They offer a delightful alternative for pet owners seeking a “Goldilocks” dog – more petite than a Golden Retriever, perhaps less contentious than a French Bulldog, and, for the moment, a bit less common than a doodle.
Abby Baffoe, 29, who recently welcomed her miniature longhaired dachshund, Lady, into her home, has certainly noticed the surge. “I’m like, am I more focused on it because I have one, or are they just everywhere? No, they’re literally just everywhere.”
And it’s not just anecdotal or limited to our area. This “dachshund fever” is a national phenomenon.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that the breed has soared to its highest popularity in over two decades, landing at the No. 6 spot on their most popular breed list for both 2023 and 2024. Dachshund registrations have jumped by a staggering 120% since 2014, according to Brandi Hunter Munden, AKC vice president of communications.
Miniature smooth dachshunds, in particular, are leading the charge.
So, what’s behind this adorable dachshund domination?
Owners and enthusiasts point to a few key factors. First, there’s that unmistakable, comical hot-dog physique.
“Physically, they’re so funny to watch because they have these long bodies, short legs, and big snouts,” says Christina Kirman, “momager” to viral weenies Winston and Willa. Huft-Dupler agrees, calling them “the most iconic shape that you can buy.”
Their compact size also makes them a practical choice for modern lifestyles. Standard dachshunds rarely top 32 pounds, with miniatures often weighing less than 11.
This makes them ideal companions for city dwellers, frequent travelers, and apartment residents. As Hunter Munden notes, while larger breeds still dominate the top AKC spots, more portable breeds like the dachshund have seen a significant comeback.
Serena Kerrigan, 31, chose her 9-pound miniature English cream puppy, Pancho, specifically for his travel-friendly size. Living in an apartment, a dog that didn’t require a yard was perfect.
Pancho has already seen Italy, the South of France, and the Hamptons—all before his first birthday. “I’m so committed to giving him the best life,” she shares.
Despite their small stature, dachshunds boast big personalities. Originally bred centuries ago to hunt badgers, they retain a feisty, spirited, and sometimes stubborn hound temperament.
This can make training a bit of a challenge, but it also means they’re full of spunk. Andrea Philbin, 29, who rescued her red miniature smooth dachshund, Rudy, in 2020, puts it perfectly: “These little dogs are 12 pounds, but they’re full of this little bit of attitude.”
Perhaps the biggest driver of their recent popularity, however, is their undeniable online appeal. Social media has created a massive cult following for these charismatic canines. Carly Rivlin, who found her 4-½-year-old weenie dog Winston on Craigslist, observes, “Social media has done a really great job of highlighting the personality and the dynamicness of the breed.”
Many doxies have achieved true “dach-fluencer” status. Pancho, Kerrigan’s pup, boasts nearly 140,000 Instagram followers and has partnered with major brands like Kiehl’s and Target.
Winston and Willa, Kirman’s famous duo, have amassed nearly 3 million followers across platforms. Kirman estimates her account has influenced “thousands” to get their own sausage dog.
While the charm is undeniable, Kirman stresses the importance of responsible ownership, especially for those inspired by her pups. “They are the best breed,” she says, “[But] please, make sure you do your research about their backs and their spines.
They’re not a low-maintenance breed or meant for every household.” Their elongated bodies make them prone to mobility issues and slipped discs, particularly in homes with stairs.
Even with their spirited personalities (“They can be little assholes sometimes,” Rivlin quips) and potential health considerations, dachshund owners remain fiercely loyal. “Dachshund owners are obsessive and passionate,” confirms Huft-Dupler, who, like many, proudly collects dachshund paraphernalia, including a prized Jonathan Adler dachshund menorah.
It seems the “weenie” revolution is in full swing, and these iconic, long-bodied companions are here to stay.
Read More About This Story:
- Move over, doodles. There’s a new ‘It’ dog in town. (businessinsider.com)