In Budapest, Hungary, a large gathering of dachshunds on Thursday aimed to establish a new national record for the largest single-breed dog walk. Encompassing hundreds of these short-legged canines alongside their owners, participants convened at Budapest City Park and embarked on a spirited walk under the warm spring sun. This parade, full of cheerful barks and wagging tails, was accompanied by the Hungarian Records Association, responsible for verifying whether the event would be recorded as a national milestone.
István Sebestyén, who oversees record registration as the association’s president, expressed that counting the number of participating dachshunds posed a unique challenge given the bustling scene of dogs and owners mingling through the park. According to Sebestyén, the event had to conform to specific guidelines due to the unusual nature of such large-scale dog walks.
Dachshunds, known for their stout yet compact build with distinctive little legs, originated in Germany. They still maintain popularity in Hungary as a beloved breed among many dog enthusiasts. Often dubbed “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs” due to their elongated bodies, these dogs were initially bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. However, their playful demeanor, loyalty, and inquisitive nature have made them equally cherished as household pets.
Interestingly, a dachshund from Munich, Germany, named Waldi, holds the distinction of being the Olympic Summer Games’ first official mascot in 1972, adorned in rainbow colors. While setting precedents, last September, the city of Regensburg in Germany witnessed its own record-breaking dachshund dog walk, with an estimated 1,175 participants at its peak, although Guinness World Records verified that 897 dogs ultimately qualified.
Among the Budapest participants on Thursday was Lili Horváth, together with her 1-year-old dachshund, Zabos. Lili praised Zabos for exhibiting “remarkably human qualities” and described him as exceptionally loving and loyal. On a similar note, Valeria Fábián, who also partook in the event with her dachshund Zsebi, shared the notion of selflessness exhibited by these animals, suggesting dogs outshine humans in their capacity for love and sacrifice.
By the close of the event, it was confirmed by the Hungarian Records Association that 500 dachshunds had joined the walk, enough to secure a Hungarian record. However, this number still fell short of surpassing the Guinness World Record set in Regensburg. Undeterred, the organizers expressed their determination to try again the following year, taking this time to rally even more dachshunds for another attempt at international recognition.