Move Over, Doodles: A New Canine Favourite Has Emerged

Lisa Huft-Dupler possesses a remarkable skill for identifying dachshunds on the streets.

The 58-year-old resident of the Upper East Side has honed this talent to such an extent that a decade ago she established the Instagram account @DachshundsOfNYC. Her aim was to capture the encounters she had with these charming dogs across the city.

Once upon a time, spotting a dachshund in the city was an unusual event, but now the situation has dramatically changed to the opposite.

"They were a rare sight back then," Huft-Dupler remarked. "I used to offer my daughters $5 if they found a dachshund before I did. Now, I'd find my wallet empty pretty quickly."

These days, you can find these playful pooches, often called weiner dogs or doxies, seemingly anywhere. They accompany their owners to cafes, trot alongside them on city pavements, or even catch the eye in pet store windows.

Dachshunds have undeniably risen to stardom as the trending 'It' breed, striking a balance for pet lovers seeking a canine smaller than a retriever, less divisive than a bulldog, and currently more unique than a doodle.

"It's like dachshunds have taken over," observed Abby Baffoe, 29, who welcomed Lady, her miniature longhaired dachshund, into her Manhattan home just under six months ago.

Since then, she has observed a noticeable increase in their numbers. "I wonder if it's because I own one now, or if they're truly everywhere. No doubt, it's the latter."

The Dachshund Boom

This rise in dachshund visibility isn't confined to New York City alone—it's reflective of a broader trend. The breed now ranks sixth on the American Kennel Club's list of popular breeds in both 2023 and 2024.

Prior to its current high rank, dachshunds gradually climbed from the 13th spot (2015 to 2017) to ninth in 2022 over the past decade.

The enthusiasm for dachshunds doesn’t appear to be waning; registrations have surged over 120% since 2014, according to Brandi Hunter Munden from the AKC.

While various types of dachshunds, such as longhaired, wire-haired, and smooth, gain popularity, the UK Kennel Club notes that miniature smooths are currently leading the trend with a more than 275% increase in registrations since 2015.

Why Are Dachshunds So Desirable?

Enthusiasts and owners propose several reasons for this surge. The breed's amusing sausage-like shape gives them instant recognition.

"Their extended bodies, tiny legs, and prominent snouts make them amusing to watch," explained Christina Kirman, a content creator residing in Los Angeles, who manages the profiles of her own viral dachshunds, Winston and Willa.

"They represent the quintessential canine silhouette," added Huft-Dupler. The AKC likewise regards the dachshund as "a symbol of purebred dog excellence."

Dachshunds' elongated frames and compact size make them appealing for those traveling often, urban dwellers, and novice dog owners. The standard size seldom surpasses 32 pounds, and mini versions typically remain under 11 pounds, allowing easy transport by their humans.

According to Hunter Munden, despite larger dogs dominating the AKC's top positions, dachshunds and other portable breeds have experienced a resurgence over recent years.

Serena Kerrigan, at 31, chose Pancho, her mini English cream dachshund, for these reasons. Living in New York, a dog not requiring a yard was paramount.

Furthermore, the ease of taking him on trips was a decisive factor. "I travel extensively and wanted a portable companion," she said. Pancho has journeyed to Italy, France, and the Hamptons—before his first birthday. "I'm dedicated to giving him an exceptional life."

Challenges and Charms of Dachshunds

Huft-Dupler, a longtime dachshund owner, cites their manageable size as the reason her family can accommodate three in their dwelling—Allie and Cookie, both 15, and Ruby, the youngster, at 2.

For Soheila Shokraei, 24, who has Mabel and Rudy, her third year owning miniature dachshund siblings, living with larger dogs in New York seems impractical.

"They require very little," she noted. "A brief 10-minute walk tires them due to their short limbs."

In comparison to other favored breeds like golden and labrador retrievers, dachshunds navigate life with more noise, stubborn loyalty, and sometimes, feistiness—a trait stemming from their historic role as badger hunters.

This hound-like determination may complicate training, yet it’s also what endows them with their lively and spirited nature.

Dachshunds in the Digital Age

The modern surge in dachshund interest is partly attributed to their significant social media acclaim.

Carly Rivlin, for instance, who acquired her 4.5-year-old doxie Winston via Craigslist in 2021, credits social media for effectively showcasing the breed's vibrant character.

Across the web, numerous dachshunds have gained a following, with brands like Kiehl’s and Target teaming up with Kerrigan’s Pancho, who boasts around 140,000 Instagram followers.

"In just the last month, he's had over 30 million views," mentioned Kerrigan, while remaining discreet about exact post sponsorship earnings.

Kirkman’s dachshunds, Winston and Willa, have similarly become influential figures in the digital space, amassing close to 3 million devoted followers through their social profiles.

Despite their online allure, Kirkman advises potential owners—especially those captivated by her dogs—to learn about proper dachshund care.

"Whenever someone mentions they're getting a dachshund because of Winston or Willa, I'll agree they're wonderful," Kirkman said. "However, it's crucial they understand the breed's specific needs, notably regarding their back health."

Due to their long backs and short legs, dachshunds are prone to certain health concerns, particularly regarding their spinal health—especially in homes with stairs.

No matter their fiery temperament or how demanding they might be in terms of care, dachshund enthusiasts remain fervent advocates for the breed.

"Dachshund fanatics are intensely passionate," Huft-Dupler expressed.

Like many devoted owners, she enjoys collecting dachshund-themed items, one favorite being a Jonathan Adler dachshund menorah.

"I'm still holding out for a country house where I can devote an entire room to dachshund decor," she reflected.