2025-12-16 14:32:33

Hundreds of dachshunds and their owners descended on Hyde Park for the annual sausage dog Christmas walk.

On Sunday (14.12.25), the pooches donned jingling collars and festive outfits as they were walked across the grass.

Now in its eighth year, the event began as a small social experiment. Ana Rodriguez first organised the walk to help her dachshund, Winston, learn how to mingle as a puppy.

It has since ballooned into a full-blown Christmas tradition, with past turnouts reaching nearly a thousand dogs and people.

This year’s meeting point was the Physical Energy statue, where owners competed in a best-dressed contest before an hour of enthusiastic play and socialising, followed by the parade itself.

Costumes ranged from charming to deeply impractical, as one dog sported a box to resemble a present on arrival, another appeared as a reindeer pulling a miniature sleigh, while others sported tinsel, scarves, and festive jumpers.

Dachshunds are not famous for their enthusiasm for clothing, but three-year-old Otto tolerated a Christmas scarf long enough for photos. His owner, Berfin, said he was used to posing, thanks to her photographer boyfriend.

Despite their famously short legs, the Royal Kennel Club recommends dachshunds get up to an hour of exercise a day.

Originally bred in Germany as fearless hunters of badgers and rabbits, dachshunds have surged in popularity across the UK in recent years.

But in Hyde Park, their only quarry was treats.

Ana told The Guardian: “They’re really special. Loving, protective, and the most loyal dogs ever.”

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