Dachshund gains favour as ideal pet for busy urban life

THE popularity of the sausage dog is rocketing as people are living in smaller spaces and have busy lifestyles.

The number of dachshund puppies registered in the UK rose by 112 per cent in just over five years.

In 2013, 4,887 dachshund pups were registered with the Kennel Club, which operates the national register of pedigree dogs in the UK. But in 2018, the number soared to 10,377 registered puppies.

Kennel Club statistics show that the dachshund will be hot on the heels of labradors and French bulldogs in the coming years, as the breed took five of the top 10 spots in the ‘fastest risers’ chart over the past five years.

A Kennel Club spokesman said: “It isn’t surprising that there’s been a surge in the popularity of dachshunds, especially as trends towards smaller homes and busy lifestyles grow, and the breed has become ‘Insta-famous’, with thousands of social media fans.

“Many celebrities own one, and dachshunds are now favoured as one of the top dogs to use in adverts. There is no doubt that these dogs have the cute factor, and can make perfect pets for many people and families, but we do have concerns that popular culture can result in particular breeds becoming some kind of fashion accessory.

“Dachshunds are fun, friendly characters, but they are also strong-willed and take time and commitment.

“They may be small but they still need mental stimulation and exercise.

“We urge any prospective dachshund owners to do thorough research on the breed, especially considering the dog’s health. Go to a responsible breeder like a Kennel Club-assured breeder, and, vitally, always remember that a dog is a lifetime commitment.”

Bill Lambert, of the Kennel Club, said: “Celebrities, popular culture, social media and advertising can all influence current trends and be a major factor in the dog breeds we choose.

“City lifestyles also have a huge impact, with many small breeds more suited to urban living. Consequently over the past five years we’ve seen a shift towards smaller breeds.

“We urge people to make sure they understand their preferred breed and its characteristics before making a decision to buy a dog.”