A Santa-themed ‘sausage stroll’: Hundreds of dachshunds waddle via London
Hundreds of dogs donned elf hats, Christmas jumpers and cosy knits as they gathered for a huge annual parade in central London.
The group of dachshund owners descended on Hyde Park along with their furry friends for a festive walk and get-together.
The gathering comes after their Halloween event had to be cancelled due to its popularity.
The Royal Parks were called ‘killjoys’ for their decision to cancel the gathering, after telling organisers that the meet-up had turned into a small event – which required a licence.
However the festive event was allowed to go ahead on Sunday, with organisers remaining on the nice list this year.
‘It was going to be too much fun so they cancelled it,’ laughed Nicky Bailey, the owner of three sausage dogs.
His dachshunds Una and her two 19-week-old puppies, Ember and Finnegan, arrived wearing matching red coats and silver tinsel.
Bailey, a 48-year-old interior designer from West London, revealed why he and others have become such big fans of the breed.
Dachshunds gathered in Hyde Park on Sunday in fancy dress to celebrate the Christmas season
Dog’s dinner: Two dogs played the parts of the Christmas dinner and pudding ahead of the special day next week
Dachshunds pictured at the annual Hyde Park Sausage Walk in London
Joining in: A cockapoo joins the dachshund parade alongside her dog Sausage, with a snowman on its back
Pope idol: One sausage dog donned the impressive garments of the Pope for the festive stroll
The belle of the ball: One adorable pooch wore a pink dress as they stunned in Hyde Park
A shining light: One well-decorated dog wore Christmas lights as part of their outfit
Mistletoe and whine: Wearing a festive boe-tie one dachshund was carried by their owner on the winter outing
Barking around the Christmas Tree: This festive pup wanted to make his voice heard amongst the crowd
Rudolf the black nosed Daschshund: Two more pooches dressed up as Santa’s helpers
Watch out Whooville: One dog came dressed as The Grinch for the Christmas walk at Hyde Park
Gift wrapped: One dashing dachshund was wrapped up ready for the big day dressed as a Christmas present
The King’s Speech: Two regal pups made a royal appearance at the event with crowns on their heads
Four in a bed: Four identically dressed dachshunds enjoying their day out in the park
Elf yourself: One owner decided to match with their festive friend for the walk around Hyde Park
Save room for pudding: This dessert-dressed dog tried to keep the pace with their owner
Santa’s Little Helper: One pup carried Father Christmas on their back for the winter walk
Christmas Tree topper: This adorable dog came with decorations adorned alongside their owner
Arriving in style: One dog decides to take a more voluntary approach to the Christmas walk
‘They’re naughty and stubborn, very affectionate, very funny and have bags of character,’ Bailey said.
‘It’s dachshunds all the way for me. They’re just about the cutest thing I think you could ever look at,’ she added.
The walk was started eight years ago by Ana Rodriguez as a way to help her dachshund Winston meet other dogs when he was a puppy.
The gathering has continued to grow and now offers a chance for the capital’s dachshunds to meet, play and compete in a best-dressed competition.
Retail worker Jon Rummins, 43, who brought his three-year-old Bear along dressed in a Santa-themed coat, said Dachshunds were like little ‘warriors’.
He said their amusing mannerisms and characters went hand in hand with ‘this Napoleon syndrome where they think they’re big and strong and scary when they’re really not.
‘Bear wants to stamp his authority on things by barking at the big dogs, but they just ignore him,’ he said.
Grace McCarthy, 19, said her dog Sausage also had a strong character and was ‘very vocal’ if anyone ever looked like they might trip over him.
The horse rider from southeast London brought her cockapoo along as well but said he was clearly ‘not enjoying it very much’, unlike Sausage.
‘He loves socialising and being with other dogs,’ she said as he strained at the leash excitedly, wearing a brown and white spotted fleece with antlers.
‘His name was Slinky, but he didn’t like that. He only answers to Sausage,’ she added.
