New world record set in London for largest dachshund dog walk

20 May 2024

Liz JacksonBBC News

News image — Hundreds of dachshunds gathered in London during a charity event to scoop a Guinness World Record

Agria A line of dogs look up at cameras in front of the Guinness World Records certificate — Hundreds of dachshunds gathered in London during a charity event to scoop a Guinness World Record

Hundreds of diminutive dogs have scooped the Guinness World Record for the Largest Dachshund Dog Walk.

The 342 dachshunds gathered during a charity event at Marble Hill House in Twickenham, south-west London, beating the required number of 250.

After the record was confirmed, some of the wagging winners posed for photos alongside the official certificate of their achievement.

Guinness World Records said the owners were "a truly devoted bunch".

Cover Images Image of two dachshunds in colourful harnesses being held by their owners, each with red hair — Dachshunds of all shapes and sizes came together for the record-breaking walk

A chorus of excited barks filled the air as dogs, and their owners, waited near the start line for the walk.

Cover Images Four near-identical light brown dachshunds on leads — Contenders were keenly listening out for the start of the walk

Held by pet insurer Agria in partnership with English Heritage and supported by The Kennel Club, the event raised funds for animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Cover Images Two dachshunds wearing bow ties — These participants wanted to put their best bow forward for any available best-dressed prize

Among those attending were dogs in cones, bows, colourful harnesses and even puppy pushchairs.

Cover Images Two black and brown dachshunds in purple harnesses are held by their owners — Dozens of dachshunds took part in record attempt at the event at Marble Hill House

Checks and procedures were in place for Guinness World Records officials, with blue wristbands used for those who wanted their dogs to be counted in the challenge.

Agria A Guinness World Records official crosses her fingers in response to an owner's question — Officials were hopeful they'd reached the magic number before it was confirmed later in the day

Fundraising events also took place in two other English Heritage locations as well as in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Cover Images Photo of a sleeping dachshund puppy in a pushchair at the event — The excitement proved too much for this pushchair pup

A total of £20,000 will be given to the centres from funds raised at the events.

Agria Jodie Kidd with Sausage, posing in front of marketing banners — The London event was also attended by model and campaigner Jodie Kidd whose dachshund Sausage was helping drum up donations

Vicki Wentworth, chief executive at Agria, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have won the Guinness World Records title."

"It's an incredible achievement, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch so many passionate people and pups come together to help support a great cause," she said.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Juliet Dawson said: "It was a pleasure to adjudicate this attempt and meet all the wonderful dachshunds and their owners, who are a truly devoted bunch.

"A brilliant day was had by all."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk