One hundred ‘stubborn’ sausage dogs compete in German race

More than 100 dachshunds took part in the “Dackel Open” race near Munich, sprinting across a golf course track cheered on by owners and spectators. Organizers described the event as a lighthearted celebration of the breed’s playful and determined personality.

Reuters

23 June 2026 at 07:41:28

One hundred ‘stubborn’ sausage dogs compete in German race

A sausage dog competes in the Dackel Open 2026, a race set up in four starting classes, including standard, dwarf, rabbit & class of hearts, in Dachau, Germany, June 21, 2026.

Angelika Warmuth/Reuters

A sausage dog, or dachshund, race held outside Munich on Sunday (June 21) attracted more than one hundred participants, according to the organiser who called the pets "naturally stubborn but incredibly loyal.”

Cheered on by their owners and lured with a goodie or their favourite toy, the Dackel, as the Germans call them, raced down separate lanes put up on a golf course, their ears flying in the air.

Claire Eisler, proud owner of Pauli, said she noticed early on in her companion’s life that "he's insanely fast for a dachshund.”

Eisler said she and Pauli participate “just for fun.”

Pauli "even managed to win a few ribbons already. And we all just have so much fun doing it, so we've stuck with it.”

This year marked the second time the “Dackel Open” was held.

Other dog breeds were also welcome — but only as spectators.

Camera: Anja Guder, Production: Gabi Sajonz, Michele Sani, Writing: Michele Sani, Editing: Anja Guder, Michele Sani/Reuters