Wiener Racing Tales: Meet Cleopatra

Black and tan smooth 'Cleopatra,' who hails from West Covina, California, had her brush with greatness last weekend as one of the 87 dachshunds chosen to race at the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals in Los Alamitos, California. She choked at the starting line as she was a bit nervous, but she took off fast once she saw her humans, finishing 4th in her heat. Cleopatra gave her best, and that's all you can ask! Excerpt from sgvtribune: Doxies from all over California showed up with their game face on: tongues out and plenty of drool. They were all looking to be top dog.
But these little wieners fell short when it came to intimidating their opponents. Especially with laughable names like Hannah Banana Montana and Skipper Von Skidmarks.
So what's the secret to motivate Cleopatra?
"Chunky chocolate chip doggy cookies," said Eldredge's 11-year-old daughter, Natalie.
Cleopatra loves food. But is it enough to help her win?
"We're just trying to get her to run a straight line," said Eldredge. "She's enjoying the treats more than the training." Read all about Cleopatra and her family in a nice article at sgvtribune.

Related: Wienerschnitzel Wiener Races

Summertime Fun for Hot Dogs

Red longhair 'Saiko,' who hails from Japan, is one Hot Dog who knows how to keep cool.

One Fast Dachshund

Meet smooth black and tan 'Frank' and his human Patricia Simons, of greater Durango, Colorado. Frank raced at the Durango Fiesta Days Wiener Dog Races on Sunday, beating not only the dachshund champ from the last 2 years, 'Ginger,' but also some non-doxie competitors new to the race this year, including a Portugese water dog twice his size. Run Frank Run! Read all about Frank at The Durango Herald.

Doxies Enjoy Wiener Roast on the Beach in Carmel, California

The 5th Annual Wiener Roast took place yesterday at Carmel Beach, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. We're betting all the dachshunds had a great time! Excerpt from the Monterey Herald: There was no velvet rope — dachshunds aren't nearly that snooty — but the canine convention that took place Sunday at Carmel Beach was pretty doggone exclusive. Frankly, if you weren't a wiener dog, it wasn't your party. That's why a dachshund named Piggles spent much of his morning securing the perimeter, running off every four-legged creature with more than 3 inches of clearance between stomach and sand.
"Piggles is perfectly content around all the other dachshunds," explained Stacey Wideman of Atascadero, founder of Central Coast Dachshund Rescue. "But if another dog comes in, she turns into our little security guard."
For the hundred-some dachshunds who brought their owners to the bash, it was quite an event, complete with the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, which doled out free hot dogs to the two-legged partiers.
Read all about it, and see some nice pics in a fun article at the Monterey Herald. Woof!

Max Wins Los Alamitos Wiener Nationals!

Congrats goes out to 'Max' for winning the 13th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals in Los Alamitos, California on Saturday. Above, the dachshunds and their humans meet in the Wieners.....er Winner's Circle. Max's favorite treat is Gerber Meat Baby Food and his favorite tv show is The Dog Whisperer. Max is now qualified to race in the Wienerschnitzel finals, which will take place in December. Read more about the races, and see more pics and a video at LAist.

Related: Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals coverage

Dachshunds in Pop Culture: Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow? Before the days of Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, the "Original Blonde Bombshell" made her mark on Hollywood and the world, leaving behind a new image of the Hollywood sex goddess. Harlean Carpenter, later known as Jean Harlow, was born on March 3, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri. Although she would sadly only live to age 26, Jean achieved a great deal of success during her lifetime. In an acting career that lasted 10 short years, Jean made 36 movies. Some of her other achievements included being voted No. 22 on the American Film Institute's list of the "Greatest American Screen Legends" (female), and becoming the first movie actress to appear on the cover of Life magazine.
We can't confirm that this is Ms. Harlow's black and tan dachshund puppy, but we tend to believe that it is, as it was popular to photograph movie stars and their pets at the time. If anyone has any more information, please send it in!
Ms. Harlow was quite the animal lover. On the day Hollywood canine superstar 'Rin Tin Tin' died at age of 16, Harlow, who lived across the street from his master, Lee Duncan, came over and cradled the dog's head in her lap as the famous pooch made his final exit to Doggie Heaven.

Find out more about Jean Harlow at JeanHarlow.com.

“When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” ~Jean Harlow

Listen to Lily Tomlin, Silvester Stallone, Bridget Fonda and Cher talk about the magnificent Jean Harlow.

Dachshund News Roundup!

Proving once again that you must beware the dachshund, here's a news roundup from all over the world on a warm and sunny Friday, July 18th, 2008. Above, Norman Rockwell would have painted this: right down to the misspelled "dachshunds." Kissing the merchandise in Houma, La., are Austin Boudreaux (left), 11, and Lauren Bergeron, 7. The puppy holder at right is Dylan Bergeron, 9. Source.

Meet 'Major,' a 3-year-old wire-hair, and his human, Mary Meagher of Hugh Allen Crescent in Marston, Oxford, UK. Major found himself in a prickly predicament when he investigated a family of hedgehogs and their baby hoglets who live under the neighbor's shed, and got himself stuck in the process. Ten firefighters had to be called to the scene to extract the nosey boy. A barbecue has been offered to all the firefighters as a way to say thanks. Read all about it at the Oxford Mail.

The wieners of the 13th annual Weinerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course had a practice run on Wednesday in preparation for the big race this weekend in Los Alamitos, California. Read all about it in a great little article at the OC Register which includes a nice slideshow and video. Related: Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals 2008: Meet Mufti

Finally, in a follow-up to last Thursday's Hot Dog Night in Luverne, Minnesota! enjoy a nice news video of the event from the Star Herald. This is small-town America at its finest.

Have a great Friday!

Bella the Dachshund Recovers from Rare Brain Surgery

We're sure that the dachshund community sends its love and support to 10-month-old smooth black and tan 'Bella' and her family, who hail from greater Boise, Idaho. A vet with the WestVet Emergency and Speciality Center sucessfully placed a stent in the brain of Bella, which will relieve pressure that was causing her a lot of pain. Bella suffers from a rare condition that causes too much fluid in her brain. Bella was able to go home yesterday. Read more at KIVI-TV.

Summer Fun at the County Fair

Ron Schulze talks to 6-year-old Jadeann Highley about her double dapple dachshund named 'Sadey' during the Vernon County Youth Fair Pet Show Saturday afternoon in Vernon County, Nevada. Schulze later judged the pets, which ranged from dogs and cats to sheep and calves. We're sure that Sadey faired well in the judging and enjoyed meeting the other animals. Read more about the Vernon County Youth Fair Pet Show at Nevada Daily Mail.

Doxie Digest: A New National Print Dachshund Magazine

So we were catching up with our friend Frankie, the Walk 'n Roll Dog, and saw that she is going to be a feature story for a brand spankin' new national magazine, the Doxie Digest. Way to go Frankie! We can't wait to get our hot little paws on the debut issue which is coming out in October.....er Dachtober. From the Doxie Digest website: The Doxie Digest Magazine is the magazine that covers all types of dachshunds, all sizes, shapes, colors and markings. This magazine will help you find many different areas of interest regarding this wonderful breed. It is filled with eye-catching photos, helpful articles and is printed in beautiful FULL COLOR! Stay informed on upcoming dog shows, show results and receive updates on many other current events. Read articles submitted by local clubs throughout the country and of course, you will also find highlights on earthdogs, field trials and the always fun and humorous Wiener Races. The Doxie Digest Magazine is printed and published quarterly and will be mailed directly to you.

Find out more at Doxie Digest. Woof! Woof!

Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals 2008: Meet Mufti

Who's a good little racing dog? Why red smooth 'Mufti' is, that's who! 8-year-old Mufti, who hails from Naples, California, has been selected as one of the 87 dachshunds to compete in this weekend's Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals being held at Los Alamitos Race Course. Mufti has applied to race in the Wiener Nationals for 6 years, and was finally accepted in this year's race. Good things come to those who wait, Mufti! One of Mufti's humans, a student at Purdue University in Indiana, is flying back to Cali to coach his girl to victory. Read all about Mufti at the Press-Telegram.

Related: See Sofie. See Sofie Run!



Enjoy a short little promo for the 2008 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals.

Famous Dachshund?

We hate to see such a nice vintage photo go undocumented, so if anyone has any more information on the subjects, could you let us know? We spent hours searching on variations of possible names and came up empty-handed. This handsome red smooth deserves his place in history. (click photo to enlarge)

Dachshunds in Art: Pierre Bonnard

In honor of Bastille Day, our friends at Dog Art Today put together a nice feature on French painter Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947), specifically his works that include dachshunds. Don't miss it at Dog Art Today. Woof!

Slightly Related: Dogs in Art: A New Film by Moira McLaughlin

Dachshund News Roundup!

Proving yet again that we must obey the dachshund, here's a news roundup from all over America on a sunny and warm Monday, July 14th, 2008. Woof! Above, Steve Davis prepares 'Little Steve' for competing in the finals of the Dachshund Races at Perini Ranch on Sunday in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Over 100 dogs competed in the races hosted by Rescue the Animals, SPCA, to discover who the fastest dachshund in the Big Country is. Read all about it and see a nice photo gallery at reporternews.



Enjoy the news video from the Dachshund Races at Perini Ranch.

8-year-old wire-haired 'Daisy,' who hails from Onsted, Michigan, gets a check for Lyme disease by Dr. Dennis White of the Companion Animal Clinic in Tecumseh. Although rare, reported cases of canine Lyme disease are on the rise, and White suggests dog owners who take their pet hunting or camping arrange to have their dog vaccinated, as Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks that live in wooded areas. Read all about it at The Daily Telegram.

Hot Dog Soup? Wiener Stew? Dachshund Divine? The 11th North East Ohio Dachshund Picnic was held Saturday at Plum Creek Park in Kent, Ohio. There were 1000 humans and 550 dogs registered! See 70 fun pics from the event at neodachs.

Related: North East Ohio Dachshund Picnic: Are You Packed Yet?

Meet black and tan longhair 'Little Bit,' and his human, Vietnam War Veteran Jim Quick, of Danville, Illinois. “One word that describes his personality would be ‘love,’” Mr. Quick said about his long-haired dachshund. “He just loves everybody and everything.” The 3-year-old is the light of Quick’s life, and brings smiles to those who meet him. “He’s my little buddy. I don’t know what I’d do without him,” Quick said. Read all about the dynamic duo, including some of the trials and successes they've dealt with in a nice little feature at the Commercial-News.

Finally, THE HEAT IS ON: Dachshunds battle it out during a preliminary race at Huntington Beach, California's Old World Village during the celebration of its grand re-opening. See more pics in a nice slideshow at the OC Register.

Have a great Monday!

Saturday Night at the Movies: "After the Storm"

A dachshund is found playing in the backyard after two inches of rainfall on a suburban home in Tempe, Arizona

Don't miss this hilarious new film by Rene starring....in his breakout role, smooth black and tan 'Alfredo!'

Reviews: "I haven't laughed so hard in ages!" -Joey the Dachshund
"I think Alfredo is a HOTTIE." -Maggie the Dachshund

Hot Dog Night in Luverne, Minnesota!

Thanks so much to red smooth 'Oscar' and his human Holly B. for sending in the report about Thursday's Hot Dog Night in Luverne, Minnesota. What a great way to get a small town together....the celebration of the hot dog! Sure sounds like fun, and what a nice turnout. Make sure to click on the photo of the wiener races to enlarge, it's a great shot. Oscar and Holly write: Thursday night was Hot Dog Night in Luverne, MN. A highlight of the evening was the fifth annual Weiner Dog Races and, new this year, a Weiner Dog Beauty Contest!
There were probably around 20 dogs entered in the Beauty Contest, and more than 50 racers. Dakota Dachshund Rescue was there with some loving weiners in need of homes.
Winning the Beauty Contest in the Female Division was "Hannah." "Walter" won the Male division in his cute bumblebee costume. The Race was won by"Callie," who repeated her 2007 victory. (We apologize if the results are spelled wrong; we're going on memory.)
There were free hot dogs for everyone, and tons of weineriffic fun!
You can read more about it at the Luverne Chamber of Commerce.
The Luverne, MN, newspaper website The Star Herald should have more pictures by next week.
The photo is of Callie winning her heat (she is the mini black and tan). My Doxie, Oscar, is the portly red trying to catch up!

See Sofie. See Sofie Run!

Meet 5-year-old black and tan longhair rescue 'Sofie' and her human Charmaine Liccardi, who hail from Pasadena, California. Sofie is in training for the 13th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 19th, one of the larger races on the Wienerschnitzel race schedule. Go Sofie Go!! Proceeds from ticket and t-shirt sales from the event will benefit the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-profit group that finds homes for stray animals in the Orange County area. Excerpt from the Daily Bulletin: Liccardi adopted Sofie, then known as Daisy, from a Riverside County rescue organization in December.
I just fell in love with her," Liccardi said of Sofie. "She came right up on the couch where I was sitting and she just flipped over on her back and looked up at me like, 'Well, are you going to take me home?'"
Sofie turned out to be peppy and perky and she loves to run. Liccardi realized that she would be perfect to run in the Wiener Nationals, so she watched for the entry announcement.
Once Sofie was accepted, she started training. Sofie gets excited when she sees squirrels, so Liccardi created a mock squirrel out of an old teddy bear.
"I take it and pretend like it is running across the top of the fence and then I throw it and she goes crazy," Liccardi said.
On race day, Liccardi plans to rub some peanut butter on the "squirrel" for extra enticement.
Read all about Sophia Loren Lamborghini Liccardi....aka "Sweet and Low" at the Daily Bulletin. It's a fun article, don't miss it.

Dachshund Observations

1. Dachshunds lie around all day sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house.
2. They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but don't hear you when you're in the same room.
3. They can look dumb and lovable all at the same time.
4. They growl when they are not happy.
5. When you want to play they want to play.
6. When you want to be alone they want to play.
7. They are great at begging.
8. They will love you forever if you rub their tummies.
9. They leave their toys everywhere.
10. They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a kiss.

Conclusion: They're tiny men in little fur coats.

Source Unknown. Have a Great Friday!

Vintage Dachshund Humor

Looks to be from the 60's.

North East Ohio Dachshund Picnic: Are You Packed Yet?

Road Trip! The 11th Annual NE Ohio Dachshund Picnic will be held this Saturday, July 12th in Kent, Ohio. Last year, the event drew 526 dachshunds! Lots of fun and lots of doxie vendors (shirts, clothes, III Dachshund Brewing, harnesses, and more.) Admission is just $1 per dog plus a bag of dog food (to be donated to the Portage County Animal Shelter). Hot dogs (what else?) are sold to raise funds for Dachshund relief organizations. Visit neodachs.org for more information and photos from past events. Can we get a "woof?"