Germany's Fastest Dachshund Hails from Schleswig-Holstein

In a lighthearted competition that delighted dog lovers, over 200 dachshunds raced in Magdeburg this past weekend, contending for the title of Germany's fastest dachshund during the inaugural German Dachshund Championship.

The star of the event emerged as Fiete, a dachshund from Tornesch in Schleswig-Holstein, who clinched victory for the standard dachshunds with an impressive time of 5.6 seconds. The final race required two attempts due to the initial uncertainty in determining the winner, despite the use of a photo finish.

In the categories for rabbit and miniature dachshunds, the winner was a female dachshund named Frieda from Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg. Her owner, Stefan Müller, attributes her success to a diet primarily consisting of buffalo meat, which he humorously suggests could be her secret weapon. In addition to her racing prowess, Frieda enjoys playing with balls, making her a well-rounded competitor.

The event in Magdeburg saw a total of 220 dachshunds participating, with each dog accompanied by two handlers: one to hold the dog at the starting line and another to entice them at the finish line. Handlers utilized various methods, including whistles, squeaky toys, and tasty treats, to encourage their pets to sprint down the 40-meter track as quickly as possible.

Competitors hailed from every corner of Germany, with even a couple of entrants traveling from Austria to join the fun. The event not only showcased the speed and agility of these beloved dogs but also fostered a sense of community among dachshund enthusiasts, celebrating the unique charm and character of the breed.