500 dachshunds set Hungarian record for dog walk

In Budapest, Hungary, hundreds of dachshunds and their owners gathered on May 1, 2025, in the City Park to attempt breaking the record for the largest single-breed dog walk in the country. The event was highly anticipated and organized under the scrutiny of the Hungarian Records Association, which aimed to officially document this notable canine gathering. Participants walked in a long, noisy loop under the sunny spring sky, showcasing the popular dog breed known for their short stature and playful nature. Unlike other dog breeds, dachshunds possess unique characteristics that have endeared them to many families, being recognized for their loyalty and curiosity. The Hungarian Records Association was responsible for officially tallying the number of participating dachshunds, a process complicated by the large number of dogs and owners present. István Sebestyén, the registrar and president of the association, emphasized the unusual nature of organizing such a large group of dachshunds, indicating that ensuring compliance with their record-setting guidelines was essential. As dachshunds are a beloved species in Hungary, drawing enthusiastic owners to this event, their participation demonstrated the breed’s popularity and the community's spirit surrounding it. Although the event was successful in breaking the Hungarian record with a total of 500 participating dogs, it fell short of the previous Guinness World Record set in Regensburg, Germany, where 897 dachshunds had previously paraded. While some estimates reported even higher attendance in Regensburg, Guinness confirmed 897 dogs. Organizers of the Budapest event, however, remained optimistic and committed to increasing the number for next year’s attempt. They viewed this gathering as just the beginning and were determined to rally more dachshund enthusiasts for another try at establishing a new world record. Among the participants were owners who celebrated their dachshunds, attributing to them various human-like qualities. Lili Horváth, for instance, expressed her feelings regarding her 1-year-old dachshund Zabos, describing him as a loyal companion with deeply human qualities. Valeria Fábián, another owner, highlighted the selflessness and unwavering love that dogs possess, drawing a thoughtful comparison between canine love and human relationships. As the event concluded, it was clear that community spirit and passion for the dachshund breed still thrived, with plans already in place for a more significant turnout next year, aiming to both break records and celebrate this unique breed further.