In Paris, dachshunds are all the rage. It's no secret: just step outside and you'll regularly spot a little wiener dog wiggling its tiny body like a corkscrew. In no time at all, these mini sausages on legs have become the ubiquitous breed in the streets of the capital. It's said that one in three dogs you encounter in Paris is a dachshund (a completely made-up statistic based on the emotional radar of the person writing these lines). And yet, it’s not exactly the most aristocratic dog in the world: with its odd silhouette, short legs, and hesitant walk... But then, why has Paris fallen head over heels for this delightfully wobbly creature?
A Cult Dog That Has Never Really Disappeared
You have to say, dachshunds have always fascinated: from Napoleon to David Bowie, passing through Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso – who even dedicated inspired works to them – this fluffy ball has been adored for ages, as reminded by Le Parisien. They are also the iconic dog of ... Martine, the one who rocked our childhood, is even indirectly the origin of the term hot dog, marking her influence in pop culture long before the TikTok era.
The “dachshund mania” isn’t new, but it has definitely intensified in recent years. According to the Société centrale canine, which lists the favorite dogs of the French each year, the dachshund jumped to 10th place in 2024. That’s a 9% boost for a breed that was only in 17th place in 2020. And in Paris, the love for the sausage dog is even more pronounced with the appearance of the Paris Sausage Walk, this annual parade that’s as absurd as it is irresistible. Launched in 2018, inspired by similar walks in London and New York, it started with just a handful of dogs in its first edition. Today? More than 2,000 proud dachshunds strut their stuff!nt (exactly 2,554 for the 2025 edition that took place on Sunday, November 16). Meanwhile, brands and creators are riding the wave: accessories, socks, mugs, prints, embroidery… Not to mention Alaïa's dachshund bag, which has become a highly coveted it-bag.
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The Social Media Star
So why this meteoric success? Well, it's because the dachshund comes in a myriad of combinations: short-haired, long-haired, wiry, solid colors, brindle, pied, chocolate, sable… The result is that everyone can find their perfect dachshund. But it’s not just about looks. The dachshund has a bold personality: courageous, stubborn, humorously oblivious, often convinced they’re a Rottweiler trapped in a sausage body. This constant contradiction – cute but a bit of a diva – makes them incredibly lovable.
But, as often happens, popularity is also built through social media. Today, Instagram and TikTok are overflowing with videos of dachshunds, sometimes snuggled up in blankets and other times frolicking around the city. So much so that stars like Charles Leclerc, Kylie Jenner, and Simon Porte Jacquemus have gotten their own little sausage dogs, turning them more than ever (and sadly) into a lifestyle accessory.
Trend alert. A fashion that raises questions: are we adopting dachshunds driven by an algorithmic impulse? Some groups are already sounding the alarm, as certain impulsive purchases lead to abandonment as soon as challenges arise. This is especially true for Dachshunds without warm homes (whose Paris Sausage Walk donates all profits from its event). It's important to remember that dachshunds are still delicate little creatures, sensitive to back problems and requiring extensive medical care, and that before getting one, it's crucial to think carefully. Behind that plush toy image, there’s a real commitment.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
So yes, if Paris has fallen in love with the dachshund, it's because it's stylish, unexpected, funny, quirky, Instagram-friendly, and reflects the mood of the moment. It ticks all the boxes for the "cute chaos" that the capital adores. But as adorable as it is, it is not just a trend but a living being that needs attention and love.