Dachshund fever has taken full control in Port Macquarie with sausage dog enthusiasts celebrating their furry friends.
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Port Macquarie Dachshund Group (PMDG), which started in September 2018, is seeing an increase in the popularity of the pooch this year with around 71 members and 35 dogs attending events.
The group holds weekly casual walks at dog-friendly beaches, cafes and parks.
PMDG spokesperson Jean Ballands said dachshunds were increasing in popularity on the Mid-North Coast.
"The breed is becoming popular because they are social dogs and are quite cute," said Jean.
"The reason for starting the group was primarily for interacting with other dogs, meeting friends and keeping our dogs active and alert.
"The size is often attractive to owners and a lot of older people remember having one when they were a child."
Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, are either smooth-haired, wire-haired or long-haired.
They were originally bred to scent, chase and flush out badgers using their compact bodies and digging paws.
PMDG trainer Frances Lingard said dachshunds could be long-lived companions into their late teens or early 20s if kept healthy and active.
"They can be hard to train and are very strong willed," said Frances.
"They will respond to a challenge and have a very good nose."
She said some dachshunds have quirky characteristics such as following their owners to the shower, eating unusual items and chasing the wheels of skateboards.
As part of World Dachshund Day on June 22 the PMDG will be holding its inaugural Sossie Slipper 2019.
The running race will feature around 20 dashing dogs sprinting over a 20 metre track at Sancrox Reserve from 2pm to 4pm.
"We initially thought about holding a training session and someone suggested why don't we let them run all-out," said Jean.
"World Dachshund Day is a celebration of the breed and a chance to socialise."
The PMDG is aligned with Dachshund Rescue Australia and tries to find the right adoptive home to settle dachshunds in the Port Macquarie area.
The groups also attends retirement villages to provide therapy dog sessions for residents.
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