Wine Country Wiener Fest

Hey, it's Wirehair Wednesday, and this is stunning 2-year-old 'Fritz,'

whose human is Pam Carson of Temecula, California

The season sure is heating up for Dachshund events.  The Temecula Valley Dachshund Club held its second annual Wine Country Wiener Fest on Sunday at Longshadow Ranch in Temecula, California.  The event included family-friendly games, local vendors, raffles, silent auctions, wine tasting, and "Dexter's Derby" Dachshund Races w/Kentucky Derby-style Extravagant Hat Contest.  Excerpt from inlandsocal:

There were prizes for contests that included the longest dachshund, which came in at 42" and the best kisser, canine, of course.

Riverside's Sunny Oasis Dachshund Rescue and Friends brought six rescued dachshunds, all of which found new homes. In addition the TVDC named Sunny Oasis as a recipient of the fundraiser proceeds as well as Almost Home Dachshund Rescue.

Swift running doxies competed in several heats and categories, including puppies and mixed breed dogs.

See a few more photos at inlandsocal.

Mr. Superteckel Henry & Friends

Ooooh - it's Wirehair Wednesday, and this week we're traveling all the way to the Motherland to visit 'Henry,' aka Mr. Superteckel, a young black and tan pup, and his pals 'Mona' and 'Linus.'  Now, it looks like 'Mona' doesn't have much time to devote to a young pup like Henry and his mischief, but 'Linus' sure enjoys his company.  By youtuber Mr. Super Teckel

Wirehair Wednesday: I've Got A Stick!

I've got a stick!  A great big stick!  Wait, here's an even bigger stick! 

by youtuber neverwalkalone26561.

Wirehair Wednesday

It's been a while since we've had a Wirehair Wednesday, and they have been sorely missed.  Thanks so much to Mary Baker for sending in such a nice image.  She writes: 

Dear Joey & Maggie,

I wanted to share a photo of my very sweet & special bearded lady with you all. Her name is Lonnie and she just turned one year old. Attached is a picture of her with her daddy, Brewer, attempting to sleep in on Mother's Day 2010. (Mommy was up and busy sneaking pictures of them!)

Wirehair Wednesday

Why are the Wirehaired Dachshunds referred to as the "clowns" of the breed? This newer video might shed a little light on the subject. By youtuber Cooniecrew who notes (loosely translated):  Laughter allowed! Our three dogs, Axel, Angie and Burgi continue to make fun.

The Modern Wirehair

It's Wednesday.  There's Wirehairs everywhere.  That can mean only one thing:  It's Wirehair Wednesday!  Thanks so much to our pal 'Michael-dog' for sending in the link to Dutch photographer Maarten Wetsema's website where there are several Dachshunds featured in unlikely yet highly agreeable poses under the links "Dogs in their Domestic Environment" and "Portraits of Dogs."  This photo is titled Lodewijk, 2007.

The Vintage Wirehair

San Francisco Photographer William A. January, 1897-1965, was known for his photography and devotion to dogs in the 1940s and 50s.  His signature "January" is seen on many Dachshund and dog photos from this era.

Ain't Too Proud To Beg, But Is It OK For Our Backs?

CRW_4401 by Teresa Stanton

You see it again and again in the Dachshund community - cute little wiener dogs begging or sitting up on their hind legs - looking so cute that you just want to eat 'em up, but is it safe for Dachshund backs?  We hear the reply again and again - NO! - but that's not what a veterinarian said yesterday in the Los Angeles Times.  In fact, this vet recommends the practice as a way to strengthen a Dachshund's back:

Jane's question: What are some ways to keep a dachshund's back healthy and strong? Other than preventing accidents, are there any exercises or supplements I can give my dog?

Heather Oxford, DVM: As you may know, many dachshunds have a hereditary back condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This causes the discs to slowly degenerate, which makes them less resilient shock absorbers. Any activities that cause compression through the spine are considered high-risk for disc herniations and neurological problems including paralysis.
Such activities include running down stairs, jumping down from furniture, or jumping up and down on the hind limbs. At CARE, we encourage spinal flexibility and core strength by dozens of exercises. One such exercise is sitting up, a.k.a. "begging." This is a core strengthener that helps protect the back from injury. Also, I recommend fish oils that have concentrated amounts of omega-3s such as DHA and EPA. Not all fish oils are created equal, so make sure yours is independently tested for mercury and other contaminants, and that it meets its label claims.

We really need to know the truth because every time we sit up and look incredibly adorable, Dad tells us to stop.  What's a wiener dog to do?