Dachshunds in Art: Elliott Erwitt

Who?  Elliott Erwitt (b. 26 July 1928 Paris, France) is an advertising and documentary photographer known for his black and white candid shots of ironic and absurd situations within everyday settings -- the master of the "indecisive moment".  Some of his photos have been newly released, like this beautiful little gem, and Dog Art Today has the scoop:

No words can express how much I love this newly released photo by Elliott Erwitt, one of the greatest photographers of the 20th and 21st century. The fact that Erwitt has devoted some of his extraordinary talent to photographing dogs, makes him, IMO, the greatest dog photographer ever.
His photographs are exceptional because he looks at life with fresh eyes every time he takes a shot.

Find out how you can win a copy of one of his books via Twitter at Dog Art Today.

News From Russia: A Diving Dachshund!

And we thought the Sadistic Canine Shower Machines from the Future were over the top.  Seeing this, it appears that the Russians have out done the Japanese!  Via the Russian News & Information Agency RIA Novosti


The Diver Training Center at Vladivostok Maritime College in Vladivostok, Russia carried out an unusual experiment for the 15th anniversary of the college. The divers persuaded the center’s director, Sergei Gorbunov, to send his pet dachshund, Boniface, into the depths. The dog-motivated divers made a striped diving suit for Bonnie, as they fondly call the dog. They made a square mask out of Plexiglas thinking the dog may want to breathe under water.


Bonnie used just one air bottle during the diving. The bottle was attached to the dog’s belly allowing Boniface to not just immerse, but to actually swim under the water as well.


According to the center’s canine experimentalists, Boniface felt good during the fur-raising effort, which some hasten to label a success. Nevertheless an offshore dive may be premature. Bonnie will have to dive in a special swimming pool before he can try diving in the open sea.


The staff will train the diver dog for the All-Russian Underwater Hunting Tournament to take place in September.

A Special Dachshund from the Last Frontier: Meet Rebel!

Like Marlon Brando said in The Wild Ones after a female dance partner questions him "Hey, Johnny, What are you rebelling against?"  And Brando replies:  "What've you got?"  This is what we imagine life is like with this handsome heroic smooth chocolate guy named 'Rebel.'  Thanks to Meghan and Bruce for sending in such nice photos.  They write:

Dear Maggie and Joey,

I wanted to write to introduce you to one of your faithful readers from the far north. Rebel joined our family two years ago from the wonderful Colorado Dachshund Rescue. Soon after his adoption we moved north, to the emerald isle of Kodiak, Alaska. Rebel spent a year exploring beaches and dodging eagles before we made a move to the big city of Anchorage. Rebel enjoys exploring the extensive trails system around town, barking at moose, and follows sunbeams around the house. As we say, he loves a good wienie roast.

Thanks for all of the great stories, videos, and pictures on the blog - we Dachshundists of the north can't get enough!

(click any photo to enlarge and admire)

Mini Dachshund Dislikes Southern Heritage

This red smooth gal named 'Adele' cracks us up! Thanks so much to her human, Lauren Shaver, of Richmond, Virginia, for sending in the video. She writes:

Dear Joey and Maggie,

My five year old mini dachshund, Adele, has grown up in Richmond, VA her entire life. It's a city where there are countless monuments that pay homage to confederate soldiers from the Civil War and other history book notables. Whether walking or driving, she has always filled with instant, unrelenting rage whenever passing any one of this historical monuments. And like I said, there are a lot of these around the city. Sometimes I have to drive the "scenic route" with Adele in the car--just to avoid the mayhem. Our friends joke that she must've been a Union soldier in her previous life.

Last weekend, my husband and I caught her in action on video. She is completely absurd and we love her for it!

Mark Your Calendars: Cross Town Bark Around Fundraiser and Doxie Social

If you live in the MidWest, you're not going to want to miss MidWest Dachshund Rescue's Annual Fundraiser: The Cross Town Bark Around Fundraiser and Doxie Social.  We'll be there, so be sure and give us a woof if you spot us!  Here are the details, this is gonna be fun:

When:  May 15, 2010...Registration now open
What:  The Cross Town Bark Around Fundraiser and Doxie Social
Where:  The Dog Spot, 909 Ogden Ave.,Downers Grove, IL
1:00-4:00

Win great raffle prizes and silent auction items such as overnight stay at great hotels, Cubs and Sox tickets, Disney theme park tickets, theater tickets, sports memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, custom made dog beds, one of a kind doxie items and much more.

Activities include:
**Judged doxie costume contest-Best costume, most original and best sports outfit.
**Photographer with an Oscar Mayer Wiener pedal car
**50/50 raffle
**Caricature Artist
**One of a kind dog items for sale
**Bake Sale

Open to all doxies that are up to date on vaccinations and are spay/neutered. Don't own a doxie, you are still welcome to attend!
Registration now open- contact Lori at L.Biesboer@comcast.net

Check out these Cubs and Sox goodies

Throws, beds, and snuggle sacks fit for a Wiener Dog

 Beautiful Dachshund quilts

Dachshund Public Service Announcement

We interrupt our regular scheduled programming for this dachshund public service announcement from Dixie Dachshund Rescue. 

Related:  A Dachshund Public Service Announcement From C2CDR

Wirehair Wednesdays

The Wirehaired Dachshund is a relatively recent development when compared to the Smooths and Longhairs.  Whereas these two varieties were bred to go to ground after badgers and other burrowing game, the Wirehairs' tough coat was developed to protect it as it trailed game through the thickets and dense undergrowth in the forests.  Source:  The Dachshund:  A Dog for Town and Country, Ann Gordon. 

Photo:  circa 1941, source unknown.