Is it just me or does it feel like every second dog in southwest London is now a Dachshund? I, for one, am guilty as charged and recently adopted my own miniature Dachshund called Mollie who - as I currently type - is chewing the kitchen broom.

New data from across the country has revealed an upsurge in puppy sales since the UK went into lockdown in March. Not only has the nation used more time at home to adopt a four-legged friend, the research has also revealed which breed is most desired. 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year and it seems that most people’s way of coping with such events - like coronavirus - is to buy a new furry member of the family.

From the Border Collie to the American Bulldog, we can see trends arising in the most favored breed of puppy.

In at number 4, we have the smooth-haired dachshund; the UK’s most beloved flavor of sausage. Their affable personality and high energy make them game for almost any adventure; and their small, portable size just adds to the list of reasons why they are so popular.

The long story of the Dachshund stretches all the way back to the 15th century in Germany, where they were bred from the combination of a miniature French Pointer and a Pinscher. If you have a good look, you can see Weiner dogs get their big floppy ears from the French Pointer and big chocolatey eyes from the Pinscher. This combination makes them irresistible to puppy lovers. 

If you dive deeper into the history of the Dachshund, you will find that they were bred to hunt badgers. Their name actually translates to Badger Dogs. Their long bodies and a heightened sense of smell makes them the perfect animal for hunting.

But, why do people love them today?

Their unmatched goofy (but lovable) personality makes them irresistible to owners who want a dog who will be great with children and will spend hours stretching themselves in order to play a never-ending game of ball.

Following on from that, their energetic nature will match any Vizsla or Border Collie any day. Their strong noses make them love going on hikes, where they can have a ball - sniffing out anything in the woods. 

Now, of course, they have such gorgeous faces; their eyes are adorable, their little, stubby legs are to die for, and their overall miniature size makes you fall head over paws in love with them.

But I was curious, so decided to ask a few fellow Dachshund lovers, first hand, what made them take the plunge and become a pet parent to a sausage:

Tara O’Driscoll, aged 43 from the Northcote Road says; ‘I’d always found seeing Sausage dogs on Wandsworth Common very entertaining and was looking for a fun and excitable companion for my Miniature Labradoodle. Otis has fitted in with our family seamlessly and after rigorous training, he is still as lively as the day we first got him.’

Isabelle Rogers, aged 30 from Battersea comments; ‘I’ve always wanted a sausage dog and since lockdown, I thought it was the best opportunity to invest in one, as I can spend all my time with her.’ 

Tops tips from the experts on how to care for your Dauschand:

Be prepared for lots of time spent outside. The only real way to potty train a Dachshund is to out-stubborn them. Put on your jacket (with treats in pocket), attach the leash, and don’t allow any fun and games until they do a widdle.

It can be easy to find yourself falling under the control of a naughty dachshund, so a strict training program is much needed.

You will find that puppies are very energetic, however, a Dachshund puppy is on a whole new level. You will need to play tug of war with them, take them on so many walks that you will find yourself getting fitter by the second, and buy so many toys to help keep them entertained.

Now you have heard all about the Dachshund - hopefully, this will give you some insight around why weiner dogs are so popular.

And now I must dash, because my Dachshund is chewing on my shoes!