Dachshunds of Burnie members took their elongated pooches for a walk along the Cam River a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to find out more about the breed.
Dachshunds of Burnie was founded in 2021 by Justin Murrell and Cassie Wylde to bring together dachshund lovers, organise social walks and build a community of informed and responsible owners. Since then, the group has grown to almost 500 members. Monthly walks are held at locations between Wynyard and Ulverstone, with routes and activities chosen to accommodate both standard and miniature dachshunds, and owners of all ages and abilities. Often a walk ends with a social get-together at a dog friendly café. Presently there is some talk of having more adventurous ‘tracking walks’ to allow dogs to get in touch with their hound origins.
The group also takes part in special events, including World Dachshund Day. This year, around 50 dachshunds and their owners celebrated with a ride aboard the Don River Railway, followed by a barbecue at Romaine Reserve in Burnie. Other highlights have included the popular Dachshund Races at the Burnie Show. Dachshunds of Burnie has also raised funds for several dachshund rescue organisations and continues to promote awareness of the breed’s particular care and wellbeing needs. Above all, the group offers a welcoming place where owners can connect, share knowledge, ask questions and enjoy life with their dachshunds. We can be found on Facebook.
The Dachshund is a distinctively short-legged, long-bodied dog breed that originated in Germany. Famously nicknamed the “wiener dog” or “sausage dog,” the breed was deliberately engineered centuries ago to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. Today, while they retain their intense hunting instincts and independent spirit, Dachshunds are among the most popular companion pets globally.
First published in Edition 57 — August 2026.