Run, sausage, run! More than 100 Dachshunds take part in annual race in Germany

Many would presume that having little legs could slow a runner down – but not for these Dachshunds.

More than 100 sausage dogs took part in the fourth Munich Dachshund Race in Germany over the weekend, battling it out to see who was fastest.

The 40-metre track saw the dogs separated into different weight classes before sprinting down the blue mat to the roar of dog-lovers.

On the other side of the finish line were their owners who cheered on the contestants with treats and toys.  

The unusual event has grown from 30 entries to 150, according to organisers.

Despite having shorter legs, Dachshunds are not necessarily slower than other dogs and were originally bred to hunt badgers and small game.

Older sausage dogs tend to become slower due to ageing, fatigue or joint and spinal issues like arthritis, often spending between 12-16 hours sleeping.