German dachshund museum in Passau 'a world first'

Dachshund ornaments show the centuries-old affection for the German breed

A new museum in the Bavarian city of Passau celebrates Germany's - and the world's - affection for the dachshund.

More than 4,500 toys and other items showcase the breed popularly called the "sausage dog", a symbol of Bavaria.

A dachshund called Waldi was the mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The Dackelmuseum was created by two former florists, whose collection was amassed over 25 years. Artist Pablo Picasso and physicist Albert Einstein were among the dachshund's many fans.

The museum opened on Monday in the heart of Passau, in the elegant Residenzplatz. The curators say it is the world's biggest collection of dachshund-themed objects.

"The world needs a sausage dog museum... No other dog in the world enjoys the same kind of recognition or popularity as the symbol of Bavaria, the sausage dog," said co-founder Seppi Küblbeck.

Canine stamps, prints with sausage dog motifs and porcelain dachshunds are on display.

Germans bred dachshunds in the Middle Ages to flush out badgers and foxes from their burrows, to stop them attacking ducks and hens. The dogs' passion for hunting was a highly prized trait.

Museum curators Seppi Küblbeck (L) and Oliver Storz

The museum shows famous dachshund owners: Albert Einstein (L) and actor Leonard Nimoy

Dachshunds are among the world's most popular breeds

Waldi - mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics