Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Dachshund parade in Hungary attempts to set world record
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Hungary’s dachshunds strutted their stuff, aiming for a record-setting dog walk. Photo: APContent provided by British Council
[1] A large number of dachshunds showed off their looks in Hungary earlier this month while trying to set a record for the largest single-breed dog walk in the country. Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered at the Budapest City Park on May 1 and walked in a big circle in the spring sun.
[2] The parade of pups was observed by the Hungarian Records Association. They decided whether the large group of dogs could officially enter the record books. István Sebestyén, registrar and president of the association, said his organisation carefully counted the number of participating dogs. It was challenging with so many hounds and humans gathered in one place.
[3] Dachshunds are a short, muscular breed with stubby legs. They were first bred in Germany and remain one of Hungary’s most popular dog breeds. Dachshunds are known as “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs” for their long, low-slung bodies. At first, they were bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing creatures. But their loyal, curious and playful nature has also made them popular as family pets.
[4] In Munich, Germany, in 1972, a rainbow-coloured dachshund named Waldi became the first official mascot in the history of the Summer Olympic Games. Last September, the German city of Regensburg set the current world record for the largest dachshund dog walk. Hundreds of the dogs paraded through the medieval town centre.
[5] Some counts from Regensburg put the number of dogs at 1,175. However, the Guinness World Records could only confirm 897. Lili Horváth and her one-year-old dachshund Zabos participated in the walk in Budapest. She said her furry friend “has very deeply human qualities and is very loyal; he’s really a love bomb.”
[6] By the end of the record-seeking walk, the Hungarian Records Association determined that 500 dachshunds had been present. The number was enough to set a Hungarian record. However, it was still short of the Guinness record set in Regensburg. Organisers have promised to try again next year. This gives them plenty of time to gather more mutts for another try at the title.
Source: Associated Press, May 1
Questions
1. According to paragraph 2, the dogs that took part in the event were …
A. of the same breed.
B. of the same age.
C. of the same gender.
D. of the same fur colour.
2. According to paragraph 2, why was the Hungarian Records Association at the park?
3. What are dachshunds also called, according to paragraph 3? (2 marks)
4. Based on paragraph 4, in which year did Waldi become a mascot?
5. … 500 dachshund dogs were at the Budapest City Park, and this number was not big enough to beat the record.
A. Although
B. While
C. Only
D. Because
6. Circle the correct answers. (3 marks)
Dachshunds are a kind of dog. (i) They / Them have short legs and strong muscles. (ii) They / Their are from Germany. People sometimes call (iii) them / their “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs”. This is because (iv) their / them bodies are long and close to the ground.
Answers
1. A
2. It was there to count the number of dogs to see if they could officially enter into the record books. (accept all similar answers)
3. “wiener dogs” and “sausage dogs”
4. 1972
5. C
6. (i) They; (ii) They; (iii) them; (iv) their