Zamperl is the traditional name for small dogs in Munich. The term is derived from the Ital. ‘zampa’ = paw. But Zamperl is also used to describe other small dog breeds, mixed breeds and puppies in general. They are not only loyal companions, but also part of the Bavarian attitude to life and a symbol of the city.
Waldi the dachshund was the first mascot
The Dachshund is the most Bavarian of all dogs. Even the Wittelsbach dynasty bred them. They were used for hunting and were considered a privilege of the nobility. In the 1960s, the caricaturist Franziska Bilek a Munich original - the grumpy Mr Hirnbeiß. He also had a Zamperl like that.
And when the Summer Olympics were held in the Bavarian capital in 1972, ‘Waldi’ was the mascot of the Olympics. The dachshund was designed by the well-known graphic designer Otl Aicher. Waldi symbolised the endurance and agility of the athletes and was in fact the first official Olympic mascot ever. The colourful striped dog was available as a soft toy, badge or plastic. At the time, it triggered a veritable dachshund boom worldwide.
Typical pet of the people of Munich
From 1972 onwards, Oswald the dachshund was the trademark of detective Veigl, played by Gustl Bayrhammer, in the Munich crime series Tatort. The black short-haired dachshund quickly became an audience favourite. He accompanied the detective at every turn and was smuggled into the police station in a bag.
To this day, the dachshund is considered a typical Munich pet. Malicious tongues claim that the little chap is just as stubborn and wilful as the locals in the Bavarian capital. After years of the pug and the French Bulldog was considered a fashionable dog, the cuddly dachshund is now making a comeback.
The dachshund and its character
The Dachshund has a courageous, pugnacious nature. This is because it was originally bred as a hunting dog, for example to hunt badgers. This can also be felt in everyday life. Despite its small size, the Dachshund is brimming with self-confidence. It is also not as eager to commit as other breeds. If you get a Dachshund as a pet, you must be aware that you will have to invest time in training the dog and be consistent in its behaviour.
Munich has its own app
There are more than 35,000 Zamperl in Munich and every year there are around 1,000 more. There are the most dogs in Ramersdorf-Perlach and Bogenhausen, die wenigsten im Westend. Die Stadt München bietet sogar eine eigene Zamperl-App for all dog owners. It can be used to find out where in the city dogs must be kept on a lead and where they are allowed to run around freely.
Dogs are completely prohibited in certain places in Munich, namely in children's playgrounds and on the Theresienwiese during the October and Spring Festivals. They are also not allowed on all meadows with green posts and a crossed-out dog symbol. And in most parks in Munich, dogs must also be kept on a lead. In addition, large dogs over 50 centimetres in height must also be kept on a lead in pedestrian zones, children's playgrounds, on public transport and in the city centre.
And another tip for all dog owners who are out and about in Munich city centre: At the fish fountain on Marienplatz, there is a special drinking station for all pets. Here, Munich residents can provide their thirsty four-legged friends with water at any time.
And for all dachshund friends - your favourite is also available for the wrist >>> Bracelet Zamperl.
