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The Most Elegant Dogs in the World Live (and shop) in Vienna, Austria

The Most Elegant Dogs in the World Live (and shop) in Vienna, Austria

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Some people love to check out the local architecture, fashions, or cuisines as they travel. I love to check out the local dogs.

Whether it’s the majestic Maremma sheep dogs in Tuscany, the hardy chihuahuas braving the cold in Stockholm, or a bearded collie patiently awaiting his owner’s return in Canterbury, one thing always remains the same– every city loves their dogs.

But of all the cities I’ve visited, there is something about the dogs of Vienna that sets them apart from other dogs.

dalmation with black and white spotsWhy Viennese dogs are the most elegant dogs in the world.

1.  Viennese dogs are perfectly groomed.

fluffy poodle on walk

Coiffed, but never overdone, this fluffy poodle takes a late evening stroll on the Ringstrasse.

white dog

Not a speck of dirt on this spotless white hound.

hunde salon vienna dog grooming

Perhaps they are frequent visitors to the hunde salon?

2.  Viennese dogs are well-mannered.

auburn dog in vienna

This leash-free dog walked the grounds of Kunsthalle museum like he owned the place.

Unlike some American children, Viennese dogs don’t require a leash to behave. I saw many dogs wander around leash-free, then, without a single word or whistle from their owner, swiftly rejoin them at their side.

off leash dog on street in Vienna Austria europe

Off leash on the busiest shopping street in Vienna? No problem!

3.  Viennese dogs are gorgeous.

black pug walking

Hello pretty pug.

brown long haired chihuahua

This is Max, the most adorable chihuahua in Vienna.

white and grey dog

chihuahua on a walk

black scottish terrier

yorkie

yorksire terrier puppy

german shepard vienna

This gentle pup enjoyed a toy break.

black and tan dog cute4.  Viennese dogs blend in on public transport.

golden retriever on train vienna

Dogs both small and large are allowed on the u-bahn trains, no carrier required. This golden retriever sweeps gracefully through the train terminal.

hound holding leash dog

This hound helpfully holds his own leash while his owner takes a rest in the train station.

dog rides escalator

Viennese dogs are skilled at riding escalators. Two paws on each stair, please.

white pomeranian at aiport

This adorable furball pranced happily through the Vienna airport.

Viennese dogs also are frequent fliers– instead of being stuck in a carrier, they waltz right through the airport– even post-security at the international gate.

short legs dog
I even spotted this pooch off the leash at the airport.

5.  Viennese dogs are stylishly dressed.

chihuahua in fur collar coat.

This chihuahua sports a fur-trimmed collar on her coat.

No garish designs for these dogs, they are all tastefully dressed.  So where do Viennese dogs shop for their elegant coats, sweaters and leashes?

dog boutiqueViennese dogs (and their owners) hit local shops like Katz and Hund for their doggie duds.  But you don’t have to have a Viennese dog to shop here– doggie clothes and accessories make a great souvenir to bring home for your own pooch. Katz and Hund features many local Viennese designers.

knit dog sweater white

dog collars handmade in vienna austria

Locally made collars make a great souvenir.

chihuahua in dog bedThe pooch-in-residence, Max, is available to assist you with your purchases (when he isn’t napping).

Even if you can’t get your dog to act like a perfect Viennese hund, at least they can look the part.

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Do you love to check out the local dogs and dog shops when you travel? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Vienna Souvenir Shopping Details:
Katz & Hund
Lange Gasse 11
Vienna, Austria

For more posts on Austria, check out:
Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace Christmas market
Wrap-up of the best and worst Viennese Christmas Markets

All photos by Souvenir Finder, Copyright 2013, all rights reserved and may not be used without express permission.

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Nick Huggins (@NicksTravelBug)

Thursday 31st of July 2014

Wow so apparently everyone has a dog there.

Francesca Mazurkiewicz

Wednesday 30th of July 2014

Having recently been to Vienna, I can say I'm not surprised you think the city is home to the world's most elegant dogs. The whole CITY is elegant! I don't recall seeing too many dogs while I was there, though. Maybe they all were at the hunde salon....

Kristin Francis

Wednesday 30th of July 2014

I noticed so many sweet dogs on my first trip (6 chihuahuas on my first day!) so I made a point of photographing them on my return trip. There is so much to take in though in Vienna it's easy to be distracted by everything else!

Jenny | A Thing For Wor(l)ds

Tuesday 29th of July 2014

I make a big distinction between puppies and dogs (so into the first, not so into the latter) which may make me heartless. BUT, I have to say I was falling for a couple of these cuties ;)

Kristin Francis

Tuesday 29th of July 2014

I forgot the aversion! How could you not love Max.

Anne

Tuesday 29th of July 2014

Since I stalk pretty dogs at home, this series of photos was quite a treat! Haha. SO CUTE.

Mindi @ 2foodtrippers

Monday 28th of July 2014

What a fun photo essay. And I have to say that Max is ridiculously adorable!