Dachshund Digging for Sticks Underwater With 'Patitas' Is the Sweetest Sight
Searching for the perfect stick seems like a dog's rite of passage. Whatever the breed, size, or personality, they all have this one thing in common. Some pups like to challenge themselves with an unlikely stick hunt, if only to prove they can.
Meatball is the man-Dachshund, actually-of the hour, and it's all because of his underwater adventure. With camera views above and below the water, we get a sneak peek at how he uses his stumpy little frame to find the best sticks. If ever there was a reminder to stop and smell the proverbial roses, this is it!
@yunabugs It's the little things in life…
sonido original - Gabriel
Maybe it's the way he tippy-taps and wiggly dances through the rippling water, but Meatball has me a little misty-eyed. Something so simple brings him so much joy, and that's beautiful. By using his "patitas" as Mom @yunabugs calls them, Meatball's stick hunt is a smashing success!
Related: Story of Dachshund Puppy Born With Only 3 Legs 'Never Giving Up' Has Us in Tears
To fully understand the Dachshund's glee over a water activity, we must first rewind to where it began. This isn't just some retention pond or river water situation Meatball enjoyed, but instead, a custom pond made just for the good boy and his Doxie siblings (plus one Great Dane)!
Take a look at the process from breaking ground to underwater shenanigans!
@yunabugs Worth every penny for the sausages!
Garden party - neo trip
Not All Dachshunds Love Water
Seeing how happy Meatball is, it's surprising that Dachshunds don't normally like anything involving water. The "hunting dog" breed typically prefers to stay on dry land and keep their paws moisture-free. Things like swimming, bath time, pools, or even rain, don't make their "love" list for a variety of reasons.
Some might not like feeling cold and wet, while others aren't fans of working their short, low-to-the-ground bodies and stumpy legs in that way. I'd have no interest in doggy paddling to stay alive with a body like that, so that's fair.
For those who do like water (in shallow water with a vest and supervision), swimming can be a great low-impact activity to help with joint pain and inflammation, to help them stay cool during the hot months, or as Meatball demonstrated, search for sticks with the cutest patitas in all the land!
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 9:20 PM.