Stunning photo of dachshunds leaves people perplexed as to how many are in the picture

Owner Mandy Whitnall is “addicted” to adopting dachshunds and now has 12 all snuggled up together on her sofa next to her Jack Russell – and she could end up having more

A pet owner has left people confused with a snap of her snoozing dachshunds – as everyone wonders how many pooches are in the picture.

Mandy Whitnall, 39, captured the “dreamy” snap of all 12 of her dachshunds curled up on her three-seater sofa for an afternoon nap.

After sharing it on social media, licensed breeder Mandy quickly realized people were having trouble making heads or tails from the picture as all the puppies merge into a “sea of ​​fur.”

But the adorable pooch of dozens of dachshunds isn’t an uncommon sight for Mandy or her husband Alec Whitnall, 48, and also usually includes the couple’s Jack Russell.

The cuddly dogs love to pile on the sofa for group naps after every meal and their daily walks — although Mandy and business owner Alec have plenty of dog beds throughout their home.

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Mandy, from Cambridge, said: “People have said they had to count so many times to figure out how many dogs were in the photo because there was just heads, feet, tails and fur everywhere.

“A lot of people who saw the photo said we’re living the dream. It is a beautiful sea of ​​fur.

“All the dogs come in and pass out on the sofa. It’s pretty cute how they’re all layered on top of each other. It’s like they all blend into one another.

“You think that can’t be comfortable, but they have to be because they stay there for hours. They have beds all over the place so they don’t have to be stacked on top of each other.

“They get so warm snuggled up like that. This is wonderful for them, especially in winter.

“I think it’s partly due to race. Dachshunds are really affectionate and cuddly dogs and our Jack Russell thinks he is a dachshund anyway.”

The dog-mad couple’s pets include dachshunds Saffi, 15, Maisie, 10, Dolly and Lady, both eight, Teddy, seven, Sophie and Piper, both five, Rosa and Shelby, both four, Maddie, 10 months, and Jack Russell Ruby, four.

Despite already having 13 puppies, Mandy says she and Alec still struggle with not keeping all the puppies away from every litter they welcome, as the breed is “addictive.”

Mandy said: “Dachshunds are addictive. You can’t just have one.

“They are just such a great breed. They are so loving and so much fun. You make us laugh so much.

“And they love to be on the go. People think they’re purse dogs, but they’re not. We have a lot of beautiful countryside near us and they love to go out, they walk for miles.

“They’re a really good bunch of dogs. You all have such a nice relationship. We never have any fights or anything like that.

“To be honest it’s hard for us not to keep all the puppies. When they go to their new home I get really emotional, it’s really sad.

“But when people come to pick them up, especially if they have kids, and you see their excited faces, it makes up for it.

“And we keep in touch with everyone, people send us updates and photos. They all go to such beautiful houses and have a fabulous time.”

Dog fans on social media were quick to express their confusion at the sight of so many dogs on a sofa.

One user said, “What a sight! How many are there?”

A second suggested: “That would make a good quiz. Count the dashes!”

One user advised: “Am I counting 14 dogs???!!!”

Another added: “My idea of ​​what heaven looks like.”

A fifth said: “Well I’ve heard of a sausage sandwich but a sausage sofa is new to me!”

Do you have a dog story for sale? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.