Owner Kelsey Herzina, 18, of Wodonga, said “adorable” T.J. was her 17th birthday present — “I love his colouring, the black with tan on his feet”.

Miss Herzina said T.J. had been jealous of another miniature dachshund, five-month-old Bella joining the family, but he had since grown very protective of her.

“He’s protective of her, me and my whole family,” she said.

She said T.J.’s favourite things were Smackos, walks, waking her at 6am and barking at strangers.

“He also loves to snuggle with me at night time,” she said.

“He’s one of those very affectionate dogs.”

T.J. won a prize pack from Mars.

There were more than 6300 votes lodged for the Hot Dogs competition at The Border Mail website.

The random voter prize went to Matt Flaherty, owner of Tesh, a labrador-kelpie cross.

1. T.J. – miniature dachshund, owner Kelsey Herzina,  2234 votes

2. Koda – Siberian husky, owners Georgia Mackrell and Liam Yanner, 1669 votes

3. Diesel – Australian bulldog, owners Greg and Lorinda Summerill, 444 votes

4. Blaze – Bull Arab X, owner Allana Hayes, 219 votes

5. Lucky – Bull Terrier, owner Britney Coleman, 148 votes