Different areas of the world have local variations on the hot dog, in the type of meat used, the condiments added, and its means of preparation.
A New Jersey breakfast dog with cheese
A Sonoran hot dog, topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese
Super Duper Weenie from Fairfield, CT
A Chicago-style hot dog
A hot dog is a dish consisting of a grilled, steamed, or boiled sausage served in the slit of a partially sliced bun. The term hot dog can refer to the sausage itself. The sausage used is a wiener or a frankfurter. The names of these sausages commonly refer to their assembled dish. Hot dog preparation and condiments vary worldwide. Typical condiments include mustard, ketchup, relish, onions in tomato sauce, and cheese sauce. Other toppings include sauerkraut, diced onions, jalapeƱos, chili, grated cheese, coleslaw, bacon and olives. Hot dog variants include the corn dog and pigs in a blanket. The hot dog's cultural traditions include the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
Carts selling frankfurters in New York City, c. 1906. The price is listed as "3 cents each or 2 for 5 cents".
Tad Dorgan's Indoor Sports strip from January 8, 1916, using the term hot dog
Grilled hot dogs
Hot dog garnished with ketchup and onions