(Photo Credit: Elizabeth W. Kearley via Getty)

Dachshunds Dash for Treats at Annual Wiener Dog Race

wiener dog race
Small Dachshunds race with each other at the Rathdrum days in Rathdrum, Idaho. (Photo Credit: gjohnstonphoto via Getty)

Unlike svelte Greyhounds or powerful Dalmatians, Dachshunds, with their stubby legs and sausage-like physiques, are not built for speed. But as Dachshund races demonstrate, these adorably disproportionate pups let nothing stand in their way on a quest for treats and praise during an annual Wiener Dog race.

About Wiener Dog Races

Dachshunds — known colloquially as Wiener Dogs — of all kinds competed in the third annual Wiener Dog race in Port St. Lucie, Florida, during the city’s Oktoberfest celebration on October 1. This year, a chocolate-colored shorthair named Oscar took the crown.

The concept of Wiener Dog racing emerged in Australia in the 1970s. But it’s been popular in North America since a 1993 Miller Lite commercial featuring odd sports brought it into the limelight. The concept became even more popular after the release of Wiener Takes All, a documentary chronicling two years of the Wiener Nationals circuit.

Other significant events in North America include:

  • The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals in California
  • The Wiener Dog Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • The Running of the Wienies in Germantown, Tennessee
  • The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Wiener Dog Races.

Many races raise funds for canine-focused non-profits. Although these Weiner dogs aren’t bred for racing, the Dachshund Club of America has expressed blanket opposition to Wiener Dog races. One reason is the breed’s predisposition to back problems. The other is the association with Greyhound racing, which can be dangerous and inhumane.

The Origins of the Dachshund

As the name indicates — Dachshund means “badger dog” in German — the breed originated to hunt badgers. The smooth-coated version of the breed arose first from the pairing of a miniature French Pointer and a Pinscher. Today, there are also long- and wire-coated versions and miniatures.

With their short legs and elongated spine, Wiener Dogs are adept at digging and delving into burrows, including badgers, hares, and rabbits. Larger versions of the breed were sometimes used to chase deer or foxes. Some European countries still use Wiener dogs for hunting. Still, they’re predominantly a family pets in North America.

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