ELORA – Gus, the four-year-old miniature dachshund, took home the grand prize at Grand River Raceway’s 2023 Wiener Dog Championship on July 14.
It was his second time winning the event, which is sponsored by Ren’s Pets.
Hot Dog – Four-year-old miniature dachshund Gus, the Grand River Raceway 2023 Wiener Dog Champion, with owners Natalie and Conor Williams.
Twenty-eight daschunds of varying breeds and ages delighted over 3,000 fans as they scurried towards, or away, from the finish line.
Some pups crossed the finish line and others decided to take a different route.
The finalists earned their spots in the championship by finishing in the top three of three elimination heats.
Officials say there was “fierce competition between returning pros, past champions and new competitors this year.”
Second place went to Chico Philip and third place went to Mabel (both returning competitors).
Born to run – While some dogs bolted towards the finish line, others veered off in different directions to the amusement of the crowd.
In the end, all the pups were wagging their tails and having a ball, raceway officials say.
The event included meal special featuring a footlong hotdog, a Ren’s Pets booth for guests to take home a treat to a furry friend, exclusive wiener dog T-shirt sales,beverages from Dixon’s Distillery on The GrandWay Patio, three food trucks (MegaCone Creamery, Berlin 95 and The Serial Griller), and Tianna Brown was the emcee for the evening.
The Wiener Dog Race Night is the raceway’s most attended event of the year, officials say.
Ready to race – Darby from Drayton being held by Amanda Green.
Leading the way – Lineup Master Tom Williams leading the contestants to the starting gate.
