Wiener Dog Derby 2022

Overview

First held in Australia in the 1970s, the racing of tiny dogs became particularly popular across North America in the 1990s — there's even a dogumentary about the sport. On Saturday, September 17, Mt Wellington gastropub The Flying Moa will host the largest gathering of dachshunds in the country with its annual running of the wiener dogs — the Wiener Dog Derby.

After being cancelled last year for COVID reasons, the stakes a higher than ever for this year's races, which include the headlining wiener sprint and another for pooches that don't quite tick the 'dachshund' box. An awards presentation will take place directly afterwards with several prizes up for grabs. Registration is now open, but your pups will have to be quick to beat the returning reigning champs.

If your pup has a taste for fame, they might just make it on the television — Barkley Manor will be filming their wannabe-wiener corgi Teddy's efforts in this year's race and costume parade, so make sure you and your weiner bring your A-game. And if you aren't a proud pup-owner that's ok too — dachshund-loving spectators are highly encouraged to come along for the spectacle.