The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals is a dachshund racing event held at the Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California. A fundraiser for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, the event has been held annually since 1996.
| Wiener Nationals | |
|---|---|
 Dachshunds sprinting out of the starting gate | |
| Venue | Los Alamitos Race Course |
| Location(s) | Cypress, California |
| Inaugurated | 1996 |
| Website | www |
Rules
editThe Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals is a racing event where dachshunds compete to be the fastest dog and for a cash prize. The dachshunds start from a gate and run approximately fifty yards to their owners, who are usually enticing them with a ball or treat. The race focuses on the dog's ability to remain within the boundaries of the racing lane while maintaining speed.
Regional qualifiers from Texas, California, and other southwestern states come together at Los Alamitos Race Course[1] in California to race in the "Holiday Bowl" and participate annually in the Holiday Bowl Parade, a yearly event focused on the Holiday Bowl Football Game.[2] With an average attendance of 15,000 people,[3] the tournament has raised more than $250,000 for its beneficiary, the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, which provides shelter for homeless animals in Seal Beach, California.
Notable racers
edit- “Baby Bo” is the winner of the 22nd annual Wiener Nationals with a time of 7:05. He qualified for finals with a time of 5:80[clarification needed], which is believed to be the fastest in Wiener Nationals History.[4]
- “Lady Bug” was once paralyzed in her hind legs, but after recovery, she was able to race in the 2017 Wiener Nationals. Lady Bug was adopted by Dr. Deanna O’Neil, a veterinarian of the Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles who treated Lady Bug's paralysis. Lady Bug was put through physical therapy and a recovery schedule that included a treadmill and acupuncture.[5]
Winners
edit| Year | Winner[6] | Time | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Heidi Roo | 6.10 | Stacy Smith |
| 2006 | Princess Smoochy Gucci | 6.40 | Jill Jansen |
| 2007 | Sally | 7.01 | Delaney Schroeder |
| 2008 | Max | 7.00 | Haley Harland |
| 2009 | Presley | 6.80 | Amy Caetta |
| 2010 | Penny Lane | 7.80 | Trish Ausilio |
| 2011 | Penny Lane | 7.50 | Trish Ausilio |
| 2012 | Mr. Schnitzel | 7.90 | Luis & Lois Hernandez |
| 2013 | Buddy Black | 8.00 | David & Shawn Black |
| 2014 | Mr. Schnitzel | 7.70 | Luis & Lois Hernandez |
| 2015 | Finn | 7.80 | Josh & Brittany Snook |
| 2016 | Darcy | 6.80 | Julie Woods |
History
editDuring the 27th annual event in 2023, the event had a total of 124 dogs, which was a record amount of competitors. The winning dog was named "Fastest Wiener in the West."[7]
In other media
edit5 Wiener Nationals competitors are featured in 2007 documentary film Wiener Takes All: A Dogumentary.[8]
See also
edit- Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, includes the Running of the Wieners
- Greyhound racing
References
edit- ^ "Los Alamitos Race Course". www.losalamitos.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
- ^ Gusman, Carolina. "Holiday Bowl Parade floats into downtown". sandiegouniontribune.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
- ^ "Dachshund Races Huntington Beach - Old World Village Wiener Dog Race". www.stockteam.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
- ^ "BABY BO IS THE BOSS OF 22ND RUNNING OF THE WIENERSCHNITZEL WIENER NATIONALS". Los Alamitos Race Course.
- ^ "Meet one of the hopefuls in the July 22 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course". Orange County Register. 2017-07-12. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
- ^ "Los Alamitos Race Course". www.losalamitos.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
- ^ Apodaca, Ted (2024-07-11). "Local dogs ready to challenge at Wiener Nationals". www.sunnews.org. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ ""Wiener Takes All: A Dogumentary" - The Award-Winning Dachshund Documentary by Shane MacDougall". www.wienertakesall.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.