SeeCalifornia.com

When Elvis sang “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time,” he wasn’t talking about dachshunds. These short, swift-legged hund (not hound) dogs are busy looking for praise and hugs at California’s wiener dog races, with no time to cry.

After dachshund races picked up steam several decades ago, people began crying fowl and complaining that these events promoted animal cruelty.  California’s (and America’s) dachshund races are strictly voluntary for the dogs, they often win nothing more than a hug, and proceeds from such events typically benefit animal causes.

At the biggest race, Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals in Los Alamitos, entry is based on essays pet owners write and submit about why their canines should be selected to participate. This signature event held at Los Alamitos Racetrack adds to the excitement of something that seems less spectacular in smaller venues lacking staging and stadium fanfare.

What smaller dachshund races lack in production, they make up for in owner enthusiasm and crowd participation. Dachshund races are all about proud parents and excited fans. The dachshunds either love running to meet their owners at the finish line, or they could care less. In those instances they stand around till they figure out that they gotta get down the track to reach mom or dad beckoning with a favorite squeaky toy.

California Wiener Dog Races

LOS ALAMITOS: July 21, 2018

SACRAMENTO: July 28

SAN JOSE: August 5

HUNTINGTON BEACH: August 19-December 9 = 11 races remaining in 2018

PLACERVILLE: September 22

BANNING: September 22-23

ARROYO GRANDE: September 28-29

LAKEPORT: October 6

DAVIS: April 13, 2019