When 150 corgis converged for an international race celebrating the small herding dogs originating from Wales, it wasn’t just about their short-legged speed. The event featured a costume parade, a competition to find the “smartest nose,” and, naturally, a contest to determine the loudest bark.
The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius took place at Vingis Park in the Lithuanian capital, attracting dogs and their owners for what was described as the largest edition to date. Participants hailed from nine countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, which is closely associated with the breed, notably favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas expressed the growth of the event, stating, “Initially, we had 40 corgis from one city in the first year. This year, we welcomed 150 participants from nine countries, including the breed’s place of origin for the first time.” He added, “We proudly call Vilnius the European capital of corgis, and with participants from the breed’s homeland joining us, the title gains more significance.”
The main running event featured 94 dogs competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race spanning 25 meters. The ultimate winner was GG, an American corgi known as Gustave the Girl Dog.
Following closely behind was another U.S. entrant, Mr. Corgington, with Lithuania’s Moka, a former two-time champion, securing third place.
Aside from speed, the event highlighted other talents of the dogs and their owners.
Mr. Corgington Takes Home the Title for Loudest Bark
The costume parade featured 38 corgis donning various outfits, including a dinosaur suit, a dress, and dog sports attire. Amigo impressed both the jury and the public vote with a knight-themed costume.
In the “smartest nose” challenge, Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory after successfully locating hidden treats.
The competition also included a segment for the loudest bark.
Although the 12-year-old British corgi, Duke, did not partake in the main race due to his age, he competed in the barking contest after a lifetime of training, as stated by his owner. Mr. Corgington emerged victorious in the loudest bark category.
Mr. Corgington, a well-travelled participant, sought redemption in the final race after finishing second to GG at a significant event in Auburn, Wash. Half of this year’s corgi attendees in Vilnius were first-time participants, while six veterans, including costume winner Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas, had attended every edition.