When 150 corgis congregated for an international event celebrating the diminutive herding dogs with short legs, the focus was not solely on speed.
The gathering included a costume parade, a competition for the “smartest nose,” and, naturally, a contest for the loudest bark.
The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius attracted dogs and their owners to Vingis Park in the Lithuanian capital on Saturday, marking the largest turnout yet, according to organizers.
This edition welcomed participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, the nation most famously linked with the breed, a beloved choice of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas remarked, “In the initial year, we had 40 corgis from a single city. This year, we had 150 from nine countries, including a participant from the breed’s place of origin for the first time.”
He added, “We dub Vilnius as the European capital of corgis, and when individuals from the breed’s homeland start attending our event, rather than the reverse, this title gains additional significance.”
The main running event featured ninety-four dogs competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race over a 25-meter distance, where the American contestant GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged victorious.
Another U.S. entrant, Mr. Corgington, secured a close second place, while Lithuania’s Moka, a two-time former champion, finished third.
However, a significant portion of the event veered away from speed to highlight the other talents of the dogs and their owners.
Mr. Corgington Takes the Prize for Loudest Bark
The costume parade featured 38 corgis in various outfits, including a dinosaur ensemble, formal wear, and athletic gear for dogs. Amigo clinched the top spot in both the four-judge panel and the public Facebook vote for an impeccable costume portrayal with a knightly appearance.
In the “smartest nose” challenge, dogs showcased their scent abilities while searching for hidden treats, with Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty sharing the victory.
Furthermore, the competition included a segment for the loudest bark.
Although the first British contender, 12-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi Duke from Sedbergh in northwest England, did not partake in the primary race due to his advanced age, he aimed for victory in the barking contest, having reportedly trained his whole life for the event.
Mr. Corgington claimed the title for the loudest bark.
One of the most well-traveled competitors, he sought a rematch in the final race after finishing as the runner-up against GG in a significant race at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington — marking her second consecutive triumph there.
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