Wiener Nationals

The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals is a Dachshund racing event featuring Dachshunds and is held in California. The event is a charity event for Seal Beach Animal Care Center. The event has been held yearly for twenty-two years.

Dachshund mid-race, wind in his ears.
Wiener Nationals
Dachshunds sprinting out of the starting gate

About the event

Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals is a racing event where dachshunds compete for the title of “fastest wiener in the west” and 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 and care to the homeless animals of Seal Beach, California. The first Wiener Nationals was held in 1996 and has been a tradition for wiener dog lovers ever since. The 22nd annual running of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals was held on July 22, 2017.

Only genuine low to ground dachshunds are allowed to compete.[4]

Famous racers
  • “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, which is believed to be the fastest in Wiener Nationals History. He gained the lead in the last twenty yards despite a slow start. He is one and a half years old and was the runt of his liter.[5]
  • “Lady Bug” was once a paralyzed little pup, but after recovery she was able to race in Wiener Nationals in 2017. Lady Bug was adopted by Dr. Deanna O’Neil, a veterinarian that treated Lady Buy for the paralysis in her hind legs. At first, Lady Bug was intended to be put down. However, being rescued by the Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles, she was put through intense physical therapy and a recovery schedule that included running on an underwater treadmill and acupuncture therapy. After a successful recovery, Lady Bug was able to participate in the 22nd annual Wiener Nationals.[6]

Winners recent history[7]
Year Winner Distance Time Trainer
2016 Darcy Abt 50 yds 6.80 Julie Woods
2015 Finn Abt 50 yds 7.80 Josh & Brittany Snook
2014 Mr. Schnitzel Abt 50 yds 7.70 Luis & Lois Hernandez
2013 Buddy Black Abt 50 yds 8.00 David & Shawn Black
2012 Mr. Schnitzel Abt 50 yds 7.90 Luis & Lois Hernandez
2011 Penny Lane Abt 50 yds 7.50 Trish Ausilio
2010 Penny Lane Abt 50 yds 7.80 Trish Ausilio
2009 Presley Abt 50 yds 6.80 Amy Caetta
2008 Max Abt 50 yds 7.00 Haley Harland
2007 Sally Abt 50 yds 7.01 Delaney Schroeder
2006 Princess Smoochy Gucci Abt 50 yds 6.40 Jill Jansen
2005 Heidi Roo Abt 50 yds 6.10 Stacy Smith

About the breed

Dachshunds are a low maintenance, easy to train, common show breed. The miniature dachshund weighs about eleven pounds or less at maturity. Standard dachshunds weigh sixteen to thirty-two pounds. Dachshunds weighing eleven to sixteen pounds are unofficially called “tweenies.” The classic “smooth” dachshunds are the original short-haired dog. Long-haired dachshunds were bred by crossing the smooth dachshunds with spaniels. The “classic” dachshund is red or black-and-tan. The most common long-haired color is gray. Standard long-haired dachshunds are usually bigger and have calmer temperaments. Dachshunds' long, lean, muscular body, and fast stride make them excellent contenders for racing and showing.[8]

Media surrounding the event

A documentary called “Wiener Takes All,” released in 2007,[9] debuts the surprisingly cutthroat environment of Wiener Nationals. Local news broadcasts the event and there are several articles focusing on the event and participants. The homepage of Wiener Nationals features pictures of the Holiday Bowl Parade and the winning dachshunds with their owners.[10]

Official website

Reference list
  1. "Los Alamitos Race Course". www.losalamitos.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  2. Gusman, Carolina. "Holiday Bowl Parade floats into downtown". sandiegouniontribune.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  3. "Dachshund Races Huntington Beach - Old World Village Wiener Dog Race". www.stockteam.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  4. "Official Rules". wwnraces.com.
  5. "BABY BO IS THE BOSS OF 22ND RUNNING OF THE WIENERSCHNITZEL WIENER NATIONALS". Los Alamitos Race Course.
  6. "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.
  7. "Los Alamitos Race Course". www.losalamitos.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  8. "Breed Standard | Dachshund Club of America". www.dachshundclubofamerica.org. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  9. ""Wiener Takes All: A Dogumentary" - The Award-Winning Dachshund Documentary by Shane MacDougall". www.wienertakesall.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
  10. "WWN Races » Gallery". wwnraces.com. Retrieved 2017-10-19.
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