Corgi Race in Vilnius Gathers International Competitors
In Vilnius, Lithuania, 150 corgis gathered for an international race that celebrated these small dogs. The event was not only about short legs and speed but also featured a costume parade, a ‘best nose’ test, and a contest for the loudest bark.
The fifth Vilnius Corgi Race, held at Vingis Park on Saturday, was the largest edition to date according to organizers. Dogs and their owners came from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The UK is closely linked with the breed, favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas explained, “In the first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one city. This year, there are 150 from nine countries, and for the first time, we have a participant from the birthplace of the breed.” He added that calling Vilnius the European capital of corgis feels more validated when people from the breed’s homeland start attending.
Ninety-four dogs took part in the main race which involved qualifying rounds, semifinals, and the final event. In the final, where corgis raced over 25 meters (82 feet), the winner was an American dog, GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog. Another American entry, Mr. Corgington, came in a close second. Lithuanian Moka, a two-time past champion, took third place.
Although racing was a highlight, many events focused on other canine talents. The costume parade featured 38 corgis in various outfits, such as dinosaur suits and sports gear. Amigo impressed both the four-judge panel and Facebook voters, resembling a gentleman.
In the ‘best nose’ challenge, dogs searched for hidden treats. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory. The loudest bark competition had high stakes for Duke, a 12-year-old pembroke welsh corgi from Sedbergh, England. Although he was too old for the main race, his owner mentioned Duke had trained for the barking contest his whole life. Nevertheless, Mr. Corgington won the loudest bark title.
Mr. Corgington was among the most traveled competitors. The final offered a rematch opportunity since he finished second to GG in a significant race at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington. Half of the corgis at this year’s Vilnius event were first-timers, yet six regulars including Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas have participated in every edition.