International Corgi Race in Vilnius: Celebrating Canine Charm

Vilnius, Lithuania (AP) — The recent international gathering of 150 corgis was not just about short-legged speed. The event featured a costume parade, a ‘best nose’ test, and, naturally, the loudest bark competition.

On Saturday, the fifth Vilnius Corgi Race attracted dogs and their owners to Vingis Park in Lithuania’s capital. Organizers said this brought together the largest number of participants yet. Competitors came from countries including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom, closely tied to the breed favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

‘In the first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one city,’ explained organizer Edvinas Miskas. ‘This year, we have 150 from nine countries, and this is the first time we have a participant from the breed’s origin.’ He added, ‘We call Vilnius the European capital of corgis, and when people from the breed’s homeland start coming to us instead of the other way around, that title becomes more credible.’

Ninety-four dogs participated in the main racing event, competing through heats, semifinals, and the final. In the final scene, corgis raced each other over a distance of 25 meters (82 feet). The winner was GG, an American competitor, short for Gustave the Girl Dog. Mr. Corgington, another American corgi, came a close second. Moka from Lithuania, a past two-time champion, was third.

The event also showcased talents beyond speed. A costume parade saw 38 corgis dressed in varied outfits, such as a dinosaur costume, a dress, and sportswear. Amigo impressed both the four judges and the Facebook public vote with his gentleman-like appearance.

In the ‘best nose’ challenge, dogs hunted for hidden prizes. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared first place. The loudest bark competition saw Duke, a 12-year-old pembroke welsh corgi from Sedbergh, England, hope for success. Duke did not race due to his age but had high hopes in the barking contest, having trained for it all his life, as his owner stated. However, Mr. Corgington won the loudest bark title.

Mr. Corgington was one of the furthest-traveling competitors. The final race offered him a rematch after finishing second behind GG in a crucial race at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington. GG marked her second consecutive victory there.

Of the corgis registered in Vilnius this year, half were first-time participants. But six veterans—costume winner Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas—have attended every event edition.

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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the assistance of a generative AI tool.