A gathering of 150 corgis in an international race celebrated the small herding dogs originating from Wales, focusing on more than just their short-legged speed. The Corgi Race Vilnius in Lithuania’s Vingis Park featured a costume parade, a competition for the “smartest nose,” and a contest for the loudest bark.
This year marked the largest edition of the race so far, with participants coming from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, the country closely linked with the corgi breed, known for being a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas mentioned that the event started with 40 corgis from one city in the first year, but this year saw 150 dogs from nine countries participating, including a contestant from Wales, where the breed originated.
Vilnius was dubbed the European capital of corgis, with Miskas noting the significance of having participants from the breed’s homeland attending the event.
The main running event had 94 corgis competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race over 25 meters. The American corgi named GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged as the winner.
Another American participant, Mr. Corgington, secured the second position, with Lithuania’s Moka, a two-time former champion, finishing third.
Aside from speed, the event highlighted the diverse skills of the dogs and their owners.
Mr. Corgington wins loudest bark
The event featured a costume parade with 38 corgis donning various outfits, including a dinosaur suit, a dress, and sports gear. Amigo impressed both the judges and the public with a knight-themed costume.
In the “smartest nose” challenge, Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory by finding hidden treats.
The highlight of the event was the loudest bark competition, where Mr. Corgington emerged victorious.
Mr. Corgington, a well-traveled competitor, sought a rematch after finishing second to GG in a major race at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash.
Half of this year’s corgi participants in Vilnius were newcomers, while six veterans, including costume winner Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas, had attended every edition.
