150 corgis from 9 countries race in Lithuania’s biggest corgi festival yet

Vilnius: It’s not all about short-legged speed when 150 corgis gather for an international race. There’s a costume parade, the “smartest nose,” and the loudest bark.

The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and owners to Vingis Park on Saturday for what organizers called the biggest edition yet. Competitors came from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, United States and Britain.”In the first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one city.

This year, it’s 150 from nine countries,” organizer Edvinas Miskas said. “We call Vilnius the European capital of corgis.”Ninety-four dogs took part in the main 25-metre race.

American competitor GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, won the final. Fellow American Mr. Corgington finished second, while Lithuania’s two-time champion Moka came third.

Mr. Corgington later won the loudest bark contest. In costume parade, 38 corgis participated – Amigo won with a knight-like look. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the win in the “smartest nose” treat-hunt challenge.

Six veterans – Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka and Dziugas – have attended every edition since the race began.