Wieners, the fastest are in Texas

Wieners' ready? On your mark! Get set! Go! That's not something you hear everyday, but every last weekend in April the race is on for Dachshund dogs. The Buda, TX wiener dog races attract over hundreds of adorable wiener dogs who race for $500 and, of course, ultimate doggy glory.

These pups, though they are little, are fierce competitors. Owners of the racing wieners spend all year training their lean mean racing canines for race day. Each dog is put in their own lane-box and enthusiastically wait for their gates to open. It seems that bribery is the trick to get dogs running like the wind. Owners bust out their pets' favorite treats, toys and doggy sweet talking to pump-up their pups to dash to the finish line.

There are two days of racing that lead up to the final six fastest wieners. This year, the champion wiener was back-to-back champ Boomer. His owners, Brad Lawson and Jennifer Candeloria, went home with a pretty impressive trophy. Yet, it was a well earned win with all the tough competition out on the racing track. Some dogs get so excited they end up running into their competitors lane and basically tackle them out of the race.

Tons of other breeds of dogs cheer on their racing friends along with their owners. Each year the Buda Lions Club, who sponsor the wiener races, pick a unique theme for the annual event. This year's theme was called Les Wienerables after the play “Les Misérables.” Most people dress up their pets according to the theme. Past themes have included Teenage Mutant Ninja Wieners, Lord of the Wieners and Gone With the Wieners.
The wiener races may be no Kentucky derby, but it's a fun way to get into the competitive-racing mood and maybe try your luck on betting on a couple of wieners.

Buda Annual Wiener Dog Races
$3, Kids FREE
Buda, TX
www.budalions.com