In Vilnius, Lithuania, a notable gathering of 150 corgis took place for an international race celebrating the beloved small herding dogs with origins in Wales. Beyond showcasing short-legged speed, the event featured a lively costume parade, a contest to find the “smartest nose,” and a competition for the loudest bark.
The fifth edition of Corgi Race Vilnius attracted participants and spectators from various countries including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, the homeland of the breed famously favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas highlighted the event’s growth, noting that from its humble beginnings with 40 corgis from one city, the race now boasted 150 dogs from nine countries, including a participant from Wales, the breed’s place of origin. This significant turnout has earned Vilnius the reputation of being the “European capital of corgis.”
The main running event saw 94 corgis compete in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race covering a distance of 25 meters. Ultimately, the American corgi named GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged victorious in the final race, with Mr. Corgington from the U.S. finishing a close second and Lithuania’s Moka, a two-time former champion, securing third place.
Aside from the racing excitement, the event featured various challenges and showcases. A costume parade displayed 38 corgis in creative outfits, with Amigo winning with a knight-inspired look. In the “smartest nose” challenge, Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory. The loudest bark contest was won by Mr. Corgington, who had trained diligently for this competition.
The event also welcomed elderly participants like Duke, a 12-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi from England, who dazzled the audience with his impressive bark despite not taking part in the main race due to his age. The competition marked a mix of new participants and seasoned veterans, with some corgis having attended every edition, showcasing the enduring popularity and charm of these delightful dogs.