It’s a dog and pony … well, it’s a dog show…and a wienie dog show, for that matter.
It’s a dog and pony … well, it’s a dog show…and a wienie dog show, for that matter.
Forget about quarter horses and thoroughbreds, the fastest dachshunds will once again compete at the Los Alamitos Wiener Nationals, which unfolds July 19 at the Los Alamitos Race Track in Cypress. Yes, the event will crown the fastest wienie in Southern California, serving as a regional qualifier that raises money for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
This year’s dachshunds hail from all over Southern California, but a handful always represent local Orange County cities. Past participants hailed are from Garden Grove, Buena Park, Anaheim, Westminster, Stanton, Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach. They will attempt to qualify for the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog Nationals, which crowns the fastest dog in the nation. That final race always takes place in San Diego during August. The national race used to take place in December, allowing the winner to appear in the Big Bay Balloon Parade while attending the Holiday Bowl.
Local sensation Penny Lane, who owner Trish Ausilio rescued from an animal shelter, hails from Orange County (Buena Park) and remains the only doxie to win back-to-back titles at the Los Alamitos event, which she did in 2010 and 2011, before owner Trish Ausilio opted to retire her instead of going for the three-peat in 2012.
Penny Lane went on to capture the national title in 2011, appeared at local events like the Strawberry Festival and parades such as the Seal Beach Parade, participated in numerous blanket drives that created 300 blankets for animals, and, in well earned retirement, remains the second most popular dog– behind only Snoopy – from Buena Park.
Also joining the field will be Los Alamitos resident, Shilo, who is coming out of retirement to take one more shot at the crown at the age of 13. His owner, life-long Los Alamitos resident Mike Cole, said that Shilo has been training at Little Cottonwood Park and can still “run like the wind.”
Shilo was the runner up in 2002 and was subsequently invited on to the the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, to demonstrate his running abilities. Shilo and Cole had the opportunity to meet Leno and fellow guest, Johnny Depp.
The event will feature more than races. In fact, it will include a cameo appearance by the Wienerschnitzel “Hot Dog” mascot and provide attendees, including children, an opportunity to interact with the doxies – some of whom will dress in costumes and racing jackets.
As for the races, approximately 80 to 90 dogs run each year. The event consists of about 10 heats with the distance set at 50 feet, which is essentially a sprint.
Last year, 78 doxies entered the competition and Buddy Black, a 4-year-old, captured the title. He’s owned by the Black family, which lives in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. The owners have not announced whether their dog will attempt to win a second straight title.
In 2013, a handful of past winners and runner-up finishers returned for the “Legends” race, which ended with Presley, the 2009 champ, winning the crown. He is owned by Amy Caetta,
The event has become popular and developed a cult following. It even inspired a feature film, which features a cameo by Penny Lane, who plays herself and serves as a stunt dog.
The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with prelims at 6:30 p.m. and the championship race at 9:15 p.m. It $3 for adults but parking will be free. Children (under the age of 17) will receive free admission.
Proceeds, as always, go to the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a home for stray animals in Orange County. This event, since 1996, has raised more than $200,000 for the center, and last year’s rendition brought in $18,000 with ticket and T-shirt sales.
The Los Alamitos Race Course is at 4961 Katella Ave.
