Annual Corgi competition draws 150 dogs to…
It’s not all about short-legged velocity when 150 corgis collect for an worldwide race celebrating the little dogs. There’s a costume parade, the “smartest nose,” and — of course — the loudest bark.
The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and their homeowners to the Lithuanian capital’s Vingis park on Saturday for what organizers said was the largest version yet. There have been opponents from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States and Britain — the nation most carefully related with the breed, famously a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“In the first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one city. This year, it’s 150 from nine countries, and for the first time we have a participant from the place where the breed originated,” organizer Edvinas Miskas said.
The corgi dogs have been off to the races (*150*) they launched from the beginning gates. REUTERS
The 50m Corgi Race occurred in the Vingis Park in Vilnius on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
A corgi canine rocks a pinwheel headband and aviator shades (*150*) half of the costume competition. AFP via Getty Images
“We call Vilnius the European capital of corgis, and when people from the breed’s homeland start coming to us rather than the other way around, that title begins to sound a little more serious.”
Ninety-four dogs took half in the main operating event, competing in qualifiers, semifinals and the ultimate.
In the ultimate, which pitted corgis against each other over 25 meters (82 toes), the winner was American competitor GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog. Another US entrant, Mr. Corgington, completed a close second. Lithuania’s own Moka, a two-time former champion, was third.
Another corgi dons a showgirl-inspired outfit, full with feathers and star-shaped sun shades. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
The corgis battle it out during the high-speed race. AFP via Getty Images
Two corgis strolling in the costume competition. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
This corgi determined to costume (*150*) a dinosaur for the competition. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
But a lot of this system distributed with velocity to explore the other expertise of the dogs — and their homeowners.
There was a costume parade that includes 38 corgis in various outfits including a dinosaur go well with, a costume and doggy sports activities gear. Amigo swept both the four-judge jury and the public Facebook vote for a flawless costume entry with a knight-like look.
In the “smartest nose” problem, dogs searched for hidden treats. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the win.
Two people in gladiator-themed outfits stroll their corgi, who is dressed up (*150*) a knight. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
A water-themed costumed corgi and the dinosaur corgi bond during the competition. VALDA KALNINA/EPA/Shutterstock
One corgi leaps through the air during the race with sights set on the end line. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
And then there was the loudest bark competition. The first British competitor, 12-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi Duke from Sedbergh in northwest England, didn’t take part in the main race because of his stately age but was a hopeful in the barking stakes after, (*150*) his proprietor put it, training for his complete life.
It was Mr. Corgington who received the loudest bark contest, though.
This corgi is prepared to play ball, both on the court and on the costume competition’s area. AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis
He was one of the most traveled opponents. The closing race provided him a rematch after he completed second against GG at a major race at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington — her second consecutive win there.
Half of the corgis registered in Vilnius this yr have been collaborating for the first time. But six veterans — costume winner Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka and Dziugas — have attended every version.
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