Dachshunds Battle To Win 'Fastest Wiener In The West' Title Saturday

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Wiener dogs will race for a $1,000 prize at the 26th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at the Los Alamitos Race Course Saturday at 4961 Katella Avenue in Cypress. Races start at 6 p.m. through 9:10 p.m. Saturday amid the horse racing at the course.

The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, which celebrates pets and pet ownership, is an annual fundraiser for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in north Orange County.

Last year's winner, Paisley, used a "little tail kick" to propel herself across the finish line in her trial. She bounded toward her owner to win the final, a feat that was a surprise to the Orange County family.

"We competed in this event about 13 years ago with our doxie named Taylor,” Danielle told the Los Alamitos Race Course after the 2022 event. “Taylor didn’t even cross the finish line. I think she went backwards. After all these years we decided to get another dachshund in Paisley. We brought her to the practice runs and she learned quick. She was doing pretty good by the end of the practice. She was running with a little sidewinding quick in practice. I don’t even know how she was running tonight. I can’t believe she won.”

For her hard work, Paisley took home the title "Fastes Wiener In The West" after completing the race in 7.5 seconds.

For this year's race, dachshunds will line up wearing their bright colors and numbered jackets. The First Wiener Nationals Qualifying Race starts at 6 p.m.

Between the horse races, there will be a Doxie Diaper Dash and 10 Wiener Nationals Trials.

The final race will start at 9:10 p.m., according to a race course spokesperson.

Read more about the 2022 wieners, I mean winners, here. And let us know when you go!