Vergas Wiener Dog Races FAQs
How long has Vergas held wiener dog races?
Our first race was held in 2013. At the 2012 Looney Days wrap-up meeting, there was a discussion about needing a new Looney Days event to “freshen things up.” Digger suggested wiener dog races. After some reservations, it was decided to give them a try, as long as Digger was willing to chair the committee. The race has grown larger every year since then.
Where in Vergas is the race held?
The race is held at the main baseball field in Vergas. The first few years, it was held along the fence behind the new Veterans Monument. We outgrew that space, and in 2024 we relocated the track to right field. This move enabled us to make the track larger and provide seating around the entire track.
How does the race work?
Ideally, each dog has two handlers—one at the starting line and one at the finish line. The handler at the starting line holds on tightly until the starter announces, “GO!” (No tossing the wiener.) The handler at the finish line calls for their racer while holding a toy, treat, or whatever bribes your wiener down the track. The handler at the finish line is encouraged to kneel well behind the finish line so the dog is running at full speed when it crosses the finish. The complete set of rules is available on race day.
How many dogs run in each race?
The heat races and the initial rounds of elimination races typically have up to 10 dogs per race, depending on the total size of the field. The top finishers from the heats advance to the championship bracket. Dogs that don’t advance compete against each other to earn their way back into the championship bracket. We then race the dogs in the championship bracket, single elimination, until we reach the final championship race. There are fewer dogs per race as we get further into the event, with usually around six dogs in the championship race.
Are only wiener dogs permitted to race?
Although we encourage the entry of purebred dachshunds, part-dachshunds and other small-bodied, short-legged dogs are also permitted. In the spirit of wiener dog racing, larger or long-legged dogs are discouraged from entering.
How do I enter my dog?
The easiest way is to pre-register and pay online is to CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE! You can also complete a registration form and mail it, along with a check or cash, to:
Wiener Dog Races
PO Box 273
Vergas, MN 56587
Pre-registered dogs must check in at the registration desk before the race. Walk-up registrations are also accepted on race day until 8:45 a.m. All dogs must be registered by 8:45 a.m.
Where can I buy a dachshund puppy?
From past experience, we recommend purchasing any pet only from a reputable breeder. Carefully do your research before making this long-term commitment. We have invited several dachshund breeders to join us at this year’s race. Although we do not necessarily endorse these breeders, our research shows they are among the top-rated dachshund breeders in Minnesota. Please visit their booths if you are interested.
Our invited breeders are:
- Wieners on a Hill — Denise Carlson, Annandale
- Wind Prairie Doxies — Leigh Smith, Nelson
- Dachshunds Up North — Chuck Goering, Bigfork
- Long Ears and Long Dogs Ranch — Gwen Ritter, Bigfork
Where can I get a rescue pet?
Also new this year, we welcome Humane Society of the Lakes from Detroit Lakes. Please visit their booth for opportunities to rescue a pet and give it a loving home.
If my kids get bored, are there other activities available?
It never gets boring for the kids at Looney Days! While the races are going on, starting at 9:30 a.m., check out the FREE family games provided by the Perham Area Boys & Girls Club. Next to the family games, have fun with Hannah, our face painter from The Painted Turtle. At 10:00 a.m., enjoy the FREE INFLATABLE GAMES sponsored by the Vergas Community Club.
What can I do after the race?
Today’s fun begins with the races and continues the rest of the day—right through the water fights on Main Street after the Grand Parade on Sunday afternoon.
After the races, most spectators head directly to Main Street for our annual Looney Days Street Fair. Widely known as one of the finest summer street fairs in the lakes area, our Looney Days committee hand-selects vendors who offer an incredible variety of unique items, many of which can only be found in Vergas.
From the street fair, step into one of the many thriving local businesses up and down Main Street and beyond. Everything you could possibly want…and need…can be found right here in Vergas during Looney Days.
Event schedules are located throughout town!
Take a short walk down to Loon Park on Long Lake and get your picture taken with the World’s Largest Loon! Sign up for—or simply enjoy—the Loon Calling Contest at 1:30 p.m., followed by the always-entertaining Puppy Plunge at 3:00 p.m. Whose dog will jump the farthest off the dock this year?
From 5:00–6:30 p.m., checkout the water ski show from Loon Park Beach. Cap off the day with our old-fashioned street dance on Main Street featuring the music of Slamarama.
Enjoy the day—we’re glad you’re with us!