THE PAW BARN PRESENTS

The Great Sudbury Wiener Dog Races

& Dog Day at Bell Park

📅 Sunday, Sept. 20 🕛 12–4 PM 📍 Bell Park, Sudbury 🎟️ 100% Free

Small legs. Big fun. Cheer on Sudbury's fastest wieners, pugs and little dogs in a completely free afternoon at Bell Park.

Spectators do not need to register. Racing spots are limited.

Small Legs.
Big Fun.

  • 🏁 Wiener Dog Championship
  • 🐽 Pug Cup
  • 🐾 Small Dog Dash
  • 🏆 Trophies & Paw Barn prizes
  • 🏰 Free bouncy castle
  • 🍟 Food truck
ALL DOGS WELCOME!
FREE TO ATTEND • FREE TO RACE • FAMILY FRIENDLY • DOG FRIENDLY • FREE TO ATTEND • FREE TO RACE •

THE MAIN EVENT

Three races. Three champions.

We kept it simple on purpose: easy to follow, fast-moving, and hilarious to watch.

🌭

Wiener Dog Championship

Dachshunds only

Four dogs per heat. Winners advance through qualifying and semifinals to the championship race.

🏆 Fastest Wiener in Sudbury
🐽

The Pug Cup

Pugs only

A short, chaotic sprint for Sudbury's speediest pug. The dignity level is expected to be low.

🏆 Fastest Pug in Sudbury
🐾

Small Dog Dash

All other dogs 25 lb & under

Yorkies, Frenchies, terriers, Shih Tzus, mixed breeds and more all get their shot at glory.

🏆 Fastest Little Dog in Sudbury

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Race Day Schedule

Times may shift slightly depending on registration numbers, but this is the plan.

Event OpensRacer check-in begins • Paw Barn tent • food truck • free inflatable
Wiener Dog Qualifying HeatsThe road to the Golden Wiener begins.
Pug Cup HeatsShort track. Maximum chaos.
Small Dog DashAll other racers 25 lb and under.
Wiener Dog SemifinalsQualifying winners return to the track.
Pug + Small Dog FinalsTwo champions are crowned.
🏆 Golden Wiener ChampionshipSudbury's fastest wiener takes the title.
Awards + PhotosTrophies, podium shots and bragging rights.
Event Wrap-UpThanks for racing!

HOW IT WORKS

Race day is easy.

1

Register Online

Choose your dog's race and complete the free entry form.

2

Check In

Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled race and get your racer number.

3

Get On Deck

Listen for your dog's heat number and report to the holding area when called.

4

Race!

One person releases at the start while another calls the dog from beyond the finish line.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

Race Rules

  1. Free preregistration is required. Same-day entries are accepted only if space remains.
  2. Dogs must be healthy, non-aggressive and at least 6 months old.
  3. Dogs must remain leashed everywhere except inside their assigned race lane.
  4. Each racer needs two people: one starter and one catcher. Event staff will not hold dogs.
  5. Starters must keep dogs behind the line until the official start signal.
  6. Catchers may call, clap, squeak toys or show treats from beyond the finish line.
  1. No throwing treats, toys or objects onto the race track.
  2. No touching, pushing or physically propelling a dog after the start.
  3. If a dog leaves its lane or interferes with another racer, officials may order a rerun.
  4. The first dog's nose across the finish line wins. The race official's decision is final.
  5. Dogs showing aggression, excessive distress or unsafe behaviour may be removed from competition.
  6. Owners are responsible for their dog, cleanup and behaviour at all times.
Important: Racing is for fun. If your dog doesn't want to run, that's okay. Their comfort comes first.
🏰Free Bouncy CastleFor the kids
🍟Food TruckGrab lunch at the park
🐾Paw Barn TentTreats, prizes & dog fun
💧Dog Water StationStay cool & hydrated

FREE REGISTRATION

Enter your dog.

Racing spots are limited. Register now so we can build the heats before race day. Spectators do not need to register.

🌭 Dachshund? Choose Wiener Dog Championship.

🐽 Pug? Choose Pug Cup.

🐾 Other breed, 25 lb or under? Choose Small Dog Dash.

You will receive your heat / race details closer to the event.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything?

No. Admission, race registration and the children's inflatable are all free.

Can I come if I don't have a dog?

Absolutely. Spectators are encouraged, and no spectator registration is required.

Can any dog race?

This year's racing is limited to dachshunds, pugs and other dogs weighing 25 lb or less. All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to attend the event.

What if my dog refuses to run?

Then your dog has made an executive decision. No problem at all. This event is for fun and dogs will never be forced to participate.

Can I use treats or toys?

Yes. The catcher can call the dog, clap, use a squeaky toy or show a treat from beyond the finish line. Nothing can be thrown onto the track.

Do I need two people?

Yes. One person releases the dog at the start and one person waits beyond the finish line. Staff cannot act as handlers.

What happens if it rains?

Weather-related updates will be posted by The Paw Barn before the event. Participant safety and park conditions will determine whether racing can proceed.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 • BELL PARK

Think your dog has what it takes?

There is only one way to find out.

Enter the Races