Vilnius, Lithuania, hosted an international gathering where 150 corgis competed in various contests. While speed was one focus, events included a costume parade, a “best nose” test, and a loudest bark competition.

The event, held at Vingis Park last Saturday, marked the largest edition of Vilnius Corgi Race to date. Competitors traveled from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, United States, and the United Kingdom, known for the breed’s association with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Organizer Edvinas Miskas highlighted the race’s growth: “In our first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one town. This year, it’s 150 from nine countries, and for the first time, a participant from the breed’s country of origin.” Calling Vilnius the “European capital of corgis,” Miskas noted increased international interest.

Ninety-four dogs participated in the main race event, undergoing qualifiers, semifinals, and a final. In the 25-meter final race, American contestant GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, claimed victory. Mr. Corgington, also from the US, secured second place, while Lithuanian Moka, twice a past champion, finished third.

The program offered more than racing. A costume parade featured 38 corgis in diverse outfits, such as dinosaur suits, dresses, and sportswear for dogs. Amigo won over judges and Facebook voters with a striking gentlemanly appearance.

In the “best nose” challenge, dogs searched for hidden prizes. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the top spot. Meanwhile, in the loudest bark competition, British pembroke welsh corgi Duke, aged 12, hoped to excel given his lifetime of training. Mr. Corgington, however, took the prize for the loudest bark.

Mr. Corgington had traveled far to compete. His second-place finish behind GG in Vilnius followed another runner-up position in a prominent race at Emerald Downs in Washington state. GG had won successive victories in that event.

Among the competing corgis, half were first-timers at Vilnius. Remarkably, six participants – Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas – attended every edition of the event.

Note: This article was translated from English by an AP editor using AI-assisted tools.