Events at Savannah’s Waterfront
- This event has passed.
Savannah Wiener Dog Races
October 12 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Make plans to join the fun on Saturday, October 12, for the 2024 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, hosted by Plant Riverside District and organized by Savannah’s Waterfront. Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront.
Apart from the fastest run awards in all categories and weights, there will be exciting contests such as best dressed dog, best dressed dog owner and more.
“We had so much fun last year at Plant Riverside District, the new home for the Savannah Wiener Dog Races, and are thrilled that this exciting tradition has returned to River Street.” said Julie Musselman, Executive Director of Savannah’s Waterfront.
As of October 11, online registration is closed. Onsite registration is available on race day from 9:00am – 10:30am at MLK Park at Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River Street. Look for the white Savannah’s Waterfront tent. Please bring the $25 entry fee and your dog’s vaccination records.
Pre-registered Owners – please click here for check-in information
Race Details
- Registration/check in opens at 9:00am and closes at 10:45AM or once 20 heats are filled.
- Assignments will be posted when a weight category is filled. Dogs will be grouped by weight. Weight classes are up to 7 lbs, 8 – 14 lbs, and 15 lbs and over. Dogs must be 25 lbs or less to participate.
- The winner of each heat will compete in a final race for the grand prize!
- Judges determine the winner of each race. Ruling of judges is final.
- Official timers and judges will record the time of the winning dog in each heat.
- Dachshund-mix dogs may race in special “Almost Wiener” heat, but are ineligible for the grand prize trophy run.
- All owners must submit current rabies vaccination record for their dogs.
- All racing dogs must be accompanied by 2 people: Owner and assistant to be of service to dog at starting gate and finish line. Owners may coax runners with toys, chews or verbal cues. No dog whistles, balloons or breakable items are allowed.
- Dogs must be on leash at all times except while racing. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. Relief areas will be available with plastic bags, should you forget to bring your own. Water will be available for dogs.
- All owners must sign a media release, as well as a consent waiver releasing all organizing parties and others from all liabilities associated with canines interacting with other canines and people. Savannah’s Waterfront and Plant Riverside District are not responsible for any injuries, human or canine, emotional or physical. Please consider the demeanor of your dog before deciding to participate in the races. If your dog is not friendly toward kids or other dogs, please do not participate in this event. We want happy hounds and humans!
- Owners will be responsible for bringing participants to the staging area when their heat is called.
- Owners and assistants are not permitted on the race course except when announced for their individual race.
- All participating dachshunds must be registered and/or checked in before 10:45AM on race day.