On Saturday, October 7, Plant Riverside District will host the 2023 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, organized by Savannah’s Waterfront. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with races starting at 11 a.m. in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. 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. Entry cost is $25.00. Registration/check in will open at 9:00am, races begin at 11:00am.The grand prize winner will receive a special trophy as well as a $100 credit for Yappy Hour at Electric Moon.  Click here to submit your dog’s online entry form.

“We’re thrilled that Plant Riverside District will be the new home for the Savannah Wiener Dog Races and that this exciting tradition is returning to River Street,” said Julie Musselman, Executive Director of Savannah’s Waterfront. “It’s such a fun tradition and an ideal way for local residents and visitors to celebrate Oktoberfest in Savannah.”

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.
• 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.

Participation Rules

• 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.