Dashing effort

Some of the shortest legs in the animal kingdom were a runaway success as sun, snags and sausage dogs sizzled at the second South Island Dachshund Derby in Lawrence on Saturday.

More than 600 competitors, crew and spectators filled the town’s gymkhana grounds to soak up festivities surrounding the 82 dachshunds officially registered for the annual event, a remarkable figure given just three resided in Lawrence.

Although they were originally bred not for speed but to tackle underground creatures like rabbits and badgers, competition for the main-event Wiener Race was fierce.

Long and short-haired contenders went snout to snout through the heats to leave this year’s title for fastest sausage to Amber, a burrow-bully from Balclutha

The programme included the Bark Up, won by local Jill Wallace’s Annie, and the Best Dressed Dog and Owner prize, taken by Invercargill bunny-botherer Elvis — and his manager Caren McKay — with their king of rock’n’roll ensemble.

Key organiser and Lawrence local Olivia Montgomery said the derby had grown beyond all expectations.

"One of my favourite moments was seeing how much effort families, especially the kids, put into the costumes.

"We’re seeing people travel from all over the country and now even from overseas."

Special mention was made of Pretzel, the reigning Wollongong Dachshund Derby champion, who relocated from Australia to Edendale.

Ms Montgomery praised community support of the event.

"It’s hard to describe just how special it’s become ... Every year, more people are making the trip from far and wide to join.

"We can’t wait to do it all again next year," she said.