10 years of dashing dachshunds

IT’S almost time for little dogs to leave a big impression on Inverleigh.

The Inverleigh Dachshund Derby is set for Sunday, 6 March at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex.

The event’s marketing officer Melissa Gillett said the 2022 Derby is the 10th annual community event of its kind full of fun for families and their dachshund dogs.

Two thousand people are expected to witness all the super-cute sausage dog action, and 20 stalls will be on site to provide a “carnival atmosphere.”

“It’s a very unique day. The Derby is the most prestigious event, run in aged heats, and everyone’s keen to win that with the fastest dog,” she said.

“One of the most entertaining elements of the day would be the fancy dress. We have one event where the handler and the dog must be in fancy dress, and we have a dog-only fancy dress.

“People go to a lot of trouble and its one of the most favourite parts of the day.”

An all-breeds race for non-dachshund dogs will also run, with small dogs under 30 centimetres at the shoulder participating.

Large dogs are welcome on the day to come along and spectate with their owners.

The Inverleigh Dachshund Derby also attracts people who don’t have a dog, but are looking to own one soon.

“For those that are interested in the dachshund breed, we can give them a good feel for what they’re like,” Ms Gillett said.

“There’s a lovely feel to the day, with dachshund owners chatting to each other about their dogs, their hair and colouring.”

Registrations for the Derby open on the day at 8.30am, with events starting at 10am.