Ready, set, Dach to the Derby

THE charm and joy of small dogs will be celebrated next month at the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby.

Now in its 14th year, the Sunday 1 March event at Inverleigh Sporting Complex will feature a race for dachshunds as well as another for small dogs.

About 30 stalls will be held. They will include cake stalls for community groups, free face painting and a petting zoo. The Inverleigh Cricket Club will run the canteen.

Committee member Melissa Gillett said the derby was a day people enjoyed for the personalities as much as the performances.

“Sometimes they sort of get a bit sidetracked and sometimes some dogs take out other dogs. It’s really quite funny,” she said.

“Sometimes dogs go backwards and not go forwards, so there’s a bit of training involved if you really want to be competitive in the final event.”

The derby was started by a group of residents who had dachshunds and went to Port Fairy’s Dachshund Dash.

Mrs Gillett said the event attracted dog lovers from across the state.

“It’s really to celebrate the breed of the dog, get together and showcase Inverleigh,” she said.

She said any small dog up to 30 centimetres to the shoulder could compete in the mixed breed race.

“It’s your fox terriers, it’s your schnauzers, it’s your pugs,” she said.

However, while the derby was a small dog event, Mrs Gillett said canines of all sizes and breeds could attend.

“Anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the day with their bigger dog,” she said.

The event at the Railway Parade complex begins at 10am. Registration is from 8.30am.

More information can be found by phoning Mrs Gillett on 0408 595 093, or at facebook.com/DachshundDerby.